News

Andrea Alegria, Land Development Manager

January 13th, 2012

Andrea was introduced to the construction industry in 2001 working at Trench Tech, Inc. as a project coordinator. In March 2005,Andrea Alegria, Land Development Manager she joined the Silver Fern team as development coordinator and worked up the ladder of the firm, learning the details of construction management and entitlements. Her area if expertise is in supporting the development process from the beginning stages of due diligence and entitlements to jurisdictional acceptance.

She is a native Arizonan, growing up in Tucson. She moved to the Valley of the Sun in 2001. In her spare time she enjoys sewing and baking.

Fun Q&A with Andrea:

What is your favorite quote?
“If it don’t make a dollar, it don’t make sense” – DJ Quick

If you could have one superhero power, what would it be and why?
Instantly understand other languages so I can communicate with the world.

If you were the lead singer in a band, what band would it be?
Gwen Stefani – No Doubt

Where would you go on your dream vacation?
Greece

What is your number one pet peeve?
Forgetting something at the store and remembering it when I get home.

What cartoon character best describes you?
Elmira (Looney Tunes)

If you had to go WITHOUT one of the five senses, which would it be?
Smell

Favorites

Color: Pink
Book: Where the Sidewalk Ends
Movie: Sixteen Candles
Sport: Football
Band/Singer: NAS
Candy: Milky Way
Cookie: Peanut Butter
Type of Food: Mexican
Drink: Mountain Dew
Board/Card Game: UNO

Silver Fern Management, LLC is looking for an operations manager with the skills, real estate industry experience, and savvy to be the back bone of day-to-day operations.

December 22nd, 2011

Silver Fern Management, LLC is a growing development and construction management company that has been operating in the Valley for over 25 years. We are looking for an operations manager with the skills, real estate industry experience, and savvy to be the back bone of day-to-day operations. Position is responsible for the organization and coordination of office operations, procedures and resources to facilitate organizational effectiveness and efficiency.

To be successful in this role, you’ll need to thrive on variety, work independently, communicate well and possess a high level of organizational skills. We are looking for a motivated individual with a proven track record in business management and administration and the ability to work under pressure and prioritize. The right candidate will play an integral part in the future expansion of our company.

Key responsibilities:
• Review financial statements and data and utilize financial data to improve profitability.
• Prepare and control operational budgets and plan effective strategies for the financial well being of the company.
• Assist in the development of strategic plans for operational activity. Implement and manage operational plans.
• Improve processes and policies in support of organizational goals.
• Formulate and implement departmental and organizational policies and procedures to maximize output and monitor adherence to rules, regulations and procedures.
• Implement procedural and policy changes to improve operational efficiency
• Prepare operational reports and schedules to ensure efficiency
• Perform accounts payable and receivable functions
• Participate in marketing strategies and tasks as needed
• Maintain a safe and secure working environment
• Recruit and select office staff as needed
• Organize orientation and training of new staff members
• Manage internal staff relations
• Perform clerical and administrative responsibilities
• Handle customer inquiries and complaints

Requirements for Position:
• Business degree or equivalent experience
• Experience in and/or knowledge of land development, construction management, or real estate
• Knowledge of and proven experience in business and management principles
• Knowledge of accounting, data, and administrative management practices and procedures
• Knowledge of human resources management practices and procedures
• Computer skills with a high level of proficiency in Microsoft Office software and Accounting software

Key Competencies:
• Attention to detail and high level of accuracy
• Communication skills
• Proactive nature
• Problem analysis and assessment and high level decision making skills
• Planning and organizing
• Work and time management
• Information gathering and monitoring
• Initiative and integrity
• Adaptability in a variety of roles
• Teamwork and collaboration

The diversity of this role means you will be involved in many aspects of the company and will be a key part of a small team and our future growth and success. If you are the right person for us, please apply, including a one page cover letter telling us why you’d be perfect for the job to: resumes@silverfern-mgmt.com

Paradise Reserve

October 5th, 2011

Paradise Reserve is a beautiful community located at 40th Street and Lincoln Drive in Phoenix, AZ.  It is comprised of 32 luxury homes byParadise Reserve entrance Cullum Homes (www.cullumhomes.com) and 14 custom home lots by Paradise Reserve (www.paradisereserve.com)

Client: Paradiso Development Corporation

Completion Date: July, 2011

Role of Firm: Entitlement & Engineering, Preconstruction Administration, Utility Coordination, Budget Preparation, Contract Administration, Construction Management, Closeout/Post-Construction Administration

“I am very pleased with the work that Silver Fern Management, LLC has performed for us at Paradise Reserve.  Silver Fern did a great job and as a whole everyone was very professional and responsive.  We are also very happy with the quality of work that has been performed.  I want to thank Silver Fern and all their staff again for a great job.”

Bob Sahd, Paradiso Development Corporation

Paradise Reserve

Drew DeGrassi, Project Manager

October 5th, 2011

As Project Manager, Drew has had the opportunity to be exposed to a range of market conditions since he started in 2005. This experience has provided him with a unique perspective and experience in project management and creating comprehensive budgets. His deep understanding of project coordination is driven by extensive plan review for constructability and invaluable long term relationships  working with the valley’s jurisdictions and utility providers.

Drew started his career working for Poma of America in 1993 building ski lifts at several ski resorts in CO and NM.  In 1998, he went to work for an asphalt paving company as an estimator in 1998 and ended up becoming an area manager in their Northern Colorado division. Drew then came to Silver Fern in 2005.

His is certified by Maricopa County Air Quality as a Comprehensive Dust Control Coordinator.

Fun Q&A with Drew:

What is your favorite quote?
“I know that you believe you understood what you think I said, but I’m not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.”

If you were the lead singer in a band, what band would it be?
Beatles

What is your number one pet peeve?
Celebrities with a political agenda.

What cartoon character best describes you?
Homer Simpson

Favorites

Color: Blue
Book: Celestine Prophecy
Movie: The Hangover
Sport: Golf (play), Football (watch)
Band/Singer: Zac Brown Band
Candy: Snickers
Cookie: Chocolate Chip
Type of Food: Mexican
Drink: Dr. Pepper
Board/Card Game: Black Jack

The Reserve at Stonefield (Stonefield 2A)

April 11th, 2011

The Reserve at Stonefield is a 65 lot gated single family residential home parcel in the Stonefield master plan community located at Germann Road & Dobson Road in Chandler, AZ. The Reserve at Stonefield

Client: Ashton Woods Homes www.ashtonwoodshomes.com

Completion Date: March, 2011

Role of Firm: Entitlement Coordination, Preconstruction Administration, Utility Coordination, Contract Administration, Guaranteed Budget, Construction Management, Closeout/Post-Construction Administration

It has been a pleasure working with Silver Fern.  We are very happy with their expertise, recommendations and execution, whether it is with regards to land acquisition due diligence or land development.  Our latest community, Stonefield in Chandler, will be under budget and early, a great combination.  Ashton Woods looks forward to working with Silver Fern in the future to mitigate risk, control costs and keep projects on schedule.”

Scott Moore, Division President, Ashton Woods Homes

Mari Flynn, Vice President of Land Development

April 11th, 2011

As Vice President of Land Development, Mari specializes in project management within land acquisition investigation & due diligence as well as full entitlements to recorded & final plat process.

Mari started her career at Desert Mountain Properties as Administrator to the Manager of Architectural Design.  She then spent 8 years at Richmond American Homes where she was the Director of Forward Planning.  She has also worked for DR Horton and Dietz Crane Homes before coming to us in February 2009.

Mari was born at Clark AFB, Philippines, but since she graduated from Chandler High School, we consider her a native.

Fun Q & A with Mari:
If you could have one superhero power, what would it be and why?
Read minds – you would always get the best deal!

What is your number one pet peeve?
People that say “I can’t”.

If you had to go WITHOUT one of the five senses, which would it be?
Smell

What actor/celebrity would you choose to play you in a movie?
Sandra Bullock

Favorites:

Color: Eggplant
Book: The Hobbit
Movie: Sliding Doors
Sport: Ice Hockey
Band/Singer: Keith Urban
Candy: Lindt Carmel & Chocolate Bar
Cookie: Lemon Zinger (Paradise Bakery)
Type of Food: Anything with Cheese!
Drink: Classic Blact Tea (Starbucks)
Board/Card Game: Black Jack

Close-Out Knowledge

September 14th, 2010

Knowing is better than assuming before making a purchase of a “finished lot” development. Silver Fern researches every projects entitlement and construction history providing facts and evidence of Final Acceptance Letters. Our vast knowledge of Municipalities, Health Delegates, Public and Private Utility Providers, and HOA Management Companies Final Acceptance requirements and procedures allows a precise determination of stipulations associated with each project. Silver Fern diligently compiles and comprehensively reviews critical documents that guide a project on a successful and timely path to Final Acceptance. Associated documents needed include submission of a close-out package and/or status of a Warranty Period and any associated Maintenance Bonds, As-builts, Engineers Certificate of Completions, Approval of Construction (AOC), and Notice of Termination (NOT). Should the project be serviced by a Private Utility Provider, a detailed close-out package is required; evidence or completion of the facilities acceptance via the Bill of Sale or similar mechanisms allows service to the property and secures any applicable reimbursements. Silver Fern’s understanding of the process avoids unnecessary expenditures or delays of certificate of occupancy release. Finally, an often overlooked item is the acceptance of the open space amenities by the Home Owners Association (HOA) and evidence of tract conveyance as well as current status of HOA funding.

Andrea Sepulveda
Land Development Manager

Negotiation of Dry Utility Contracts and Will Serve Issues

September 14th, 2010

With today’s changing economy, the utility companies are going through an extreme re-organization, passing most of their costs onto Builders and Developers. This is making it more important to know the right contact for design, fees and construction. With over 40 years of dry utility experience, Silver Fern Management is working with both sides of the spectrum; Builders and Developers. You can count on our expertise to help navigate utility providers and their associated costs.

Silver Fern Management’s Utility Division provides a variety of services which include meeting and coordinating electrical/telephone/natural gas/cable TV design needs with Client, bidding out street light design, reviewing the status of existing projects that are foreclosed / partially complete, advising on best course of action for the Client to take concerning contracts with the utility providers, assisting Engineering firms with government agencies coordination regarding utilities, and verifying bidding materials from Contractors.

Richard Seminara
Executive Director, Dry Utilities

Partially Improved Projects

September 14th, 2010

Do you own or are you interested in a partially improved development? The change in the market has created price volatility opposite of what was seen in 2005, and the availability of responsible contractors is again favorable. Understanding the cost to complete a partially improved project with current market pricing and accurate scopes of work is critical for the disposition analysis of an investment or finishing an existing development.

With every engagement Silver Fern confirms the status of development with the jurisdiction, reviewing existing project materials and conducting a site inspection to determine true as-built conditions. This effort allows us to produce specific scopes of work for incomplete improvements which generate accurate competitive bids. Our budgets include all re approval fees and associated permits as well as a detailed description of the incomplete work. Silver Fern provides a complete summary so that our client has the information to make an informed decision regarding the asset.

Stephen Ochoa
Director of Construction