Jerry Barnier
Founder
Jerry Barnier began his construction career in 1973 as a concrete laborer, quickly rising through the ranks to Tradesman. In 1983, he earned his Arizona Contractor’s License and, a year later, purchased Artcraft Construction, renaming it Suntec Concrete.
Since founding Suntec Concrete in 1984, Jerry has worked relentlessly to position the company as a leader in high-demand, technically complex concrete projects. His leadership helped build a reputation for delivering outstanding solutions with exceptional quality and client satisfaction throughout the Southwest. Over four decades, Jerry’s work has been integral to numerous significant projects, establishing Suntec as a top-tier concrete contractor.
As an industry innovator, Jerry introduced several key advancements, including bringing the first laserscreed to the Southwest, which revolutionized concrete floor construction. He also developed industrial slab mix designs to enhance structural performance. Early in the company’s history, Jerry created specialized divisions within Suntec, each focused on a specific area of expertise, including foundations, flatwork, tilt-up construction, and finishing. This specialization enabled Suntec to refine techniques, improve work quality, and boost efficiency across its projects.
Jerry’s leadership has driven Suntec’s steady growth. By 2023, in Jerry’s final year before retirement, Suntec became the 5th largest concrete company in the U.S. and the #1 Specialty Contractor in the Southwest. Today, the company is one of Arizona’s largest employers, with 88% minority employment and 66% minority shareholders, a testament to Jerry’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Known for his hands-on approach, Jerry frequently joined crews during critical projects, often arriving at 2 a.m. for important concrete pours. He is celebrated for building deep relationships within the industry, treating everyone involved in a project as vital to its success. His focus on early involvement in projects, providing design solutions and risk management insights, set Suntec apart as a preferred partner for developers and general contractors alike.
Under Jerry’s leadership, Suntec has grown to employ more than 2,100 tradespeople. He personally invested time in mentoring project managers and training employees, ensuring that Suntec consistently delivered value and quality. Jerry could often be found at 4 a.m., participating in training sessions or project meetings, guiding his team and shaping the company’s direction. It is through his field presence that Jerry spearheaded many of the innovations for which Suntec is known.
In addition to his focus on project excellence, Jerry implemented numerous programs to foster a positive workplace culture. Suntec’s motto, “Teach. Train. Expect.” reflects the company’s commitment to ongoing education and development. Employees have the opportunity to attend industry training, transition into teaching roles, and grow their careers. This culture of growth has allowed employees to advance into roles beyond their expectations, driven by their ambition and training. Suntec also promotes an open-door policy, where employees share personal and professional goals quarterly, leading to new ideas, services, and expansion into multiple geographic markets.
Jerry’s long-term impact on the industry, along with other criteria such as community engagement and project prominence, are among the reasons ENR selected him to receive the 2023 ENR Southwest Legacy Award.
A hallmark of Suntec’s culture, established by Jerry, is giving back to both employees and the community. During the 2008 market downturn, rather than laying off employees, Jerry had the team engage in community service projects to ensure they continued receiving paychecks. This philanthropy has since become a core part of Suntec’s identity.
One of Suntec’s signature community initiatives is its Teacher Appreciation program, launched in 2015. Employees nominate impactful teachers, and Suntec provides classroom supplies and gifts. To date, the program has donated over $1 million in resources. Suntec also supports other causes, including Teach for America, Wounded Warriors, and UMOM, further reflecting Jerry’s deep commitment to giving back.
In addition to these charitable efforts, Jerry led Suntec to establish two $5,000 scholarships with ASU’s School of Construction and created an internship program to mentor students. Suntec also supports vocational education by donating time, expertise, and materials to high school carpentry competitions, encouraging the next generation of skilled workers.
For over 35 years, Jerry Barnier’s vision, leadership, and commitment to excellence have been the driving force behind Suntec’s success, fostering a culture of innovation, mentorship, and philanthropy that continues to thrive today.
