real estate // CONTRACTORS
A MARTIN ALVAREZ, SR. CEO // Sun Eagle Corporation // suneaglecorporation.com Alvarez is the founder of Sun Eagle Corporation, a general contractor and construction manager. Sun Eagle has built 10 million square feet of schools, office buildings, industrial buildings and fire stations. Personal strengths: “My parents instilled leadership qualities early in my life. During grade and high school, I captained my teams and in football, I was the quarterback. I converted leadership activities into managing and owning a nonprofit consulting firm for six years and managing and owning Sun Eagle for 41 years.” Industry outlook: “The outlook for the Arizona market is extremely positive. This prolonged period of success is different than preceding periods because we are being transformed into a unique large-city experience.”
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B LORRAINE BERGMAN President and CEO // Caliente Construction // calienteconstruction.com Bergman, an Arizona native, is the president and CEO of Caliente. Founded in 1991, Caliente is ranked as the 25th largest construction company in Arizona and is the fourth-largest womanowned company in the state. One of Bergman’s passions is serving the community. She has raised two children who are also actively involved in the family business. Personal strengths: “I am an extremely positive person with a ‘can-do’ attitude. As president and CEO of Caliente Construction, I did not step into my role with the typical requisite experience. However, failure did not have a seat at the table. With a voracious appetite to learn, the new challenges were, for me, an exciting opportunity for growth. These qualities have opened doors and allowed me to succeed in both my career and the industry.”
C SCOTT BJERK President and CEO // Bjerk Builders // bjerkbuilders.com Bjerk moved to Arizona in 1979 from Sioux Falls, S.D., and started Bjerk Builders in 1987 at the age of 27. He manages the day-to-day operations of the business and is also involved with sales and estimating. Personal strengths: “I have always been an ambitious person and driven to be the best. I believe the ‘get it done’ attitude has helped with respect to getting projects completed and delivered to meet the client’s expectations.” Industry outlook: “I think the market for commercial construction is very robust and I believe that it will remain strong through 2020. I am a little concerned about commodity prices for steel and other building materials and would hope that they would stabilize going into next year.”
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D MIKE BONTRAGER President, Southwest Region // Adolfson & Peterson Construction // a-p.com Since 2003, Bontrager has expanded several organizations through market introduction, sector growth and high-performing cultures. As president of AP Southwest, Bontrager utilizes his 35 years of industry-specific experience to secure new work, maintain industry partnerships and manage the overall performance of the 73-year-old company. He is the co-chair of the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation Construction Workforce Collaborative. Personal strengths: “I have a huge appetite for learning. Even after 30 years I still spend several hours a week learning new things about the building and real estate industry. I prioritize exceeding customer expectations, see things for what they are, not how I want them to be, and make decisions and take actions guided by integrity despite the consequences.”
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E CASEY CARTIER President and CEO // Jokake Construction // jokake.com With 25 years in the construction industry, Cartier joined Jokake Construction services in 2012. Named CFMA’s Executive of the Year and recognized as an Arizona Business Leader in 2017, Cartier has also been recognized as an innovative business leader. Professional advice: “Be crystal clear with your unique differentiators ... Bring your personal force to the game and make an impact.” Industry outlook: “The real estate industry has recently be an environment of contrasts. The dynamic growth we have seen contrasting with construction price volatility. As we head into 2020, I believe the deceleration of the market will be a good thing. Successful companies will be the ones who take the time to creatively find solutions to tariff issues and build enduring projects.” 198 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com
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