The ICON Difference

At ICON Builders, our value proposition lies in our extensive experience and deep understanding of the stringent requirements needed to successfully renovate LIHTC, Bond, and HUD projects. With over 30 years in the industry and a team that collectively boasts hundreds of years of experience, we have mastered the art of attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of a project meets and exceeds the highest standards in the industry.

Our expertise in navigating the complexities of HUD, ADA, and other government regulations sets us apart, enabling us to deliver exceptional results on time and within budget. At ICON Builders, we don’t just build for today—we build for the future, ensuring lasting value in every project we undertake.

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Making an Impact

Rebuilding Lives

At ICON Builders, our commitment extends far beyond construction; it’s about making a meaningful impact on the lives of the residents we serve. Through our philanthropic initiatives, we actively invest in the communities where we work, supporting programs that provide education, financial literacy, and essential resources to those in need. We believe that revitalizing affordable housing is just the beginning; our true mission is to foster environments where individuals and families can thrive.

Our Efforts

Leadership

Allen “Kelly” Sands

Founder and CEO

Brad Wright

President

Michael Chacon

VP of Construction

Deseray Gruben

Chief Financial Officer

Maxwell Sands

Business Development

Cariño Maldonado

Contracts and Administration

Our Core Values

01

United

We work together as a cohesive team, supporting each other to achieve our common goals.

02

Dependable

We can be relied upon to deliver quality results consistently and on time.

03

Passionate

We bring energy and dedication to our work, striving for excellence in everything we do.

04

Transparent

We communicate openly and honestly, fostering trust and integrity within our organization.

Our Affiliations

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Contact Us

1-800-282-6065
info@iconbuilders.com
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Service Area

Arizona
California
Texas

@2024 ICON Builders. All rights reserved.

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Allen “Kelly” Sands

Founder & CEO

Kelly Sands is a leading expert and pioneer in Occupied Affordable Housing Renovation, whose passion and unparalleled leadership have directly contributed to the construction or renovation of over 23,000 units throughout his 30-year career. In 2000, he strategically refocused ICON Builders exclusively on renovation projects—a move that embraced industry best practices and established the company as a trailblazer in the sector.

With comprehensive expertise in finance, design, and construction, Kelly adeptly navigates the complexities of affordable housing development deals. His ability to scale from the broadest overview to the most intricate project details has been instrumental in defining ICON Builders since its inception. Kelly’s extensive understanding of deal structures, tax credits, HUD regulations, and stakeholder requirements has enabled him to consistently deliver outstanding due diligence and partnership documentation to solidify his legacy as a cornerstone of the industry.

Passionate about affordable housing, Kelly’s dedication is second to none. He and his wife, Mona, along with their four children, share an energy for life and together enjoy traveling, cooking, outdoor adventures, and helping others. 

Brad Wright

President

Brad is an executive leader at ICON Builders and affiliated companies, where his exceptional talent for assembling effective teams and fostering a culture of high performance and personal development has led to steadfast excellence. His commitment to building strong partnerships and fostering collaboration with Clients and Subcontractors is a testament to his reputation in the field. On a daily basis, Brad is closely involved in supporting operational duties to successfully launch outstanding team performance and their project completions. He is regarded as a ringmaster of exceptional company outcomes. 

Brad’s upbringing in a low-income household has imbued him with a relentless passion for enhancing the living conditions of others, driving his every endeavor. This deep-seated commitment to making a positive impact is matched only by his love for travel, which he enjoys alongside his wife and three sons, marking it as his most cherished aspect of life.

Michael Chacon

VP of Construction

Mike Chacon brings 16 years of dedication and service to ICON Builders and its affiliated construction companies.  Throughout this time, he has engaged in a variety of capacities and ascended to become a leading authority in Affordable Housing Renovation Construction. Mike is known for his unparalleled knowledge of construction means and methods. His enduring relationships with Clients and Subcontractors are built on a foundation of trust and a consistent delivery of superior results. His project approach is deeply influenced by his desire to construct communities that bolster his meticulous attention to detail and quality craftsmanship. Mike has a natural likeability and is an adept hands-on problem solver; qualities that position him as an invaluable partner to clients. 

With his wife, Nichole, Mike enjoys raising their two young children, and is deeply involved in the communities ICON Builders serves: embodying the company’s commitment to positive impact and engagement.

Deseray Gruben

Chief Financial Officer

Deseray brings 8 years of experience working beside Kelly Sands in both General Contractor and Subcontractor capacities. As CFO she manages ICON Builders finance and accounting functions, with emphasis on industry-specific reporting/analysis, planning, forecasting, and budgeting. 

As a member of ICON Builders’ leadership team Deseray is instrumental in executing its strategic goals. She is known for producing high-level analysis of complex financial structures and budgets and holds a confident seat alongside various construction experts to collaborate challenging business and financial issues. Deseray is a dedicated professional and a member of CFMA and Arizona Growth Advisors. Her Colorado roots have given her a love for hiking, fishing and the great outdoors.

Maxwell Sands

Business Development

Maxwell brings extensive experience in real estate and construction to our team, honed through his work with multiple large-scale private and public enterprises. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate Development from the University of Southern California and a Master’s in Real Estate Development (MRED) from Arizona State University.

Passionate about affordable housing finance, construction, and commercial real estate, Maxwell is relationship-driven and offers comprehensive knowledge across various industry aspects. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, skiing, cooking, and spending time with his fiancée, Alaina, and their beloved Australian Shepherd, Wesley.

Cariño Maldonado

Contracts and Administration

Carino is a distinguished professional at ICON Builders. Armed with 23 years of experience in construction, Carino’s expertise spans from procurement to closeout with heavy involvement in AIA contracts and compliance. Her 10 years at ICON Builders have involved a heavy focus on LIHTC. Her vast expertise in construction contracts and administration instills a genuine sense of confidence within the ICON Builders team and among our esteemed clients, partners, and subcontractors. She has earned a professional reputation for crisp paperwork practices, working closely with industry professionals, and her unwavering commitment to the mission of affordable housing.

Outside of business, Carino raises her son and is an accomplished performer and singer. She is committed to social impact and engages with nonprofits and industry organizations to support various local causes.