Core Values
Building With Purpose: The Sun State Builders Philosophy
At Sun State Builders, we don’t just move dirt and pour concrete; we build responsible, functional and aesthetically pleasing environments that improve the lives of our clients, trade partners, and communities. Our mission is simple: to provide Arizona businesses with the highest possible value through design-build creativity and a consistently strong service effort.Â
We believe that how we build is just as important as what we build. Our company culture is defined by four foundational pillars:
- Rigorous Honesty: We practice total transparency and integrity. We say what needs to be said and honor our commitments, even when it’s uncomfortable.
- Unwavering Service: We are proactive, highly organized, and believe “the buck stops with us.” We pride ourselves on out-hustling the competition and being responsive to every stakeholder.
- Impeccable Quality: We build things to last. By rejecting the status quo and maintaining a “lessons learned” culture, we ensure continuous improvement on every job site.
- Exceptional Value: As stewards of your budget, we coordinate design and field production to ensure efficiency.
If you are planning a project, contact us to learn more about how we can help move it forward.
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.