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TK magazine, part of AZ Big Media, annually spotlights Arizona’s most influential real‑estate figures and landmark projects. Each edition, chosen from a competitive nomination pool and the editorial board’s industry insight, features 50 standout projects across all property types and 23 professional categories. Quarles sponsors the digital issue. In the coming weeks, discover the individuals reshaping the state’s built environment. Below are the 2026 Arizona real‑estate up‑and‑comers to watch.

    **Abigail Vallelonga – Marketing Manager, EHS Restoration**

    Vallelonga blends strategic outreach with hands‑on restoration expertise, having completed the same technical training as the technicians she supports. She credits this dual perspective for her ability to promote projects she truly understands. Her proudest achievement is the revitalization of Downtown Phoenix’s Warehouse District, transforming derelict industrial spaces into a thriving business hub that honors history while building for the future. A rare marketing professional in the restoration field, she has ridden along, worked onsite, and earned the same certifications as the crew.

    **Alberto Caballero – Senior Associate, Western Retail Advisors**

    Starting in sports and entertainment, Caballero entered commercial real estate in 2020 and became a broker within two years, balancing landlord and national tenant representation for clients like Vestar, Site Centers, and Schnitzer Properties. He takes pride in turning a relationship from the Urban Land Institute into the Northside listing in Gilbert, a leasing project that will introduce the first Perry’s Steakhouse to Arizona. His favorite project is Desert Ridge Marketplace, a pre‑SR‑51 freeway development that has become a top shopping center; he notes the full‑circle success of Western Retail Advisors’ involvement. Fun fact: he owns a 120‑pound Bernese Mountain dog.

    **Kaylena Ferrin – Associate, Greenberg Traurig**

    Ferrin advises clients across multifamily, mixed‑use, office, retail, industrial, and hotel transactions, turning lawyers from perceived bottlenecks into collaborative partners. She values the small moments that add real value to deals, both legally and business‑wise. Her success mantra is embracing discomfort as a gateway to growth, actively seeking opportunities despite temporary unease. She once played collegiate women’s volleyball and briefly represented the U.S. on an exhibition tour in Europe.

    **Tierney Encinias – Business Development Specialist, Kovach Enclosure Systems**

    Encinias is known for her entrepreneurial spirit and networking prowess, building strong ties with architects, engineers, contractors, and owners. She earned the Build Her Up Award at the Arizona Subcontractor’s Building with the Best Awards Gala, a milestone that underscores her leadership and passion over 2.5 years. Her favorite project is The Watermark, a Tempe mixed‑use development featuring Kovach’s innovative façade and garage screening systems that blend privacy, shade, and art. She began her career in hospitality, opening a wine bar, which honed her communication, adaptability, and customer‑experience skills.

    **Wally Brown III – Partner and Consultant, Diversified Partners**

    Raised in a business environment, Brown appreciates strategy, relationships, and hustle. He revels in watching a property evolve from acquisition to cash‑flowing asset, finding excitement in development growth. His key to success is hard work, motivation, and adaptability to ever‑changing challenges. Outside work, he races cars and is passionate about motorsports.