Jessica Gonzalez recognized by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Jessica Gonzalez recognized by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Earn an in-demand college degree. Check. Graduate debt-free. Check. Land a great job after graduation. Check again! Join us in congratulating our newest Project Engineer, Jessica Gonzalez. Her journey is highlighted by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in this new video.

Jessica, who joined Loven Contracting as an intern, was born in Yuma and moved back and forth between the US and Mexico for most of her childhood. She has worked hard to carve out a brighter future for herself and her family.

Achieving Economic Mobility

New data from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation shows three key factors foster economic mobility. They are: an affordable college education, a strong work ethic, and a degree with real market value. Northern Arizona University, where Jessica earned her civil engineering degree, has made equitable value and economic mobility a central part of its mission. In other words, NAU is “redefining the value of a college degree,” foundation co-chair Bill Gates said in a post on his blog.

Because of NAU’s commitment to fostering economic mobility, Gates visited Flagstaff and studied NAU’s efforts to make a college education more attainable for indigenous students and those from households with incomes of less than $65,000 a year. Despite countless requests over the years, Gates delivered only the third commencement address of his career this month in Flagstaff. (His other two commencement addresses were at ivy-league colleges: Harvard in 2007 and Stanford in 2014.

From College Intern to Project Manager

Like Gates, Jessica is a fan of NAU. The university was a great match for her and her goals, she says, and she was able to graduate debt-free. “I feel very proud to be graduating from a university that encourages students to pursue degrees that have value,” she says. What’s next for this bright young adult?  “I want to use my civil engineering degree to give back to my family and my community because I’ve been helped in many ways.”

As part of Loven Contracting’s mentor-led internship program, Jessica said she learned about every aspect of the construction process – from preconstruction to construction and beyond – and had the opportunity to gain real-world experience.

As a Project Engineer at Loven Contracting, Jessica will be working in a team setting to support the project management process and exceed customer expectations in both process and product. “During the internship, I realized that I love the collaborative nature of being a project engineer,” she says. “And, at the same time, I fell in love with the company.”

Jessica Gonzalez honored by Bill &  Melinda Gates Foundation
Loven Contracting sponsors the Flagstaff Running Series

Loven Contracting sponsors the Flagstaff Running Series

With pleasant summertime temperatures, an extensive trail system and a picturesque setting, Flagstaff has long been a mecca of outdoor activity. With its elevation of nearly 7,000 feet, it’s also one of the most popular destinations in the world for runners and Olympic-level athletes who use high-altitude training to increase performance. In fact, athletes training in Flagstaff have earned an estimated 350+ medals at Olympic events since 1996.

At Loven Contracting, we’re proud to be the title sponsor of the 19th Annual Flagstaff Running Series, which brings together five different high-altitude running events from June 17 to August 12. The series attracts runners from across the state and the Southwest to the city each summer.

Many of the races feature Olympians and elite athletes who enjoy the camaraderie of running with Flagstaff residents, says volunteer organizer Neil Weintraub. The series provides a number of family-friendly options for people of all ages and abilities, with 5k/10k walking options, a 2-mile run, Kid’s Dashes and virtual runs.

The series benefits nonprofit community organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff, Northland Hospice and Footprints for Hopi, which distributes food, hygiene items, clothing, and other necessities to Hopi people. At Loven Contracting, we support 30+ nonprofit community organizations and support events like the Flagstaff Running Series to help improve lives and build neighborhoods.

Here is this year’s lineup:

June 17thNorthland Hospice Run for Life 5K/10K/Kid’s Fun Run. This event offers the choice of running or walking a 5K or 10K. There’s also a run designed for children and virtual 5k and 10k options. Proceeds raised from this event is earmarked for Northland Hospice’s patient assistance fund, which provides end-of-life comfort care regardless of ability to pay.

July 4thTeam Run Flagstaff Downtown Mile and Kid’s Dash. Presented by Team Run Flagstaff and the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, this event includes six different race options and a Kid’s Race.

July 29Hopi Footprints 2-mile Fun Run/Walk or 10K. Run the 10K or participate in the 2-mile Fun Run/Walk to help support Hopi Relief’s efforts to deliver much-needed supplies to Hopi people.

August 5thMachine Solutions Soldiers Trail Run 5K/10K/Kid’s Dash. This event features in-person and virtual 2K, 5K and 10Ks – run or walk! There’s also a Kid’s Dash. All proceeds from this event benefits Northern Arizona Healthcare’s Children’s Health Center.

August 12thBig Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff (BBBSF) Half Marathon/5K/Kid’s Dash. Run in a half marathon or participate in a 5K Fun Run. For children, there’s a Kid’s Dash.

While participants can register for individual races, signing up for the entire series offers a number of benefits such as discounted pricing compared with signing up for individual events. (The series is a great deal even if you plan to participate in only four of the five events).  In addition to receiving each race’s shirt, adult series participants also receive Flagstaff Running Series socks and those running at least four of the five races will once again earn a Pizzicletta Pizza.

Progress Continues on new State-of-the-Art Arizona Oncology Cancer Center in Prescott

Progress Continues on new State-of-the-Art Arizona Oncology Cancer Center in Prescott

Rendering Courtesy of Corgan

Cancer is hard enough without the challenge of trying to find one-stop care close to home. That’s why at Loven Contracting, we’re so happy to be part of a team creating the new state-of-the-art Arizona Oncology Cancer Center in Prescott that will provide greater accessibility to cancer care in Yavapai County.

Working collaboratively with partners Arizona Oncology, NexCore Group, and Corgan, Loven Contracting’s Healthcare Construction Team recently broke ground on the 22,10SF facility serving patients in Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, and Dewey-Humboldt.

The regional center at 5430 Landmark Lane in Prescott will provide convenient access to the latest cancer treatment services and technologies. “In building a new facility, we’re able to provide all of our services under one roof so patients can experience more collaborative medical care,” Iyad Hamarneh, medical oncologist with Arizona Oncology, said in a statement. “When completed, our cancer center will be the only practice in the quad-city region that will offer medical oncology, radiation oncology, and hematology services for our community.”

Arizona Oncology is one of the largest medical organizations in Arizona, with more than 75 physicians who provide comprehensive, compassionate, and high-quality cancer care. Its goal is to provide cancer treatments close to patients’ homes. NexCore Group is a national healthcare real estate investment and development company that has been recognized as one of the Top Healthcare Real Estate Developers nationwide by Modern Healthcare and Healthcare Real Estate Insights (HREI). Corgan is an award-winning architecture firm that designs innovative healthcare spaces.

The Arizona Oncology Center will offer medical oncology, surgical oncology, breast cancer treatment and diagnostics, urology services, radiation therapies (including HDR), diagnostic imaging (CT/PET, CT) laboratory diagnostics, genomic testing, nutrition services, oncology research and pharmacy, lab and hematology services.

In addition to housing a wide variety of services in one facility, the center will include several features designed to better fit the needs of cancer patients, such as a 34-chair infusion area with outdoor garden space. Once the center is complete, the Arizona Oncology team will move from its current location at 3188 N. Windsong in Prescott Valley, which it has outgrown, to the new facility.

Delivering Innovative Projects for Healthcare Systems

At Loven Contracting, our award-winning Healthcare Construction team has delivered quality projects for healthcare systems across the southwest since 1985. We understand the complex and exacting requirements of new, state-of-the-art healthcare facilities and how to work safely in existing hospitals and medical centers.

Our team sets the standard for the construction of hospitals, outpatient clinics, specialty clinics, behavioral health facilities, surgery centers and specialty imaging suites. Our commitment to health and safety is second to none, and we’re one of only six general contractors in Arizona to earn the prestigious VPP Star safety rating.

To learn more about Loven Contracting’s expertise in healthcare facility and hospital construction, go HERE. View our Healthcare & Medical Center Construction portfolio at HERE.

Mike Loven Transitions to CEO | Jon Hansen, P.E., named as President of 36-Year-Old Flagstaff Firm

Mike Loven Transitions to CEO | Jon Hansen, P.E., named as President of 36-Year-Old Flagstaff Firm

Loven Contracting is proud to announce that founder, Mike Loven (above left), has transitioned to the role of Chief Executive Officer and that Vice President Jon Hansen, P.E. (above right), has assumed the role of company President.

Long-Time Leader With A Newly Expanded Role

Mike Loven founded Loven Contracting in 1985 as a two-person operation. Thirty-six years later, the Flagstaff, AZ-headquartered general contracting firm services clients across the southwest in a wide range of industry sectors. Mike’s lifelong focus on ethical standards and high-quality construction methods has been the key to building the firm’s long-term client relationships and outstanding reputation for project delivery and process.

Beyond Mike’s many tangible accomplishments, he has fostered an employee-oriented culture of excellence across all aspects of Loven Contracting operations. “Early identification of talented personnel and trade partners has enabled us to build a team that is laser-focused on client results,” says Mike. “Loven Contracting personnel have the tools and opportunities they need to grow their careers, which translates into employee retention and consistent best-quality project delivery.”

As CEO, Mike will continue to provide primary leadership in implementing the firm’s construction standards and the VPP Star Safety Program – the highest level of workplace safety certification available. “I will also focus on client relationships and solidifying a 36-year legacy of quality project delivery,” said Mike. “This transition will enable more in-person service for our clients and increased time with our team members in the field – reinforcing the core philosophies that make us successful.”

Leader With A Newly Expanded Role

Loven Contracting’s newly named President, Jon Hansen, P.E., is a known and respected member of the Loven Contracting team. Most recently Vice President and leader of Loven Contracting’s Healthcare Construction Division, Jon has been instrumental in the firm’s growth and expertise in delivering the most technically demanding healthcare and energy infrastructure projects. As President, he will focus on operational excellence and the future growth of Loven Contracting. “I am looking forward to the opportunity to lead our diverse and energetic team,” says Jon, “I have a deep respect for what Mike has built, and this transition will provide Loven Contracting with the additional leadership horsepower necessary to build future success for our clients and employees.”

Jon Hansen, P.E. is a lifetime Arizona resident who settled in Flagstaff with his family after receiving his Civil Engineering degree from Northern Arizona University. Additionally, Jon supports the Loven Contracting commitment to the community through his volunteer work on the Board of the Boys and Girls Club of Flagstaff.

Mike Loven has deep roots in Northern Arizona and is a life-long philanthropist in local communities. He is currently President of the Board of Directors of the Coconino County Industrial Development Authority and on the Board of Directors for both the Raymond Foundation and the Northern Arizona Leadership Alliance.

Loven Contracting and Red Feather’s Donation Partnership

Loven Contracting and Red Feather’s Donation Partnership

Another donation to Red Feather Development Group! Loven Contracting donates used surplus material, appliances, and equipment from our job sites to keep suitable used materials out of the waste stream. A long-time partner, Red Feather, takes the donations and partners with Indigenous communities to develop and implement lasting and impactful housing solutions. We hope that today’s donated material will lead to significant improvements in homes across Northern Arizona. Thank you for your partnership!

Founded in 1985, Loven Contracting works across the Southwest, specializing in the healthcare, education, commercial, hospitality, and historic preservation sectors. Loven Contracting’s goal is to build relationships through the delivery of superior quality projects while exceeding client expectations for excellence, customer service and best value.

State of The Construction Industry | AZRE Builders Roundtable Interview

State of The Construction Industry | AZRE Builders Roundtable Interview

Arizona Commercial Real Estate Magazine recently spoke with six construction industry leaders, including Mike Loven, President and Founder of Loven Contracting. The discussion focused on topics related to business management over the past 16 months and future plans relative to ongoing challenges. Use the link below to read the full article!