Giving Back
1. Sundt Construction raised $205.8K through the company’s annual St. Mary’s Food Bank Holiday Fundraiser, marking the highest total ever raised by the Tempe-based general contractor for its annual charity drive. The total equates to one million meals distributed throughout the community. Employee-owners donated, and Sundt matched contributions dollar-for-dollar.
2. Achen-Gardner Construction donated turkeys to the City of Mesa Engineering Department and United Food Bank’s annual Turkey Tuesday Drive on November 18. Additionally, the construction company sponsored the Gilbert Days Parade on Nov. 22, volunteered at Feed My Starving Children in Tempe on Nov. 21, and participated in the Litchfield Park Touch-A-Truck event on Nov. 15. Employee-owners also volunteered at the Chandler Water Festival to teach fourth-grade students about water conservation and sustainability.
Awards & Accolades
3. PTK Magazine announced its Arizona Broker Teams to Know in 2026. The list is comprised of:
- Jackie Orcutt & John Grady – CBRE,
- Julie Johnson, Andie Edmonds & Amita Sall – Colliers,
- Sheila Bale, Tom Weinhold, Ericka Eckblad & Drew Sampson – Cushman & Wakefield,
- Anthony Lydon, Marc Hertzberg, Riley Gilbert, John Lydon & Kelly Royle – JLL and
- Chuck Nixon, Dave Barrett, Mike Ragland & Michael Sokol – CBRE.
4. PTK Magazine announced its Arizona REIT Pros to Know in 2026. The list is comprised of:
- Chris Burbach – Fundamental Income,
- Jamison Manwaring – Neighborhood Ventures,
- Ken McElroy – MC Companies,
- Mary Fedewa – STORE Capital and
- Zach Haptonstall – Rise48 Equity.
5. PTK Magazine announced its Arizona Property Managers to Know in 2026. The list is comprised of:
- Aaron Strole – Capital Asset Management,
- Jackie Walters – CBRE,
- Libby Ekre – Bryten Real Estate Partners,
- Tara Ereth – Lincoln Property Company and
- Tyler McDonald – Prologis.
Boards & Commissions
6. Amy Peron of Norris Design recently began her term as President of the Arizona American Society of Landscape Architects Chapter. She has been with the ASLA since she was in college.
Company News
7. Achen-Gardner Construction celebrated its completion of more than 1,000 job orders. The company said the milestone is a reflection of the dedication of its hard-working employee-owners. The company has worked on numerous JOC master agreements for both public and private owners.
Promotions
8. Kitchell Corporation announced the promotion of two of its long-time leaders: Justin Carr and Aron Kirch. Carr has been promoted to VP of Field Operations. He has 25 years of experience and has served as a mentor and collaborator across Kitchell’s Arizona and Texas markets. Kirch has been promoted to VP and will lead Kitchell’s Arizona operations.
9. The Chandler City Council held a special meeting on Nov. 24 to offer its current Acting City Manager, John Pombier, a full-time contract.
New Hires
10. Ryan Boyle is joining Berkadia as its new Senior Director. Boyle began his role on Oct. 27. His focus is on middle-market apartment sales, and he has more than 10 years of experience.