Sarasota contractor promotes new vice president, operations director

After years of doing a stellar job, two executives have been promoted at a local general contracting firm. 

Sarasota-based Stellar Development promoted Brian Ellis to vice president and Trey Arias to director of field operations. 

Ellis has been with the firm for nearly 16 years, during which he spearheaded some of its largest projects. He oversaw the completion of the Countryside Christian Church, Compass Margaritaville Hotel and the It Works office building.

"Brian's promotion is well-deserved,” Maurice Opstal, president, says in a news release. “His collaborative approach, innovative ideas and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in driving Stellar Development's success. I am excited to see him take on this new challenge."

Ellis will focus more on operations and pre-construction services in his new position to optimize the company’s operations and competitive edge.

Arias has been with Stellar Development for over 10 years racking up an extensive background of construction projects, which vary from mid-rise to high-rise buildings, schools and condominiums. The press release states that Arias was instrumental in completing signature projects like the Holiday Inn & Suites Orlando, the Hampton Suites North Port and Tower Shops of Davie. 

Now as the director of field operations, Arias will assume control of safety and field operations. 

"Trey is a great problem solver and communicator,” Opstal says in the release. “His role in supporting and guiding each project Stellar takes on is invaluable. He has proven that his involvement and attention to detail save time and money on every project we construct.”