REAL ESTATE
{ REAL ESTATE CONTRACTORS } ROZLYN LIPSEY CEO Jokake Construction jokake.com
Lipsey helped Jokake build a presence in Arizona in commercial real estate, healthcare, education and municipal construction. The company’s reputation as a quality contractor has helped it expand throughout the Southwest into California, Nevada, Texas and New Mexico. Toughest challenge: “Leading a company without much experience in the industry. It was important to have people realize that the skill set of a leader of a business is different that actually performing the work within that business. I overcame it by being authentic about my strengths and weaknesses, surrounding myself with great people, allowing knowledge to drive decisions and working hard to learn the industry. And of course, producing good results.”
JOHN LARGAY
DAN PIERCE
Presdient Wespac Construction wespacaz.com Largay leads Wespac Construction with nearly 30 years of contracting experience. His dedication to client service and quality construction sets the standard for all Wespac staff members. Throughout his career, Largay has focused his efforts on proactive construction strategies and sound management techniques. Business advice: “My advice would be to have consistency, answer your phone when it rings, be kind and sincere, smile and work hard every day. Some would say work or live every day like it’s your last. I say smile like it’s your last and treat people with unconditional respect.” Childhood aspirations: “I wanted to be the bassist for Bob Marley’s backing band. He still plays with The Wailers, and they have played the McDowell Mountain Music Festival, which is produced by Wespac.”
President Kitchell kitchell.com
Pierce joined Kitchell 35 years ago, right out of college, as a project engineer. He has advanced from project manager to healthcare division senior vice president, and today serves as president of Kitchell Contractors, Inc. He was instrumental in building the company’s healthcare division, nurturing the medical technology planning division and expanding the highly regarded virtual construction group. Pierce obtained a bachelor’s degree in construction from Arizona State University and has served on the Accreditation Review Board and the Department Advisory Council for Northern Arizona University. Business advice: “The most successful people are those who maintain strong, real relationships and conduct business authentically and with integrity.”
BEN STROBL
Vice president, Southwest operations JE Dunn Construction jedunn.com Strobl leads JE Dunn’s Southwest division and is responsible for driving strategic initiatives and objectives in the region while maintaining the company’s core values. He has been in the construction industry for over 20 years; 18 of which have been with JE Dunn. Having worked across the United States, Strobl has a diverse resume of project experience ranging from justice facilities and data centers to gaming, residential, office, warehouse, healthcare and more. Business advice: “Building relationships based on integrity and trust is of utmost importance. With many close-knit communities in Arizona, burning bridges can quickly earn you a bad reputation in the construction industry. I advise everyone to always act in a manner that positively reflects on you and the company you represent.”
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DAN WITHERS President D.L. Withers Construction dlwithers.com
Withers founded D.L. Withers Construction in 1981. As an Arizona-based construction manager and general contractor, D.L.Withers builds a broad scope of quality commercial projects throughout the Southwest, with a primary focus on Arizona. With more than $400 million in annual construction contracts, its team has a proven reputation for cooperation, quality and flexibility. Withers understands the importance of adhering to tight schedules and closely monitoring costs while working in partnership to bring a project to a successful completion. Withers has built a team that has a proven reputation for cooperation, quality and flexibility. Withers was also named a member of GPEC’s board of directors in 2014.