Company History
Sun State Builders has helped shape Arizona for more than five decades. Founded in 1973 by Jim Chamberlain, the company was built on a strong foundation of construction expertise and financial responsibility. Following in the footsteps of two generations before him, Jim combined his experience in finance and construction to establish Sun State Builders as a trusted Arizona general contractor known for quality, integrity, and long-term relationships.
Under Jim’s leadership, the company grew into a respected commercial construction firm with a team of more than 50 professionals and a diverse portfolio of projects across Arizona. Sun State Builders has completed ground-up developments and renovations in office, retail, industrial, hospitality, and multifamily sectors, along with tenant improvement projects ranging from 5,000 to more than 1,000,000 square feet.
In 2020, after 47 years in business, Jim expanded company ownership by welcoming three longtime employees as partners: Curt Johannson, Mike Forst, and Andrea Piering. Each brought decades of experience and deep knowledge of the company’s operations.
Curt Johannson joined Sun State Builders in 1993 as a superintendent and advanced through several leadership roles, including senior project manager, production manager, and vice president overseeing quality control. Mike Forst came to the company more than 20 years ago as finance and development manager, playing a key role in guiding financial strategy and growth. Andrea Piering joined the team in 1998 and developed extensive expertise in project management, overseeing more than $250 million in construction projects during her tenure.
In January 2024, Curt Johannson formally retired and Jim Chamberlain stepped down as CEO after five decades of leadership. Jim remains actively involved with the company as an advisor, supporting development initiatives.
Today, Mike Forst serves as CEO and Andrea Piering as President, leading Sun State Builders into its next chapter. Together, they share a vision of building on the company’s strong legacy while driving continued innovation, growth, and excellence in Arizona construction.
Awards & Honors
2024 Titan 100 — Mike Forst
2024 NAIOP Top Projects to Watch – Gateway Quads and Jones Industrial
Top 10 General Contractors — Ranking Arizona
2025 Most Influential Women in Business – AZ Big Media
2025 RED Award – Industrial Project of the Year: Gateway Executive Airpark
2026 RED Award Finalist – WorkBay Glendale
2026 Outstanding Women in Business — Phoenix Business Journal
Sun State Builders was founded in 1973 by Jim Chamberlain. Jim followed in the footsteps of two generations before him and drew on his experience in finance and construction to launch and successfully lead the company for 50 years. Under Jim’s leadership, Sun State Builders grew to become a leading Arizona general construction company with a team of more than 60 employees and a portfolio of commercial and residential projects throughout Arizona. Projects include ground-up builds in office, retail, industrial, hospitality and multifamily development, along with tenant improvement projects and renovations, ranging from 5,000 to 1,000,000 square feet.Â
In 2020, after 46 years in business, Jim expanded the company’s ownership, adding three longtime employees – Curt Johannson, Mike Forst and Andrea Piering – as partners. Curt joined Sun State as a superintendent in 1993 and rose up the ranks to senior project manager, then production manager and eventually vice president overseeing quality control. Mike joined the company more than 20 years prior as finance and development manager. Andrea Piering was hired in 1998, learning the business and gaining expertise in project management overseeing more than $250 million in construction.Â
In January 2024, Curt Johannson formally retired and Jim Chamberlain stepped down from his position as CEO. Jim continues to serve as an active advisor to the company in development, while Mike Forst takes the reins as CEO and Andrea Piering is president. Mike and Andrea share a vision for building on Sun State Builders’ strong foundation and moving the company forward with innovation and growth.