Black Desert Oasis

Black Desert Resort is the single most exciting development to hit Southern Utah, a staggering $2 billion investment by Reef Capital Partners that will make one of the finest destination resorts in the Southwest U.S.
By Brad Fullmer

When Lehi-based Reef Capital Partners (Reef) initially announced plans in 2018 to build a sprawling, estimated $2 billion mega-resort with a championship-caliber golf course on 600 acres covering parts of Ivins and Santa Clara—small towns with just over 15,000 combined residents at the time—it was difficult to fathom what a project of that magnitude might look like.

Fast forward seven years, and Black Desert Resort is indeed a shining oasis amidst Southern Utah's famed red rock cliffs, sitting atop an ancient lava field, with buildings strategically carved into the land to produce a resort unlike anything else. 

"This is the biggest project we've ever done—we feel really good where we are," said Brett Boren, President of Real Estate for Reef, acknowledging the general completion of the $290 million, 806,000-SF resort center, along with significant ongoing work—including a 1,298-stall parking garage, condominiums, and a private water park. 

As of September, all aspects of the main resort center were open and fully complete, with the hotel celebrating its first official year in business after partially opening in September 2024 as it hosted the inaugural PGA Black Desert Championship October 10-13. The second installment of the tournament—now dubbed the Bank of Utah Championship—is slated for October 23-26, with a third tournament signed for 2026.

Hitting Major Milestones Critical to Keeping Complex Project Schedule on Track 

In creating the golf course, crews used dynamite to blast through thick beds of basalt lava to build on a design concept where the course seamlessly weaves its way through the rocky terrain. In terms of the world-class amenities at Black Desert Resort, the star is unquestionably the Tom Weiskopf-designed championship golf course that has hosted both PGA and LPGA events, with future tournaments on the calendar through 2027 and 2029, respectively. With the stark contrast between the lush green grass and black lava, it's almost like playing on another planet—and if you're a weekend hacker seeking the ultimate challenge for your 100-plus handicap skills, bring a bag full of golf balls as the course readily devours wayward shots. 


Getting the resort ready to host that first PGA tournament last October—a year earlier than expected—offered myriad challenges for Lehi-based general contractor SIRQ Construction, according to Brandon Burnett, Sr. Project Manager, and Tyler Ames, Project Manager, two of SIRQ’s four primary PMs manning the complex resort center, which consists of five main buildings, listed A through E. 


The first major milestone, according to Burnett, was getting more than 45,000 CY of structural concrete poured, perhaps the riskiest aspect of the project and the key to keeping the entire schedule on track. Burnett said Ohio-based Baker Construction, the structural concrete subcontractor, did a good job staying on point.


"Getting the structural concrete done was a big deal; [Baker Construction] could push a schedule and hit dates," said Burnett. 


The second major milestone was preparing to open Building C, which houses the Pro Shop and 20th Hole Sports Bar—a hot button for the owner, given that the golf course had opened to the public in May 2023. 


Burnett said it was an important milestone—reached in spring 2024—because it allowed SIRQ "to get a feel for what to expect with the rest of the project."

The construction team made a major push from June through October last year to get the hotel functioning for the PGA event, with crews on other buildings brought aboard for the final push. 


"A year ago, we were in complete scramble-mode, working long days to get it ready," said Burnett. "In June of last year, I was more panicked than in September. After we got through June, we realized we could get there—everyone felt confident we could get it open. A lot of people were shocked at what we could pull off the last two months." 


He said work on buildings D and E—the condominium buildings—was essentially suspended so all available manpower could be shifted to A (hotel), B (convention center), and C (pro shop and sports bar). 


"It was challenging juggling manpower, managing different trades and making sure they were hitting dates in each of the buildings," said Ames, who oversaw Building C. "They were all managed as their own project. During the last big push [in Summer 2024], we started having contractors do work out of sequence, just because some trades weren't available or ready. It caused some minor rework, but in those instances, it's kind of what we had to do." 


Burnett even relayed a story about an out-of-state hotel developer who saw the project in August and thought there was no way possible for SIRQ to meet the stringent September deadline. "He was blown away by what we were able to do. Given the hurdles we had to get over, to be that far along at that point was cool. You can get a lot done if you have good people."



"We worked our guts out to get there—everything that had to be ready was ready," added Boren. "I know a lot of people that attended the event looked around [at all the ongoing construction] and thought, 'You guys are behind schedule.’ And we really weren't—it was more of us trying to pull off the miracle the first year."


Natural Environment Inspires Design Elements, Top-Shelf Amenities


The overall design of Black Desert Resort Center was led by Scottsdale, Arizona-based Allen + Philp Partners, who drew inspiration from the ancient lava flows and rich vermillion sandstone formations, creating a modern resort community that fits well with the natural environment. Materials were chosen to harmonize with the desert surroundings, with black basalt stones in various walls in both the hotel and convention center, warm wood elements throughout the resort, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a wide array of attractive materials, colors, and patterns, including custom millwork, ornate lighting fixtures, and decorative furnishings and art. 


According to Matthew Kosednar, Principal-in-Charge for Allen + Philp, his team worked with Patrick Manning, Managing Partner at Black Desert Resort, and the Reef Capital team, with the resort going through multiple design iterations in 2018-19. Ultimately, a multi-building center model was selected, with a hotel, conference center, pro shop, and multiple condominium villages, along with a 1250-stall parking garage (Q4 2026 completion). 


Kosednar said the project's relationship to its surroundings was carefully considered, with a design philosophy of "geological luxury"—defined as architecture that responds to the landscape and becomes an integral part of its geological story. 



"It is a modern piece of architecture in a modern setting, but we wanted to make it appropriate for the area,” said Kosednar, while embracing the natural desert color palette, especially the sandstone and lava. "I'm most excited about the transformative nature of the resort and what it does for the St. George area. It was fun to work with the team and envision what this space could become."


Focus on Sustainability, Preserving Open Space


Boren said Black Desert will preserve 200 acres of land within the 600-acre development, with sustainability and being a good community partner being vital to a project of this size and scope. Boren praised the positive relationship Reef has developed over time with city officials in Ivins and Santa Clara.


"We couldn't have asked for better cities to work with," said Boren. "We've had our moments; our disagreements. Sometimes you get cities that aren't willing to budge at all; aren't willing to reason, and I have not found that to be the case with these cities. They've been excellent to work with—I would even call them partners." 


Reef is even working with Dr. Ryan Platt, an Adjunct Professor at Utah Tech University, on stocking its pond with endangered Virgin River Chub, allowing them to breed and then reintroduced into their native river environment. 


"We're doing everything we can to be environmentally conscious," said Boren, including putting in five miles of trails through the lava bed, paying close attention to water conservation, and dark-sky-friendly lighting.


Regarding building sustainability, design and construction prioritized energy efficiency, daylighting, water conservation, and air quality. Some sustainable items include: 



—Low-voltage power (10 volts vs. 120 volts) on CAT6 cables, reducing energy. This applied to lights, locks, security cameras, and other electrical components. 

—Low-voltage Power over Ethernet delivers direct current power and data through network cables to avoid additional electrical wiring. 

—Reclaimed water is treated to an irrigation level for reuse. Low-flow systems and native desert landscaping also cut water use. 

—Efficient irrigation systems ensure that golf course irrigation is monitored and controlled for every 10 SF, cutting water use by 50%. 


Variety of High-End, Luxury Accommodations


Guests can choose from several accommodation offerings, starting with the Hotel Collection, which includes 148 rooms in the three-story hotel, with convenient access to several dining and bar options, a wellness spa, spacious fitness center, and relaxing pool and hot tub area. 


The Resort Collection comprises 299 combined rooms and deluxe suites for families, groups, or extended stay visits. These residential-style layouts include sofa beds, kitchenettes and access to all resort amenities. 


For a high-end, opulent experience, the resort offers the Plume Wellness Center, nine private rooms specially designed for wellbeing and deep relaxation.

Boren said two condominium projects are close to wrapping up (November target), as Black Desert expands its multi-family footprint to 600-plus units: the Terrace Collection will add 174 units, while The Cove is 170 units. St. George-based Watts Construction built The Cove and three buildings of the Terrace. 


A unique mix of on-site dining options is another strong amenity, including Basalt—a high-end American steakhouse—and Latitude, a casual, open-air eatery. There is also an indoor-outdoor lobby bar, a rooftop lounge with exquisite 270-degree views, the lively 20th Hole sports bar, along with simulated golf bays and a relaxing poolside bar. 


Building B houses Black Desert Resort's conference center, which features more than 45,000 SF of indoor and outdoor space, featuring 18 distinct venues: a 10,000-SF ballroom, five breakout rooms, plenty of naturally lit spaces for socializing, and an expansive outdoor lawn with room for 500 guests. Conference center lobbies feature honed marble walls and rich millwork on doors/openings to the ballrooms.


With the resort center finished, Boren said construction will continue on the condos, a private water park, a pickleball facility, and the parking garage. Upon completion of the garage in November 2026, construction will commence on another mixed-use development with multi-family, retail, dining, and entertainment elements. 



"Everything is moving along really well," Boren added. "We have plenty of projects to continue to work on and try and make perfect. We're trying to get some leases ready and that will take time. But in a year, we'll be ready to do the first phase."


Black Desert Resort

Location: Ivins

Start/Completion: Feb. 2022/Sept. 2025 

Cost: $290 Million

Delivery Method: CM/GC

Stories/Levels: 4

Square Footage: 806,000 SF

Owner: Reef Capital Partners

Owner's Rep: Sean Tuite


Design Team

Architect: Allen + Philp Partners

Civil: Kuma Engineering

Electrical: Resolut

Mechanical: EXP US Services Inc.

Structural: Kimley-Horn

Geotech: Applied Geotech (AGEC)

Interior Design: Allen + Philp Partners

Landscape: Floor Associates


Construction Team

General Contractor: SIRQ Construction 

Structural Concrete: Baker Construction

Site Concrete: Innovative Concrete

Plumbing: J&S Mechanical

HVAC: J&S Mechanical; Northstar

Electrical: Hunt Electric

Masonry: BA Robinson Construction

Drywall: B&S Drywall

Painting: Accent Painting

Tile/Stone: HB Workplaces

Millwork: Allegheny Millwork; Riverwoods Mill; D&L Cabinetry

Flooring: HB Workplaces

Roofing: Flynn Group

Storefront, Curtain Wall: Flynn Group

Shower Glazing: Jones Paint & Glass

Waterproofing: Guaranteed Waterproofing & Construction

Steel Fabrication/Erection: JT Steel

Excavation: BHI

Landscaping: Hansen Landscaping

Like a Phoenix Rising

By Bradley Fullmer • November 15, 2025
Residents have access to a wealth of modern, high-class amenities: Check out this open-air rooftop patio with tasteful lighting, pool, and spacious hot tub—it’s party time! (all photos courtesy Kier Construction)

Mission In Progress

By LADD MARSHALL • November 15, 2025
Steve Green is out in McCornick, Utah. Where is that? And what’s near McCornick? “Nothing,” joked Green, the Sr. Vice President for Wheeler Machinery Co. While he may be far from even the smallest of small towns, with Holden and its 492 residents 13 miles away, he’s close to the site of a major development in data center technology. Isolated on the western edge of the Sevier Desert, the Joule Data Center will also be isolated from the grid—by design. Operation Gigawatt Rolls On Green is one of many energy and power professionals hoping to double Utah’s power generation capacity by 2034 as a part of Operation Gigawatt, an initiative launched by Utah Governor Spencer Cox in October 2024. Utah has long been an economic growth leader; Operation Gigawatt aims to make Utah a power player in energy development by increasing transmission capacity, increasing energy production, strengthening policy, and investing in energy innovation. While Governor Cox’s Operation Gigawatt moves forward statewide, out in McCornick, Green said, “We’re doing operation gigawatt and a half off grid.” The Joule Data Center project team will deliver “In-situ power generation”—power not connected to any electrical distribution or transmission system. It starts with Caterpillar G3520K reciprocating generator sets that produce 1.5 gigawatts of electricity. Waste heat and exhaust from the generators then move through an absorption chiller system as part of the overall systems combined cooling, heat, and power (CCHP) solution, providing much of the water required to cool the data center servers. Beyond the electric power to be generated for the Joule project, there will be 1.5 gigawatts of thermal energy and 1.1 gigawatts of available battery storage to meet the data center's peak electricity needs. Added Green, “And we’re not taxing the local utility grid.” Isolated or Community Power? The massive power capabilities delivered there are impressive, but they reveal a troubling trend in how Utah will double its power generation capabilities. Will it be from well-funded companies looking to power data centers and AI technology separate from the grid? Or will Utah fulfill the mission of Operation Gigawatt by creating power solutions accessible to all? According to Troy Thompson, Chief Operations Officer for Big-D Companies, power generation is about more than supplying data centers. “In my mind, how do we build a billion-dollar hospital downtown that needs ten megawatts of power?” he said, referencing Intermountain Health’s future downtown Salt Lake campus, “let alone the data centers, and manufacturers who we are hoping that will come here?” Ten megawatts of power may pale in comparison to what data centers require, but it is one of many projects seeking regulatory approval to move forward. The Utah Inland Port Authority, the Economic Development Corporation of Utah, and others continue to drive projects and jobs into Utah—data centers, too. But Thompson said he has heard from many potential clients who are hesitant to bring their energy-intensive projects to the state without firm guarantees of available power. Operation Gigawatt and state leaders have embraced an "all of the above" approach to energy sources, extending the design lifespans of coal plants, embracing new technologies and power sources, and developing new power-generating capabilities. While the industry is willing, the operating environment needs rewiring to meet state goals. Changing for 21st Century Needs “With as hot as the Utah market is,” began Eric Haslem, “there are too many obstacles for us to overcome.” The market may be ready to ramp up production, said Haslem, Chief Operating Officer for Vernal-based utility and heavy civil contractors BHI, “But the current system can’t handle it. We have this massive web of transmission and distribution infrastructure that was not designed or built for the power demands of the 21st century.” “In 1970, they didn’t know what a smartphone was,” Haslem said, “let alone AI.” Transmission projects have been developed. Rocky Mountain Power/PacifiCorp’s Energy Gateway South transmission line—a 416-mile, high-voltage 500-kilovolt transmission line that runs from Mona to Medicine Bow, Wyoming—certainly helped when it went live in 2024. Still, it's just one project amidst a plethora of needs. Haslem stated that Utah's growth over the last 10 years meant a large majority of the transmission line's capacity was accounted for when it went live. .

One-Stop Shop

By Bradley Fullmer • November 15, 2025
And the King shall answer and say unto them, "Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."—KJV Matthew 25:40 From a social and community impact standpoint, few projects match the value to disabled and special needs individuals as the new Utah State Development Center (USDC) Comprehensive Therapies Building in American Fork. The $36 million, 65,000-SF facility was designed as a "one-stop shop," said Joe Jacoby, President of Salt Lake-based Jacoby Architects, whose team led the project’s design. It consolidates and modernizes myriad services under one roof, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, recreational therapy, speech, language, and hearing resources, and behavioral health resources. In addition, the new building offers full-service medical and dental clinics, an indoor therapy pool, an Autism treatment wing, and workshops for life skills and vocational training—all geared to helping people live independent, authentic lives, while striving to reach their full potential. "This building was very much about accessibility," Jacoby said, "and putting in many different types of resources for these residents—all in one building." Jacoby's firm has significant recent experience in projects that combine education and healthcare for people with special needs. The firm's design of the Sorenson Legacy Foundation Center for Clinical Excellence in Utah State University's College of Education and Human Services earned UC+D's 2016 Most Outstanding K-12 Project. Two years later, the firm earned another UC+D award for the C. Mark Openshaw Education Center for the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, a project similar to this one in that it contains an array of services, including education and therapy for varying levels of sensory, behavioral, physical, and cognitive abilities. "We've been working on different [design] aspects for many years, starting with a deaf preschool, which led to working with the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind," said Jacoby. "With that came many other sub-specialties, like therapy for behavioral issues, cognitive issues, development disabilities, and even speech, language and hearing clinics. It helps people with a variety of disabilities and serves an underserved population of people."

Built Different

By Taylor Larsen • November 15, 2025
On a fall tour of Utah State University's (USU) Carolyn & Kem Gardner Learning & Leadership Building (Gardner Building), students and faculty are hard at work on a late Tuesday afternoon. Getting here, where USU's business school students could thrive, was a long time coming. The University commissioned the Gardner Building to meet a new mission for the school outside the traditional knowledge acquisition and transfer for which USU has excelled since its founding in 1888: Giving students a differentiated experience they cannot get anywhere else. Purpose Revealed Frank Caliendo, Senior Associate Dean of the Huntsman School of Business, said that the new building is the third and final piece of the business complex, "a realization of the longtime vision of Dean Douglas Anderson, the driving force behind the school's transformation, to meet the needs of students for generations to come." Caliendo, a longtime Aggie (USU BS, '98; PhD, '03), said that, even after the opening of the George S. Eccles Business Building and its faculty offices and classrooms in 1970, growth in business courses eventually outpaced the school's capacity. Jon M. Huntsman Hall's 2016 opening broke the campus bottleneck, with classrooms and other spaces dedicated to business school participants. "But we still needed space for our centers and experiential learning programs," Caliendo said, of the importance of collaborative spaces and differentiated experience for the five programs (see page XX) that would call the Gardner Building home. The design intent for this final piece wasn't a re-creation of Huntsman Hall, Caliendo said of the initial message to MHTN Architects, "But it does need to rhyme with Huntsman Hall." Working within a Busy Environment The first order of business was siting the building just east of the other two business school structures. Stan Burke, Project Manager for Jacobsen Construction, said the Gardner Building was part of a trio of projects that included Ridge Point Hall and a parking garage—three Jacobsen-led projects that utilized the same construction corridor as construction commenced from "An active campus is difficult enough," said Burke of the challenges of simultaneous construction, which required constant coordination amongst the three teams, made a tad easier as they shared a job trailer. "We had to stay cognizant of the school's activities and coordinate with them so that everyone was aware of what we were doing." Coordination went from important to critical, with the three teams meeting daily to discuss coordination and scheduling material and equipment deliveries in 15-minute intervals as the respective construction teams worked on each of the three structures.

The Long and Winding Road

By Bradley Fullmer • November 15, 2025
Warren and Jennie Lloyd (above) have built Salt Lake-based Lloyd Architects into a well-rounded, versatile firm capable of excelling in both the commercial and custom residential markets, as evidenced by projects such as Snuck Farm in Pleasant Grove (main photo) and this cozy private Powder Mountain based cabin in Eden (below ).

Power Player

By Bradley Fullmer • November 15, 2025
The last five years have been a whirlwind for the Larry H. Miller Company (LHM), with the organization selling the majority of its beloved Utah Jazz franchise in October 2020 for a reported $1.66 billion, followed by the sale of its auto dealership empire of more than 70 properties for a reported $3.2 billion a year later. The influx of nearly $5 billion was parlayed into several jaw-dropping real estate and other corporate purchases, including: —1,300 undeveloped acres within the massive 4,100-acre Daybreak development in South Jordan in April 2021. —Advanced Health Care Corp. in January 2021, a transitional health care provider with operations in eight states (primarily in the west) and 3,500 employees. —The purchase of the majority stake in Swig, a leader in the flavored soda craze, in May 2023. — Partnering with Utah Trust Lands Administration to develop 1,200 acres in Saratoga Springs. — The acquisition of over 1,000 acres near Park City and Hideout will include multi-family units, housing, restaurants, and retail. —100+ acre mixed-use development in an area along North Temple being dubbed “The Power District”; the future home of not only Rocky Mountain Power’s new corporate campus but potentially a ballpark for a future Major League Baseball expansion team. —A reported $600 million acquisition of controlling interest in MLS team Real Salt Lake and NWSL team Utah Royals, along with associated infrastructure, including America First Field and Zions Bank Training Center. —The development of Downtown Daybreak, a 200-acre parcel that this year saw its 30-acre Phase I debut with the completion of the Salt Lake Bees' new 8,000 capacity stadium—dubbed The Ballpark at America First Square—in April, followed by a new Megaplex cinema entertainment center in July with luxury theatres, bowling, games and a scratch-made kitchen in addition to an open air plaza. A seven-story, 190-unit multi-family development is currently under construction and rising along the right field bleachers, with views that will look down into the ballpark upon completion next year. And LHM is just getting started, said Brad Holmes, President of Larry H. Miller Real Estate since 2018, calling Downtown Daybreak a "new urban center that is central to where the majority of growth is occurring" and combines a "full spectrum of business and year-round entertainment, culture and connectivity, as well as a wide range of housing options." When LHM executives first conceived of a new home for the Salt Lake Bees, Holmes said they went on a "ballpark tour" of MLB and minor league stadiums, and "really fell in love with a ballpark" in Durham, North Carolina—home of the Durham Bulls—which had buildings that framed in the stadium. So, The Ballpark at America First Square has the multi-family project underway in right field, with a proposed hotel slated to begin next year in left field. "In another two seasons, you'll have this urban setting for the ballpark that frames the mountain views. [The design is] really intentional, and I think it will bring a finished edge to Downtown Daybreak," said Holmes. "It was a process trying to figure out the best location, site plan, traffic, but it's in a great spot. The goal for us was to make it feel like it fit in with the community, almost like having a baseball stadium inside of a park, with an open corridor that connects to a plaza."  Holmes said the seemingly small 8,000-capacity stadium (about half the capacity of the Bees former home at Smith’s Ballpark) aligns with national trends. "It's better to play in front of a sold-out crowd than in a half-empty stadium. Some new MLB stadiums are at 30,000 [capacity]. The trend is smaller, more intimate venues with closer views of the field."

Hogan Construction 80th Anniversary

By Taylor Larsen • November 15, 2025
Much has changed about Hogan & Associates Construction since the company's inception 80 years ago. The name may be the most obvious example, the size of the company may be another giveaway, and the difference in markets served might require a double take if the founders could see the company today. But what hasn't changed is the firm's desire to build communities. It has regularly built important, community-focused projects with a similar purpose since the company came to life in 1945.

(De)signed, Sealed, Delivered

By Taylor Larsen • November 15, 2025
Imagine this: A company has just begun a meeting with the intent of moving forward with a major investment. One party knows something that will help minimize the investment's risk. Should that party tell everyone, it will save money, time, and everyone involved from future headaches. So when should that party spill the beans? At the beginning of the meeting At the end of the meeting At the right time during the meeting Never Bradley Crocker, Director of Preconstruction for Mollerup Glass, has seen how answering this question correctly—and choosing “A”—brings about successful and profitable investment in commercial construction. “I think that [project teams] need to bring in subcontractors early to help guide budgets in general,” said Crocker, detailing how every trade can bring a similar level of expertise to architects and owners by being involved from the beginning of the “meeting”, while the project is in design. Why? “We can vet cost versus performance and find the best value for the performance, which is essential as meeting or beating the budgets gets the project to construction on time,” said Ben Hiatt, Chief Estimator for Steel Encounters. After all, he said, “Nothing moves if budgets are not met.” Design-assist is a positive step forward, where subcontractors assist in matching design intent with a deep understanding of building envelopes to ensure glazing, roofing, walls, and fenestrations perform at their highest level. Glenn Rainey, Salt Lake City Branch Manager, and Larry Luque, Senior Estimator and Business Developer for Flynn Companies, each said efforts in design-assist fulfill what owners and architects want: buildings that meet the design intent and perform at their highest level for as long as possible. It’s not just architects who benefit from that early involvement. “More GCs realize they need us right up front,” said Luque. With teams whose combined experience totals thousands of hours, building envelope contractors stay up to date on changing codes, materials, and specifications, which is highly beneficial to the project. Their close involvement with vendors can help ensure a variety of solutions that meet each job’s needs and help optimize building envelope performance. Consultant Involvement Other parties are lending their expertise. Brandt Strong said building envelope quality has increased with the arrival of more building envelope consultants in Utah and a greater dedication to the building envelope in general. “We had a time where we could say ‘This is a Vegas project, and we have to have the belt and suspenders,’” said Strong, Director of Operations for Mollerup Glass. On Utah projects, the building envelope used to be an afterthought. But it’s changed for the better over the years. “The Utah teams are as sophisticated as anywhere else.” While the markups on shop drawings can draw some ire, both mentioned how working with consultants has led to better, more efficient projects, potentially reducing the need for future repairs by inspecting every material and transition on the building envelope. Said Crocker, “We cannot discredit the envelope consultants’ role in making us, and the industry as a whole, perform at a higher level.” Hiatt credited each party overseeing the building envelope scope for learning and adapting to create a better building environment, specifically in understanding seismic drift and its relationship to glazing, as well as thermal performance and continuity. Improvements to air-barrier coordination and tie-ins to stop water and air leaks are helping buildings operate at peak efficiency. “The architects, general contractors, consultants, and trades have improved their knowledge over the years,” said Hiatt. “Design and execution of façades are better coordinated and executed.”

Taylor Electric Thriving at 50

By Bradley Fullmer • November 15, 2025
Taylor Electric proved its mettle on the challenging Salt Lake International Airport, Southeast Concourse project, with their portion of work concluding in October 2023. (all photos courtesy Taylor Electric)

Hungry and Ready

By Bradley Fullmer and Taylor Larsen • November 15, 2025
By Bradley Fullmer It's been a whirlwind 18 months for Adam Del Toro and Nick Pexton, who co-founded Fountain Green-based Reliance Engineering Services in May 2024, a company specializing in full-service telecommunications engineering, including design, project management, permitting, and funding and grant applications. Two years ago, Del Toro was more than a decade into his career as a Research & Development Supervisor for natural gas giant Dominion Energy, while Pexton was working for Nephi-based Rocky Mountain West Telcom (RMWT) as a Sr. Director of Business Development, with just over four years at the company. The two had met a couple of years earlier while collaborating on a potential fiber optic network project in Mona that never happened. Neither was particularly content with their respective positions, so when Del Toro got a random call from Pexton in March 2024, the timing could not have been better. "I was planning on leaving the natural gas industry and start my own firm [...] Nick happened to call the day I was putting in my two weeks [at Dominion],” said Del Toro, 39. "It definitely felt like Providence was helping us." "Somebody was looking after us, because the timing was unbelievable," added Pexton, 35. "It's crazy how things lined up." Del Toro is a native of St. George and earned a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from Utah State University in 2011. After 2.5 years as a USU Graduate Research Assistant, he joined Dominion Energy in January 2013, where he designed major natural gas systems and structures. Del Toro also earned a Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of the Cumberlands (Williamsburg, Kentucky) in 2023, and moonlights as a counselor at The Center for Hope in Springville, where he helps clients address life challenges both personally and professionally. Pexton is a native of Nephi and studied at Utah Valley University from 2008 to 2010, and earned the Certified Telecommunications Network Specialist designation from Teracom Training Institute (2013-2014). Pexton joined Nephi-based Mid-State Consultants, a telecommunications engineering firm, in March 2011 and spent more than nine years there. He joined RMWT in June 2020, gaining experience in project management and operations. After that fortuitous phone call from Pexton to Del Toro, the pair met four times from March to May to "make sure we were aligned on what the company would look like," Pexton said. "It was a pretty quick process," added Del Toro. "We got talking about goals, how to build a general company vision. I trusted Nick's background and experience, and his character, as well. It was a big risk, but I'm a sink-or-swim guy. If those are my options, I'm going to swim!" Since teaming up, the pair have been aggressive regarding company growth, having exploded from just the two of them to 30 employees, with revenues expected to more than quintuple from $560,000 in 2024 to nearly $3 million by the end of this year. Both expect the telecommunication market to be a fruitful, busy market given the need for fiber optics to rural America, in addition to the "Internet for All" initiative in May 2022 that was part of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) implementation of the infrastructure law that allocated $65 billion to improve high-speed Internet access. Utah, specifically, received $330 million, with the goal of reaching some 40,000 unserved homes and businesses. The firm's location in Sanpete County puts them in the center of the state geographically, and they're committed to working with communities of all sizes to improve their internet capacity. In addition to Utah, Reliance is working in Michigan and Oklahoma, and Del Toro and Pexton expect to land significant future work throughout the Midwest. They want to grow intentionally while ensuring a diversity of revenue streams. "We set some early goals, and we've been able to do really well—we're on track to beat our goals," said Del Toro, crediting the many employees who have joined the firm. "Those individuals took great risks coming on board. We anticipate we'll be even larger next year with the work coming down the pipeline." "Our outlook has been wise," said Pexton. "We've taken into consideration diversification into other sectors—that's a key element. Adam has experience in the natural gas industry, and we want to further our diversification and get into the power side of the industry." Major clients include the federal government (USDA), utility companies, and municipalities, with a focus on rural communities. "We love Sanpete County," said Del Toro. "We value helping the communities we live and work in and providing services that help build up the community and hopefully help the residents." "We depend on repeat work from 18 major clients, and continuously getting work from them," said Pexton. "The minute we stop doing a good job, they can go someplace else. As long as we do a good job, we'll keep getting work." The pair expect Reliance to maintain its explosive growth, perhaps even doubling its employee total in another 12 months. "Next year's [revenue] goal is $4.8 million," said Pexton. "We have confidence in what our workload will be like. We are scaling quite dramatically and want to grow at a healthy pace, where we're not stringing ourselves out too thin. We're in a good position right now."