Mike Forst began working at Sun State Builders in 2000 when he was a recent graduate of Northern Arizona University. Early in his career, Forst worked under his mentor Jim Vallas, the general manager for 40 years, and gained an extensive understanding of construction best practices, standards of excellence and a sense of fairness in contracting. Forst continued to take on more responsibilities with a variety of roles at the company before becoming a partner in 2020 and ultimately taking the reins as chief executive officer in 2024.
Sun State Builders is a leading Arizona design-build general contractor with a portfolio of commercial and residential projects throughout Arizona. Projects include ground-up builds in office, retail, industry, hospitality, and multifamily development, along with tenant improvement projects and renovations, ranging from 5,000 to 1,000,000 square feet.
Over the course of 25 years with the company, Forst has been instrumental in business development and sales for the company by developing customer relationships. Since he was named a partner, Sun State Builders experienced doubled revenue and profits with the majority of growth in the industrial sector. Under Forst’s leadership, Sun State Builders takes on anywhere from 30 to 40 construction projects a year and has increased its staff by 15%.
“Mike goes to great lengths to understand the customers and their business needs to help ensure that Sun State Builders is building a space to meet those needs,” said his staff. “He is a collaborative leader who encourages those around him, and he helps foster their growth and teaches whenever he can, giving employees guidance and tools needed to do their jobs.”
His efforts have earned Forst recognition as a speaker on industry panels, recognition as people to know in commercial real estate from Arizona Business Magazine, and the company has earned the best of NAIOP award and RED awards.
As a leader, Forst said that it’s important to have work ethic, character and drive. He also believes in collaborating with leaders to solve complex problems. “I have success resolving problems by choosing the right action at the right time and communicating it effectively,” he said.
If he could give his younger self advice, Forst said it would be to find a mentor early on in your career and follow one simple rule: “Show up, follow the golden rule, hustle and be ready to learn,” he said.
