Each year, PTK magazine — a publication of AZ Big Media — showcases the top people and projects to know in Arizona’s commercial real estate sector. Pulling from a competitive pool of nominations and the editorial board’s knowledge of the industry, this annual edition highlights 50 meaningful projects across all product types and influential professionals in 23 different categories. The digital sponsor of PTK magazine is Quarles. Over the coming days, meet the individuals making an outsized impact on the built environment across Arizona. Here are the retail brokers to know in 2026:
DEEPER DIVE: Read the latest issue of PTK magazine
Brent Mallonee
Executive director
Background: With a focus on retail and mixed-use sales and leasing across Arizona, Mallonee has worked on multiple ground up development projects from initial design, through stabilization and disposition, including redevelopment and “turn around” properties.
Favorite project: “The Arizona Center. My mom worked there when APS moved in with the original tenants in the early 1990s. I’ve been very fortunate to work with the owners on the redevelopment of a project I’ve interacted with since childhood.”
Source of pride: “Bringing the retail/restaurant space at Watermark Tempe to 100% leased. This iconic project is a case study in mixed-use development, but was also a lengthy process. I was very fortunate to have a long-lasting relationship with the client as we navigated many market turns through the process.”
Surprising fact: “I’m a huge history buff and I was initially a history major in college before switching to regional development. Studying the growth of Arizona has been pivotal to my career in real estate.”
David Uhles
Executive vice president and principal
Background: Uhles works with clients to ensure productive, prudent and expedited transactions that place the right product in the right place. His extensive knowledge of GIS, market analysis and geography help guide crucial site analytics, selection and approval.
Source of pride: Directing the Metro Phoenix roll-out for Take 5 Motor Oil, a quick 10-minute oil change service that allows you to stay in your car during the entire process. To date, Uhles has completed 45 new location deals for the company, with more deals underway.
Favorite project: “The Prasada Shopping Center. The project was developed during the rise of online retail, when many thought this type of large, brick-and-mortar shopping center would no longer be relevant. Its success has proven otherwise!”
Emma Barreca
Associate broker and senior vice president of brokerage and development
Background: With a sharp focus on ground-up retail development and tenant representation, Barreca has built a reputation for delivering strategic site selection, thoughtful deal execution and long-term value creation for her clients.
Source of pride: Leading the redevelopment of The Links at Queen Creek. Working alongside developer Walt Brown Jr., she managed the full lifecycle of the deal — from zoning and infrastructure coordination to buyer negotiations and closings.
Favorite project: “Market Street at DC Ranch in Grayhawk. I admire the project’s timeless design, walkability and how seamlessly it blends retail, dining and community, setting the standard for what neighborhood retail should feel like.”
Surprising fact: Barreca moved to Arizona sight unseen — she had never even visited the state before relocating and building her career in Phoenix.
Jesse Rozio
Founder and CEO
Background: Licensed since he was 18, Rozio quickly became a partner at GPS Commercial Advisors before launching Ignite Commercial Real Estate at just 27 years old.
Source of pride: Rozio spearheaded the development of the Mesquite Fresh Street Mex prototype, leading the concept from vision to execution and establishing a scalable model for future expansion.
Favorite project: “Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland Commons are iconic mixed-use destinations that have redefined the retail and lifestyle experience in the Valley, drawing visitors from across the region. With best-in-class design, a curated tenant mix and a vibrant atmosphere, they set the standard for modern placemaking. And on a beautiful day, there’s truly no better place to stroll with your family and experience the seamless blend of retail, dining and community.”
Surprising fact: “I am a proud first-generation American, with deep roots in Israel. My family’s journey and cultural heritage have instilled in me a strong sense of resilience, adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit — qualities that continue to influence my personal and professional life.”
Regan Amato
Managing director
Background: Amato specializes in tenant and landlord representation, staying actively engaged in all facets of the retail, restaurant and entertainment sector. His expertise has been crucial in advising JLL’s clients on retail-specific aspects of both existing projects and planned developments.
Source of pride: Amato has a unique partnership with Sprouts Farmers Market, acting as the director of real estate across the Mountain West region and their exclusive local broker for Arizona. His standout achievement was a complex six-acre land acquisition and CTL deal structure for a 140,000-square-foot headquarters adjacent to a flagship grocery store, boutique food and beverage spaces, and parking garage — set for delivery in Q3 2026.
Favorite project: “TSMC. The combination of the new jobs as well as the surrounding retail power center and residential communities being developed benefits the entire region. It’s not often that a project of this magnitude takes place.”
Surprising fact: Amato is an avid outdoorsman. His favorite activities include skiing, backcountry archery hunting, as well as fly fishing. He is an advocate for animal conservation supporting many organizations in this space.
