How do you describe Desert Star Construction President Jerry Meek? How about William Wallace—meets—Zig Ziglar? "Both are favorites of mine," admits Jerry. "William Wallace—and the Braveheart movie—because it shows how one man inspired and made a difference by following his principles and conviction. Zig because he's passionate and embraces the power of purpose; the idea that with goals and grit we can all change the world one act at a time."

Chicago—born Jerry credits his parents for his entrepreneurial spirit, strong work ethic and commitment to quality and integrity. Together, these form the foundation of his character and his company. "My mom encouraged me and taught me to love people. My father taught me discipline and raised me up in the construction industry," Jerry says. "I was working on job sites with Dad at age five."

In 1972, the Meeks settled in Arizona and Jerry, spurred by his high—octane personality, began growing his list of accomplishments. By age 14, he'd started his first business—a landscaping company. "I bought a truck for the business but I wasn't old enough to drive it," Jerry recalls. "So I hired an adult to drive so that I could trim trees. I loved to get up every day and go to work. That I'm still able to do this is a true reflection of the hope of our country. We need to remind ourselves that with discipline, belief and hard work, anything is possible."

By his junior year, Jerry was working as a carpenter's apprentice and had entered his tenth and final school, Paradise Valley High School. Here, he played the lead in the musical South Pacific, was elected Student Body President and National Honor Society President, and joined the Concert Choir where he met his future wife, Carol.

At age 18, Jerry forged a carpentry business with his father that serviced the custom home and commercial markets. At the urging of architect and colleague George Christensen, the Meek men next obtained their General Contractor's Licenses and Desert Star Construction was born, with a focus on excellence and integrity in the custom homebuilding industry. Today's DSC has advanced from the construction and remodel jobs "that no one else wanted" to an award—winning, landmark commodity that regularly completes some of the Valley's most prestigious and luxurious custom home and commercial projects. In the process, DSC's results have been published in more than 30 magazines and earned honors such as a Gold Nugget Award, Phoenix Home & Garden Home of the Year, Southwest Contractor Best of 2010 and NAHB Custom Home of the Year.

Yet for Jerry it still boils down to the basics. "Treat every day like a blessing and an adventure," he says. "Then go out there and live a daily commitment to excellence." He revels in the fact that each new DSC project creates new memories and relationships that last a lifetime. "Our work is personal for us and for our clients, so understanding our customers' needs and desires is our top priority," says Jerry. "We've built our business on that level of relationship, workmanship and integrity, and our clients have responded. They've helped us build this business on their kind referrals."

Outside of enjoying Carol's homemade lasagna and cherry cheesecake dessert, Jerry lives for the opportunity to grow and improve DSC, and to care for and encourage his wife, his two sons (Jeremy and Jonathan), his staff and his clients. He is also a dedicated community servant who has made a lasting imprint on organizations such as the Arizona Science Center and the Phoenix Dream Center, the latter of which earned Desert Star Construction a 2010 Heart of Business Award. "It's not the money you make, it's what you do with it," Jerry says.

In his precious free time, Jerry loves embarking on Meek family adventures. "We've traveled across the world together and have had equally wonderful times close to home, like quading and cycling near Flagstaff," he shares. As for his "day job," Jerry still enjoys the challenge of running his own business alongside Carol, his wife of 30 years. "We're not just building the American Dream, we're living it," he says. "For me, it's not a job, it's an adventure that I'll never get out of my system. I just love it."

What makes Carol Meek so special? A better question may be what doesn't. As Office Administrator, Corporate Officer and wife to Jerry Meek, Carol leads the DSC office team and is the guardian of the financial aspect of every DSC project. She serves in virtually every capacity from contract liaison to human resources director to accounts payable/receivable. She is also one of those truly authentic, talented experts who holds herself and her work to the highest standard.

Carol's attitude of doing business with people as opposed to companies is the cornerstone of each day. As such, you'll often find her going that extra step to provide DSC customers with concierge—level service and respect in every stage of the building process. She extends that effort to the DSC staff as well, encouraging them to put their skills to the highest and best use. "I encourage them to dream big and remind them that every day is preparation for the next," says Carol. "If you make the most of today—you'll get done today what needs to get done today—you'll be ready for the great things that will come tomorrow."

Applying this attitude over three decades, Carol has built a bridge of efficiency, accuracy, trust and transparency between the DSC office and its trade contractors, vendors and customers.

Carol graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a major in Lodging, Restaurant and Tourism. She enjoys hiking, biking and traveling, and occasionally slowing down for a good book or movie—the more inspirational, the better. "I love 'It's Not About Me' by Max Lucado. The title of that book says it all," she shares. "Really, I love any narrative about people overcoming what others think can't be done."

Above all, Carol cherishes her family. "Jerry and I have been a team since we met in high school. I feel privileged to work beside him to build a family and a business," says Carol. "After thirty years, I still greatly admire him as well. He started from humble beginnings and created what he is today with a strong work ethic, determination, passion and vision. I'm proud of our accomplishments and the fun we've had along the way."

Carol's memories of—and hopes for—this company run parallel. "I always want to make the most of the present moment," she says. "At the same time, I'm looking forward to the next chapter, implementing sustainability applications and championing better ways of doing things in a challenging marketplace so that we emerge stronger and better than ever."

David Schumm holds the longest, though ironically not consecutive, run as a DSC employee. After serving the firm for five years as Project Manager, David took a hiatus to begin his own company. In 2004, he rejoined the firm as an integral part of Team DSC^® who has impacted every major area of the company.

While he defines his position as "gatekeeper," David is more specifically responsible for the administrative steps that take a project from preconstruction to bidding to budget to groundbreaking, through project buyout. He's dedicated to outstanding service and believes the buck stops with a person's credibility. "Back up your word and always follow through," he says. "If you do that, you'll never let a customer down."

During David's tour of duties, he's watched DSC serve a range of high profile clients. His observation: "You hear these names but you never imagine you'll work with them. Then you're at a table together and they're exceptional. They're prompt, courteous and professional, and you're building something amazing together. It's really an experience."

For these clients, David references a line from his favorite movie, Apollo 13: "Failure is not an option." He goes a little easier on his son and daughter, who he raises with the same values and morals that his parents instilled in him (though he admits, "It's a lot harder than it looks.")

David graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. He is a licensed architect in Arizona and is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB).

Want to make David really happy? Give him Chicken Parmesan— on a sailboat (his passion). And, hey, put on some Bon Jovi in the background.

As Superintendent and Head of Construction for DSC, Kieran Davern is never bored. Officially, he is responsible for the day—to—day leadership of project trade contractors, suppliers and co—workers, and maintaining schedule, budget and relationships to produce a superior product. Unofficially, Kieran is the willing participant in all matters that take DSC to the next level of expertise, growth and reputation.

Kieran has been working in some form of the construction industry since he was 16 years old. As a six—year veteran at DSC, he's expertly leveraged that experience, raising him from assistant project manager to superintendent in the span of ten years.

What does Kieran do best for DSC? "I'm an avid weight lifter, so we could go with 'I can lift heavy things'," he jokes. "On a more serious note, I'd say it's my ability to manage 360 degrees—from trade contractors to clients to co—workers. That's where I feel I really make a difference." What's his favorite DSC memory? "Anytime the team is together," he says. "When something needs to get done, we come together and take care of it. It's like the coach just called in the 'heavy hitters' and nothing's going to stop us."

Kieran holds a Bachelor's degree in Construction Management from Arizona State University's Del E. Webb School of Construction and School of Architecture and Environmental Design, where he was both a scholarship recipient and on the Dean's List. He loves books and movies (yes, he's that guy that will quote movie lines randomly during normal conversation). He also enjoys the NFL and NCAA, but his ultimate hobby—and his fondest memories—are of his family. "You can't beat the birth of your children or the memories of a parent," he says. "I most admire my step dad. He supported me and disciplined me, but that's what made me love him. He's no longer with us, but my son carries his name out of that respect."

Doug Shadd has been referred to as representing the heart of Desert Star Construction, but the Superintendent quickly shrugs this off. "I just treat everybody like they should be treated," he says. "I make sure my team knows that I appreciate them and that my clients know they're special so they never have to look elsewhere."

Doug's 19—year history with DSC began as a trim carpentry contractor and evolved into a full—time position that he has enjoyed for the past seven years. He applies this hands—on experience to assigned construction projects, managing day—to—day leadership details with trade contractors, suppliers and co—workers, and an always—meticulous eye on schedule, budget and quality control.

"I give to my work like Jerry gave to me," says Doug, who puts his boss in the "Most Admired" category. "He's a great leader who wants everyone to be their best. He gave me a chance; he challenged me and made me what I am today. I tell him that."

A North Phoenix native and graduate of Paradise Valley High School, Doug holds a Superintendents Certificate and OSHA Safety Card. The self—proclaimed adrenaline junkie is a sucker for NASCAR—particularly Jimmy Johnson in the number 48 Lowe's car. He'd also be hard pressed to pass up a seafood—and—steak dinner at Outback or a weekend quading with his wife and daughters. Someday, Doug hopes to own property up north. "My clients know that when I'm on the job, things go off without a hitch," he says. "Maybe someday I'll have more time and a place up North to relax. Maybe I'll delegate more. Maybe."

At one time, Superintendent Jared Bazzell was the only DSC employee to have ever jumped out of a plane. Then he talked co—worker Doug Shadd into joining him, and his record was blown. "That's the way this company is," he says. "We're a family to each other and we treat our clients the same way."

That sense of camaraderie is Jared's favorite part of his job. "I like the last week of every project, when we have all of the trades in and we're working on a final punch list," he says. "Everyone who worked on the project gets to see what they've accomplished and our client's genuine happiness at the finished product."

Jared joined Desert Star Construction in 2004 and today is responsible for managing day—to—day project leadership details with trade contractors, suppliers and co—workers, as well as monitoring schedules, budgets and quality control. With 11 years of industry experience under his belt, Jared holds a Superintendents Certificate and OSHA Safety Card, and is itching to do more of what he loves. "I look forward to building more cool houses and meeting more interesting clients. We work for good people who I'm happy to help," he says. "They can call in the middle of the night and I'll get up and go. I want to always be there, no matter how big or small the problem is."

When he's not donning a cape to rescue a client, Jared enjoys funny movies, seafood, time with his wife and dogs, and anything outdoors—hunting, camping, quads, you name it.

Jeremy Meek literally grew up with DSC in his DNA. As Sustainability Programs Manager, Jeremy's keen desire is to advance this company's long—standing commitment to green building—more specifically, to provide clients with trademark DSC excellence while helping them tread ever lighter on the environment.

Jeremy's job responsibilities include managing projects, and components of projects, related to green building certifications, building retrofits and renewable energy. Along with a Bachelor's degree in Construction Management from Arizona State University and a Master's of Philosophy in Engineering for Sustainable Development from the University of Cambridge in England, Jeremy brings more than 14 years of on—the—job training, which he gained while working at DSC every summer since 1996. In 2007, Jeremy also had the opportunity to manage an out—of—town project—his best memory with DSC. "We take every project very personally, but in this case I actually lived on the jobsite in an Airstream trailer," he shares. "That gave me a unique sense of ownership and insight into our process, and illustrated that nobody achieves success on their own. I still use that experience when I work with clients today."

Jeremy is a LEED for Homes Accredited Professional and holds an OSHA Safety Card. He also recently accepted a position as Adjunct Faculty at ASU's Del E. Webb School of Construction, teaching in the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environments.

This native Arizonan likes anything outdoors that puts the wind in his face. His preferences: cycling (he hopes to ride solo across the U.S. someday), photography, scuba diving and hiking. Want to share one of his true loves? Ask him to take you out for a plate of great Mexican food.

Much like her dad, who taught band at Apollo High School, Administrative Assistant Tiffany Hutson keeps DSC's office in tune and on beat. Since starting with the firm in 2009, she has placed her positive imprint on virtually every DSC database, equipment log, work order, client owner's manual, waiver and permit application.

In her "spare" time, Tiffany is a practicing film actress, which makes her perfect for an array of customer service roles. "I love observing people and using the information to develop my characters," she says. "I do the same with our clients and our trade contractors. I get to know their personalities. Then I apply that insight to keep everyone happy, on the same page and working as a strong team."

Tiffany has a Certificate in Special Events Management from Arizona State University and will graduate from ASU in 2011 with a Bachelor's in Communication Studies and a minor in Theatre. In 2009, she completed a study abroad program that took her to London, Dublin and Edinburgh. "I walked up the stairs of Le Sainte Chapelle in Paris, stood on the Cliffs of Moor in Ireland and got to see the Eiffel tower sparkling at midnight. It was unforgettable." At home, Tiffany opts for Wally's Pub on 44th Street. We can't decide if it's the Fruit & Walnut Salad that she likes best or the pub's personal touch, in that Wally is always there to greet her.

Chelsea Dickson's job description as Administrative Assistant closely resembles her favorite movie: Princess Bride. "It has a little bit of all genres, some adventure and a good message," she says. "But it doesn't lose its sense of fun."

Chelsea's positive attitude, gift of adaptation and love of family make her a great fit with Desert Star Construction. Her attention to detail further ensures that DSC clients receive the highest level of care and professionalism, from the welcoming voice you hear the first time you call us to the day we celebrate your move—in.

Chelsea brings one additional and significant benefit to the DSC table. "I grew up in a construction family and spent five years working full time for my parents' subcontracting company," she says. "That time introduced me to every aspect of a construction office, so my work at DSC is very familiar territory for me."

Though Chelsea has a Bachelor's degree in Spanish from Arizona State University, she ironically has traveled everywhere but her dream destination of South America. To date, she's taught English in China, worked as an Au Pair in Switzerland and toured the Western U.S. on a 3,000—mile family road trip. She's also visited Russia for an archeological dig and personally exhumed a king from the late Bronze Age. "I did get to use my Spanish during a year of study abroad in Spain," Chelsea admits. "I also took German classes while in Zurich. It was a great day when I could leave a cafe with the correct coffee order in my hand!"