Josh Umar with American Subcontractors Association of Arizona E12
Josh Umar, Executive Director, of American Subcontractors Association of Arizona joined us for an informative session about ASA and the benefits they offer for members and non-members alike. Josh is all about engagement and ASA embodies his leadership. Stick around to the end and listen to the cool experiences of falconry (one of Josh’s main hobbies).
ASA of Arizona is a nonprofit association with more than 210 members. The vast majority are trades companies of every specialty and size. Their mission is to to enhance the ability of businesses from every sector of the subcontracting community to thrive via advocacy, collaboration, education, and networking.
Their vision is an Arizona in which the subcontracting community is the most respected and influential stakeholder in the construction industry.
Josh Umar is the Executive Director of ASA of Arizona, where he started in June of 2020. With over 210 members, ASA is a leading voice for the interests of trades companies statewide regardless of specialty or size.
He came to ASA-AZ by way of the award-winning Build Your Future Arizona (BYFAZ) campaign. Based out of the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation, BYFAZ is a three year, $3M industry-led career awareness effort aimed at inspiring the next generation of skilled tradespeople to take action and enter construction.
Before that, Josh was the Executive Director of the Highland County Chamber of Commerce in Virginia. His portfolio included government relations and member services, and he was responsible for organizing the county’s annual Maple Festival (50,000 attendees).
He has a strong background in nonprofit leadership, strategic planning, and advocacy.
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.
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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.
