ENR Southwest's 2010 Top 20 Under 40

As part of the premier issue of ENR Southwest, a new regional section of ENR, we are proud to introduce “Top 20 Under 40.” It highlights the exceptional players working in the Southwest’s A/E/C industry and will take its place alongside our rankings of contractors, designers and projects.

As part of the premier issue of ENR Southwest, a new regional edition of ENR, we are proud to introduce “Top 20 Under 40.” It highlights the exceptional players working in the Southwest’s A/E/C industry and will take its place alongside our rankings of contractors, designers and projects. Rather than focusing on firms, this list focuses on people, specifically our region’s up-and coming leaders. Chances are you’ve already worked with some of these individuals. If not, they are well worth getting to know.

ENR Southwest solicited nominations from readers who were free to nominate themselves or other people who had made an impression on them. Nominees had to be under 40 and located in the three-state region of Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico. The final choices for the list were selected from over 40 nominees.

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ENR Southwest's 2011 Top 20 Under 40

A panel of industry representatives was assembled to review and score the nominees. These judges included Lew Laws, senior project manager with DPR Construction’s Phoenix office; Danielle Feroleto, president/owner, Small Giants LLC, Phoenix; Dawn Tibbetts, senior planner with D. Pennington & Associates Inc. and executive director of ACEC New Mexico, both Albuquerque; Tina Litteral, Hon. AIA, executive vice president, AIA Arizona, Phoenix; and Douglas R. Brown, AIA, LEED AP, principal architect, Architekton, Tempe, Ariz.

These brief descriptions can't do justice to the breadth of the accomplishments, work ethic and dedication of these 20 individuals. Take Mark Kranz: He grew up as one of eight children on a dairy farm in rural South Dakota, but by the age of 31, he was one of SmithGroup’s youngest principals across the firm’s 10 offices. Now he leads the design firm's higher education and science and technology studios out of the firm’s Phoenix office. He also is active in a foundation providing scholarships and grants in honor of his brother, Marty.

This is just one of the extraordinary people you will meet in the following pages.

Jason R. Carter
Became CEO at age 25 of fast-growing contracting company
39, Vice President/CEO
Whiteriver Construction
Lakeside, Ariz.

Promoted from controller to CEO of Whiteriver Construction at age 25, Carter was offered a partnership in the fast-growing company at age 27. Working in a rural area allows Carter to participate in unique projects, including two on the floor of the Grand Canyon, accessible only by helicopter or on foot.

Casey Cartier
Combines book smarts with industry experience
39, Division Manager
Ryan Companies US Inc.
Phoenix

With both biochemistry and business management degrees, Cartier first began working in the industry to help fund his studies. His career developed into field manager and now division manager. Cartier managed the team for NAU’s LEED-Gold Franke College of Business and High Country Conference Center.

Jeffrey Clarkson
Has delivered over $1.2 billion in health care projects
36, Vice President, Healthcare Services
McCarthy Building Cos. Inc.
Tempe, Ariz.

This 14-year industry veteran has successfully delivered projects totaling more than $1.2 billion. Sharing his knowledge with future industry professionals, Clarkson is the sole contractor on the board of ASU’s Healthcare Design Initiative. His work with Banner Gateway and Banner Ironwood Medical Centers has earned him several industry awards. He serves on the Chandler/Gilbert YMCA board.

Brent and Brian Cooper
Brothers carrying on a family tradition of leadership
35, Owners
AROK INC.
Phoenix

Brent and Brian Cooper continue a family tradition stretching back to 1972 with their ownership and management of AROK. Under the brothers’ direction, the firm has been part of prominent projects including Cityscape and Maricopa County’s new 14-story courthouse. They support A Stepping Stone, a foundation providing education opportunities for families with limited resources. Additionally, Brent supports the Phoenix Art Museum and Homeward Bound. Brian recently volunteered as project supervisor to build a Habitat For Humanity home.

Dee Dennis III
Started in the industry at 16 and now leads successful firm
32, COO/Member
DKD Electric LLC
Albuquerque, N.M.

Dennis has spent half of his life in the construction industry, beginning when he worked summers in the warehouse under his father’s direction. He is part of a group of employees who now own DKD Electric, and under his leadership has realized the largest revenue in the company’s history while at the same time implementing new operational procedures. Dennis holds a leadership position with the Northern New Mexico IEC apprenticeship program. A loyal UNM alumnus, Dennis supports the Special Olympics and is actively involved with local schools.

Bryan Dunn
A green building leader who also cares about affordable housing
36, Senior Vice President | Southwest
Adolfson & Peterson Construction
Tempe, Ariz.

A key focus for LEED-accredited Dunn is green schools delivered within today’s budget constraints. Dunn also has a passion for equitable housing and is currently working with the Arizona Dept. of Housing subcommittee for the greening of affordable housing. He recently earned a position on the Urban Land Institute’s regional advisory board.

Rob Filary, AIA
President-elect of AIA working toward improved education
36, Project Manager/Designer
Pugsley.Simpson.Coulter. Architects
Las Vegas

A visiting professor at the UNLV School of Architecture, Filary also works on projects such as a prototype for area elementary schools. He is president-elect of AIA Las Vegas and recently received the 2010 Young Architect Award from AIA Nevada. Filary developed a monthly design forum in his office, featuring theoretical discussions and guest speakers.