

From a Chance Encounter in a Convertible to VP of Real Estate Development with Josh Tracy E13
Josh Tracy – VP of Real Estate Development at Ryan Companies US, Inc. shared an insightful perspective of what it’s like to be a national general contractor/developer. Josh attended ASU and was Ryan Companies’ first direct hire out of an undergrad program to be on their development team.
At Ryan Companies, we believe the value of the buildings we design, develop, finance, manage and construct is about more than dollars and cents – it’s also about the value they bring to the people who use them and the communities that surround them. That’s why we focus first on the “why” so we can give life to your vision and achieve the best possible outcome.
As a national leader in commercial real estate services, we know that our customers are as unique as their projects. That’s why, day after day, we’re driven to uncover their stories. To be inspired by what inspires them. To bring the right people to the table so we can collaborate on a deeper, more engaging level.
Together, we build something far more profound than the physical presence of a building. We build the backdrops to life’s stories.
At Ryan, our values – Safety, Integrity, Respect, Stewardship, Family, Excellence and Fun – define our culture and they shape and ignite the people who join our team. They are more than words in a mission statement, they are the inspiration that guides our decisions and shapes our belief that we offer something no one else can.
In the end, your building is better, your experience working with us more enjoyable, your community more vibrant and your project site safer – all because we embrace our values each day.
Josh Tracy provides valuable, highly strategic leadership as Vice President of Real Estate Development at Ryan Companies US, Inc. As a Phoenix native, Josh strives to make a difference in our community through his professional and personal efforts.
A highly motivated person, Josh started his first business at age 16, providing him with a source of income through high school and college.
After completing his Business Management and Real Estate studies at Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business, Josh secured a job at Ryan Companies, becoming the first person to be hired onto the Ryan development team straight out of undergrad studies. At Ryan, he has participated in developing over two million square feet of commercial space, creating employment centers for over 10,000 jobs.
Josh has understood the importance of giving back to his community from a young age. In addition to starting his own business, he utilized his love of baseball to help establish an organization to provide afterschool actives called Opportunity Through Baseball with his long-time Coach, Coach Payton.
The program’s goal was not only to provide underprivileged children with a healthy distraction after school but to help the children grow as people and become a “Major League Person.”
In his free time, Josh enjoys hiking and traveling with his wife, Angela. Together they enjoy exploring the world experiencing new cultures, and enjoying the tranquility found in some of the world’s most beautiful outdoor places.
Connect with Josh on LinkedIn.
About Your Hosts
Meet JJ Levenske
JJ Levenske is a seasoned construction executive with over 30 years of experience in the commercial and industrial sectors. From pre-construction services to complex quality controls and close-outs, he brings a commitment to delivering the highest levels of professionalism and customer service.
JJ’s dedication to construction has allowed him to become an industry expert which he aims to share with customers and investors alike. JJ does not believe in mediocrity and strives to see the “end at the beginning” for each project, effectuating a higher return on investment for the entire team.
Early on in his career, JJ worked as a cost engineer conducting feasibility estimates, strategic capital estimates, cost planning, and analysis of value engineering for the technology, petrochemical, and food industries. He went on to develop and implement a variety of systems for estimating, scheduling, resource management, and cost tracking while holding Project Manager and Senior Management Positions.
During his tenure, JJ has been involved in $1 billion worth of construction services. A strong entrepreneurial acumen allows him to be the perfect advocate for your facility based business solutions.
Meet Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson is a knowledgeable construction professional with over 40 years of experience. His experience ranges from residential to the commercial and industrial sectors.
Robert began working in the trades immediately out of high school and quickly advanced to Journeyman status. Robert went on to estimating, operations, senior level management and then business development.
Robert is consistently building relationships and networking with those associated with all aspects of development and construction. Robert has become a respected source for prefabricated construction solutions.
Robert enjoys spending time with Pam, his wife of 42 years, their 3 children, and 10 grandchildren.
About Our Sponsors
Bleuwave is a Phoenix-based general contractor with a specialty in land development & site improvement, pre-construction, design build, remodel and renovations, construction management, and post construction.
Bleuwave is passionate about what they do and takes pride in their partner’s success.
When you need it done right the first time, call Bleuwave.
Follow Bleuwave on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Tori Contracting’s smaller, cohesive structure results in superior workmanship and economical solutions.
The Tori Contracting team has construction experience acquired by performing highly successful work for hotels and casinos, restaurants, retail stores, healthcare facilities and a wide range of commercial and themed projects.
We provide design assist capabilities from start to finish…from schematic design and development through construction documents with the aid of our full-time AUTOCAD staff.![]()


As numbers 13 and 14 of 14 siblings and the mothers of seven children and six children, Kay Bodude and Myrrie Hayes never imagined one day they would own and operate a multimillion-dollar company.
Their first “legitimate” business was a uniform store. They sold medical uniforms, medical equipment, and school uniforms.




Shatha Barbour is a passionate leader with a global vision! She has a diverse background with broad experience working in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry to co-founding a nonprofit organization to being CEO of Hera Hub Phoenix. After receiving her degree in Healthcare Management & Policy from Univ of Michigan in 2002, Shatha worked with the senior executive team of a hospital undergoing a 5 yr turnaround plan. From there, she moved on to work for Eli Lilly, a fortune 500 pharmaceutical company, where she covered roles from sales operations to global access strategy, improving the reach of medicine throughout the world among Lilly affiliates worldwide.
Sonny Patel is the founder and CEO of Insurmi, an AI-based engagement platform for insurance carriers.
Along with being a Spartan racer, past animal trainer and magician’s assistant, Kindra Maples has experience working with diverse crowds of all sizes, ages, and backgrounds to support them with engagement opportunities.
Craig Jones retired from the United States Marine Corps in 2010 following his service during Operation Iraqi Freedom that resulted in extensive combat wounds.
Terra Thrash has been a USAA member since 2004 and had been a USAA employee since 2010. She is currently serving as an IT Technical Project Manager II. Before moving over, she was a Senior Processor in the Real Estate department for 9 years.
Kandi Tillman helps organizations identify and activate opportunities, partnerships, programming and messaging that drive social impact. She is focused heavily within the military veterans space and works closely with partners to drive community engagement and workforce development.
Joe Pusz started 


Lisa Hullinger is a College Planning Specialist and the primary contact for Campus Advisers. She has been with Campus Advisers since 2012. As a University of Arizona alum and mother of two college-aged daughters, Lisa is a beneficiary of the Know Your Score process.
Jessica Corral is a Partner and Founder at headfarmer, bringing over 20 years of recruiting experience. She started her career in New York City recruiting for Wall Street professionals.
She co-founded headfarmer in July of 2011 and thus began the mission to exceed recruiting industry standards and focus on how to be of genuine service to people.
Stephanie Angelo is a Mastermind group leader for enterprising people in a range of industries, from recruiters and marketers, wealth advisors, and commercial interior designers. She helps entrepreneurs and solopreneurs grow and build their own businesses, increase sales, revenue and market share.



Andy Maurer is an associate level licensed therapist at 
Dr. Heidi Jannenga, PT, DPT, ATC, is the co-founder and president of WebPT, the country’s leading rehab therapy EMR platform for enhancing patient care and fueling business growth. Since the company’s launch in 2008, Heidi has guided WebPT through exponential growth. Today, it’s the fastest-growing physical therapy software in the country, employing nearly 500 people and serving more than 83,000 therapy professionals at more than 12,000 clinics. WebPT has also ranked six consecutive times on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list and twice on the Inc. 500. Heidi has been recognized as one of Health Data Management’s Most Powerful Women in Healthcare IT, a Most Admired Leader and Tech Titan by the Phoenix Business Journal, among other accolades.
Deb Caron is the owner and principal consultant of 

job interviews. You may also see them participating in other events ranging from job fairs to golf fundraisers.
Trevor Stasik was recently elected as the VP of External Relations for PMI Phoenix for the 2019-2020 term. He is currently a Project Manager & Business Analyst with Make-A-Wish America, but has experience from his past life in records management, retirements, and financial services.
Paul Martin is the AVP of Military Affairs at PMI Phoenix. He is a Specialist Section Chief with the US Air Force Reserves. Paul is building Project Management assistance programs and training for transitioning military, and can be frequently found at PMI Phoenix Chapter events. He is passionate about helping the veteran community expand their professional network, work toward a PM certification, and find employment.

Steve Miksta was nationally ranked among the top 1% of loan originators in 2012. Instead of continuing to grow his production, Steve believed there was a greater opportunity in streamlining the mortgage process and assisting Loan Originators across the country in providing a better service to their customers. Steve partnered with VIP Mortgage in 2013 with the vision of building out an enterprise platform on Salesforce that would maximize company efficiencies, while attracting top Loan Originator talent. To date, VIP has grown over 50% since Steve’s arrival, while many competitors have continued to see volume drop. VIP continues to expand recruitment of top producing loan officers throughout Arizona, as well as in the other markets where they operate.
your repeat business. With their Reward Program, you earn points with repairs and NEW CUSTOMERS 1st visit receives $25 of, Try us & Take us for a TEST DRIVE!
Howard Fleischmann Sr. has been in the industry for the past 49 years, starting his career in Tucson in 1969. After 27 years in the automotive wholesale business, he ventured into the retail auto repair business. In 2008, he went to his teams & recreated their direction of the business. Howard & his wife, Pat went to the clients instead of waiting for them… good old grassroots, Networking! We are a “Hassle-Free.Guaranteed” Tire Pros to satisfy everyone to the best of their ability! Ten years later are a few accolades to their Team Efforts: Proud to be the National “Top Shop” of the year by Tire Review /Tire Industry by our peers!
Jodi Low is an accomplished corporate trainer, inspirational speaker, and the Founder and CEO of 













