Shaffer tapped for first-ever Champion Award

A new NAIOP award is going to a longtime general contractor who volunteers his times on numerous boards within the city.

The first-ever NAIOP Champion Award was given to David Shaffer, the president of AIC General Contractor.

"We don't go into our everyday efforts of what we do for our city and our organizations with that intent," Shaffer said. "But it was a nice recognition to be the inaugural winner of it."

Shaffer moved to Albuquerque when he was 4 years old with his mother, Jean Block, who has had a long career consulting nonprofit organizations. Her son has followed in her footsteps by supporting such businesses.

Shaffer's been with AIC for 24 years, since the founding of the company. He bought the company in 2014.

His roles include project management, human relations and social media.

"I do it all," he said.

The company specializes in tenant improvement projects and other remodel work. He said 94% of the customers are referrals.

AIC has worked on lawyers offices, fire stations and police stations, mostly in central New Mexico from Los Lunas to Santa Fe. It has 18 employees.

The Champion Award was created to recognize someone who champions and defends the commercial real estate industry.

Shaffer in some ways thinks bigger.

"It's not just defending the commercial real estate environment," he said. "I think it's incumbent upon any of us who are living here to do something and to give back and to help."

What's his pet peeve about Albuquerque?

"Anybody who has a pulse of this city knows it's crazy when someone wants to complain about something and not do something about it," he said.

AIC under Shaffer's leadership has made it a point to support nonprofit organizations, such as the Domestic Violence Resource Center, the New Mexico Autism Society, Mandy's Farm and others. The company also takes on certain construction projects for discounted rates depending on the client.

For the last 12 years, Shaffer has served on numerous boards and commissions throughout the community, including on the Environmental Planning Commission.

"David Shaffer is not only a leader within his company but also a true champion of the commercial real estate industry," states a NAIOP memo explaining the award. "His contributions have had a lasting impact, and we are honored to present him with the first-ever NAIOP Champion Award."