Thursday May 8, 2025

LOCATION: ARIZONA CENTER

400 E Van Buren St. Phoenix AZ 85004

11th FLOOR

8am - 3pm MST

EVENT AGENDA

Keynote

Sergei Guk, CEO and Founder
RestorationHQ

As an enterprising CEO and Founder of RestorationHQ, Sergei Guk has carved out a distinct path of innovative leadership and heartfelt dedication within the restoration industry. His venture is constructed on a foundation of expertise, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, restoring not just buildings but also revitalizing communities across the Phoenix Metropolitan Area.

With a professional background that encompasses roles from field technician to the executive management of restoration enterprises, Sergei’s career stands as a testament to the virtues of curiosity, perseverance, and the pursuit of continuous learning. He consistently explores advancements in technology, systems, and processes, implementing them effectively to surpass industry standards. His leadership style is characterized by transparency and inclusivity, fostering an environment where input from all team members is valued and integral to their collective success. Known for trustworthiness, generosity, and a deep sense of community responsibility, Sergei has distinguished himself among his peers and collaborators.

It is with genuine enthusiasm that we asked Sergei to share his experience and knowledge in this one of a kind speaking engagement— a relevant and timely topic that promises to reshape professional paradigms: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its critical role in the construction, restoration and many other industries. The event promises to provide an eye-opening exploration of how AI can be a game-changer in daily operations, elevating project management, automating routines, and ensuring precision in disaster recovery and mitigation efforts. You will leave with at least 3 different tools that you can start using immediately to buy back your time and achieve more with less.

1

Justin Neagle,
Chief Storytelling Officer
Spot Migration

Will Foret, CEO
Spot Migration

Cybersecurity & IT: The Silent Killer of Scaling AEC Firms

Every AEC firm wants to scale, but few realize that cybersecurity and IT are often the biggest unseen threats to growth. A single breach, downtime event, or data loss incident can derail projects, drain profits, and destroy trust with clients.

In this high-impact session, we’ll break down:

The real financial risks of weak cybersecurity (it’s not just an IT problem — it’s a business problem)
How cyberattacks are targeting AEC firms specifically and what you can do to stop them
The hidden IT bottlenecks that are slowing down your company’s ability to scale
How leading firms are leveraging IT as a competitive advantage instead of a cost center
Scaling your firm without a rock-solid cybersecurity and IT strategy is like building on a crumbling foundation. Learn what the most successful AEC companies are doing to protect their businesses and future-proof their growth

2

Scott Franchini, Partner

RedHammer

MORE MONEY, MORE...

Finance experts will provide valuable insights into optimizing financial operations for improved profitability and sustainability. Attendees will learn about the latest ways to streamline financial processes, minimize risks, and make data-driven decisions to strengthen their bottom line. This session is ideal for construction leaders seeking to enhance financial oversight and ensure long-term financial health in the public and private sector.

3

Justin Ramirez,
Director of Strategic Growth
RTM Engineering Consultants

Steve Carroll, CEO
Kelso Industries

Jesse Terry, CEO
Blue Ocean Edge

Moderator: Justin Neagle
Spot Migration

LESSONS FROM THE TRENCHES:
M&A, Ownership Transition, and Scaling Smart

Mergers and acquisitions can be a game-changer for AEC firms looking to scale — but only if done right. Join us for an exclusive panel featuring industry leaders who have successfully navigated acquisitions, integrations, and ownership transitions.

Our expert panelists Steve Carroll (Kelso Industries), Justin Ramirez (RTM Engineering Consultants), and Jessie Terry (BlueOcean Edge, LLC) will share insider insights on:

When to pursue M&A vs. organic growth
How to evaluate acquisition opportunities and avoid costly mistakes
The financial and operational red flags every firm should watch for
Strategies to retain key employees and maintain culture post-merger
What the future holds for AEC M&A in a shifting economic landscape

Whether you’re looking to acquire, sell, or transition ownership, this session will equip you with the knowledge to make smarter, more strategic decisions.

4

Rev. Nicole Rodriguez, President
John Delano Marketing

ROBOTS DOING MARKETING.

Will that ever happen? It is happening. Your AEC marketing leaders should be able to illustrate how all the tools in your marketing matrix are performing, while advocating for the use of advanced technology. As executives, you should provide clarity on their upward mobility within the company, and know how to establish and manage a thriving marketing and communications department that is scalable.

Attendees will learn about the latest trends in construction industry brand and marketing management including:

Finding and onboarding top creative talent
Developing marketing c-suite roles
Establishing brand authority
Strategic planning for rapid growth
Budget and resource management

Our guests will also see behind the scenes of developing unique experiential campaigns like the AEC Growth Summit. Creative marketing campaigns to specific target audiences are all about telling a story that inspires action.

5

Cassie Wells, CEO

Modern BD

BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP GARDENING

Do you have some great account managers, but perhaps they need a deeper focus on obtaining new business? Maybe you have a sales or BD rep that you’re unsure of whether they can make it, but you’ve invested so much thus far that you need to give them one final Hail Mary? Or are YOU the company’s Business Development plan, but your time is too valuable to spend networking?

During this session, Cassie Wells, owner of Modern Business Development, will introduce you to the Business Relationship Gardening plan. From specific networking techniques during the “Seed Gathering” step all the way through uniquely “Watering” seeds that have already come to harvest. If your 2025 goals include revenue growth, you won’t want to miss this!

6

Jimmy Lindblom, VP Economic Development and Infrastructure
Willmeng

STRATEGIC GROWTH THROUGH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

As a lifetime resident of the Phoenix area, Jimmy has dedicated much of his time and energy to the development and fostering of a broad
network throughout Arizona. He leverages these strong relationships
with those he knows within municipalities, SRP, Southwest Gas, Maricopa
County, to name a few, to ensure that projects flow smoothly from
start to finish. In an effort to understand the challenges/ opportunities
associated with any project, Jimmy proactively begins discussions with
many of these stakeholders.

As a panel host of the AEC Growth Summit, Jimmy is pulling back the curtain on why utilities are the heartbeat of growth, how economic development and infrastructure depend on business support, he critical (and often overlooked) boards and commissions that shape our cities, and how YOU - yes, you - can play a bigger role in helping communities thrive. This is one of those sessions that will change how you think about development forever.

Seed Gathering Happy Hour

Pour into your goals with an interactive experience hosted by Cassie Wells, CEO, Modern Business Development.

Modern BD will bring best practices in authentic relationship building and c-suite level business development, illustrating a complete program designed to establish and grow a thriving BD department. It doesn't matter if you are still the principal BD role at your firm or if you have hired a fleet of business developers, this session is for you.

Game Show Sponsor

This interactive experience will bring together attendees in a groundbreaking showdown of challenges meant to connect and inspire, with an opportunity to win cash and prizes as well as showcase your wisdom as executive leaders in AEC.

SIM SPACE by
Pixel Golf

For home, office or anywhere we want attendees to find new ways to upgrade your daily experience, expand creativity, entertain clients, and invest in your culture - so custom golf sim options by Pixel Golf will be on site to give the full experience!