Brad Leavitt doesn’t just want his construction business to succeed, he wants to elevate the construction industry as a whole. It’s part of the reason why, in addition to serving as owner and founder of AFT Construction in Scottsdale, Leavitt runs a podcast for entrepreneurs and posts about construction-related issues on social media daily. He also launched a continuing education initiative for contractors across the country called the Contractor Coalition Summit.
“This is a continuing education course for all contractors that will teach them about construction, scheduling, pricing, client relations, marketing, branding and contracting,” Leavitt’s team said. “Construction is not an industry where professionals share ideas, billing secrets and contracts. Brad is trying to break down those barriers to create many successful entrepreneurs in the industry.”
Leavitt graduated from Brigham Young University in 2005 with a degree in construction management, worked for six years for two firms and gained valuable experience as a project manager before launching AFT Construction in 2013.
AFT Construction is an award-winning firm that has worked on some of the signature residential and commercial projects in the Phoenix area. In the coming years, AFT plans to open offices in three other major cities across the country, building on its national brand. AFT has also launched its own structural steel construction company, helping complete both residential and commercial projects, including a charter school in Queen Creek, Arizona.
“One of our greatest assets is the team we’ve built here at AFT,” Leavitt said. “Years of experience, combined with incredible customer service, is something we’re proud to bring to our clients. Whether it’s technology, the use of unique materials or architectural design, AFT is a leader in using modern techniques to deliver a high-quality project. AFT Construction is built around extraordinary people that offer over 110 years of combined custom home-building experience.”
Leavitt has been voted the Top Custom Builder in Phoenix by Arizona Foothills Magazine for five consecutive years. Leavitt and his firm also were selected by Professional Builder magazine to build the national home of the year, the Desert Comfort Experience Home. The home produces as much energy as it consumes, showing that with science, tested materials and a plan, homes in the desert can be sustainable and efficient.
Leavitt also gives back. He serves the Mesa men’s shelter food bank, and he and his company donate time and energy to aCatholic food bank, Phoenix Children’s Hospital and local schools.
Leavitt credits much of his success and leadership acumen to a mentor who worked with him out of college.
“He never looked at me as less than him, despite his seniority and experience,” Leavitt said. “He would find every opportunity to teach me. He always said that you never look at someone as they are but how they one day could be. This gave me the confidence to push and challenge myself beyond what I thought was possible.”
