In the heart of Phoenix’s booming construction landscape, JT Dick, Project Manager at Chanen Construction (a Dick Anderson Construction (DAC) company), navigates a market unlike any other in the country.
With 20 years in the construction industry, JT brings his valuable experience to Chanen’s projects. While Chanen Construction has built landmark projects, JT’s current focus is on the Hilton at the Peak renovation, where he brings a fresh perspective to the unique challenges of building in the Southwest.
“After seven decades in the Valley, we’ve witnessed countless changes, yet Phoenix remains unmatched as a place to build our business, raise our families and create lasting opportunities,” says Steve Chanen, President and CEO of Chanen Construction. “The growth potential here continues to drive our commitment to this community.”
The Phoenix construction scene has evolved into a sophisticated network where subcontractors wield significant influence. This dynamic has pushed the entire industry forward, with subcontractors adopting modern tools and software that elevate standards across the board.
What makes Phoenix unique is how subcontractors have evolved, using advanced technology and operations that rival what you would see from general contractors in other markets. This has created an environment where collaboration is essential to the success of the project.
This reality has forced JT to adapt his project management strategy, shifting from a traditional approach to one that emphasizes partnership with subcontractors. His strategy centers on creating mutually beneficial situations in the market. Rather than dictating terms, JT focuses on creating value for everyone involved in the project.
“In Phoenix, we embrace a partnership model that creates value for everyone involved in the project,” JT says. “This collaborative approach means we spend more time upfront building relationships with our subcontractors, understanding their capabilities and strengths, and finding ways to enhance their contributions. The result is a more efficient process and higher quality outcomes for our clients.”
This approach includes strategic implementation of self-performing work like earthwork, concrete and carpentry to maintain quality control and manage timelines effectively. When Chanen self-performs certain aspects of the work, they are not trying to compete with subcontractors but creating a framework that helps everyone succeed. JT emphasizes accuracy and pride in workmanship as key differentiators.
Navigating Industry Challenges
The construction industry continues to grapple with extended lead times in manufacturing and supply chains, a lingering effect of the pandemic. JT points to a fundamental shift in how materials are sourced and delivered.
The industry has moved from a stock-based system to made-to-order products with global component sourcing, requiring more proactive material selection and procurement. Specialized equipment that once arrived in weeks now takes months, forcing project teams to make decisions much earlier in the process.
These supply chain issues are compounded by design delays and city permitting bottlenecks, as Phoenix’s rapid growth has outpaced the capacity of municipal departments. Permit approvals that once took weeks now stretch to months, adding significant time to project schedules.
Perhaps most concerning is the shortage of skilled labor in trades like plumbing, electrical and HVAC, which remains the biggest day-to-day challenge.
Despite these challenges, JT sees a solid future for the Phoenix market. The region is returning to pre-COVID levels, but with continued growth ahead. The influx of companies relocating to Phoenix is driving housing demand, which in turn creates commercial space needs. Major tech companies have established operations in the area, bringing thousands of employees who need places to live, work and play.
JT sees particular potential in the hospitality sector, where he anticipates a focus on renovations and upgrades rather than new construction. Property owners are investing in refreshing existing assets to meet changing guest expectations, with renovation budgets increasing to accommodate higher-end finishes and technology integration.
“The hospitality sector is evolving in interesting ways,” JT says. “Property owners now prefer to refresh existing assets rather than build new accommodations. They are investing in higher-end finishes and technology integration that enhance the guest experience.”
Sustainability continues to evolve through building codes and regulations. Green building practices are becoming standard through updated codes and client expectations. New energy efficiency requirements have added to construction costs, but these investments typically pay for themselves through reduced operating expenses.
When discussing the industry’s biggest challenge, JT points to what he calls the impossible triangle of cost, speed and quality. Clients want all three, but the reality is they typically have to prioritize two at the expense of the third. JT’s job is to help clients make informed decisions about those tradeoffs, often recommending phased approaches that balance immediate needs with long-term goals.
A Day in the Life
JT’s typical day starts early, with a focus on communication and staying ahead of potential issues. He is usually on site by 6:30 a.m., checking progress and talking with the team. By 7 a.m., he is reviewing daily work plans with superintendents and foremen, addressing any coordination issues before they become problems.
Mid-morning typically involves meetings with architects, engineers or clients to resolve design questions or review project progress. Afternoons are dedicated to procurement, scheduling, and budget management, ensuring materials arrive when needed and costs stay on track.
This proactive approach reflects the best advice he has received in his career, “address problems immediately, as they only worsen with time and never hesitate to ask questions.”
When reflecting on his most memorable project earlier in his career before joining Chanen, the San Francisco Giants spring training facility remodel at Papago Park stands out. The client’s trust allowed the team to overcome complex challenges, including a tight schedule that had to be completed before spring training began.
The project involved renovating existing facilities while adding new training areas, batting cages and player amenities. What made this project particularly complex was the implementation of proprietary technology for player performance tracking and analysis, requiring precise installation and integration with the facility’s infrastructure.
The team worked double shifts six days a week to meet the deadline, coordinating closely with the Giants’ operations staff to ensure the facility would meet the needs of players and coaches. Their appreciation was evident when the president of the team presented JT with a custom Giants watch after completion, a memento he still wears.
“The Giants project was all about trust,” JT says. “The complexity of integrating their proprietary technology while maintaining the tight schedule meant we had to work closely with their operations team every step of the way. What made it successful was the open communication between our team and theirs, we became partners rather than just contractor and client. That approach has shaped how I manage projects to this day.”
As Chanen Construction continues its growth under the DAC umbrella, JT remains positive about Phoenix’s construction market despite current challenges. The 2023 acquisition by Dick Anderson Construction has brought additional resources and expertise to the company, allowing them to take on larger and more complex projects. His approach emphasizes quality, sustainability and client relationships as the foundation for success.
