MANAGEMENT
More about the people behind US Devcon
Kurt Koerner
CEO
Mr. Koerner - CEO of US Development and Construction Inc.
Mr. Koerner is currently the Chief Executive Officer for US Development and Construction Inc. (formerly Altus Development Corp.) and is responsible for managing the construction operations of the corporation as well as overseeing its strategic real estate development plans. Mr. Koerner has an extensive background in all areas of the construction industry and has received a bachelor’s degree in Physics and Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy, in addition to holding graduate degrees from the University of Southern California and Arizona State University. Upon graduating from the Air Force Academy in 1982, Kurt served in the US Air Force as an F-15 pilot and qualified in various other aircraft throughout his 12-year career in the Air Force.
Before US Development and Construction Inc., Kurt owned and operated Altus Development Corp. of Arizona for 25 years and was the qualifying party for the company’s KB-1 Dual Residential and Commercial Building license as well as its KA Dual Engineering license. Under his licenses, Mr. Koerner has supervised the construction of over 400 high-end residential homes and over 60 large commercial projects, along with numerous smaller commercial and industrial projects.
Kurt has also developed and improved raw land for housing and commercial projects, where he supervised the installation of the underground dry and wet utilities, curbs, gutters, and paving. To maintain quality control, he also ran his own concrete, framing, drywall, and stucco crews for his residential and small commercial projects. The company also owned a large amount of heavy equipment and employed operators for heavy construction projects and earthwork.
Mr. Koerner has also been an adjunct professor* at the Del E. Webb School of Construction at Arizona State University (ASU) for more than 20 years, where he has utilized his hands-on construction industry experience and knowledge to teach the industry’s future constructors in the latest means, methods, and techniques of building sciences. As an adjunct professor at ASU, Kurt has taught various construction courses to undergraduate and graduate students, such as Estimating, Methods of Construction, Construction Scheduling, Cost Accounting, and Heavy Construction. In addition, as a professor at a major university, Kurt has been hired as a consultant on various construction projects for the Hunt Construction Group, McCarthy Building Companies, and Sundt Construction.
* Adjunct Professor means part-time, usually one course per semester.
Tom Coury
CFO
Tom Coury - CFO
Thomas A. Coury is an accomplished professional with an impressive resume that includes a diverse range of experience and expertise. He graduated from the University of San Diego in 1976 with a degree in Accounting and Business Administration, with an emphasis on tax. Following this, he attended Thunderbird International School of Management. He is currently married with four children and over 17 grandchildren.
Coury is a licensed Arizona Real Estate Broker since 1983 and has held a past license as an Arizona Mortgage Broker from 1983 to 1995. He is also a licensed Arizona General Contractor and owns ATM Builders and V.P.U.S. Development and Construction Inc. Additionally, he holds a current license as a Private Pilot Single Engine, Multi-Engine VFR/IFR.
Throughout his career, Coury has built, owned, and sold various residential and commercial properties in Arizona and Nevada. Notable projects include the Venetian Mini Storage in Fort Mohave, Arizona, and three residential subdivisions in Bullhead City and Fort Mohave, Arizona. He also participated as a broker and minor owner in several real estate deals with well-known brands such as In & Out Burger, Safeway, Smiths Foods, Sonic Foods franchise, and Tractor Supply.
Currently, Coury is a consultant for LLCs or family trusts, and he recently completed and sold a 148-condo reversion back to an apartment complex in Phoenix, Arizona, with partners. He also holds positions as M.M. or V.P. in those entities. Coury's extensive experience and expertise make him a valuable asset to any team or project.
SCOTT BURDETTE
Chief Construction Officer
Scott Burdette - Executive in Construction
An executive experienced in high levels of operations and financial performance for Investors, Private Funding Firms, Lenders, Developers, and Owners. Known for hands-on management of operation teams and problem-solving skills in a wide range of projects for Developers and Owners. Comprehensive presentation of complex construction forecasting, such as phased schedules, constructability, cash management of projects, and the capability to communicate these critical development subjects to clients. ICC, IBC, UBC licensed, actively overseeing construction teams throughout this country for over 25 years. It is important to understand the importance of strongly managing information during the construction process to see that the intent of the working drawings and the client's needs are satisfied or exceeded.
Over two decades ago, Scott Burdette purchased a national construction company based in Nevada. The company specialized in commercial construction projects in more than 30 states. While serving as President and Co-Owner, the company successfully completed over 20 million square feet of commercial ground-up projects and major tenant improvements for many national firms, hospitality groups, manufacturing, restaurants, continuum care projects, hotels, casino improvements, industrial, office, retail, education, and medical throughout the United States.
In 2018, Strategic Development Partners, LLC was launched with a seasoned team with decades of development and construction experience, with deep relationships with developers and investors to bring local and national development projects to fruition.
MORE OF THE TEAM
Suzan Swabacker
Vice President of California Operations
Suzan Swabacker - Vice President of California Operations
Suzan Swabacker is a licensed architect with over 35 years of experience. She has a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Masters of Civil Engineering - Construction Management from Stanford University. She is licensed as an architect in California and Hawaii and is a LEEDap. Suzan is a member of various professional organizations, including the NSPE, ASCE, and the Organization of Women Architects+ Design Professionals.
Work Experience
- Various A/E firms, including KMD, ECA Architects, and Miller Architects
- On-site Construction Manager for the SF Airport Marriott Hotel
- On-site Assistant Project Manager for Kajima Construction's renovation of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in SF
- Provided on-site services for US Pacific Builders, GC, in the renovation of the Queen Lili’okahlani Shopping Center, Maui, HI
- Provided on-site Architectural services for PT Mulia Group, Jakarta, Indonesia
Projects
- Provided architectural services for various low-income housing renovations in SF, Hayward, and Livermore, in partnership with Barcelon-Jang
- On-site Construction Management for the Google complex at Moffett Field, CA
- Currently providing architectural services for Mercy Housing Renovations and ADUs
Experience
- Various project contract types, including Fast-track Design-Build, Construction Fee+ NTE, and Bid-Build Construction
- Projects have included Building Code Types: I and II, Type III and Type V (Residential)
- Part-time adjunct professor at the Academy of Art University, SF, since 1998
KRIS Poole
Office Administrator
Kris Poole : Office Administrator
Kris Poole is an experienced Office Manager with extensive knowledge of office operations and human resource systems. She has over 2 decades of experience managing all types of construction and service-based companies. Kris combines her meticulous attention to detail with her pleasant and personable manner to deal with all types of situations that may arise during the construction process. Some of her skills include an understanding of construction AR/AP and payroll data processing with QuickBook’s Online accounting software along with proficiency in all Microsoft office tools such as Word and Excel, email with Outlook and Website editing.
In addition, she depends on her strong customer service background to manage all types of inquiries from vendors and clients on the phone and she is also proficient in scheduling meetings, handling employee and sub-contractor issues, including jobsite administration. Finally, Kris manages all media and public relations inquiries for the company including social media and web-based marketing.
George Wittler
Vice President of Architecture and Design
George B. Wittler, AIA, ICC
Education:
- University of California, Berkeley
- Bachelor of Architecture, 1969
Professional Licenses:
- Licensed Architect
- Arizona - California - Hawaii - Oregon – Nevada - Washington
Defense Industrial Security Clearance:
Top Secret (inactive)
Professional Organizations:
- American Institute of Architects (AIA)
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
- International Code Council (ICC)
Employment:
- 1967 – 1971 American Construction Company
- 1971 – 1978 Naval Facilities Engineering Command (WESTDIV, OICC Trident), & NAVFAC REP, (Depart. of Defense Explosive Safety Board (DDESB)) GA-13
- 1978 – 1980 George Wittler, Architect
- 1980 – 1985 ECA Architects, Partner
- 1985 – 1994 Wittler Brochier Architects, Partner
- 1994 – 2000 Onyx Group, Vice President
- 2000 – 2010 Azon Design International, LLC, President
- 2010 – 2014 Tower Design Group/Azon, Principal in Charge
- 2015 – Current Azon Design International, LLC, President
Professional Experience:
Mr. Wittler is a licensed architect with over 30 years of DoD and Federal facilities design experience serving the design and construction needs of various organizations. Projects have included Facility Planning, Design-Build, and Design-Bid construction documents subject to LEED design. Construction methods have addressed most structural systems and architectural materials relevant to local site conditions.
Relevant Project Experience:
Current Lead Design Project Architect on Federal work:
- Design Bid - 14,282 SF Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Clinic, Veterans Administration and COE, Army Medical Center, Tripler Hospital, Honolulu, HI. $8M
- Design Bid - Solar Array Hydrogen Generation Refueling Station, Hawaii Air National Guard, Hickam AFB, Hawaii, $5M
- Design Build, Structural Roof Redesign System on Building 822, 20,000 SF, Warehouse, Army Yakima Training Center, Yakima, WA. $743K
- Design Build, SCIF/Tempest Design, Hardened Secure Space, Build 1074, Naval Base Kitsap, Keyport, WA, $409K
- Design Build, Level One Tempest Design Facility, 5,000 sf ETMS Facility, Naval Submarine Training Center, Ford Island, Joint Base Hickam/Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, HI
- Design Build, USCG Station Yaquina Bay Tower M&R, Observation House Replacement, Newport, OR, $425K
- Design Build, WLCTT Tech Building Submarine Simulator Training Building Alterations, Building 39, Naval Base Pearl Harbor, HI. $1.2M
- Design Build, EA-18G Flight Simulator Training Facility Renovation, NAS Whidbey Island, WA. $406K
- Design Build, Navy BEQ 2302 Renovation and Upgrades to market style quality of life UFC Bachelor Housing Standards, Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, WA $8.8M
- Design Build, Marine Barracks 2102 and Marine Headquarters Administration Bldg. Renovation and Upgrades, to market style quality of life UFC Bachelor Housing Standards, Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, WA $11M
- Design Build, Army Fort Harrison Warehouse Renovation and Interior Addition, MT.$275K
- Design Build, Waste Management Recycle Center, Marine Corp Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, HI, $5M
- Design Build, Fitness Center Renovation and Upgrade, Bldg 69 Warfield Gym Naval Base Ventura County Sea Bee Base, Port Hueneme, CA, $2.4M
- Design Build, NOAA Humpback Whale Lab, Renovation, Kihei, Maui HI. $380K
Current IDIQ Design Contracts (subcontractor):
- NAVFAC Pacific IDIQ Contract, Sub Contractor, PACDIV Honolulu, HI. 2011-2016
- NAVFAC Southwest IDIQ Contract, Sub Contractor, SOUTHWEST, San Diego, CA. 2008-2013
IDIQ DOD Project Experience (Wittler/Brochier as Prime Contractor):
- Contract Manager / Architect for 2 - Multi-discipline Indefinite Quantity Design Contract, plus option year extension with EFA NW, Poulsbo, WA (6 years)
- Contract Manager / Architect for 2 - Multi-discipline Indefinite Quantity Design Contract, plus option year extension with NAVFAC NW, Naval Base Kitsap, WA (10 years)
- Contract Manager / Architect for 7 - Multi-discipline Indefinite Quantity Design Contracts for WESTDIV, CA.(14 years)
- Contract Manager / Architect for 8 - Multi-discipline Indefinite Design and Planning Contract for PWC, SFRANBAY, Oakland, CA, plus option years. (15)
- Contract Manager / Architect for 1 – Multi-discipline Indefinite A/E Contract for NAS Moffett Field, plus option year. (5 years)
- Contract Manager / Architect for 4 – USCG Indefinite Delivery Contracts for A/E Services, including option years (15years)
Prepare Request for Design Build Proposals:
- P- 345, Aviation Armament Shop, Naval Strike Air Warfare Center, NAS Fallon, NV
- P-116, Air Control Tower Replacement, NAS Lemoore
- P-174, Naval Research Laboratory Building, Naval Postgraduate School Annex, Monterey, CA
- P-199 Glasgow Hall Addition, Phase 1, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA
- RM13-99 Repair Fire Station Building 430, Port Hueneme, NBVC, CA
- P-177 Replace Oceanography Lab Building, Beach, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA
- P-134 Preposition Expedition Force Warehouse Building, Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme, CA
- RM13-103 Repair/Renovate Personnel Family Services Center, Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme, CA
- DE5-07, Demolition and Consolidate Fuel Laboratory Building, Naval Base Point Loma, CA
- DE003-06 Consolidate/Demolish Building 49 and 93, FISC Naval Base Point Loma, CA
- DE1-07, Demolish Bldg 9 and Consolidate Operations Bldg, Naval Base Point Loma, CA
- DE4-06, Demolish Buildings 2,10 & 59 at FSAW and Consolidate Activities, Naval Base Point Loma, CA
- DE2-07, Demolish 13 Buildings and Consolidate New Crane Training Building, Port Hueneme, NBVC, CA
- DE3-07 MWR Fitness Consolidation Center, Point Magu, NBVC, CA
Barry Poole
CTO
Barry Poole - Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Barry Poole is the Chief Technology Officer and has over 30 years of experience in construction and cyber security. He is responsible for managing the technology and software systems of the corporation, as well as providing computer security for the company. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in business finance from Arizona State University with a minor in Computer Science.
Mr. Poole’s knowledge of computer science and cyber security combined with his extensive comprehension of cutting-edge smart home technology gives him a unique advantage in the modern construction field. He is also a licensed UAV (Drone) pilot with experience in all types of aerial photography and construction photogrammetry for all types and stages of the construction process.
In addition to his role as Chief Technology Officer, Mr. Poole is an administrator for Procore construction software where he oversees all aspects and implementation. He monitors the daily communications between suppliers, subcontractors, labor force, general contractor, and architect to effectively manage the real-time construction making process.
Chad Baehr
Head of Concrete Division
Chad Baehr
Chad Baehr is the head of US Development and Construction Inc.'s concrete division and is a seasoned expert on all methods of concrete construction. With his extensive knowledge and experience, Chad ensures that the company delivers high-quality concrete projects.
Chad believes in procuring the best equipment for the job, and recently, US Development and Construction Inc. has purchased a robotic concrete extrusion machine. This advanced technology significantly increases productivity and precision in laying concrete, providing a competitive edge in the industry.
In addition to his role in the concrete division, Chad is also involved with the real estate development side of US Development and Construction Inc. He brings a creative approach to projects and is known for thinking outside the box to initiate innovative and unique ventures.
Chad Baehr is a seasoned business professional who has successfully started multiple companies throughout his career. One notable venture includes a company that operates large-scale party venues, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to identify and capitalize on market opportunities.
Omar Pedroza
Director of Human Resources
Omar - Founder of ARIA Builders LLC
About Omar and ARIA Builders LLC
Omar is the founder of ARIA Builders LLC, a subsidiary of US Devcon. ARIA Builders specializes in providing skilled construction labor to various large and small construction companies throughout the southwest region.
HR Expertise and Personnel Requirements
With over 10 years of HR experience, Omar possesses extensive expertise in the field of human resources. He brings insightful outcomes regarding a company's personnel requirements, ranging from manpower solutions for construction crews at the bottom levels to recruiting top talent for executive positions. Omar is capable of handling the full spectrum of resource needs for any construction company.
Leadership and Managerial Skills
Mr. Pedroza's strong leadership and managerial skills have significantly improved US Devcon's human resource requirements. He excels at working with crews in the field, focusing on enhancing productivity and quality. Additionally, his creative skills in mediating and suggesting agreeable solutions for employee internal disputes have contributed to the overall performance of the company.
Elio Khalife
Executive
Elio Khalife - Vice President of Real Estate Acquisitions
Elio Khalife is a highly successful businessman and entrepreneur, best known for his expertise in the art of closing deals. He has over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing, having worked with some of the world's largest companies. Elio has a proven track record of generating revenue for his clients and closing multi-million dollar deals.
Elio is the founder and CEO of First American Investment, LLC, a private equity firm that focuses on real estate investments. He has been involved in numerous successful real estate ventures, including the acquisition and development of luxury hotels and residential properties. In addition to his real estate business, Elio is also a motivational speaker and author, sharing his knowledge and insights on entrepreneurship, sales, and personal development.
Elio is recognized as a master closer, having developed a unique approach to negotiating and closing deals. He emphasizes the importance of building trust and relationships with clients, as well as understanding their needs and motivations. Elio's success is driven by his passion for helping others succeed, his unwavering work ethic, and his commitment to continuous learning and personal growth.
David Doretti
VP Custom Pools
US Development and Construction inc.
We pride ourselves on understanding your vision and creating an easy-to-work-with process to make that happen.
Pool and Outdoor Living
Our Pool and Outdoor Living team has over 30 years of experience in developing dynamic pools utilizing advanced technologies. Our water features not only excite the young but also bring comfort to outdoor living spaces.
With an understanding of your vision, we can help you create a beautiful custom pool while staying within a given budget. We believe that even the smallest details matter when it comes to custom pool design and construction, in order to achieve perfect results.
David
David has been in professional sales for over 25 years and prides himself as a results-oriented person. In his prior position as the sales manager of Walmart's prescription department, Dave understands that producing quality products at a reasonable price leads to satisfied customers who become loyal and refer others.
Education and Professional Experience
- Graduated in 1984 from Ferris State University Michigan with a B.S. in Pharmacy and worked for 10 years as an independent Pharmacy owner.
- In 1994, Dave moved from Chicago to the Phoenix area to pursue a profession in financial securities as Vice President of Investments with Prudential Securities.
- In 2004, Dave shifted his focus from financial securities to real estate investments.
Frank Abasciano
VP of Heavy Construction
About Frank Abasciano
Frank Abasciano began his career in the heavy construction business in 1988 as a heavy equipment operator, specializing in large demolition and earthwork projects. With extensive experience in the industry, he has honed his skills and become an expert in all forms of heavy construction.
Background and Accomplishments
In 1993, Frank moved to Las Vegas, where he joined an underground utility company. During his time there, he gained valuable expertise in installing water mains, stormwater retention systems, and underground sewer systems.
In 2003, Frank returned to New York and founded Worldwide Equipment Inc., a company specializing in buying and selling heavy construction equipment. Additionally, he established and managed a large demolition company as part of his business operations.
Recognizing the benefits of Arizona's year-round sunny weather, Mr. Abasciano decided to relocate to the state in 2013. He founded Abasciano Demolition, which quickly expanded to include an earthwork division under Frank's leadership.
Abasciano Demolition and US Devcon
Abasciano Demolition is a subsidiary of US Development and Construction Inc. US Devcon takes pride in having Abasciano Demolition as part of their organization, benefitting from Frank Abasciano's expertise and experience in heavy construction.