Gilbert-based Hunter Contracting Co. is preparing to celebrate 65 years next February, marking a trajectory that started with a small ditch-lining business into an industry powerhouse with $250 million in annual revenue.
From highways and bridges to parks and water systems, Hunter’s projects encompass the state with projects “that are both practical and symbolic of Arizona’s expansion,” a spokeswoman noted.
Founded in 1961 as it built on William Hunter’s original ditch-lining business that began in 1947, the company now employs over 500 people who have delivered hundreds of miles of roads and highways, completed or upgraded more than 100 parks, and built essential water and wastewater systems that serve cities and tribal communities across Arizona.
“Our success is about the people at Hunter building great relationships and great projects,” said Chuck English, Hunter’s president, who joined the company in 1985.
“We build infrastructure that communities rely on every day. Whether it’s a road, a park or a water system, our goal is to create lasting value for Arizona residents.”
Its award winning porjects are numerous and include:
• Frontier Family Park in Queen Creek opened in June 2024 as an 85-acre, $78 million development, the largest CMAR park in Arizona, and has already earned multiple awards.
• The Goodyear Recreation Campus, completed in 2021, spans 86 acres and includes a 48,000-square-foot recreation center, an aquatic facility and a developed 30-acre park, a $56.5 million project recognized with industry awards.
• The Northwest Valley Transportation project around the TSMC facility in Phoenix delivered three miles of new arterial roadways in 2022, a $41.5 million effort.
• In Scottsdale, the $20 million Indian Bend Road Improvements project rebuilt a one-mile stretch in 2012 with a Con-Arch.
• The 7th Street Bridge Emergency Repair in Phoenix was completed in 2021 for $7.4 million after a gas line fire damaged one of only six Salt River crossings.
Hunter’s portfolio also includes irrigation and flood control, such as the $47.9 million Pima-Maricopa Irrigation Project (P-MIP) Canal 10 project for the Gila River Indian Community; wastewater treatment plants like the $22 million Santan facility completed in 2025; and large-scale site development project for Gold Bond Building Products in Eloy.
Senior Vice President Bob Carlson, who marked 30 years with the company this spring, said adaptability has fueled Hunter’s longevity.
Hunter’s history reflects leadership transitions that aligned with growth. William Hunter launched the original ditch-lining operation in 1947.
In 1961, Armando and Dr. Mirian Taddei incorporated Hunter Contracting Co., focusing on heavy civil projects. Subsequent leaders expanded the company into new markets and services, introducing underground utilities and concrete in 1982, water and wastewater in 1989, and structural concrete in 1991.
In 2017, Max Taddei and Amy Ostwinkle became third-generation owners, while English took on the role of president in 2019.
In the last five years, Hunter has averaged 15 percent annual revenue growth and expanded its workforce by 11 percent.
Looking ahead, executives say priorities include: technology and process innovation, sustainable construction and resilient materials, smart infrastructure integration, and expansion of vertical building services.
“The 65th anniversary is a great milestone,” English said. “Our teams are built for the future and Arizona’s growth over the next decade is going to demand infrastructure on a scale we’ve never seen – and Hunter intends to be part of building it.”
In a strategic move to support this growth, Hunter has elevated five of its longtime leaders – two to senior vice president and three to vice president
They include: Bob Carlson, senior vice president; Dig Karki, P.E., senior vice president; Ian Shantz, vice president; Adam Sedgeman, P.E., vice president; and Rob Anderson, vice president.
“Promotions at Hunter aren’t just about new titles—they’re about passing the torch to those who live our values every day,” said Taddei. “This group will help lead us through the next chapter, grounded in trust, vision, and a shared commitment to doing things right.”
Information: huntercontracting.com.
