Pinkard Makes Sweeping Changes to Preconstruction Services Under New Leadership
Pinkard, a leading construction company in Colorado, promoted Leighton Neff to chief preconstruction manager in February 2023. In his first year at the helm, Neff has made sweeping changes to better serve Pinkard clients in providing accurate pricing and constructability assessments for all projects.
These changes are built on Neff’s rich and varied experience with Pinkard. Hired from CSU’s Construction Management program in 2007, Neff began as a project engineer. He has since worked up to project superintendent and manager roles. Neff joined preconstruction in 2018 as a hybrid project/preconstruction manager. In 2020, Leighton joined the Pinkard preconstruction department full-time.
“My experience in the field uniquely positions me to assess the constructability of a project and provide accurate pricing, helping to avoid permitting and funding delays,” said Neff.
“Overworked teams cannot perform at the level our clients expect; avoiding staff burnout is critical,” said Neff. “Our goal is to continue to provide the highest value to our clients in preconstruction services by ensuring my team has all the resources they need and is working at a capacity compatible with driving excellence.”
Neff notes that he is extremely fortunate to work with great partners who truly appreciate the value Pinkard brings to their projects. “I have an excellent leadership team at my disposal who can lend their vast experience to our projects well before we turn a shovel of dirt. Their expertise makes a huge difference in outcomes,” said Neff.
One of these frequent collaborators is Pinkard’s Quality Control Manager, Troy Bohlender, another long-tenured Pinkard employee with over two decades of field experience. “Troy works with my whole team on assessing schedules, verifying plans and picking up on small details that are easy to miss but can cost tens of thousands of dollars in delays or rework. He’s an invaluable resource,” adds Neff.
Tony Burke, President of Pinkard, notes that Neff’s skills in helping clients navigate the fluctuating labor and materials markets, avoiding cost escalations, and working with architects to optimize project design without sacrificing project scope and design intent make him an invaluable member of the Pinkard team.
“Over the last year Leighton has done an outstanding job as Chief Preconstruction Manager,” said Burke. “His experience and expertise in the field, combined with his commitment to providing the highest level of client service, make him a natural fit for this role. The department is thriving under his leadership.”
Mortenson Strengthens Its Denver Leadership Team with Hiring of Ruth Stabile as Chief Estimator
Mortenson, a top-20 U.S. builder, developer and engineering services provider with more than four decades of experience in Colorado, recently announced the hiring of Ruth Stabile as chief estimator. With over two decades of industry experience, Stabile will support Mortenson’s Denver office, leading and overseeing the entire estimating process for new projects, including estimating standards and procedures for the company.
“Ruth’s impressive background in preconstruction leadership, combined with her significant experience in estimating and supporting multi-million-dollar projects will be a significant advantage for our project teams,” said Brian Fitzpatrick, vice president and general manager for Mortenson’s Denver office. “Mortenson is laser-focused on delivering accurate and lasting pricing that reflects market conditions to our clients and expanding our self-perform capabilities, and bringing Ruth on is a strategic move to support these goals. We’re excited to leverage Ruth’s deep financial expertise.”
Over Ruth’s 25-year career in the industry, her responsibilities have included establishing standardized procedures, methods, and processes for estimating, as well as training estimating resources. In addition, Ruth has been a key leader in self-perform work which will only complement Mortenson’s already strong ability to provide certainty of delivery with Mortenson’s concrete, civil and carpentry capabilities. With extensive experience in coordinating, managing and supervising preconstruction team members, Stabile will apply her coaching to ensure Mortenson’s estimating team is aligned from top to bottom.
A graduate in Civil Engineering from Michigan State University, Stabile brings a wealth of expertise to her new role. As a registered Professional Engineer in both Michigan and Colorado, her career has been dedicated to providing value in preconstruction leadership roles, particularly in the Michigan and Colorado markets.
Livable Cities Studio Announces the Promotion of 3 Team Members
Livable Cities Studio announced the promotion of three team members to associate principal, senior associate, and associate in its Denver studio.
Will Viitanen has been promoted to associate principal. As an accomplished landscape architect and exceptional project manager, Will’s work explores the power of landscape in addressing complex social, economic, and environmental issues through solutions that integrate architecture and landscape as one. He is currently leading the City of Littleton’s Downtown Mobility and Streetscape Improvements Plan, a series of trail improvement projects in coordination with the High Line Canal Conservancy, and multiple affordable housing and streetscape projects in the Sun Valley neighborhood alongside the Denver Housing Authority. Will recently completed the Downtown Denver Partnership Leadership Program. His vision and attention to quality ensure success for every project and team.
Yishuen Lo has been promoted to senior associate. An urban designer and visual communications expert, Yishuen is known for her ability to improve the design process with emerging technology. She’s currently working on the Colorado Health Foundation’s Penn/Logan Vision Plan, the 40West ArtLine Framework Plan alongside the City of Lakewood, and the Joseph P. Martinez Park design with Denver Parks and Recreation. Yishuen rides her e-bike to work every day and keeps the studio apprised of the latest digital innovation tools.
Conrey Morris has been promoted to associate. Conrey recently earned his license in landscape architecture and champions the integration of Revit into our studio workflow. He is currently working on the Aurora Housing Authority’s Residences at Willow Park, the Evans Corridor Study in coordination with the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, and 2700 Wewatta Way, which will provide affordable and supportive housing for young adults who are at risk of or already experiencing homelessness. Conrey is an active member of the American Society of Landscape Architects Colorado/Wyoming Chapter.
CBRE Announces Two Promotions and a New Hire in Denver
CBRE announced that two professionals in its Denver office have achieved honorary title promotions, and one new professional has been hired.
Harrison Archer has been promoted to senior vice president with CBRE’s Advisory and Transaction Services. He specializes in representing office occupiers across Colorado and has worked with an array of clients, and his team focuses much of their business on the technology, legal, aerospace and manufacturing sectors. Mr. Archer’s expertise spans from managing global real estate portfolios to assisting start-ups secure their first office space.
In 2023 Mr. Archer and his partners Ryan Link and Rob Link facilitated leases in 37 markets throughout the U.S. He has executed more than 2.5 million sq. ft. of lease and sale transactions since joining CBRE in 2021 and has become one of the fastest professionals to reach the title of Senior Vice President in CBRE’s Denver office. Outside of work, Mr. Archer is affiliated with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Denver Pioneers Lacrosse Professional Organization and Colorado Children’s Hospital and has spent many years as a coach for the Denver Lacrosse Club.
Nic Carter has been promoted to vice president with CBRE’s Industrial & Logistics practice. He specializes in industrial properties across the Denver metro area, representing both occupiers and landlords in the market. Mr. Carter has worked with local and national corporations, using his market knowledge to maximize value for his clients. He has worked on deals totaling $435 million in consideration throughout his career. Mr. Carter is a member of NAIOP’s Developing Leaders program and the Denver Metropolitan Commercial Association of Realtors (DMCAR).
Charlie Mitelhaus joins CBRE as an associate with CBRE Capital Markets. He will specialize in assisting multifamily investors in the private capital space, partnering with Erik Toll and Spencer Bradley on CBRE’s Denver-based multifamily investment properties team. He joins from Pinnacle Real Estate Advisors, where he worked with private capital investors on properties across Colorado. Mr. Mitelhaus is highly regarded by both clients and colleagues for his financial background, integrity, and focus on partnership.
