Sun State Builders

Jim Chamberlain, founder and owner of Sun State Builders, graduated from the University of Southern California in 1970 with a degree in Business Administration, specializing in Finance and Investments. Following a trail blazed by two generations before him, Jim turned his talents to the field of construction, securing a position with Kaiser Aetna as a financial analyst and presiding over that firm’s construction at McCormick Ranch in Scottsdale for four years. In 1973 he founded and incorporated Sun State Builders, drawing on his extensive knowledge of finance, administration and construction practices to create a company, which has astounded many with its rapid growth and unqualified success. Jim’s achievements and vision for the future, combined with unwavering high standards, have provided SUN STATE BUILDERS with its cornerstone as well as its challenge. His exceptional ability to expand upon basic ideas and nurture them through completion has elevated this company to its present level of success, and his intuitive leadership promises to carry it to even greater heights.

Andrea joined Sun State Builders in 1998 working her way up the ladder while finishing her Bachelors of Science in Biology and Chemistry.  Since 2004 Andrea has been managing projects and creating lasting relationships with clients.  She is an enthusiastic and driven person who has executed projects ranging from a 70? tall automated freezer system, to a high tech food production factory, to a state of the art vehicle sales and repair facility.  Andrea’s comprehensive construction knowledge as well as her high level of diplomacy allows her to create a solid foundation for projects with both the owner and subcontractors alike.  She is diligent in monitoring timelines, budgets and quality to deliver projects that far exceed expectations.

Curt has worked in the construction business since 1974 working up the ladder.  Curt moved to Phoenix in 1993 and joined Sun State Builders as a Superintendent and quickly moved into the project management team.  As a Project Manager he supervised many types of projects from large office buildings to small intricate jobs keeping to the budget and schedule.

Vic joined Sun State Builders in 1984. He has been involved in a wide variety of jobs including large and/or fast track projects.  In his earlier years at Sun State Builders, he developed positive relationships with the many City agencies that are utilized on occasion.  His experience has been valuable in assisting Project Managers and their assistants with their day to day responsibilities such as budget/contract management, scheduling, problem solving, and subcontractor and client relations.

Brian has been in the construction industry since 1975, working various positions from laborer to corporate executive.  He graduated in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Construction Management from Colorado State University.  Upon graduation, Brian worked at his family’s commercial general construction business for thirteen years.  He joined Sun State Builders in 1999 and has not only managed projects, but has been instrumental in streamlining procedures for the project management staff and their assistants so that they can work more efficiently, re-working sub-contract forms and purchase orders to more accurately reflect the subcontractors and suppliers scopes of work, as well as enhancing the estimating program to develop more accurate budgets for clients.  He is involved in training junior project managers and assistants to further enhance their construction careers.  In addition to these duties, Brian is primarily a part of the Sales Division, establishing relationships with new clients as well as providing services to repeat customers.  Brian also oversees the company’s compliance programs and efforts regarding dust control and storm water pollution prevention.

Mike joined Sun State Builders in 2000 after graduating from Northern Arizona University with a finance degree. Initially he worked as a superintendent and project manager under mentor Jim Vallas, during which time he drew from Jim’s extensive knowledge of construction practices, standard of excellence, and sense of fairness in contracting.  While managing projects during the day, Mike earned an MBA from Arizona State University in 2003.  He developed into a seasoned project manager and then transitioned into a member of the sales and development team.  Mike currently performs roles of estimating, sales, leasing, project planning and entitlements, financing and underwriting, and project management.  He has initiated and/or managed over 110 transactions valued at approximately $270 million in total volume for the company.  Mike is also Sun States primary contact with industry associations such as NAIOP and SIOR.  Mike’s attention to detail and knowledge in business administration allows him to relate to clients needs.  This level of care has allowed Mike to become skilled at designing efficient projects that meet the clients desired function, Sun State Builders high quality standards, and the budget. He is able to provide clients with a high level of service by staying involved in a project from sales to design to project management and completion.

Stephen heads the Sales division of Sun State Builders.  Steve attended the University of Illinois from 1970 to 1972, then the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University from 1978 to 1980, where he graduated with BS in Aviation Management.  In between he held various positions in sales and construction-related fields.  He was also a pilot for an air freight company in the Midwest for two years, and a flight instructor at Embry-Riddle.  In 1980 he went to work for Sun State Distributors, an energy management firm, then bought out and owned the business for the next several years.  At Sun State Builders he supervised the bid department and was project manager before moving into the sales position.  Steve has profited the company with his assertive, energetic enthusiasm and enterprising drive.  He is an idea man with innovative, progressive views and an eye toward growth and improvement.  His sound decision-making capabilities have often meant the difference between a project being held up or moving steadily forward.  Without a doubt however, Steve’s forte is a proficiency at working projects into a budget without sacrificing quality.

Cindy Thomas, CFO, joined Sun State Builders in March 2016 bringing thirty years of extensive accounting experience, including an eighteen-year focus specializing in construction and real estate development.  She has a proven track record as an enthusiastic accounting professional with strategic and dynamic approach while driving results.  Cindy graduated from the University of Phoenix with a degree in Business Administration, with certificate programs in both Accounting and Finance.