Photo by Devon Jacoby/Backstory Creative | Patrick Conner and Jason Cortez accept one of their two Best of Central Valley Business awards.

Editor’s note: On Tuesday, Dec. 11, The Business Journal hosted its 12th annual Best of Central Valley Business awards, showcasing the best that the Central Valley has to offer.

Winners in the Real Estate, Construction & Design categories included some multi-time winners, as well as this year’s only multi-category award winner.

Best of Central Valley Business Awards: Real Estate, Construction & Design

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Best Company to Work For

Winner: London Properties (multi-category winner)

First Finalist: Manco Abbott

Second Finalist: Community Health System

 

Best Residential Real Estate Company

Winner: London Properties

First Finalist: Realty Concepts

Second Finalist: Keller Williams

This business in three words:

Trusted local legacy

What makes them a Central Valley original?

Because of its long history, local ownership, deep regional focus and consistent performance, London Properties isn’t just another national brokerage operating here — it grew out of the Central Valley. Its origins, growth, and identity are intertwined with Fresno, Clovis, Madera and surrounding communities. That makes it a “Valley original” in a way that few out of town firms can claim. For many residents, it’s not just a brokerage — it’s part of the region’s real estate identity.

Founded by Dan and Paula Conner in 1973, the firm today is led by the second generation in their son Patrick Conner, president.

The thing regulars can’t get enough of:

A combination of personalized service, local expertise and a full-service real estate experience.

If this business were a song, it would be:

“Homeward Bound” by Simon & Garfunkel

Their promise to the community:

Their mission centers on trust, expertise and helping people achieve their dreams of homeownership while strengthening the Central Valley community.

What they are saying about London Properties:

“London Properties made buying our first home an amazing experience. Their team was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about finding us the perfect place. We couldn’t have asked for a better partner in the Central Valley real estate market.”
-Online testimonial

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Best Commercial Real Estate Company

Winner: Fortune Associates

First Finalist: Colliers International

Second Finalist: Newmark Pearson Commercial

In three words, this business is:

Built on purpose

What makes them a Central Valley original:

It’s rooted in generations of local leadership, community service and deep market knowledge of the commercial real estate industry. Built by Fresno natives and shaped by decades of relationships and results, the firm reflects the Valley’s character, values and entrepreneurial spirit.

For over 45 years, Fortune Associates has been a trusted leader in providing honest commercial real estate transactions in the Central Valley. Following in the footsteps of his father, Larry Fortune quickly established his reputation for integrity as the leader of the company. In 2023, Fortune Associates welcomed four new partners—Brett Fugman, Craig Capriotti, Brandon Lamonica and James Bitter—ushering in a new era of growth and innovation.

The thing regulars can’t get enough of:

Experienced agents and personalized experience

Their promise to the community:

Delivering expert, transparent and personalized real estate guidance that maximizes long-term value, empowers informed decisions and exceeds client expectations.

If this business were a song, it would be:

“Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” Stevie Wonder

Why Central Valley customers keep coming back:

“I had an outstanding experience working with Fortune Associates, and I can’t recommend them enough — especially James! From start to finish, James was incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and attentive throughout the entire office search process. He took the time to understand exactly what I was looking for and worked diligently to find the perfect space that met all my needs.
-Addison, Google Review

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Best Real Estate Property Management Company

Winner: Manco Abbott

First Finalist: Granville Realty

Second Finalist: CenCal Property Management, Inc.

This business in three words:

Maximizing property potential

What makes them a Central Valley original?

For a decade, Manco Abbott has established itself as the top dog in the Best of the Central Valley Business Awards as Best Real Estate Property Management Company. Founded in 1972, Manco Abbott has grown its scope to encompass a large service area from the Central Valley to the Central Coast. The real estate titan provides a full range of real estate services including retail, office, apartments and industrial real estate management. This is the company’s tenth win in their category for the Best of the Central Valley Business Awards.

The thing regulars can’t get enough of: Key insight into strategic management and market leadership for each property to help clients achieve their investment goals. Manco Abbott provides the highest possible level of service, knowledge, professionalism and integrity to every client.

Their promise to the community:

To boost property owners’ investments through exceptional property management services, outstanding talent, and a commitment to innovation.

What they are saying about Manco Abbott:

“Manco Abbott’s reputation is unsurpassed. One of the things we appreciate about the organization is the number of vendors with whom they have established relationships, along with the qualifying process they use. We believe it exhibits their commitment to do everything possible to ensure that they recommend only quality service providers.”
-Website testimonial

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Best Home Builder

Winner: Granville Homes

First Finalist: Lennar Homes

Second Finalist: Wilson Homes

In three words, this business is:

Trusted, innovative, community-focused

What makes them a Central Valley original?

Granville Homes is a true Central Valley original, building homes and communities in Fresno that reflect local lifestyle, values, and long-standing trust. Their designs blend comfort, functionality, and style, creating neighborhoods where families can thrive for generations.

This year marks the 12th time that Granville Homes was chosen as the Best Home Builder in the Central Valley. Granville Homes was founded by Farid Assemi in 1977, building family homes, but also being credited with kickstarting the revitalization of Fresno’s downtown by building urban housing complexes in 2005. Since its founding, the company has built over 6,000 homes and stays involved in the community with such fundraisers as “Granville Home of Hope” and supporting local non-profits.

The thing regulars can’t get enough of:

Granville Homes delivers thoughtfully designed, high-quality homes with a seamless, customer-focused building experience. Their attention to detail and commitment to community ensures every home is both comfortable and built to last.

If this business were a song, it would be:

“Home” by Phillip Phillips

Their promise to the community:

By blending modern design, functionality, and a deep understanding of local needs, they build neighborhoods where families can truly feel at home.

What they are saying about Granville:

“When I called Granville I left a message, I was thinking somebody will call me back in the next few days. And fifteen minutes later I got a call and thirty minutes later somebody was at my house. You cannot beat that…”
– Paul Birrell

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Best Architectural Firm

Winner: Darden Architects

First Finalist: Teter

Second Finalist: The Taylor Group

In three words, this business is

Innovative. Local. Visionary.

What makes them a Central Valley original?

Darden Architects is a true Central Valley original — a Fresno-founded firm that blends innovative design with a deep understanding of the region’s culture and needs, shaping spaces that reflect the heart and heritage of the Valley.

It underwent a transition about a year ago, with its fifth generation of management with Robert Petithomme transitioning to the role of principal emeritus. Antonio Avila was promoted to managing principal. Avila has been with Darden Architects for 32 years, and has a total of the 34 years in the industry.

The firm was founded by Edwin S. Darden Sr. in 1959, first conducting business as Nargis & Darden Architects, later incorporated as Edwin S. Darden Associates and finally Darden Architects.

The thing regulars can’t get enough of:

Clients can’t get enough of Darden Architects’ knack for crafting spaces that are as innovative as they are perfectly tailored to the Central Valley.

If this business were a song, it would be:

“If I Had a Hammer” – Peter, Paul and Mary / Trini Lopez

Their promise to the community:

Darden Architects promises to craft spaces that inspire, serve, and celebrate the heart and character of the Central Valley.

Why Central Valley customers keep coming back:

Central Valley clients keep coming back to Darden Architects for their innovative designs, personalized approach, and deep understanding of the region—delivering spaces that are as functional as they are inspiring.

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Best Engineering Firm

Winner: Precision Civil Engineering Inc.

First Finalist: Provost & Pritchard Consulting Group

Second Finalist: Teter

This business in three words:

Reliable, solutions-driven, responsive

What makes them a Central Valley original? They were built in Fresno and have shaped the region from the ground up. With long-standing partnerships and a commitment to serving the place they call home, they deliver solutions rooted in integrity, practicality, and true regional pride.

The firm was founded by CEO Ed Dunkel Jr. in 2002, working on projects with the most respected builders, developers, architects, municipalities, school districts and other agencies. Since its inception, the company has grown from two employees to more than 50, with offices in Fresno, Merced and Wisconsin.

The thing regulars can’t get enough of:

Their expert, reliable and hands-on approach, delivering practical solutions perfectly suited to the Central Valley.

If this business were a song, it would be:

“Workin’ for a Livin’” by Huey Lewis and the News.

Their promise to the community:

Precision Civil Engineering promises to build reliable, lasting infrastructure that strengthens communities and supports the growth and well-being of the Central Valley.

Why Central Valley customers keep coming back:

Central Valley clients keep coming back to Precision Civil Engineering for their award-winning expertise, reliable solutions, and deep understanding of the region’s unique needs.

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Best Interior Design Firm

Winner: Facility Designs

First Finalist: Darden Architects

Second Finalist: Core Business Interiors

This business in three words:

Spaces that work

What makes them a Central Valley original?

Providing interior design services for various markets, health care, business, government and education, Facility Designs has established itself as one of the top firms in the Central Valley — specializing in custom design solutions that offer immediate impact and long-term value. Some of their most notable clients are Reedley College, United Health Centers, Community Cancer Institute and more. For the third year in a row, Facility Design has taken home the award for Best Interior Design Firm.

The thing regulars can’t get enough of:

Facility Designs offers a broad selection of products to assist clients with their redesign. Seating, desks and workspaces, and health care specific products are just some of what is available when working with the WBENC (Women’s Business Enterprise National Council)-certified team.

If this business were a song it would be:

“Express Yourself” by Madonna

Their promise to the community:

To provide the perfect balance of form and function, while building a workspace that helps your company achieve its mission.

What they are saying about Facility Designs:

“In our effort to create a space for the most vulnerable in our community, we asked Facility Designs to create a space that leaves people inspired. We can say without absolute certainty that the team from Facility Designs helped us design the most inspirational project in the Central Valley.”
-Fresno Mission (website testimonial)

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Best Local Construction Firm

Winner: Harris Construction

First Finalist: Quiring General

Second Finalist: Pickett and Sons Construction

In three words, this business is:

Trusted, established, principled

What makes them a Central Valley original?

The company has been building, hiring and an investing locally for decades. The company has deep roots in the Central Valley and boasts repeat partnerships and a legacy of building schools, facilities and community spaces across the Central Valley.

Harris Construction has now been named as the Best Local Construction Firm three times. For over 111 years, the company has been helping build the Central Valley with countless projects, primarily in education and civic sectors, as well as food processing health care, and other privately owned industries. The company is led by President Michael Spencer and Vice President Matt Davies.

The thing regulars can’t get enough of:

With its services for high-quality, large-scale construction, the company has built a reputation of hands-on leadership, strong project management and quality craftsmanship.

If this business were a song, it would be: “Working Man” Rush

Their promise to the community:

Harris Construction strives to meet both functional needs and long-term durability on all their projects, as well as supporting the local community by investing in schools, supporting job growth and helping build the region’s economy and infrastructure.

Why Central Valley customers keep coming back:

Their hands-on management, transparent communication and decades of experience keep attracts new clients, and keeps their current ones satisfied with their work.