Dan Hinkson, President
Dan Hinkson always unselfishly gives of himself. This is evident in the way he executes his role as Owner and President of Sigma Contracting and in his personal life as a husband, father and grandfather as well. In 1983 he founded a successful business that has been able to weather tough times as well as good, allowing long term employees to make a living and enjoy all aspects of life. Along the way he has forged long-term relationships with clients.
Since inception in 1983, Dan has overseen the daily business and operations for Sigma, from working with the business development and estimating teams to obtain new projects and expand relationships to making sure the right people are in place to execute.
Dan and his wife Melinda, also active in the business, have been actively involved over the years with various industry groups including the Arizona Association for Economic Development, Arizona Association for Commercial Real Estate Women, Arizona Commercial Mortgage Lenders Group, CCIM, CRENAB, Lambda Alpha International, ULI Arizona, and Valley Partnership, among others.
In addition, for decades, Dan has give time and financial support to various non-profit organizations, helping fundraise, organize events and sitting on several board of directors. One such organization has been on several boards for over 20 years for The Salvation Army, and with his decades long relationship helped create a legacy with the Ray & Joan Kroc Corp Community Center in South Phoenix that will help thousands of families improve their lives for years to come. He also served on the board for The Beatitudes, and most recently after witnessing the results of their programming he has been involved with Horses Help for the last ten years.
Personally, he is proud of being happily married for over 45 years to his wife, Melinda, whom he met in high school. Together they have raised three boys who have grown into accomplished adults and are great husbands and exceptional fathers to their seven grandchildren. When he’s off the clock, Dan enjoys spending vacation time and quiet time with Melinda, as well as time with their grandchildren. He admits enjoying activities that create an adrenaline rush such as speed boating and jet skiing on Lake Powell, scuba and sky diving, snow skiing and baja race car driving. He enjoys traveling to new places and learning about new cultures. He plays some golf, mainly in charitable tournaments. Born in Youngstown, Ohio, and raised in St. Louis, Mo., he received college degrees from Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Mo., and Arizona State University.
The best business advice he’s been given: “Live by the creed of the ‘True Gentleman.’ Be honest with yourself and others. Give to others and take care of others – it will come back to you ten-fold. Always pay attention to your money as no one else will like you will.”
The best business advice than Dan has shared: “Don’t do things beyond your means but always reach out beyond what you think your capabilities are. Always surround yourself with the right people. Always watch your own finances.”
“Don’t do things beyond your means but always reach out beyond what you think your capabilities are. Always surround yourself with the right people. Always watch your own finances.”
– Dan Hinkson
“Having been in a marketing/business development role for 30 years, I have been able to assist and mentor many others over the years. Like the advice I was given, I try to convey to take the risk and go for it, and never settle to be the spectator.”
– Melinda Hinkson
Melinda Hinkson, Owner/Secretary-Treasurer/Business Development-Marketing
As Owner/Secretary-Treasurer/Director of Business Development, Melinda Hinkson wears many hats at Sigma Contracting. Her visibility and mentoring of others in the Valley’s commercial real estate industry are what set her apart.
Melinda’s primary duty is to actively seek expansion of new projects through Sigma’s business development and marketing efforts. She possesses the ability to utilize her professional strengths across various industries and has done so in a successful career that spans more than 30 years.
She is active in numerous industry groups including the Arizona Association for Economic Development, AZCREW, CRENAB, Valley Partnership, and CoreNet Global Arizona.
The personal accomplishment of which she is most proud is raising a wonderfully connected and happy family and successfully working together with her husband Dan. Her devotion to family is exemplary. She and Dan met when she was 17. Melinda worked in hospital laboratories and on a trauma team to help put him through the Del Webb School at Arizona State University.
When she’s not attending an industry event or working at Sigma’s Scottsdale office, Melinda enjoys family activities, boating, scuba diving, skiing, and traveling. What people might be surprised to know about her: Melinda has quite a musical background. She used to play the violin and accordion, and played guitar and sang in her church choir.
Born in Farmington, Mo., and raised in St. Louis, Melinda earned a Bachelor of Science in medical technology.
The best business advice she’s been given: “Life is not a spectator sport – go for it. We all know that nothing ventured is absolutely nothing gained. Also, do unto others as you would have them do unto you is applicable to our business as well as our personal lives.”
The best business advice Melinda has shared: “Having been in a marketing/business development role for 30 years, I have been able to assist and mentor many others over the years. Like the advice I was given, I try to convey to take the risk and go for it, and never settle to be the spectator.”
Bill Santoro, Chief Estimator
Bill Santoro possesses more than 30 years of construction experience in his role as Chief Estimator, with 25 years at Sigma Contracting.
He has worked in various capacities including Field Supervision, Project Management and Estimating. Prior to joining the Sigma team Bill was owner of a concrete company. As a previous small business owner, he gained valuable experience that allows him a fuller understanding of business management and cost controls. This is valuable when contributing on biddability and constructability reviews.
Bill has applied this experience to his years at Sigma in both Project Management and Estimating. With his breadth of experience and various roles within the industry, Bill has a comprehensive understanding of the needs and intents of Sigma clients.
Bill possesses a great work ethic and diligence when reviewing documents uncovering any missing information or details, conflicts between the drawings and specifications, or any needed clarifications. He has a strong reputation for being fair and honest with subcontractors, which often leads to preferred pricing from that industry.
Bill was born in Sacramento, Calif., then moved numerous times as the child of a father in the military.
He is active with the American Society of Certified Professional Estimators. He received Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of Nebraska. He also has completed numerous courses at the Construction Estimating Institute.
When he’s not reviewing documents, Bill enjoys traveling and taking part in family activities. Bill is also a numismatist, which means he collects coins.
The professional accomplishment of which he is most proud is when projects come in under budget and ahead of schedule.
The best business advice he has been given: “Before starting a construction project, always have a solid understanding of the client’s expectations.”
The best business advice Bill has to share: “The understanding that if you see any issue or problem on a project, know that the client will see it as well.”
That’s the voice of experience talking.
“The understanding that if you see any issue or problem on a project, know that the client will see it as well.”
– Bill Santoro
Nia Lugo, Estimating Coordinator
Born and raised in Phoenix AZ, Nia attended Alhambra High School locally.
Her primary duties at Sigma include downloading plans, sending out bid invitations to the appropriate experienced and qualified subcontractors in the sub-trades involved for each project, following up and reaching out for proposals, and providing full estimating administrative support to ensure a complete estimate for each project. When awarded the project, she helps facilitate the subcontract award process with the contracts, plans, proposals, directory information, coordinating with the subs and the project’s transition to our operations team in Project Management. She is currently active for Sigma in the American Subcontractors Association of Arizona and is looking forward to greater involvement in the industry.
Away from the office, Nia enjoys hanging with her family, playing volleyball, camping, dancing, singing, jazz music, and has a great affinity for makeup and the beauty it can accentuate. She is especially proud of raising her fabulous daughter, and her daughter’s recent acceptance into the Arizona School for the Arts.
The best advice she’s been given: “Always strive to be the best you can in your position”.
The best advice Nia shares: “Keep pushing and never give up”.
Sandy Jordan, Assistant Project Manager
Sandy Jordan is driven by a competitive spirit, both in her professional role as Assistant Project Manager and personally as owner of a fighting arts school.
Sandy has been with the Sigma team for 17 years. As Assistant Project Manager for Sigma, Sandy is responsible for communicating with owners on matters related to billing, lien releases, and change orders. Additional duties include owner draws, processing subcontractor draws, and helping superintendents and project managers with a variety of project-related issues. She has created quite a reputation with clients in the industry for accurate and timely reports.
Sandy has been a martial arts school owner in the Chuck Norris System for 28 years and a 5th degree black belt. She is also a 1st degree black belt in Tang Soo Do and a certified instructor in Krav Maga. In addition, she offers equestrian riding instruction with her horses.
A native of Colorado Springs, Colo., Sandy moved to Phoenix when she was 14. She earned a Bachelor of Science in environment agriculture resources. When she’s not in the office or the fight school, Sandy enjoys horseback riding and is a board member for the Wickenburg Saddle Club.
The best business advice she’s been given: “Limits exist only in the mind.”
The best business advice Sandy has shared: “Performance = ability x motivation x opportunity.”
“Performance = ability x motivation x opportunity.”
– Sandy Jordan
“Invest in Arizona real estate.”
– Kathy Halliburton
Kathy Halliburton, Controller
A sense of family is important to Kathy Halliburton, who has served as Sigma Contacting’s Controller for 25 years. Personally, she takes great pride in having raised three sons. Professionally, she takes great pride in a 25-year career with the Sigma family.
“My time here at Sigma is about the best thing imaginable,” Kathy says. “We really are a family away from home.”
Born and raised in Phoenix, Kathy has her Associate’s degree in business has been active with various industry groups over the years to be able to stay current.
When not crunching numbers, Kathy enjoys hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
What people might be surprised to know about her: “On any clear, dark and moonless night, I enjoy navigating the heavens with our deep space telescope. You might say my husband is the pilot and I am the navigator.”
The best business advice she’s been given mirrors the best business advice she has shared: “Invest in Arizona real estate.”
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