Edison Bitsui, partner

Edison, a member of the Navajo Nation, has more than 20 years of experience in the construction industry and as principal of BITCO, built more than 30 facilities for the Navajo Nation. His experience enables him to successfully plan and implement all phases of a general construction project. As previous owner of Kin Enterprises (CA), where he excelled in securing government contracts, and his own construction company, Edison gained valuable knowledge in construction management and expertise in safety and quality control. His experience runs the gamut of all phases of General Construction projects, including bid preparation, managing crews, managing and negotiating with sub-contractors, etc. As a manager, Edison has cultivated an ability to keenly analyze project scopes and to effectively match talent to them for optimal outcomes. His financial acumen ensures expert administration of capital operating budgets and expenditures, and the establishment and management of financial control systems. Edison has an almost 40-year history of procurement and purchasing within the Navajo Nation leading to strong buying power for BITCO-Kitchell clients. He is a nationally recognized former cowboy rodeo star.

"BITCO-Kitchell is setting a standard for all joint venture mentor/protégé relationships. Our standard is built on a common ethical value system, sustainable business growth and development. Our primary goal is to build our Nations with the best intention and integrity."

ebitusi@bitco-kitchell.com

Brad Gabel, partner

With more than 35 years of construction experience (25 years at Kitchell), Brad was instrumental in forming Kitchell’s Native American division.  He saw that the Native communities required a specific project delivery program.  He has worked with the following Nations: Gila River Indian Community, Yavapavi-Apache Nation, Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, San Carolos Apache Tribe, Tohono O’odham, Pomo Indians, Tuolomne Band of Me-Wuk Indians, and the Paiute Indian Community, among others.  In addition to his work in the Native American community, Brad’s experience encompasses high-tech structures for Motorola (five), numerous healthcare buildings, several correctional facilities and many other civic and commercial projects.   Brad is a member of the California Indian Gaming Association, the National Indian Gaming Association and the AGC Legislative Committee (Arizona chapter).
Brad’s Navajo name is Natani Nez (Tall Leader).

“After working on my first Native American project in 1995, I put all my energy into forming Kitchell’s Native American Division.  It’s more than bricks and mortar.  We’re making long-lasting friendships along the way and helping build for a better tomorrow.  That’s what we do.  That’s what is so rewarding.”   

bgabel@bitco-kitchell.com

Jeremiah Bitsui, partner

A born leader, Jermiah brings strong operations, marketing and management skills to the BITCO-Kitchell team. As a GenY member of the Navajo and Omaha Nations, Jeremiah’s knowledge of and perspective on the needs of those living on the reservation is invaluable. His passion for construction started at the ripe “young” age of five when he used to trail his father on job sites and beg for a chance to use a hammer (always wearing a hard hat, of course). His entrepreneurial go-getter personality emerged at age 19 when he founded Youth Impacting Youth (YiY), a mentorship and training program for, and consultancy focused on, American Indian Rural and Urban youth. YiY’s national customer clientele range from Department of Labor employment training programs and Office of Juvenile Justice prevention programs. Jeremiah is also a 1985 Wooly Riding Navajo Nation rodeo champion.

“The most powerful decision is the most positive option.”

jbitsui@bitco-kitchell.com

Jeff Begay, business development

A member of the Navajo Nation and originally from Teesto, AZ, Jeff has more than 36  years experience in the construction industry, 10+ years at Kitchell.  Prior to joining Kitchell, where he is the business development manager and community liaison for Kitchell’s Native American division, Jeff was an owner’s representative and project manager for the Gila River Indian Community.  He also owned a small general contracting business at one time. His perspectives from the owner’s side, as well as the Construction Management side are an invaluable asset to the BITCO-Kitchell team.

“Building quality facilities for our Nations is what BITCO-Kitchell is all about.  I look forward to a long and fruitful partnership. This is a perfect solution to delivering quality construction to our People.”

jbegay@bitco-kitchell.com