CG Schmidt names construction executive Nicole Cuéllar to build its presence in Arizona

Building things has always been a part of her life. So, it was only natural that after graduating with a civil engineering degree, Nicole Cuéllar would pursue a career in construction – and excel at it.

Cuéllar has been named General Manager of construction management firm CG Schmidt’s Arizona office. She has developed an extensive construction background across service markets and arrives in Arizona following five years spent in CG Schmidt’s Madison, Wisconsin office where she was involved in numerous community non-profits, including Literacy Network and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County. One of her favorite projects was building the Madison Youth Arts Center at 1055 E Mifflin Street, completed in 2021.  Cuéllar is joined by Phoenix-native, Superintendent Darren Scott; and long-time Arizona industry professional, Director of Business Development Nicole Snyder.

Cuéllar credits her relatives in Wisconsin for fueling her aptitude to build things.  

“I have a whole garage full of tools that feed my creative side,” she said. “I credit my great-uncle and grandpa for introducing me to tools when I was young. They let me try every power tool in their shed as a kid and were always patient with me. My first project was building a wooden armoire for my dolls. I have kept a few of those early projects as reminders of where I started.”

As General Manager, Cuéllar will oversee CG Schmidt’s Arizona field and office operations. Cuéllar and her team will collaborate with building partners to grow their project portfolios by providing building expertise from concept through completion. She will also mentor staff to provide exceptional services to clients and subcontractors.  

Cuéllar’s national construction experience includes corporate, industrial and custom projects and geographically extends from Washington DC to Los Angeles. She spent the first seven years of her career with Hensel Phelps as Lead Field Engineer, Estimator, and Project Engineer. After relocating back to the Midwest, she worked for Wisconsin’s only self-performing tilt wall contractor. Cuéllar joined CG Schmidt in Madison, Wisconsin six years ago.

CG Schmidt opened its Arizona office in 2023. It offers clients a complete range of services from planning and development through close-out.

“No matter where a client is in the construction process, we have experienced professionals ready to guide them through it,” Cuéllar said.  

CG Schmidt is led from its Milwaukee, Wisconsin headquarters by President Eric Schmidt, CEO & Chairman of the Board Rick Schmidt, and COO Mike Abuls.  

“Nicole’s industry experience is unmatched,” said Eric Schmidt. “Nicole completely embodies the values of caring, accountability and excellence that we as a firm take pride in. She is an incredible leader, a steadfast partner, and she has my full confidence and admiration in establishing and growing CG Schmidt’s southwest construction services.”

Cuéllar is active in numerous industry groups including Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Arizona Builder’s Alliance, National Association for Industrial and Office Parks- Arizona Chapter, and Arizona Commercial Real Estate Women.

A native of Hartford, Wisconsin, Cuéllar earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She also holds a certificate in construction management. Away from the office, Cuéllar is an outdoors enthusiast. Along with trail running in different state and national parks, she enjoys taking long walks with her boyfriend of 10 years and the couple’s two dogs.

CG Schmidt is located at 999 E. Playa del North Drive, Suite 110, in Tempe, Arizona. For more information call (602) 830-8460