Contractor of the Year Awards celebrates top contractors in the community

Vegas Inc honors Southern Nevada’s best general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and professional service providers in partnership with the Nevada Contractors Association.

The construction industry is integral to the building of businesses and families in Southern Nevada and supplies thousands of jobs for skilled laborers. The honorees of these awards excel at their roles in the community and it is an honor to present these individuals and companies as leaders in their field. 

General Contractor of the Year: Las Vegas Paving Corporation

An original member of the Nevada Contractors Association, Las Vegas Paving Corporation has been constructing Southern Nevada’s roadways since 1958. With a workforce more than 1,000 employees strong, Las Vegas Paving boasts a robust portfolio of projects including mass grading for residential communities, aggregate crushing and material supply, and structural concrete construction.

The key to the corporation’s success is more than quality service—it’s the commitment to safety for employees and the public alike. By striving to exceed regulatory compliance requirements, Las Vegas Paving protects people, decreases the likelihood of unnecessary delays and increases cost effectiveness. Recently, Las Vegas Paving received the Nevada Regional Common Ground Alliance with the National Utility Contractors Association of Las Vegas’ Silver Shovel Award for achieving zero at-fault utility damages.

Las Vegas Paving showcased its technical skills in 2023 while constructing the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit. The timeline for the track build was tight with precise specifications, but Las Vegas Paving achieved its goal while receiving commendation from the F1 team.

Subcontractor of the Year: Hirschi Masonry

Twenty-five years ago, Hirschi Masonry began with just 20 employees focusing solely on residential projects. Today, under the umbrella of Hirschi Companies, it also serves large commercial spaces and offers rock retaining masonry, veneer and site wall services.

Hirschi Masonry has situated itself at the forefront of the industry by investing in innovative technology and techniques that enhance productivity and safety. One such technology is hydraulic scaffolding, an improvement to scaffolding infrastructure that increases stability and control while working on multistory buildings.

Hirschi has found success in beneficial partnerships with the Mason Contractors Association of America and the Nevada Contractors Association. In collaboration with the NCA, Hirschi contributes to different community initiatives. Its charitable work focuses on education, workforce development and creating opportunities for success. In 2024, Hirschi worked with Level Builders to promote counseling at a local middle school, North Las Vegas Mayor Pamela Goynes-Brown for Las Vegas’ annual Black haircare drive, Goodie Two Shoes as a sponsor for a distribution event, and the Hope for Prisoners Vocational Village by establishing an accredited masonry school to provide opportunities to prison residents.

Supplier of the Year: Milwaukee Tool

Milwaukee Tool’s commitment to innovation sets it apart from other suppliers. Asserting an outside-in strategy, Milwaukee Tool has logged more than 585,000 hours on jobsites in the past ten years. Its approach fosters a culture in which team members receive feedback and learn from clients, allowing the company to understand product challenges and implement the best solutions for consumers.

One hundred years ago, Milwaukee Tool invented the first lightweight, one-handed drill and revolutionized assembly line productivity. It continues to lead the way in innovation by generating creative plans and products with its in-house, computing-aided design abilities and rapid prototyping shops. In 2005, Milwaukee was the first company to use lithium-ion cells in power tools, forever changing the trajectory of cordless power tool use.

Milwaukee Tool is heavily involved with the NCA, contributing expertise, promoting best practices and participating in the Construction Leadership Council and the Safety Committee. It is proud of its involvement with the NCA ambassador program, and supports events like the annual NCA golf tournament, monthly mixers and the clay shoot.

Professional Service Firm of the Year: Grand Canyon Development Partners

Grand Canyon Development Partners employs a wide range of professionals to create a streamlined process for clients, with services that include real estate development, project management, lender services, LEED certification studies, engineering and architecture. This expanse of knowledge allows GCDP to meet project needs, no matter how simple or sophisticated.

Offering a wide range of professional services lends itself to a diverse portfolio of projects. In the past year, GCDP has been a part of several notable endeavors, including helping to complete the Beverly Theater in Downtown Las Vegas, breaking ground for the first hotel in Symphony Park and participating in the topping off ceremony for the BLVD project.

In addition to exemplary management and services, GCDP prides itself on giving back to the community. The organization’s Developing Dreams program provides pro-bono work for local nonprofits. GCDP donated free development services for the Healing Center at St. Jude’s Ranch For Children in 2022 and for CORE Academy’s campus for assisting inner-city children. It also participates in donation drives and events for The Shade Tree, Communities in Schools, Ronald McDonald House Charities and others.

Safest General Contractor of the Year: CORE

CORE’s safety motto is “Zero Incidents, Zero Accidents.” Working under the belief that no aspect of the construction process is more important than safety, CORE’s safety procedures cascade down from the national level to trade partners and individual employees.

While CORE does business across the country, CORE Nevada consistently has the best safety record, boasting 12 years without a recordable lost time incident. CORE is proud of two recent projects—Red Rock Elementary School and the City of Las Vegas Downtown Civic Building and Plaza project—on which neither CORE nor any trade partner had a single lost time incident.

This safety record is made possible by regular reviews and training. At CORE, everyone takes ownership of safety. All personnel are responsible for at least one inspection a day via the Predictive Solutions mobile app. At the start of every work shift, trade partners are required to complete a Daily Activity Hazard Analysis that encourages collaboration in overlapping work areas and safe practices are incentivized with prizes.

Safest Subcontractor of the Year: Helix Electric

Helix Electric employs more than 500 electricians in Nevada. Guided by the founding principles of integrity, quality, safety and collaboration, Helix sets clear expectations for the caliber of work and the wellbeing of its employees.

Working in Las Vegas necessitates specific safety measures to mitigate heat risks. At Core Apartments, a current jobsite of Helix Electric, employees are provided with plenty of cold drinking water and neck gators to keep cool and hydrated. They have access to cool-down areas for breaks and in case of heat emergencies. Work hours are also adjusted to accommodate seasonal weather conditions.

Superintendents conduct weekly and monthly safety audits where they are encouraged to invite different employees to accompany them. Doing so creates opportunities to further discuss safety, ask and answer questions, and better understand the hazards of job sites.

Helix facilitates continued learning and training through educational programs. Helix University offers multiple classes every month to train employees at all levels. The company also hosts four Safety Saturday classes every year. These classes include safety training in the categories of fall protection, confined space, electrical, aerial lift, forklift, trenching and excavation, first aid, CPR, AED and leadership.

Building Project of the Year (under $15 million): Parkway West Office Park, The Korte Company

The Korte Company, partnered with SHEQ Properties, converted a vacant lot near Downtown Summerlin into a commercial space featuring two office buildings, a central courtyard and a spacious parking lot. This 3.53-acre site was designed to optimize space while maintaining the overall aesthetic and functionality.

Sustainable practices were prioritized throughout the project. Landscaping was selected thoughtfully, with trees placed strategically to provide optimal shade and an irrigation system designed to promote responsible water usage. The two office buildings were built with energy efficiency in mind, using cool roofing materials that reflect sunlight and reduce heat inside the structures. Further, recessed windows with overhangs add to the character of the building while compounding the capabilities of tinted, insulated glass panes that help reduce internal energy consumption and meet International Energy Conservation Code requirements.

Communication and coordination were carefully executed to minimize disturbances to surrounding areas. This project aimed to contribute to the local economy by attracting business to the area and contributing to job opportunities.

Building Project of the Year ($15-30 million): City of Henderson Forensic Laboratory, McCarthy Building Companies

A state-of-the-art facility requires state-of-the-art construction. The new City of Henderson Forensic Laboratory features three distinct labs – a latent print lab, a toxicology lab and a controlled substance lab. Each one is outfitted with highly specialized equipment to meet the needs of each modality and maintain a safe working environment for all.

McCarthy Building Companies, with the City of Henderson and architect Leo A. Daly, worked for 18 months to design a space that would meet the city’s needs and budget. Once specifications were agreed upon, McCarthy hosted a virtual reality tour of the project, allowing staff to get a feel for the facility and provide feedback before breaking ground.

During the building process, McCarthy exhibited flexibility and creativity to maintain project integrity while adapting to unexpected and changing circumstances. The team had to balance the safety of construction workers and safety of end-users in a work environment that will be subject to hazardous materials even after construction. Safety features of the lab include specialty ventilation systems, continuous air sampling, metal casework and deionized water.

Building Project of the Year (over $30 million): Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix Pit Building, The PENTA Building Group

It took a lot of hard work and determination to bring Formula 1 to Las Vegas in 2023. The PENTA Building Group was contracted to construct the Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix Pit Building, a complex job involving stringent guidelines, tight deadlines and multiple modifications throughout the process.

To meet these high standards, PENTA took a proactive approach in acquiring materials that would meet the demands of the client. After conferring with the project’s electrical engineer, PENTA went to straight to manufacturers and created a plan in which all requirements could be met and materials acquired in time.

The final 292,266 square foot building is a multifunctional space that serves the race teams and fans alike. The first floor houses garages for the crews of participating teams and the second and third floors boast entertainment and hospitality spaces with views of the track. As one of PENTA’s most complicated and prestigious projects to date, the construction process provided work for approximately 4,000 Las Vegans.

Civil Project of the Year: Ice Age Fossils State Park, Taylor International

At the entrance of Nevada’s newest state park stands the Monumental Mammoth. Created with the help of a local Girl Scout troop, the Protectors of Tule Springs and professional artists Luis Varelo-Rico and Dana Albany, the mammoth welcomes visitors to the Ice Age Fossil State Park.

Taylor International partnered with the Nevada State Parks to develop the park and erect the life-sized statue. This project included constructing a picnic pavilion and seven shade structures, developing manicured trails and constructing an overflow parking lot. Because aspects of the project were spread across the 315-acre park, Taylor International implemented extended safety measures, including bringing an additional superintendent to the job site and adding breaks for workers to rest in the shade and rehydrate.

The Ice Age Fossils State Park was the first project for Nevada State Parks that had to comply with the Build America, Buy America requirements of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This act requires iron, steel and other construction products to be mined, milled, and manufactured in America. This meant that Taylor International had to find complying manufacturers that could provide enough materials to meet the project’s needs. Taylor International met these requirements without any negative financial or time impact.

Member of the Year: Heidi Ritchey, Trinity Land Surveying

Heidi Ritchey, business development and bids coordinator at Trinity Land Surveying, is an active participant with several committees and programs of the Nevada Contractors Association. Ritchey currently serves on the Construction, Career, Outreach, Recruitment Committee where she works with high school students, participates in education panels and evaluates scholarship applications. She also serves on the Diverse Contractors Council connecting DBE, SBE and WBE companies with NCA members, and on the Ambassador Committee to recruit new NCA members and foster relationships in the industry.

Ritchey, known for her positive attitude, proactive approach and dedication, is an asset for new members and the association at large. She has represented the NCA and Trinity Land Surveying at the Construction Career Day Event for the past three years, sharing construction opportunities with Las Vegas students.

Using her social media prowess, Ritchey shares photos and information about NCA events to reach potential members. She brings a personal touch to her outreach and cultivates connections with welcoming energy and enthusiasm.

Member Company of the Year: The PENTA Building Group

The PENTA Building Group has been a strong supporter of the Nevada Contractors Association since it became a member in 2001. In addition to encouraging others to join the association, many PENTA executives serve in leadership positions in the NCA. PENTA’s Vice President of Construction Tony Cornell serves on the NCA Board of Directors and is an active member of the NCA Permit and Inspections Committee and the Labor Relations Committee; Senior Preconstruction Manager Anthony Noll and Project Superintendent Patrick Dennis are members of the Construction Leadership Council; and Senior Vice President of Preconstruction Glen Maxwell is on the Diverse Contractors Council Steering Committee.

In the past year, PENTA has received several local recognitions including Awards of Merit from the Engineering News-Record, the Associated General Contractors of America’s AGC in the Community Award for its collaborative SuperBuild project with FOX5 Vegas and Habitat for Humanity and was ranked one of Nevada’s Top Workplaces 2024 by the Las Vegas Business Press. 

This year marked the 17th annual Safety Kick-Off event in Las Vegas featuring the latest safety equipment and technologies and honoring individuals and companies who demonstrated commitment to safety. The company’s nonprofit corporation the PENTA CARES Foundation supports local nonprofits. In 2023, PENTA donated 7,500 volunteer hours and $1.5 million to more than 90 organizations. 

Diverse Supplier/Professional Service Firm of the Year: Region 9 Safety Compliance

Region 9 Safety Compliance accommodates businesses of all sizes, working to meet the needs of each client while enhancing safety performance and employee wellbeing. Region 9 Safety services include the creation of safety programs, expert safety consultations, site-specific safety plans and OSHA representation and guidance. It also offers CPR, and confined space and heat illness awareness trainings.

Region 9 Safety Compliance has partnered with local companies including The PENTA Building Group, Anning-Johnson Company, Boyd Martin Construction, Martin-Harris Construction, Taylor International, Kittrell Jensen Contractors and CORE. Many notable projects, including Allegiant Stadium, Forumula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix and Symphony Park, have benefited from its safety services.

As a consulting and safety firm, Region 9 works with diverse businesses. These partnerships strengthen the company’s core values of integrity, quality work, and meeting the needs of the community by providing perspective and experience. Region 9 also builds connections in the community through philanthropic endeavors like fundraising, toy drives and giveaways.

Diverse Subcontractor of the Year: Commercial Roofers INC.

As Commercial Roofers Inc. celebrates its 28th anniversary in 2024, it also celebrates its first year with Women’s Business Enterprise and Minority Business Enterprise certifications. Of more than 250 CRI employees, 70% are minorities, 10% are women and 8% are veterans. “Commercial Roofers is delighted to now assist our partners and clients in achieving project diversity goals. When an owner or business contracts with a WBE or MBE certified partner, they prove their commitment to diversity and equity in construction, in business, and ultimately in the Las Vegas community,” said Janet Howard, President and CEO of Commercial Roofers Inc.

Communication with manufacturers, suppliers and clients is key to business success. Whether working through supply chain challenges or developing solutions for innovative industry projects, CRI maintains transparency and builds trust with all partners.

Team members at CRI are encouraged to involve themselves with professional organizations to foster community growth. They also support charitable organizations including Convoy of Hope, Rebuilding Together Southern Nevada, American Cancer Society, Las Vegas Rescue Mission, City Impact Center, St. Baldrick’s Foundation and Opportunity Village.

J.A. Tiberti Spirit Award: Richard “Dick” Dieleman, Owner of Dielco Crane Service

Richard Dieleman has been helping build Las Vegas since 1963, when he began working at his father’s crane company, Jake’s Crane and Rigging. In 1984, Dieleman relocated to California where he held several positions to gain experience and develop contacts in the crane business, as well as with refineries and steel companies. This built a broad foundation for his future career.

Dieleman founded Dielco Crane Service in 1988 and moved back to Nevada with Newmont Gold Mine as its first client. Industry partners J.A. Tiberti, Gil Grove, Schuff Steel and others bolstered Dielco as it grew its presence in Nevada. The company started working with more clients and secured its first big job on the Strip with the construction of Grand Slam Canyon, now the Adventuredome at Circus Circus.

Dieleman’s legacy will be felt in Southern Nevada for years to come, as locals and visitors enjoy iconic structures including the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino, the Smith Center, T-Mobile Arena and Allegiant Stadium. Recently, Dieleman built a cabin near Cedar City, Utah to enjoy with his family and friends.