Generations of experience.
Built for today.

Jose "Pepe" Avena brings nearly four decades of heavy civil construction experience to AVE Construction.

Pepe began his career in the field as a laborer and worked his way through the ranks of the industry, ultimately becoming a General Superintendent for a major heavy civil contractor. Throughout his career he has been involved in the construction of large-scale site development, infrastructure, and heavy civil projects across Arizona — developing extensive knowledge of earthwork, grading, underground construction, and field operations.

His experience goes beyond knowing how to build the work. Decades spent managing crews and solving construction challenges in the field have given Pepe an understanding of how projects go wrong, how problems can be prevented, and how experienced decision-making keeps a project moving when unexpected conditions arise.

After spending much of his career building projects for others, Pepe helped establish AVE Construction as an opportunity to pass that knowledge to the next generation and build something his family could continue to grow. Today, he brings AVE the field experience, leadership, and construction knowledge developed over a lifetime in the industry — while continuing to mentor the next generation of the Avena family.

Andon Avena represents the next generation of the Avena family's construction background.

Long before beginning his own career, Andon was exposed to heavy civil construction through his father and grandfather, both of whom built careers as union equipment operators. Growing up around the industry gave him an early understanding of the work ethic, responsibility, and commitment required to succeed in construction.

After high school, Andon began working for a heavy civil contractor performing large-scale projects throughout Arizona, where he progressed from equipment operator to grade checker and eventually foreman. He has gained hands-on experience constructing large-scale real estate developments, power plant infrastructure, and evaporation ponds, along with extensive site development work on major commercial projects.

At AVE, Andon continues to develop the knowledge passed down through his family while bringing his own experience and a modern approach to the company. His understanding of current technology, digital construction tools, and evolving field practices helps AVE combine traditional field knowledge with greater accuracy, communication, and efficiency.

Together, those perspectives allow AVE to carry proven construction practices forward while continually improving how projects are planned, managed, and built.