Mermaids in the Pool with Samantha Pinkal from GPEC E11
Samantha Pinkal from GPEC joined us for an unbelievably informative session on economic development. It was so interesting to listen to her describe how collaborative GPEC is with the various municipalities and agencies to attract and retain businesses and market sectors for the sustained growth of the greater Phoenix area.
We encourage you to especially listen towards the end of the episode about “the mermaids in the pool” story; it epitomizes how to “WIN”.
The Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), named the top economic development organization (EDO) globally in 2021 by the International Economic Development Council, works to attract and grow quality businesses and advocate for the competitiveness of Greater Phoenix.
A data-driven regional EDO, GPEC works with 22 member communities, Maricopa County and more than 190 private investors to accomplish its mission and serve as a strategic partner to companies across the world as they expand or relocate to Greater Phoenix. Over the past 32 years GPEC has fueled the regional economy by helping 895 companies, creating nearly 164,000 jobs and $33.4 billion in capital investment.
Greater Phoenix is in a relentless pursuit of innovative and entrepreneurial-focused companies looking to thrive and scale in a vibrant, dynamic region. There is an undeniable spirit about Greater Phoenix; one rooted in strength, collaboration and resilience. Greater Phoenix is Greater Together.
Samantha Pinkal joined GPEC as Vice President of Business Development in June 2021. Sam’s primary focus is on the growth of the industrial and advanced manufacturing industries in the region.
With a diverse background in both the private and public sectors, her specialty is in acting as a liaison between clients and communities with a unique understanding of both side of the deal and how best to navigate to optimal solutions. From site selection to site layout and logistics, she’s passionate about helping clients make informed, strategic decisions.
Originally from southwest Nebraska, Samantha graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas. She spent a decade working for The Weitz Company, a national general contractor in Phoenix, managing large commercial projects and in Business Development and Marketing.
Most recently she worked for City of Surprise Economic Development Department as a Project Manager for two-and-a-half years, where she led business attraction efforts in the enterprise commercial and industrial sectors.
Samantha is a member of Chief, a private networking organization for executive women across the country, and serves in leadership positions for AZCREW, ULI’s Women’s Leadership Initiative, and various board and committees with Greater Phoenix organizations.
She enjoys spending time at the lake on her stand-up paddleboard, tracking down murals in every city she visits, and playing sand and indoor volleyball.
Connect with Samantha 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.
