ENR Texas & Louisiana's 2013 Top 20 Under 40
ENR Texas & Louisiana's 2013 Top 20 Under 40
As the outlook improves for construction in Texas and Louisiana, it's a perfect time to take a look at the young professionals who will lead the regional industry in coming years. Many of those honored by ENR Texas & Louisiana are already leaders in their companies and in their professions and communities.
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| BIDNE |
Aaron Bidne
Exec has developed 2 million sq ft, but relishes the pro bono projects
38, Development Manager
Granite Properties
Plano, Texas
Aaron Bidne started on the industry fast track at Texas A&M University, where he completed a dual degree in construction and environmental design.
He remains on the fast track in his role as development manager at Granite Properties, where he manages development projects from site acquisition and shell construction to construction of tenant upgrades and capital improvements. Since joining Granite in 2007, he has overseen some 2 million sq ft of office and industrial development projects.
Bidne was a pivotal team member on Granite's Park Seventeen commercial project, which was named the 2011 Best Development Deal of the Year by the Dallas Business Journal. Other awards mark his career as well.
"Although I have been involved with some very impressive development projects in my career, some of the most personally fulfilling ventures have been charity and pro bono projects that I have had the opportunity to lead," he says.
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| CANNON |
Scott Cannon
Walking through "open doors" into top contractors' executive ranks
39, SVP of Operations, Account Manager
Skanska
San Antonio, Texas
Georgia native Scott Cannon has spent his entire career at Skanska, starting as an intern at Beers Construction (now a Skanska unit) and joining the firm full time after graduating as a civil engineer from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
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Cannon became one of Skanska's youngest vice presidents and now is a senior vice president overseeing its central and south Texas offices, where business is steady and healthy. The company has several flagship projects under way.
Cannon credits his success to always stepping through doors that were opened for him. "It's like I tell my employees—the relationship between an employee and a company is a two-way street, meaning it's my job … for me to open doors for [the folks] and get them opportunities, but it's also their job to walk through the door," he says. "If you're in a position to take responsibility, take the chance."
Beyond his work life, Cannon is also actively involved in ACE Mentoring, the American Council for Construction Education and Special Olympics, among other charities.
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| DUNCAN |
Aaron Duncan
Architect works around the world but shares his expertise at home
33, Senior Associate
MESA
Dallas, Texas
An avid golfer from age 6, Aaron Duncan was first inspired to explore golf course architecture. That passion led him to earn a degree in landscape architecture from Kansas State University and to join MESA, which specializes in community development and land planning services.
His recent projects have ranged in size from only a few acres in Dallas to more than 5,000 acres in Egypt, he says. Duncan's land planning portfolio currently spans 19 states, eight countries and more than 75,000 acres of land.
He also shares his expertise at home, serving the community of Coppell, Texas, on its planning and zoning commission and as a newly elected town official.
"I love what I do and I've had the opportunity to see how my design and construction has shaped other people in how they live, work or play," Duncan says.
