AZ Big 100: The Commercial Real Estate Leaders Shaping 2026

Modern office architectural model

Every year, AZ Big Media highlights the innovators driving Arizona’s explosive economic evolution. The AZ Big 100 is not merely a ranking—it’s a forward‑looking glimpse into the minds rebuilding, reimagining, and reshaping the state’s commercial landscape.

Curated by the AZRE editorial board alongside respected industry experts, the list showcases 50 leaders whose influence extends far beyond construction sites. These are visionaries shaping communities, elevating design‑build methodologies, and guiding Arizona into a future of intentional, high‑impact growth.

For rising and seasoned professionals—especially those sharpening their skills or earning new licenses through institutions like Cameron Academy—the AZ Big 100 delivers powerful insight into what industry‑defining leadership looks like.

Leadership, Innovation, and a Rapidly Evolving Market

Arizona’s commercial real estate sector remains one of its strongest economic anchors. Behind every transformative project are leaders whose strategic decisions influence not just infrastructure but workforce development, public policy, and long‑term urban growth.

From sustainable construction to high‑tech innovation, this year’s honorees embody the diverse expertise required to build a resilient future for Arizona.

Spotlight on Key Leaders from the 2026 List

Ryan Abbott — President, Clayco

Abbott champions a pioneering approach to integrated project delivery, merging design, engineering, and construction with seamless precision. With more than 61 awards, his leadership continues to redefine the future of large‑scale building.

Learn more

Dala Al‑Fuwaires — House of Form

Al‑Fuwaires brings narrative‑driven hospitality design to life, crafting memorable restaurant and commercial spaces while uplifting communities through equitable, people‑first initiatives.

Annette Anderson — Arizona Escrow & Financial Corporation

Rising from receptionist to president, Anderson exemplifies empathetic, trust‑driven leadership—reminding the industry that people remain its most valuable asset.

Learn more

David Campbell — District Manager, PCL Construction

Campbell’s strategic foresight expanded PCL’s Arizona presence, deepening partnerships and positioning the region for long‑term, sustainable development.

Learn more

Jenna Ghisolfo — Housing Consultants of America

Ghisolfo turned life’s challenges into a nationwide movement for equitable housing, blending compliance with empathy to secure stability for families across the country.

Learn more

Tony Mangat — Founder, The Mangat Group

From just $20 to a diversified enterprise, Mangat built a powerhouse spanning real estate, transportation, hospitality, and education—fueled by trust and smart vertical growth.

Learn more

Bryce Terveen — Managing Director, Colliers

Terveen leverages his athletic discipline and strategic mindset to drive Colliers’ expansion while cultivating innovation and high‑performance team culture.

Learn more

Why Lists Like the AZ Big 100 Matter

Arizona’s ongoing boom stems from long‑range vision, strong collaboration, and leadership that understands both data and community needs. These honorees influence policy, sustainability, housing, workforce training, and development across one of the fastest‑growing states in the country.

For professionals expanding into real estate, commercial development, insurance, mortgage, finance, or other licensed fields, keeping an eye on leaders like these offers valuable insight into where the market is headed. And institutions such as Cameron Academy continue empowering that journey with accessible licensing programs nationwide.

A Rising Market Needs Rising Leaders

The AZ Big 100 is more than recognition—it is a blueprint for the type of leadership that will steer Arizona’s next decade of growth. Whether you’re an industry veteran or just stepping into your career, the stories of these honorees offer a model for innovation, resilience, and impact.

Explore the full lineup of industry‑shaping leaders in the official feature from AZ Big Media:
Read the complete AZ Big 100 list.

More Articles

Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!

Massachusetts Investment Firm Makes Strategic Move Into Connecticut With $3.65M Red Robin-Anchored Purchase

Newman Properties, a Massachusetts-based investment firm, has expanded its footprint into Connecticut with the $3.65 million acquisition of a 6,350‑square‑foot retail building in Enfield. Anchored by national restaurant chain Red Robin, the property offers the type of stable tenancy investors seek when entering new markets. The deal underscores growing confidence in anchored retail assets and provides a valuable real-world example for real estate professionals studying market analysis, investment strategy, and portfolio expansion.

JPMorgan Flags a Sunbelt Slowdown as Florida and Texas See Sharp Home Price Drops

JPMorgan now expects national home prices to flatten in 2026, but the Sunbelt is telling a very different story. Florida home values are down 5.1%, Texas is down 2.4%, and analysts warn that years of rapid building are finally catching up to the region. As demand stabilizes and inventory swells, real estate professionals — especially in Florida — face a market full of challenges, opportunities, and critical timing decisions.

AI Is Reshaping Mortgage Underwriting in 2026 as Industry Pros Brace for Major Change

Artificial intelligence is finally stepping into the mortgage underwriting spotlight, with 57% of mortgage professionals predicting it will drive the most transformative industry shift in 2026. Thanks to major advancements in language models and workflow automation, AI is now capable of navigating the messy, document-heavy realities that have long slowed underwriting. From faster preapprovals to improved credit analysis and real‑time income verification, AI is streamlining processes while allowing underwriters to focus on true risk management. As regulatory winds shift and grassroots pressure builds within lending teams, the industry is entering a pivotal era where AI‑powered underwriting becomes not just an advantage — but an expectation.

Portland’s Commercial Market Suffers a Historic $2 Billion Collapse

Portland’s top 20 office towers have lost an unprecedented 70% of their value since 2019—plunging from $3 billion to under $1 billion—triggering tax revenue shortfalls, budget crises, and a surge in appeals as the city grapples with its biggest commercial real estate reset in modern history.

When Virtual Reality Becomes the New Penthouse Tour: Miami Students Step Inside a $1M Tech-Driven Luxury Tower Experience

South Florida’s luxury real estate market just raised the bar again — this time with a $1 million virtual reality system that lets buyers walk through Dolce & Gabbana’s upcoming Miami tower long before construction wraps. Real estate master’s students were given an immersive look inside the project, discovering how VR is transforming high‑end development, influencing buyer psychology, and shaping the future skills today’s professionals need.

Long Island’s Latest Commercial Moves: From Pizza Huts to Auto Parts Warehouses

Long Island’s commercial real estate scene is kicking off 2026 with a surge of activity—industrial leases in Medford, neighborhood retail trades in Bohemia, Pizza Hut’s new DELCO expansion in Centereach, mixed‑use acquisitions in Melville, and major investor interest in bank‑leased and franchise-backed properties. From warehouses to restaurant rebrands, these deals highlight a region evolving fast and offering fresh opportunities for agents, investors, and professionals looking to stay ahead in the market.