About Sun State Builders

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.

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.

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.

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.