Phoenix Construction & Development

Steven leads all aspects of ViaWest Group with primary emphasis on investment and development strategy, deal-sourcing, and capital markets activity. He has thirty years of experience in the development, operations and financing of all types of real estate, with deep experience in industrial and office properties. Through involvement in over $3 billion worth of projects, Steven has provided build-to-suit, speculative development, acquisitions, dispositions and property management services in multiple product types in the Southwest, Pacific Northwest, and Southeast U.S. Prior to forming ViaWest Properties in 2003, Steven led the development as SVP of The Plaza Companies, a full service, medical-office, senior-living development, and property management company. Prior to joining Plaza, Steven rose through the ranks to become COO and EVP of The Hewson Company, a privately-held, real estate development company in the Western U.S. in which capacity he developed properties ranging from mid-rise office buildings to a 2.2MM s.f. industrial complex. Other work experience includes Real Estate Finance work with SunTrust Banks in Atlanta, GA. Steven graduated from The University of Texas Honors Program with a B.A. with Honors in Marketing. He has served as Chairman of the NAIOP Arizona Chapter, on the National Board of Directors of NAIOP, and in national and local capacities with Urban Land Institute (ULI). He has also served on numerous local and national boards and councils of non-profit philanthropic, civic and industry organizations including Greater Phoenix Leadership, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, as Board Chairman of the Jewish Community Association of Greater Phoenix and on the National Board of JFNA. He resides in Paradise Valley, Arizona with his wife Jennifer and has three grown children.

Laura Ortiz is a Managing Principal and oversees the firm’s retail developments and its Development Managers. Her responsibilities also include new client development and relationship management, tenant lease negotiations, and developing and implementing tools and systems for the management of Evergreen’s projects. Laura graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance & Economics from the University of Arizona. She has been with Evergreen since 1994.

Jay Ramos is an accomplished real estate professional with experience in land acquisitions, financing and asset management. Jay serves as a Senior Director of Real Estate Development at Opus and is responsible for directing Multifamily development in Arizona. Jay began his career with UBS Investment Bank in Los Angeles, California. Most recently, Jay held roles at Leon Capital Group and Mark-Taylor Residential. At Leon Capital Group Jay was responsible for seven multifamily projects totaling 1,100 units in various stages of development. While at Mark-Taylor Residential, Jay was responsible for strategic oversight and financial performance of a Class-A, multifamily apartment portfolio consisting of 2,200 units and a market value of $650M. Jay’s focus at Opus is pursuing and managing development opportunities from concept through occupancy and disposition. Jay is a veteran of the U.S. Navy having served in Desert Storm. Jay grew up in the Central Coast of California having received a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University.

Daniel G. Perez is Vice President of Real Estate Development and Construction at SRG - Senior Resource Group. LLC.; He is an award winning-architect with 37 years of experience in Design, Development and Construction of Various market sectors national and Internationally; Senior living, hospitality, residential, Corporate Commercial, among other mixed-use developments. His vast experience based on project excellence and performance, guides the strategic capacity of organization In Overseeing resources and multidisciplinary teams in a highly collaborative manner, (North America, South America and Europe) Mr. Perez received his Architectural and Urban Planning education, training and Licensing in Colombia, South America and MS in Construction Management (ASU) and MBA (Thunderbird School of Global Business) education in the United States of America. Capitalizing on these professional skill sets, and 37 years in the Development, Design and Construction Industry. Awarded recognitions for “Architectural Design Excellence” and “Sustainable Projects”, other recognitions by the American Institute of Architects and USGBC in several LEED Certified Projects, thus, in the United States, South America and Europe. Also, recently, recognized by the Colombian Government with the prestigious “Colombian Entrepreneurship in Foreign Countries” award; Mr. Perez continues assertive in pursuing the Development, Design and Construction practice of Innovation, Energy Efficiency, using Technology + Integrated Project Delivery Method + Global materials and systems procurement, DMFA (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly) with Virtual Construction to generate developments with less risk, high Functionality and Operability of high-quality environments. Mr. Perez, also foments mentoring and actively stirs up a professional Mentor program in entrepreneurship, Architecture, Real Estate Development and Construction for young professionals, thus, nationally and internationally, that allows for new graduates to become more competitive in those areas of expertise. Along these lines; in his past roles as Principal Architect in multinational firms such The DLR Group, Leo A Daly, Jacobs Engineering, Fluor Daniel Corporation, PerezMcGee International Architecture and Development (Co-founder) or/and as a part of Development companies, such, UC residential Communities, IDM Companies where he has led the Development and/or the Construction divisions. Either, his work in projects for other Developers like HINES, RYAN CO., TRAMMELL CROW-CBRE, DMB, THE DAVIS COMPANIES, OPUS, BARKER PACIFIC GROUP, among others; Continues being his passion.

As a Market Executive with nearly 14 years of experience, Darryn is focused on problem solving, making use of his experience to anticipate needs, and searching for opportunities to develop strategic partnerships to deliver value Mortenson’s customers. Darryn is responsible for setting the strategy for the development of healthcare, industrial, and mission critical assets for Mortenson’s Phoenix Office. Darryn previously served as the Vice President of Emerging Technologies at the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, where he was responsible for bringing projects to the market that delivered over $600M in capital investment and over 3,000 jobs. A native of Baltimore, Darryn received both his Bachelors and Masters degrees from the Johns Hopkins University, where he was a Bill and Melinda Gates Millennium Scholar.

Mike Bontrager is a visionary and makes it real through sound strategy. He grows organizations by understanding market trends and leveraging talent and resources with relentless execution. He is a servant leader energized by solving complex problems for customers, colleagues and other organizations. Respected as creator of high performing cultures, a strategic decision maker and good communicator. Mike Bontrager oversees the strategic direction and overall growth performance of the Arizona office. With 39 years of construction experience, he directs all activities including pre-construction, scheduling, project and field management, marketing and business development. Mike’s expertise includes growing organizations through market introduction, market sector growth and a service-oriented culture. His role extends to showcasing Alston’s reputation for integrity, community involvement and client-centric solutions. He is currently the Chair of the Beatitudes Campus Board of Directors. In addition, he serves on The Better Business Bureau Board of Directors. Mike has a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering degree from Iowa State University.

As an urban planner with a background in construction, Will loves to create plans that result in things getting built. With a specialty in public-private coordination, he works at the macro-scale to shape the evolution of cities and towns. Will leads our landscape and planning studio and brings his long-range perspective to firmwide strategy. By listening and problem solving, he guides a range of projects through the land use approval process. Drawing energy from collaboration, he enjoys engaging with the public and channeling a wide range of perspectives into cohesive plans. His mentorship helps develop the firm’s future leaders. He is most rewarded by seeing plans come to life. When he’s not working, Will likes biking, golfing, and pretty much anything outdoors. He also loves world travel and uses it as an inspiration to bring a little more urbanity back home.