Giving Back
1. Chicanos Por La Causa’s workforce solutions program has graduated its first class. The YouthBuild Phoenix program provides at-risk youth aged 17-24 with the opportunity to earn their high school diploma or GED, receive job training, and gain valuable work experience—all at no cost. The program focuses on improving workforce development opportunities for young people, helping participants build leadership skills, engage in community service and develop career pathways that lead to long-term success in the labor market. The program focuses on construction and other hands-on skills training while participants work on building affordable housing in their communities.
2. Cannon & Wendt Electric will host its annual family-friendly Supporting Our Heroes Park Day at Riverview Park in Mesa on Jan. 10, noon-4 p.m. This free event supports the 100 Club of Arizona, offers a chance for the public to see first responder vehicles, watch demonstrations and give back to those who serve and protect our communities.
Awards & Accolades
3. Grenee Martacho, CEO of Concord General Contracting, received the 2025 ATHENA Award in the Private Sector from the Greater Phoenix Chamber at the organization’s 38th annual ATHENA Awards.
4. Elvy Barton, Senior Manager of Water and Forest Sustainability at Salt River Project, was named the recipient of the 2025 ATHENA Award in the Public Sector by the Greater Phoenix Chamber at its 38th annual ATHENA Awards.
5. Pioneer Title Agency has been named the Arizona Housing Fund’s 2025 Partner of the Year for its support of housing initiatives addressing homelessness statewide. The Arizona Housing Fund reported it has raised more than $2M to date and awarded $1.9M in grants to 11 nonprofits, including a recent $200K grant to Flagstaff Shelter Services for The Lantern non-congregate emergency shelter.
Company News
6. Kidder Mathews is marking 10 years in the Phoenix market, having grown from eight brokers and one staff member in 2015 to 70 professionals across brokerage, asset services and valuation advisory. The firm recently hosted its Phoenix 10 Conference with nearly 150 clients and industry leaders and reported completing $5.4B in transaction volume in the market over the past decade.
7. CommLoan Inc., a Scottsdale-based commercial real estate fintech company, has signed a letter of intent to be acquired by Windtree Therapeutics, a Philadelphia-area technology firm. Under the proposed deal, CommLoan will become a subsidiary of Windtree and retain key employees. Windtree disclosed it provided $600K in bridge financing during the ownership transition, but the financial terms of the acquisition were not announced.
Promotions
8. David Blickenderfer has been promoted to Senior VP at Willmeng Construction, Inc.
9. The City of Mesa announced Erik Guderian has been promoted to Director of the Transportation Department. Guderian has served as Interim Department Director since March 2025, following the passing of former Department Director RJ Zeder, and he officially transitioned to the permanent role on Dec. 2.
New Hires
10. Katlin Ruiz has joined Davis Commercial AZ as Director of Operations. Ruiz previously worked in business development with title companies and conducted marketing classes for real estate professionals before transitioning into commercial real estate.
11. Samuel Barfoot has joined Rose Law Group pc as a Transactional Real Estate and Finance Attorney. Barfoot’s work includes commercial real estate and finance matters spanning acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, project development, joint ventures and debt and equity financings. He previously worked as a commercial litigator.
12. FCL Builders announced Rick Guerrero and Antony Thompson have joined its project management team. Guerrero will serve as Project Manager. He will lead the project team on industrial and distribution projects. Thompson is a Project Engineer. Like Guerrero, he will work directly with clients and trade partners and assist in overseeing quality, safety, scheduling and cost compliance.