LaunchPM

LaunchPM Celebrates Grand Opening of Benchmark Facility

LaunchPM recently completed a high-profile project for Benchmark Electronics, one of the largest electronics manufacturing companies in the United States. Benchmark officially opened its newest Precision Technologies facility in Mesa, Arizona in March. Located off Baseline Road, the new facility boasts 64,000 square feet and is designed to provide numerous engineering and manufacturing solution services. Its most notable function will be supporting the production of semiconductor capital equipment.

Benchmark President and CEO Jeff Benck said at the ribbon-cutting, “Benchmark is a key solution partner to the capital equipment market worldwide and this new facility will enable us to support our customers in the U.S. and across the globe with next-generation manufacturing and engineering solutions.”

The company now has three manufacturing facilities in the Valley, including Phoenix, Tempe, and now Mesa. Benchmark’s headquarters is also located in Tempe. In addition to its Arizona locations, the company operates major production facilities in the US including California, Minnesota, Alabama and New Hampshire as well as several international facilities.

The LaunchPM team recently attended Benchmark’s grand opening celebration with a notable list of VIPs that included  Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, Mesa Mayor John Giles, Arizona Commerce Authority President and CEO Sandra Watson. Also in attendance was a selection of Benchmark customers and dignitaries representing multiple business sectors that are critical to the company’s expansion in Arizona.

The Project

LaunchPM was hired by Benchmark to manage and implement the interior buildout and tenant improvements of an existing shell building as well as the relocation of various equipment from the Tempe facility. The multimillion-dollar project included the construction of a state-of-the-art cleanroom, a large training room with audio-visual technology, a breakroom with energy efficient lighting system that maximizes the use of natural light, an open area for modular workstations and lounge areas for meetings and private offices. LaunchPM put together a detailed, phased construction plan and worked closely with the City of Mesa’s Economic Development Team to complete the project in 10 months.

The Challenges

Every project comes with its share of challenges. One of the biggest challenges LaunchPM faced on this buildout was the coordination and construction of the 7,200-square-foot cleanroom that had to be up to ISO 5, 6 and 7 standards and fully inspected and certified prior to completion of the entire project. Working with the city, LaunchPM was able to secure a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) that allowed Benchmark and inspectors access while LaunchPM kept construction on the project moving forward.

The cleanroom was designed to provide full control of the space temperature, humidity, airflow and airborne particles. Semiconductor cleanrooms control contaminants to ensure product viability.

The Result

The facility significantly expands upon the existing cleanroom capacity that Benchmark’s Precision Technology facilities have and provides further opportunities for the vertical integration of key systems like TIG and electron beam welding, precision cleaning and other chemical finishes.

Benchmark’s new facility increases the vertical integration of production processes in Arizona. In addition, it will add one hundred new jobs in Mesa. Benchmark also plans to invest another $20 million in its Mesa and Tempe facilities.

LaunchPM is proud to work with Benchmark and the City of Mesa on this vital new business project that is adding jobs and opportunities to the community.

If you are looking for an experienced and knowledgeable project management team, LaunchPM has extensive experience in construction project management across numerous sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, higher education, hospitality, office and nonprofits. Reach out to us and we can talk about your tenant improvement project or ground-up build today.

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Project Coordinator David Garcia

DAVID GARCIA

Favorite Quote:

“Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.”

— Michael Jordan

Professional Expertise

David joins LaunchPM with extensive experience in campaign management, assistant management within the telecommunications sector and supply chain operations.

David worked as a Campaign Manager for a social media company where he adeptly orchestrated multifaceted marketing campaigns from conception to execution, consistently driving brand awareness, customer engagement, and revenue growth. David brings his skills and proficiency to the LaunchPM team where he oversees day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives. David has a proven track record in implementing innovative solutions to overcome logistical challenges, to enhance productivity and ensure seamless operations across diverse business functions.

Education

BA of Arts and Science in 3D Animation and Visual Effects, New Mexico State University

Why LaunchPM?

After much contemplation and a fervent search for change and growth, I chose to embark on a new journey with LaunchPM. Their commitment to innovation, fostering professional development and embracing diverse perspectives deeply resonates with my aspirations for personal and career advancement. I’m eager to contribute my skills and expertise to a dynamic team dedicated to pushing boundaries and making meaningful impacts in the community.

Contact David

david@launch-pm.com

YESSI ROMERO

Favorite Quote:

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience and trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and successs achieved.”

— Helen Keller

Professional Expertise

With 6 years of property management experience, Yessi has worked through a diverse range of apartment living types, including student, conventional, military, and luxury housing.

Prior to joining LaunchPM, Yessi worked as a Workplace Coordinator for a widely known FinTech company. She acted as a culture carrier within the office by coordinating events, leading RTO onboarding and consistently pulse checking the office to ensure employee satisfaction remained high.

Education

Attended the University of Arizona, studying Psychology.

Why LaunchPM?

LaunchPM came into my life at the perfect time and has offered me the opportunity to learn and grow with some of the most skilled individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. I look forward to achieving greatness alongside this incredible team.

Contact Yessi

yessi@launch-pm.com

HANNAH THUESON

Favorite Quote:

“For me, becoming isn’t about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self. The journey doesn’t end.” 

— Michelle Obama

Professional Expertise

Hannah joins the LaunchPM team with an interest in pursuing a career in project management. Her previous experience as an Account Manager for a social media company provided her with experience in managing multiple clients, meeting deadlines and working as an integral part of a team. In her position as Assistant Financial Coordinator these are skills that will serve her well as she is tasked with assisting in various aspects of accounting including: managing invoices, updating project budgets and keeping updated records of any changes to project finances.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from Hofstra University.

Why LaunchPM?

I have a passion for planning and organizing and was excited when I learned about the opportunity to join the LaunchPM team and apply my skills. It is a growing company with a knowledgeable group of professionals in the construction project management industry for me to learn from and to grow.

Contact Hannah

hannah@launch-pm.com

 

ANGIE VELIMIROVICH

Favorite Quote:

“Even the most precious of all gems needs to be chiseled and faceted to achieve its best luster. There is nothing that remains so constant as change. Don’t end up like concrete, all mixed up and permanently set.”

— John L. Mason

Professional Expertise

Bringing in-depth knowledge and experience of corporate administrative and operational roles, Angie Velimirovich serves as a Project Management Administrative Assistant with LaunchPM. Drawing on her exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, Angie supports our team in delivering optimal results for clients.

Prior to joining LaunchPM, Angie enjoyed a long-term career with Avnet – one of the world’s largest distributors of electronic components and embedded solutions. During her time with Avnet, she served in departments such as Corporate Real Estate and global electronic sales in the U.S. and Latin America.

Education

Lease Administration Training, Phoenix College & University of Phoenix

Industry-specific courses

Why LaunchPM?

LaunchPM is a very innovative and forward-thinking company, which creates a fun work environment and great growth opportunities.

Contact Angie

angie@launch-pm.com

REBECCA RHOADES

Favorite Quote:

“My mission in life is not merely to survive but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, compassion, humor and some style”

— Maya Angelou

Professional Expertise

Rebecca is an accomplished and dynamic leader with more than 25 years of professional experience in commercial property management, building operations, tenant improvement, leasing and financial management. During her career she has also gained valuable knowledge and experience in marketing, sales training and residential real estate.

Prior to joining Launch PM, Rebecca worked as the property manager in the real estate department of a leading, nonprofit in the healthcare industry. There she was responsible for operations of a comprehensive portfolio of properties that included more than 35 medical office buildings. During her five-year tenure, she worked closely with Launch PM on more than 51 expansion or tenant improvement projects, valuing more than 50 million.

Rebecca’s strong communication skills, attention to detail, focus on results and commitment to assisting the team allow her to be a strategic partner as a Project Coordinator for the Launch PM team.

Education

Commercial Property Management – AZ Department of Real Estate

Residential Real Estate License

Industry-specific courses

Why LaunchPM?

It is exciting to join a dedicated, hardworking team with the commitment, integrity and values that create a positive and healthy work environment where people are involved and take ownership.

I am a passionate individual with a genuine interest in assisting individuals and companies reach their goals and potential growth.

Contact Rebecca

rebecca@launch-pm.com

 

MIKE DEFRANCO

Favorite Quote

“Apprentices work furiously to learn the rules; journeymen proudly perfect the rules; but masters forget the rules.”

– Randy Kosimar

Professional Expertise

With a background in the custom cabinetry industry, Mike has held a variety of roles that have equipped him with unique insight for his position as a Project Manager with LaunchPM. As a former Professional Woodworker, he produced handcrafted custom furniture and cabinetry. He also served as an Installation Supervisor, coordinating installation of custom cabinetry on site, and as a Staging/Shipping Supervisor, which required him to coordinate the staging and shipping of all project phases to sites around the country.

Education

BA in Urban Design, Arizona State University

Why LaunchPM?

LaunchPM has allowed me to challenge myself and grow as an individual while also being a part of a tremendous team.

Contact Mike

mdefranco@launch-pm.com

CHRIS BENOIT

Favorite Quote

“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.”

— Colin Powell

Professional Expertise

With over 22 years of experience in the design and construction industry, Chris has worked on a wide variety of project types, including corporate office, hospitality, healthcare, higher education, mission-critical, and municipal. He has served as director/vice president of operations and has vast expertise in estimating and pre-con, project management, ground-up construction, and renovation.

Chris has been responsible for building approximately 500 or more tenant improvement projects, ranging in price from $10K to $10 million and in size from 100 sf to 100,000 sf. Drawing on his experience, Chris provides constructability review and strong cost analysis throughout the design phase. He enjoys interacting with multiple stakeholders, design teams, and contractors, and taking a project from inception all the way through final completion.

Chris’s strong communication and organizational skills enable him to balance and work on multiple projects simultaneously.

Education

Associates in Applied Sciences – Architectural and Building Technology, Vermont Technical College

Bachelor of Science – Construction Management, Arizona State University

Why LaunchPM?

I love being surrounded by dedicated and hard-working individuals who share a common goal to go above and beyond expectations to make our clients’ dreams and projects a reality.

Contact Chris

chris@launch-pm.com

 

BETH SCARANO

Principal/ CEO

Favorite Quote:

“I’ve come to believe that each of us has a personal calling that’s as unique as a fingerprint – and that the best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of service, working hard, and also allowing the energy of the universe to lead you.”

― Oprah Winfrey

Professional Expertise

Gathered through more than 25 years of experience in the design and construction industry, Beth Scarano offers extensive expertise in a variety of project types including corporate office, hospitality, healthcare, higher education, mission-critical, and municipal.

Beth headed the client and project development teams for several national construction firms and was responsible for projects valued at more than $3 billion.
Her strong communication, organization, management and team-building skills enable her to bring a wide range of talent to the table in order to create swift and measurable results for her clients.

Beth provides strategic leadership and assists the LaunchPM team in developing and managing the client’s goals and expectations. She has experience working with many high-profile clients and brings a solutions-oriented approach to each project.
Committed to her community, Beth has also shared her leadership skills as a board member for several professional and non-profit organizations.

Education

Pepperdine University and Arizona State University focusing on a degree in Business/Marketing.

Affiliations

Board of Directors and Active Member, CoreNet Global
Mentor, Center for Entrepreneurial Innovation
Active Member, Alliance for Construction Excellence
Active Member, Central Arizona Society of Healthcare Engineers
Active Member, NAIOP
Active Member, Phoenix Community Alliance
Past Co-Chair, Community Building Consortium, Greater Phoenix Economic Council

My Personal Commitment to Service:

I have always been a strong believer in the philosophy that “actions speak louder than words” and “doing what you say you will do.” My personal commitment to service is to be the best wife, mother, sister, friend, and partner to those around me by giving and doing my best.

Why LaunchPM?

LaunchPM is about making things happen and I am fortunate to be a part of this rare group of committed and talented people focused on service.

Contact Beth

bscarano@launch-pm.com