<PAGE>   1
                                                                EXHIBIT 10.15(a)



                                CREDIT AGREEMENT

                                 by and between

                              SCHUFF STEEL COMPANY



                                      and



                             BANK ONE, ARIZONA, NA



                                  Dated as of

                               December 10, 1997
<PAGE>   2
                                CREDIT AGREEMENT


         BY THIS CREDIT AGREEMENT (together with any amendments or
modifications, the "Credit Agreement"), entered into as of this _____ day of
__________, 1997 by and between SCHUFF STEEL COMPANY, a Delaware corporation
(the "Borrower"), and BANK ONE, ARIZONA, NA, a national banking association (the
"Lender"), in consideration of the mutual promises herein contained and for
other valuable consideration, the parties hereto do hereby agree as follows:

                                    RECITALS

         A. Borrower has applied to Lender for a line of credit (the "Line of
Credit Loan") in the principal amount of TEN MILLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS
($10,000,000.00) (the "Line of Credit Commitment") for the purpose of financing
the acquisition of other companies and/or their assets.

         B. The Line of Credit Loan has been requested by Borrower as an
additional financial accommodation over and above other financial accommodations
("Other Credits") extended by Lender to Borrower.

         C. As a condition for extending the Line of Credit Loan, Lender has
required that Borrower enter into this Credit Agreement establishing the terms
and conditions thereof.
<PAGE>   3
                                    ARTICLE 1

                               DEFINITION OF TERMS

         1.1 Definitions. For the purposes of this Credit Agreement, unless the
context otherwise requires, the following terms shall have the respective
meanings assigned to them in this Article 1 or in the Section hereof referred to
below:

                  "Advance" means a Line of Credit Advance.

                  "Affiliate" of any Person means any Person which, directly or
indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such
Person. For the purposes of this definition, "control" (including, with
correlative meanings, the terms "controlled by" and "under common control
with"), as used with respect to any Person, shall mean the possession, directly
or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management
and policies of such Person, whether by contract or otherwise.

                  "Authorized Officer" means one or more officers of Borrower
and, to the extent applicable, of any Guarantor duly authorized (and so
certified to Lender by the corporate secretary of Borrower pursuant to a
certificate of authority and incumbency from time to time satisfactory to Lender
in the exercise of Lender's reasonable discretion), acting alone, to request
Advances under the provisions of this Credit Agreement and execute and deliver
documents, instruments, agreements, reports, statements and certificates in
connection herewith.

                  "B&K" means B&K Steel Fabrications, Inc., an Arizona
corporation.

                  "Borrower":  See the Preamble hereto.

                  "Business Day" means a day of the year on which banks are not
required or authorized to close in Phoenix, Arizona, and, with respect to a
LIBOR Rate Line of Credit Advance, a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or any
other day on which commercial banks in London are ordered to be closed by law or
executive order.

                  "Change in Control" means the occurrence or existence of
either of the following events or conditions without the prior written consent
of Lender, if different than the state of affairs as of the Closing Date:

                           (a) the acquisition by any Person or two or more
                  Persons acting in concert of "beneficial ownership" (within
                  the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated by the SEC under the
                  Exchange Act or as otherwise specified under the provisions of
                  this Credit Agreement) of securities of Borrower having more
                  than 50% of the ordinary voting power for the election of
                  directors; or


                           (b) the acquisition by any Person or two or more
                  Persons acting in concert of Control of Borrower.


                                      -2-
<PAGE>   4
                  "Closing Date" means December 10, 1997.

                  "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

                  "Collateral" means all property subject to the Security
Documents.

                  "Control" when used with respect to any Person means the
power, directly or indirectly, to direct the management policies of such Person,
whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise;
and the terms "controlling" and "controlled" have meanings correlative to the
foregoing.

                  "Controlled Group" means, severally and collectively, the
members of the group controlling, controlled by and/or in common control of
Borrower, within the meaning of Section 4001(b) of ERISA.

                  "Credit Agreement":  See the Preamble hereto.

                  "Credit Documents" means this Credit Agreement, the Note
(including any renewals, extensions and refundings thereof), any Security
Documents, and any written agreements, certificates or documents (and with
respect to this Credit Agreement and such other written agreements and
documents, any amendments or supplements thereto or modifications thereof)
executed or delivered pursuant to the terms of this Credit Agreement.

                  "Current Assets" means all assets of Borrower classified as
current assets under GAAP, determined on a consolidated basis.

                  "Current Liabilities" means all liabilities of Borrower
classified as current liabilities under GAAP, determined on a consolidated basis
for the purpose of this definition, any amount which is outstanding under the
Line of Credit regardless of whether it would be characterized as a current
liability in accordance with GAAP.

                  "Current Ratio" means as of any date the ratio of Current
Assets as of such date to Current Liabilities as of such date.

                  "Deed of Trust" means a Deed of Trust, Assignment of Rents,
Security Agreement and Fixture Filing substantially in the form of Exhibit "D"
attached hereto, executed by the Borrower, a Purchased Subsidiary.

                  "Default Rate" means an interest rate per annum equal to four
hundred basis points (400 b.p.) above the rate that would otherwise be payable
under the terms of the Note.

                  "Dollars" and the sign "$" mean lawful currency of the United
States of America.

                  "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as amended, together with all final and permanent regulations issued
pursuant thereto. References herein to


                                      -3-
<PAGE>   5
sections and subsections of ERISA are deemed to refer to any successor or
substitute provisions therefor.

                  "ESOP" means any Employee Stock Ownership Plan, as it may be
amended from time to time, adopted by Borrower.

                  "Eurocurrency Liabilities" has the meaning assigned to that
term in Regulation D of the Board of Governors to the Federal Reserve System, as
in effect from time to time.

                  "Eurodollar Rate Reserve Percentage" for the Interest Period
for each LIBOR Rate Line of Credit Advance means the reserve percentage
applicable two (2) Business Days before the first day of such Interest Period
under regulations issued from time to time by the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System (or any successor) for determining the maximum reserve
requirement (including, but not limited to, any emergency, supplemental, or
other marginal reserve requirement) for a member bank of the Federal Reserve
System in San Francisco with respect to liabilities or assets consisting of or
including Eurocurrency Liabilities (or with respect to any other category of
liabilities which includes deposits by reference to which the Interest Rate on
LIBOR Rate Line of Credit Advances is determined) having a term equal to such
Interest Period.

                  "Event of Default":  See Article 9.

                  "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

                  "Financial Covenants":  See Section 8.8 hereof.

                  "GAAP" means those generally accepted accounting principles
and practices which are recognized as such by the American Institute of
Certified Public Accountants acting through its Accounting Principles Board or
by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or through other appropriate boards
or committees thereof and which are consistently applied for all periods after
the date hereof so as to properly reflect the financial condition, and the
results of operations and changes in the financial position, of Borrower,
including without limitation accounting rules promulgated pursuant to
Regulations SX and SK, except that any accounting principle or practice required
to be changed by the said Accounting Principles Board or Financial Accounting
Standards Board (or other appropriate board or committee of the said Boards) in
order to continue as a generally accepted accounting principle or practice may
be so changed.

                  "Governmental Authority" means any government (or any
political subdivision or jurisdiction thereof), court, bureau, agency or other
governmental authority having jurisdiction over Borrower or any of its business,
operations or properties.

                  "Guarantor" means any Purchased Subsidiary.

                  "Guaranty" means a Continuing Guarantee substantially in the
form of Exhibit "B" attached hereto, executed by a new Purchased Subsidiary.


                                      -4-
<PAGE>   6
                  "Indebtedness" means, with respect to any Person, all of its
monetary obligations and liabilities.

                  "Initial Principal Payment Date" means January 30, 1999.

                  "Interest Period" means, for each LIBOR Rate Line of Credit
Advance, the period commencing on the date of such LIBOR Rate Line of Credit
Advance and ending on the last day of the period selected by Borrower pursuant
to the provisions herein and, thereafter, each subsequent period commencing on
the last day of the immediately preceding Interest Period and ending on the last
day of the period selected by Borrower pursuant to the provisions herein. The
duration of each Interest Period shall be one, two or three months, as selected
by Borrower (A), for a new Line of Credit Advance, in the request for a LIBOR
Rate Line of Credit Advance or (B), for an outstanding Line of Credit Advance,
in the request for a LIBOR Rate Line of Credit Advance to continue bearing
interest at the LIBOR Rate or (C), for an outstanding Variable Rate Line of
Credit Advance, in the request to convert to a LIBOR Rate Line of Credit
Advance, provided, however, that:

                           (i) Interest Periods commencing on the same date
                  shall be of the same duration;

                           (ii) Whenever the last day of any Interest Period
                  would otherwise occur on a day other than a Business Day, the
                  last day of such Interest Period shall be extended to occur on
                  the next succeeding Business Day, provided that if such
                  extension would cause the last day of such Interest Period to
                  occur in the next following calendar month, the last day of
                  such Interest Period shall occur on the next preceding
                  Business Day; and

                           (iii) No Interest Period with respect to any Line of
                  Credit Advance shall extend beyond the Line of Credit Maturity
                  Date.

                  "Lender":  See the Preamble hereto.

                  "LIBOR Rate" means the rate per annum equal to the sum of (i)
250 basis points, and (ii) the rate per annum obtained by dividing (A) the rate
of interest determined by Lender, based on Telerate System reports or such other
source as may be selected by Lender, to be the "London Interbank Offered Rate"
at which deposits in United States dollars are offered by major banks in London,
England for the period equal to such Interest Period, one (1) Business Day
before the first day of the respective Interest Period by (B) a percentage equal
to one hundred percent (100%) minus the Eurodollar Rate Reserve Percentage.

                  "LIBOR Rate Line of Credit Advance" means a Line of Credit
Advance that bears interest at the LIBOR Rate.

                  "Lien" means any lien, mortgage, security interest, tax lien,
pledge, encumbrance, conditional sale or title retention arrangement, or any
other interest in property designed to secure


                                      -5-
<PAGE>   7
the repayment of Indebtedness whether arising by agreement or under any statute
or law, or otherwise.

                  "Line of Credit Advance" means a disbursement of the proceeds
of the Line of Credit Loan.

                  "Line of Credit Commitment":  See Recital A hereto.

                  "Line of Credit Equipment Advances" means a Line of Credit
Advance the proceeds of which are not to be used for the purchase of real
property.

                  "Line of Credit Loan":  See Recital A hereto.

                  "Line of Credit Maturity Date" means December 31, 2003.

                  "Line of Credit Note" means the Promissory Note of even date
herewith in the amount of the Line of Credit Loan executed by Borrower and
delivered pursuant to the terms of this Credit Agreement, together with any
renewals, extensions, modifications or replacements thereof.

                  "Line of Credit Real Property Advance" means a Line of Credit
Advance the proceeds of which are to be used for the purchase of real property.

                  "Line of Credit Termination Date" means December 31, 1998.

                  "Loan" means the Line of Credit Loan.

                  "Material Adverse Effect" means any circumstance or event
which (i) has any material adverse effect upon the validity or enforceability of
any Credit Document, (ii) materially impairs the ability of Borrower to fulfill
its obligations under the Credit Documents, or (iii) causes an Event of Default
or any event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Event
of Default.

                  "Non-Use Fee":  See Section 3.1 hereof.

                  "Note" means the Line of Credit Note.

                  "Obligation" means all present and future indebtedness,
obligations and liabilities of Borrower to Lender, and all renewals and
extensions thereof, or any part thereof, arising pursuant to this Credit
Agreement or represented by the Note, including without limitation the Loan and
all interest accruing thereon, and attorneys' fees incurred in the enforcement
or collection thereof, regardless of whether such indebtedness, obligations and
liabilities are direct, indirect, fixed, contingent, joint, several or joint and
several; together with all indebtedness, obligations and liabilities of Borrower
evidenced or arising pursuant to any of the other Credit Documents, and all
renewals and extensions thereof, or part thereof.

                  "Other Credits":  See Recital B.


                                      -6-
<PAGE>   8
                  "Other Security Agreements":  See Section 4.1.

                  "Payment Date" means the last day of each month, commencing
December 31, 1997, provided that if any such day is not a Business Day, then
such Payment Date shall be the next successive Business Day.

                  "PBGC" means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, and any
successor to all or substantially all of the Pension Benefit Guaranty
Corporation's functions under ERISA.

                  "Permitted Liens" means those Liens to which the Collateral is
subject that are prior to the Liens of the Security Documents, and which consist
of the following:

                  (a) Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges not
         yet delinquent; and

                  (b) Liens to which Lender shall consent in writing, in its
         sole and absolute discretion.

                  "Person" includes an individual, a corporation, a joint
venture, a partnership, a trust, a limited liability company, an unincorporated
organization or a government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

                  "Plan" means an employee defined benefit plan or other plan
maintained by Borrower for employees of Borrower and covered by Title IV of
ERISA, or subject to the minimum funding standards under Section 412 of the
Code.

                  "Pledge Agreement" means a Pledge and Irrevocable Proxy
Security Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit "A" attached hereto,
executed by Borrower.

                  "Prime Rate" means the interest rate per annum publicly
announced by Lender, or its successors, in Phoenix, Arizona as its "prime rate"
as in effect from time to time. Borrower acknowledges that the Prime Rate is not
necessarily the best or lowest rate offered by Lender and Lender may lend to its
customers at rates that are at, above or below its Prime Rate.

                  "Purchased Subsidiary" means a Subsidiary whose equity
interest has been purchased by Borrower with the proceeds of a Line of Credit
Advance.

                  "Real Property":  See Section 2.5(c)(ii) hereof.

                  "Regulation U" means Regulation U promulgated by the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System, 12 C.F.R. Part 221, or any other
regulation hereafter promulgated by said Board to replace the prior Regulation U
and having substantially the same function.

                  "Regulatory Change" means any change effective after the date
of the Note in United States federal, state, or foreign law, regulations, or
rules or the adoption or making after such date of any interpretation,
directive, or request applying to a class of banks including Lender, of or under


                                      -7-
<PAGE>   9
any United States federal, state, or foreign law, regulation or rule (whether or
not having the force of law) by any court or governmental or monetary authority
charged with the interpretation or administration thereof.

                  "Reportable Event" means any "reportable event" as described
in Section 4043(b) of ERISA with respect to which the thirty (30) day notice
requirement has not been waived by the PBGC.

                  "SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                  "Security Agreement" means a Security Agreement substantially
in the form of Exhibit "C" attached hereto, executed by a new Purchased
Subsidiary.

                  "Security Documents":  See Section 4.3 hereof.

                  "Seller":  See Section 2.5 hereof.

                  "Seller Debt Coverage Ratio" means the results obtained by
dividing (A) the Seller's net profit after taxes plus its depreciation and
amortization by (B) the sum of the current maturities of its long-term debt for
its prior period that is to remain outstanding, plus the projected current
maturities of the Line of Credit Advance used to purchase the Seller for the
next period.

                  "Significant Debt Agreement" means all documents, instruments
and agreements executed by Borrower, evidencing, securing or ensuring any
Indebtedness of Borrower or any guaranty in excess of $100,000 in outstanding
principal (or principal equivalent) amount.

                  "Subsidiary" means any business association directly or
indirectly controlled by Borrower.

                  "Variable Rate" means the rate per annum equal to the sum of
(i) one-quarter percent (0.25%) per annum, and (ii) the Prime Rate per annum as
in effect from time to time. The Variable Rate will change on each day that the
"Prime Rate" changes.

                  "Variable Rate Line of Credit Advance" means a Line of Credit
Advance that bears or that is requested to bear interest at the Variable Rate.

                  "Working Capital" means the excess of Current Assets over
Current Liabilities.

         1.2      Terms Generally.

                  (a) The definitions in Section 1.1 shall apply equally to both
         the singular and plural forms of the terms defined.

                  (b) Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall
         include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms.


                                      -8-
<PAGE>   10
                  (c) All references herein to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and
         Schedules shall be deemed references to Articles and Sections of, and
         Exhibits and Schedules to, this Agreement unless the context shall
         otherwise require.

                  (d) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all terms
         of an accounting or financial nature shall be construed in accordance
         with GAAP, as in effect from time to time.


                                      -9-
<PAGE>   11
                                    ARTICLE 2

                             THE LINE OF CREDIT LOAN

         2.1 Line of Credit Commitment. Lender agrees to loan to or for the
benefit of Borrower, and Borrower agrees to draw upon and borrow, in the manner
and upon the terms and conditions contained in this Credit Agreement, amounts
that in the aggregate at any time outstanding shall not exceed the Line of
Credit Commitment.

         2.2 Line of Credit. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in
this Credit Agreement, the Line of Credit Loan shall be a non-revolving line of
credit, against which Line of Credit Advances may be made to Borrower as
Borrower may request, provided that (i) no Line of Credit Advance shall be made
if an Event of Default shall be continuing, (ii) no Line of Credit Advance shall
be made that would cause the outstanding principal balance of the Line of Credit
to exceed the Line of Credit Commitment, and (iii) no Line of Credit Advance
shall be made on or after the Line of Credit Termination Date.

         2.3 Line of Credit Note. The Line of Credit Loan shall be evidenced by
the Line of Credit Note, and shall bear interest and be payable to Lender upon
the terms and conditions contained therein.

         2.4      Line of Credit Payments and Line of Credit Advances.

                  (a) Interest shall accrue on the unpaid principal of each Line
         of Credit Advance:

                           (i) At the Variable Rate if it is a Variable Rate
                  Line of Credit Advance.

                           (ii) At the applicable LIBOR Rate if it is a LIBOR
                  Rate Line of Credit Advance.

                  (b) All interest shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day
         year and accrue on a daily basis for the actual number of days elapsed.
         All accrued interest shall be due and payable on the Payment Date.

                  (c) Beginning on the Initial Principal Payment Date, principal
         shall be due and payable on such date and each Payment Date thereafter
         as follows:

                           (i) An amount equal to the aggregate Line of Credit
                  Equipment Advances outstanding on the Initial Principal
                  Payment Date, divided by sixty (60); and

                           (ii) An amount equal to the aggregate Line of Credit
                  Real Property Advances outstanding on the Initial Principal
                  Payment Date, divided by one hundred eighty (180).


                                      -10-
<PAGE>   12
                  (d) The entire unpaid principal balance, all accrued and
         unpaid interest, and all other amounts payable under the Line of Credit
         Note shall be due and payable in full on the Line of Credit Maturity
         Date.

                  (e) Each request for a Line of Credit Advance shall, in
         addition to complying with Section 2.5 hereof and any other
         requirements in this Credit Agreement, (i) specify the date and amount
         of the requested Line of Credit Advance, (ii) specify whether the Line
         of Credit Advance shall be a Line of Credit Advance that bears interest
         at the Variable Rate or shall be a Line of Credit Advance that bears
         interest at the LIBOR Rate, and (iii), if the Line of Credit Advance is
         to bear interest at the LIBOR Rate, (A) specify the Interest Period,
         (B) be delivered to Lender at least two (2) Business Days prior to the
         date of the requested Line of Credit Advance, and (C) be in a minimum
         amount of $500,000.00 with integral multiples of $1,000.00 in excess
         thereof. Any Line of Credit Advance not complying with the foregoing
         requirements for a Line of Credit Advance bearing interest at the LIBOR
         Rate shall bear interest at the Variable Rate. No more than two (2)
         Line of Credit Advances shall bear interest at the LIBOR Rate at the
         same time.

                  (f) If Borrower desires that a LIBOR Rate Line of Credit
         Advance continue to bear interest at the LIBOR Rate after the end of an
         existing Interest Period, Borrower shall deliver to Lender a notice
         making such election and specifying the new Interest Period. If
         Borrower does not deliver such notice within such time, then after the
         existing Interest Period the LIBOR Rate Line of Credit Advance shall
         become a Variable Rate Line of Credit Advance and shall bear interest
         at the Variable Rate.

                  (g) Borrower may on any Business Day, upon written notice to
         and received by Lender not later than 12:00 p.m. (Phoenix, Arizona
         local time) (i) on the second Business Day, in the case of any
         conversion of a Variable Rate Line of Credit Advance into a LIBOR Rate
         Line of Credit Advance, and (ii) on the first Business Day, in the case
         of any conversion of a LIBOR Rate Line of Credit Advance into a
         Variable Rate Line of Credit Advance, prior to the date of the proposed
         conversion, convert any Line of Credit Advance of one type into a Line
         of Credit Advance of the other type; provided, however, that any
         conversion of a LIBOR Rate Line of Credit Advance (A) shall only be
         made on the last day of the applicable Interest Period, and (B) shall
         be made only as to a Line of Credit Advance in a minimum amount of
         $500,000.00 with integral multiples of $1,000.00 in excess thereof.
         Each such notice of a conversion shall specify the date of such
         conversion and the Line of Credit Advance(s) to be converted.

                  (h) Notwithstanding any provision of the Credit Documents to
         the contrary, Lender shall be entitled to fund and maintain its funding
         of all or any part of any Line of Credit Advance in any manner it sees
         fit; provided, however, that for the purposes of the Line of Credit
         Note, all determinations thereunder shall be made as if Lender had
         actually funded and maintained each LIBOR Rate Line of Credit Advance
         during the Interest Period therefor through the purchase of deposits
         having


                                      -11-
<PAGE>   13
         a maturity corresponding to the last day of the Interest Period and
         bearing an interest rate equal to the LIBOR Rate for such Interest
         Period.

                  (i) If, due to any Regulatory Change, there shall be any
         increase in the cost to Lender of agreeing to make or making, funding,
         or maintaining LIBOR Rate Line of Credit Advances (including, without
         limitation, any increase in any applicable reserve requirement), then
         Borrower shall from time to time, upon demand by Lender, pay to Lender
         such amounts as Lender may reasonably determine to be necessary to
         compensate Lender for any additional costs that Lender reasonably
         determines are attributable to such Regulatory Change and Lender will
         notify the Borrower of any Regulatory Change that will entitle Lender
         to compensation pursuant to this paragraph as promptly as practicable.
         Determinations by Lender of the amounts required to compensate Lender
         shall be conclusive, absent manifest error. Lender shall be entitled to
         compensation in connection with any Regulatory Change only for costs
         actually incurred by Lender.

                  (j) Notwithstanding any provision of the Credit Documents, if
         Lender shall notify Borrower that as a result of a Regulatory Change it
         is unlawful for Lender to make Line of Credit Advances at the LIBOR
         Rate, or to fund or maintain LIBOR Rate Line of Credit Advances, (i)
         the obligations of Lender to make Line of Credit Advances at the LIBOR
         Rate and to convert Line of Credit Advances to the LIBOR Rate shall be
         suspended until Lender shall notify Borrower that the circumstances
         causing such suspension no longer exist, and (ii) in the event such
         Regulatory Change makes the maintenance of Line of Credit Advances at
         the LIBOR Rate unlawful, Borrower shall forthwith prepay in full all
         LIBOR Rate Line of Credit Advances then outstanding, together with
         interest accrued thereon and all amounts in connection with such
         prepayment specified in the Line of Credit Note, unless Borrower,
         within five (5) Business Days of notice from Lender, converts all LIBOR
         Rate Line of Credit Advances then outstanding into Variable Rate Line
         of Credit Advances pursuant to the conversion procedures in this Note
         and pays all amounts in connection with such prepayments or conversions
         specified in the Line of Credit Note.

                  (k) Notwithstanding any other provision of the Credit
         Documents, if prior to the commencement of any Interest Period, Lender
         shall determine (i) that United States dollar deposits in the amount of
         any LIBOR Rate Line of Credit Advance to be outstanding during such
         Interest Period are not readily available to Lender in the London
         interbank market, or (ii) by reason of circumstances affecting the
         London interbank market, adequate and reasonable means do not exist for
         ascertaining the LIBOR Rate for such Interest Period in the manner
         prescribed in the definition of "LIBOR Rate", then Lender shall
         promptly give notice thereof to Borrower and the obligation of Lender
         to create, continue, or effect by conversion any LIBOR Rate Line of
         Credit Advance in such amount and for such Interest Period shall
         terminate until United States dollar deposits in such amount and for
         the Interest Period shall again be readily available in the London
         interbank market and adequate and reasonable means exist for
         ascertaining the LIBOR Rate.


                                      -12-
<PAGE>   14
                  (l) If any payment required under the Line of Credit Note is
         not paid within five (5) days after the date such payment is due, then,
         at the option of Lender, Borrower shall pay a "late charge" equal to
         four percent (4%) of the amount of that payment to compensate Lender
         for administrative expenses and other costs of delinquent payments.
         This late charge may be assessed without notice, shall be immediately
         due and payable and shall be in addition to all other rights and
         remedies available to Lender.

                  (m) After maturity, including maturity upon acceleration, the
         unpaid principal balance, all accrued and unpaid interest and all other
         amounts payable under the Line of Credit Note shall bear interest at
         the Default Rate.

         2.5      Uses of Line of Credit Advances.

                  (a) Line of Credit Advances shall be made to Borrower solely
         to finance the acquisition of other companies and/or their assets.

                  (b) In addition to complying with Section 2.4(e) hereof,
         Paragraph (c) of this Section 2.5, and any other requirements herein,
         each request for a Line of Credit Advance shall:

                           (i) Specify the name of the company being purchased
                  (the "Seller");

                           (ii) Specify whether Borrower is purchasing solely
                  the equity interests in the Seller or the assets of the Seller
                  and whether the Seller is to become a Subsidiary of Borrower;

                           (iii) Detail the assets of the Seller being
                  purchased, directly or, if Borrower is purchasing equity
                  interests in the Seller, indirectly, their costs and fair
                  market value based on an appraisal acceptable to Lender and
                  certify that the Line of Credit Advance does not exceed
                  seventy-five percent (75%) of the lesser of such costs or such
                  fair market value;

                           (iv) Specify the amount of the Line of Credit Advance
                  to be a Line of Credit Equipment Advance and a Line of Credit
                  Real Property Advance; and

                           (v) Certify that the Seller Debt Coverage Ratio,
                  after giving effect to the Line of Credit Advance, shall not
                  be less than 1.25 to 1.0.

                  (c) In addition to complying with Section 2.4(e) hereof,
         Paragraph (b) of this Section 2.5, as a condition to making each Line
         of Credit Advance to Borrower,


                                      -13-
<PAGE>   15
         Lender shall have received with respect to such Line of Credit Advance
         the following, each in form and substance satisfactory to Lender:

                           (i) As to any new Purchased Subsidiary, a Pledge
                  Agreement executed by Borrower, together with the stock of
                  said Purchased Subsidiary, a Guaranty executed by the
                  Purchased Subsidiary, and a Security Agreement executed by the
                  Purchased Subsidiary;

                           (ii) As to any real property (together with any
                  improvements thereon, "Real Property") purchased by a Line of
                  Credit Advance or owned by a new Purchased Subsidiary:

                                    (A)     A Deed of Trust executed by the
                           owner of said real property;

                                    (B) A current appraisal of the Real Property
                           by an appraiser acceptable to Lender, reviewed and
                           found to be satisfactory by Lender and showing a
                           value for the Real Property satisfactory to Lender.
                           Lender may require reappraisals at Borrower's
                           expense;

                                    (C) A current as-built survey of the Real
                           Property by a licensed surveyor acceptable to Lender
                           describing the boundaries of the Real Property and
                           showing the location of any improvements upon the
                           Real Property and all means of ingress and egress,
                           rights-of-way, easements (each of which shall be
                           identified by docket and page or recording number
                           where recorded) and all other customary and relevant
                           information pursuant to ALTA standards and any title
                           company requirements. All surveys shall be certified
                           to Lender and the title company issuing the Title
                           Policy;

                                    (D) An ALTA extended coverage mortgagee's
                           title insurance policy [ALTA Loan Policy - 1970 (Rev.
                           10-17-70)] or similar policy acceptable to Lender
                           (the "Title Policy"), with such endorsements as
                           Lender may require, issued by a title insurance
                           company satisfactory to Lender in the amount of the
                           Loan insuring the lien of the Deed of Trust to be a
                           first and prior lien upon the Real Property as
                           security for the Loan, subject only to such


                                      -14-
<PAGE>   16
                           exceptions as Lender may expressly approve in
                           writing; and

                                    (E) An Environmental Indemnity Agreement
                           executed substantially in the form attached hereto as
                           Exhibit "E" with an environmental questionnaire and
                           disclosure statement completed and signed by Borrower
                           and any Guarantor covering the current and former
                           condition and uses of the Real Property and adjacent
                           property, and, if required by Lender, followed by a
                           current preliminary environmental assessment (Phase I
                           assessment) of the Real Property and adjacent
                           property, plus any sampling and analysis (Phase II
                           assessment) or special limited assessment that Lender
                           may require after review of the Phase I assessment,
                           together with any other environmental investigations
                           and reports that Lender may require, all of which
                           shall be by an environmental consulting firm
                           acceptable to Lender and none of which shall reveal
                           any existing or potential environmental condition
                           adversely affecting the use or value of the Real
                           Property.

                           (iii) Such other documents and instruments as Lender
                  may reasonably request.

         2.6 Principal Prepayments. Borrower shall have the option to prepay the
Line of Credit Note, in full or in part, at any time prior to maturity. With any
prepayment of a LIBOR Rate Line of Credit Advance or with any conversion of a
LIBOR Rate Line of Credit Advance to a Variable Rate Line of Credit Advance, in
either case other than on the last Business Day of the Interest Period for such
Line of Credit Advance (the "Interest Period Termination Date") (including any
such prepayment made voluntarily or involuntarily as a result of the
acceleration of maturity upon a default or otherwise), Borrower shall also pay
(a) all accrued and unpaid interest on the principal being prepaid, (b) all
Other Amounts then due, and (c) a premium, if any, equal to the product of (i)
the Average Lost Monthly Interest Income and (ii) the number of months from the
date of prepayment or conversion to the Interest Period Termination Date (with
any fraction of a month counted as a month), discounted to present value at the
Discount Rate over a period equal to one-half of the number of months in (ii)
above.

         As used in the preceding paragraph:

                  "Average Lost Monthly Interest Income" means the amount
         determined by dividing (i) the product of the Average Principal and the
         Lost Rate, by (ii) 12, where:

                           "Average Principal" means the amount equal to either
                  (i) one-half the sum of (A) the amount of principal being
                  prepaid and (B)


                                      -15-
<PAGE>   17
                  the amount of principal that is scheduled to be due on the
                  Interest Period Termination Date ("Balloon Amount"), or (ii)
                  the amount of principal being prepaid, if such amount is less
                  than the Balloon Amount; and

                           "Lost Rate" means the rate per annum equal to the
                  percentage, if any, by which (i) the yield to maturity of
                  United States Treasury debt obligations having a maturity date
                  nearest to the Interest Period Termination Date ("Treasury
                  Obligations") determined on the first day of the Interest
                  Period exceeds (ii) the yield to maturity of Treasury
                  Obligations determined on the date of prepayment.

                  "Discount Rate" means the rate per annum equal to the yield to
         maturity of Treasury Obligations determined on the date of prepayment.

                  "Other Amounts" means all amounts payable by Borrower to
         Lender hereunder and all other Credit Documents.

The maturity date and yield to maturity of Treasury Obligations shall be
determined by Lender, in its absolute and sole discretion, on the basis of
quotations published in The Wall Street Journal or other comparable sources.

         2.7 Method of Payment. All payments of principal of, and interest on,
the Line of Credit Note shall be made to Lender before 2:00 p.m. (Phoenix,
Arizona time), in immediately available funds. All payments made on the Line of
Credit Note shall be applied in the order of priority to be determined by Lender
in its sole discretion: (i) to the payment of costs, fees or other charges
incurred in connection with the Line of Credit; (ii) to the payment of accrued
interest on the Line of Credit; and (iii) to the reduction of the principal
balance.

         2.8 Conditions. Lender shall have no obligation to make any Line of
Credit Advance unless and until all of the conditions and requirements of this
Credit Agreement are fully satisfied. However, Lender in its sole and absolute
discretion may elect to make one or more Line of Credit Advances prior to full
satisfaction of one or more such conditions and/or requirements. Notwithstanding
that such a Line of Credit Advance or Line of Credit Advances are made, such
unsatisfied conditions and/or requirements shall not be waived or released
thereby. Borrower shall be and continue to be obligated to fully satisfy such
conditions and requirements, and Lender, at any time, in Lender's sole and
absolute discretion, may stop making Line of Credit Advances until all
conditions and requirements are fully satisfied.

         2.9 Other Line of Credit Advances by Lender. Lender, after giving
written notice to Borrower, from time to time, may make Line of Credit Advances
in any amount in payment of (i) insurance premiums, taxes, assessments, liens or
encumbrances existing against property encumbered by the Security Documents,
(ii) interest accrued and payable upon the Line of Credit, (iii) any charges and
expenses that are the obligation of Borrower under this Credit Agreement or any
Security Document, and (iv) any charges or matters necessary to preserve the
property encumbered by the Security Documents or to cure any Event of Default.


                                      -16-
<PAGE>   18
         2.10 Assignment. Borrower shall have no right to any Line of Credit
Advance other than to have the same disbursed by Lender in accordance with the
disbursement provisions contained in this Credit Agreement. Any assignment or
transfer, voluntary or involuntary, of this Credit Agreement or any right
hereunder shall not be binding upon or in any way affect Lender without its
written consent; Lender may make Line of Credit Advances under the disbursement
provisions herein, notwithstanding any such assignment or transfer.


                                      -17-
<PAGE>   19
                                    ARTICLE 3

                                   NON-USE FEE


         3.1 Non-Use Fee. Borrower agrees to pay Lender a quarterly fee (the
"Non-Use Fee") in an annualized amount equal to one-half percent (.5%) of the
average daily undrawn balance of the Line of Credit Commitment during the prior
calendar quarterly period. The Non-Use Fee shall initially accrue from the
Closing Date and shall be due and payable in arrears within three (3) Business
Days after written notice of such amount due by Lender to Borrower and shall be
non-refundable.


                                      -18-
<PAGE>   20
                                    ARTICLE 4

                                    SECURITY


         4.1 Security. So long as the Loan is outstanding, Borrower shall cause
the Loan and Borrower's obligations under this Credit Agreement to be secured at
all times by the following:

                  (a) Any and all security agreements (collectively, the "Other
         Security Agreements") duly executed and delivered by Borrower to Lender
         in connection with the Other Credits, granting Lender a valid and
         enforceable security interest in all of the kinds and categories of
         personal property described in the Other Security Agreements, including
         without limitation its accounts receivable, inventory and equipment,
         wherever located, in, to, or under which Borrower now has or hereafter
         acquires any right, title, or interest, whether present, future, or
         contingent, and in Borrower's expectancy to acquire such property,
         subject to no prior Liens except for Permitted Liens.

                  (b) As to any Real Property purchased by a Line of Credit
         Advance or owned by a Purchased Subsidiary:

                           (i) A Deed of Trust constituting a first and prior
                  lien on said Real Property and personal property described
                  therein, subject to no prior Liens except for Permitted Liens;
                  and

                           (ii) A valid and effectual assignment of rents and
                  leases covering said Real Property.

                  (c) As to any new Purchased Subsidiary, a Pledge Agreement,
         granting Lender a valid and enforceable security interest in the stock
         of any new Purchased Subsidiary, owned by Borrower, subject to no prior
         Liens except for Permitted Liens.

                  (d) From any new Purchased Subsidiary, a Security Agreement,
         granting Lender a valid and enforceable security interest in all of the
         kinds and categories of personal property described in the Security
         Agreement, subject to no prior Liens except for Permitted Liens.

         4.2 Guaranties. Borrower shall obtain and deliver to Lender, and
maintain in full force and effect so long as any obligation of Borrower to
Lender remains unpaid or unperformed, a valid and effective Guaranty from (i)
any Purchased Subsidiary, and (ii) B&K.

         4.3 Security Documents. All of the documents required by this Article 4
shall be in form satisfactory to Lender and Lender's counsel, and, together with
any UCC financing statements for filing and/or recording, and any other items
required by Lender to fully perfect and effectuate the liens and security
interests of Lender contemplated by the Other Security Agreements, the Security


                                      -19-
<PAGE>   21
Agreements, the Deed of Trusts, the Pledge Agreements, and this Credit
Agreement, may heretofore or hereinafter be referred to as the "Security
Documents."


                                      -20-
<PAGE>   22
                                    ARTICLE 5

                              CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

         The obligation of Lender to make the Loan and to make each and any
Advance hereunder is subject to the full prior satisfaction at each such time of
each of the following conditions precedent:

         5.1 Initial or any Subsequent Advance. Prior to its making the initial
Advance or any subsequent Advance, Lender shall have received the following,
each in form and substance satisfactory to Lender:

                  (a) This Credit Agreement. This Credit Agreement, duly
         executed and delivered to Lender by Borrower.

                  (b) The Note. The Note, duly executed, drawn to the order of
         Lender and otherwise as provided in Article 2.

                  (c) Arbitration Resolution. An Arbitration Resolution,
         executed by Borrower and Guarantor.

                  (d) Organizational Documents. A copy of the current
         Certificate of Incorporation (or other charter documents, however
         named) of Borrower, including all amendments thereto, certified as
         current and complete by the appropriate authority of the state of said
         corporation's incorporation, together with evidence of said
         corporation's good standing in said corporation's state of
         incorporation and in every other state in which it is doing business or
         the conduct of said corporation's business requires such standing for
         the enforcement of material contracts.

                  (e) Officer's Certificate. A certificate signed by an
         Authorized Officer of Borrower, stating that (to the best knowledge and
         belief of Borrower, after reasonable inquiry and review of matters
         pertinent to the subject matter of such certificate): (i) all of the
         representations and warranties contained in Article 6 of this Credit
         Agreement and in the other Credit Documents are, in all material
         respects, true and correct as of the date hereof (other than those of
         such representations which by their express terms speak to a date prior
         to such date, which representations are, in all material respects, true
         and correct as of such respective dates); (ii) no event has occurred
         and is continuing, or would result from the advance of the proceeds of
         the Loan, which would constitute an Event of Default, and (iii) no
         change or changes having a Material Adverse Effect have occurred in the
         business or financial condition of Borrower since the date of the last
         financial statements of Borrower heretofore delivered to Lender.

                  (f) Secretary Certificate. A certificate of the corporate
         secretary of Borrower, signed by the duly appointed secretary thereof
         and issued as of the Closing Date, certifying that (i) attached thereto
         is a true and complete copy of the corporate


                                      -21-
<PAGE>   23
         by-laws of said corporation in effect on the date of passage of the
         corporate resolutions described immediately below and at all subsequent
         times to and including the date of the certificate, (ii) attached
         thereto is a true and complete copy of the resolutions adopted by the
         Board of Directors of said corporation authorizing the Loan, the
         execution, delivery, and performance of this Credit Agreement, the
         Note, the Credit Documents, and all advances of credit hereunder, and
         that such resolutions have not been modified, rescinded, or amended and
         are in full force and effect, (iii) no change has been made to said
         corporation's charter documents other than as reflected in the
         certified copies submitted in connection with the delivery of this
         Credit Agreement or as approved in writing by Lender, and (iv) set
         forth therein and appropriately identified are the names, current
         official titles, and signatures of the officers of said corporation
         authorized to sign this Credit Agreement and other documents to be
         delivered hereunder and/or to act as Authorized Officers hereunder.

                  (g) Opinion of Counsel. If requested by Lender, a favorable
         opinion of counsel for Borrower, in form and content satisfactory to
         Lender.

                  (h) IPO. Evidence satisfactory to Lender that Borrower shall
         have completed an initial public offering of its equity interests.

                  (i) B&K Consent. A consent to the financial accommodations
         extended by Lender to Borrower under this Credit Agreement, executed by
         B&K.

                  (j) Additional Information. Such other information and
         documents as may reasonably be required by Lender or Lender's counsel.

         5.2 No Event of Default. No Event of Default known to Borrower shall
have occurred and be continuing, or result from Lender's making of the Loan.

         5.3 No Material Adverse Change. Since the date of the most recent
financial statements provided to Lender by Borrower, no change shall have
occurred in the business or financial condition of Borrower that could have a
Material Adverse Effect.

         5.4 Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties
contained in Article 6 hereof shall be true and correct in all material
respects, with the same force and effect as though made on and as of the Closing
Date (other than those of such representations which by their express terms
speak to a date prior to that date, which representations shall, in all material
respects, be true and correct as of such respective date).


                                      -22-
<PAGE>   24
                                    ARTICLE 6

                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

         To induce Lender to make the Loan, Borrower represents and warrants to
Lender that:

         6.1 Organization and Good Standing. It is duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing in all states in which the nature of its business
and property makes such qualifications necessary or appropriate. It has the
legal power and authority to own its properties and assets and to transact the
business in which it is engaged and is or will be qualified in those states
wherein the nature of its proposed business and property will make such
qualifications necessary or appropriate in the future.

         6.2 Authorization and Power. It has the corporate power and requisite
authority to execute, deliver and perform this Credit Agreement, the Note and
the other Credit Documents to be executed by it; it is duly authorized to, and
has taken all action, corporate or otherwise, necessary to authorize it to,
execute, deliver and perform this Credit Agreement, the Note and such other
Credit Documents and is and will continue to be duly authorized to perform this
Credit Agreement, the Note and such other Credit Documents.

         6.3 No Conflicts or Consents. Neither the execution and delivery of
this Credit Agreement, the Note or the other Credit Documents to which it is a
party, nor the consummation of any of the transactions herein or therein
contemplated, nor compliance with the terms and provisions hereof or with the
terms and provisions thereof, (a) will materially contravene or conflict with:
(i) any provision of law, statute or regulation to which it is subject, (ii) any
judgment, license, order or permit applicable to it, (iii) any indenture, loan
agreement, mortgage, deed of trust, or other agreement or instrument to which it
is a party or by which it may be bound, or to which it may be subject, or (b)
will violate any provision of its Certificate of Incorporation. No consent,
approval, authorization or order of any court or Governmental Authority or other
Person is required in connection with the execution and delivery by it of the
Credit Documents or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or
thereby, or if required, such consent, approval, authorization or order shall
have been obtained.

         6.4 Enforceable Obligations. This Credit Agreement, the Note and the
other Credit Documents are the legal, valid and binding obligations of Borrower,
enforceable against Borrower in accordance with their respective terms, except
as limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or other laws or equitable principles of
general application relating to the enforcement of creditors' rights.

         6.5 Financial Condition. It has delivered to Lender copies of the
Borrower's most recent audited consolidated financial statements. Such financial
statements, in all material respects, fairly and accurately present the
financial position of Borrower as of such date and have been prepared in
accordance with GAAP and neither contain any untrue statement of a material fact
nor fail to state a material fact required in order to make such financial
statements not misleading. Since the date thereof, Borrower has not discovered
any obligations, liabilities or indebtedness (including contingent and indirect
liabilities and obligations or unusual forward or long-term commitments) which
in the aggregate are material and adverse to the financial position or business
of Borrower that


                                      -23-
<PAGE>   25
should have been but were not reflected in such financial statements. No changes
having a Material Adverse Effect have occurred in the financial condition or
business of Borrower since the date thereof.

         6.6 Full Disclosure. There is no material fact that it has not
disclosed to Lender that would have a Material Adverse Effect. No certificate or
statement delivered herewith or heretofore by it to Lender in connection with
negotiations of this Credit Agreement, contains any untrue statement of a
material fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to keep the
statements contained herein or therein from being misleading.

         6.7 No Default. No event or condition has occurred and is continuing
that constitutes an Event of Default.

         6.8 Significant Debt Agreements. It is not in default in any material
respect under any Significant Debt Agreement.

         6.9 No Litigation. There are no actions, suits or legal, equitable,
arbitration or administrative proceedings pending, or to its actual knowledge
overtly threatened, against Borrower that would, if adversely determined, have a
Material Adverse Effect.

         6.10 Taxes. It has filed or caused to be filed all returns and reports
which are required to be filed by any jurisdiction, and has paid or made
provision for the payment of all taxes, assessments, fees or other governmental
charges imposed upon its properties, income or franchises, as to which the
failure to file or pay would have a Material Adverse Effect, except such
assessments or taxes, if any, which are being contested in good faith by
appropriate proceedings.

         6.11 ERISA. (a) No Reportable Event has occurred and is continuing with
respect to any Plan; (b) PBGC has not instituted proceedings to terminate any
Plan; (c) neither the Borrower, any member of the Controlled Group, nor any
duly-appointed administrator of a Plan (i) has incurred any liability to PBGC
with respect to any Plan other than for premiums not yet due or payable or (ii)
except as disclosed in writing to Lender, has instituted or intends to institute
proceedings to terminate any Plan under Section 4041 or 4041A of ERISA; and (d)
each Plan of Borrower has been maintained and funded in all material respects in
accordance with its terms and in all material respects in accordance with all
provisions of ERISA applicable thereto. Neither the Borrower nor any of its
Subsidiaries participates in, or is required to make contributions to, any
Multi-employer Plan (as that term is defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA) except
as disclosed in writing to Lender.

         6.12 Compliance with Law. It is in substantial compliance with all
laws, rules, regulations, orders and decrees that are applicable to it, or its
properties, noncompliance with which would have a Material Adverse Effect.

         6.13 Survival of Representations, Etc. All representations and
warranties by Borrower herein shall survive the making of the Loan and the
execution and delivery of the Note; any investigation at any time made by or on
behalf of Lender shall not diminish Lender's right to rely on the
representations and warranties herein.


                                      -24-
<PAGE>   26
         6.14 Recitals. The recitals and statements of intent appearing in this
Credit Agreement are true and correct.

         6.15 No Stock Purchase. No part of the proceeds of any financial
accommodation made by Lender in connection with this Credit Agreement will be
used to purchase or carry "margin stock," as that term is defined in Regulation
U, or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying such
margin stock.

         6.16 Solvent. It (both before and after giving effect to the Loan
contemplated hereby) is solvent, has assets having a fair value in excess of the
amount required to pay its probable liabilities on its existing debts as they
become absolute and matured, and has, and will have, access to adequate capital
for the conduct of its business and the ability to pay its debts from time to
time incurred in connection therewith as such debts mature.

         6.17 Advances. Each request for an Advance or for the extension of any
financial accommodation by Lender whatsoever shall constitute an affirmation
that the representations and warranties contained herein are, true and correct
as of the time of such request. All representations and warranties made herein
shall survive the execution of this Credit Agreement, all advances of proceeds
of the Loan and the execution and delivery of all other documents and
instruments in connection with the Loan and/or this Credit Agreement, so long as
Lender has any commitment to lend hereunder and until the Loan have been paid in
full and all of Borrower's obligations under this Credit Agreement, the Note and
all Security Documents have been fully discharged.

         6.18 Title to Collateral. It has good and marketable title to any
Collateral.

         6.19 Security Documents. The liens, security interests and assignments
created by the Security Documents will, when granted, be valid, effective and
enforceable liens, security interests and assignments, except to the extent (if
any) otherwise agreed in writing by Lender.

         6.20 Environmental Matters. Borrower, to the best of its knowledge
after due investigation, is in compliance in all material respects with all
applicable environmental, health and safety statutes and regulations and
Borrower does not have any material contingent liability in connection with any
improper treatment, storage, disposal or release into the environment of any
hazardous or toxic waste or substance.

         6.21 Investment Company Act. Borrower is not, and is not directly or
indirectly controlled by, or acting on behalf of, any person which is, an
"Investment Company" within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended.


                                      -25-
<PAGE>   27
                                    ARTICLE 7

                              AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

         Until payment in full of the Note and the complete performance of the
Obligation, Borrower agrees that:

         7.1 Financial Statements, Reports and Documents. It shall deliver, or
cause to be delivered, to Lender each of the following:

                  (a) Consolidated Monthly Statements of Borrower. As soon as
         available, and in any event within sixty (60) days after the end of
         each month of Borrower, copies of the consolidated balance sheet of
         Borrower as of the end of such month, and consolidated statements of
         income of Borrower for that month and for the portion of the fiscal
         year ending with such month, in each case setting forth in comparative
         form the figures for the corresponding period of the preceding fiscal
         year, all in reasonable detail and fairly stated and prepared in
         accordance with GAAP.

                  (b) Consolidated Annual Statements of Borrower. As soon as
         available and in any event within one hundred twenty (120) days after
         the close of each fiscal year of Borrower, audited consolidated
         financial statements of Borrower, including its consolidated balance
         sheet as of the close of such fiscal year and consolidated statements
         of income of Borrower for such fiscal year, in each case setting forth
         in comparative form the figures for the preceding fiscal year, all in
         reasonable detail and accompanied by an unqualified opinion thereon of
         independent public accountants of recognized national standing selected
         by Borrower and acceptable to Lender, to the effect that such financial
         statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP (except for
         changes in which such accountants concur) and that the examination of
         such accounts in connection with such financial statements has been
         made in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and,
         accordingly, includes such tests of the accounting records and such
         other auditing procedures as were considered necessary in the
         circumstances.

                  (c) Quarterly Certificate Respecting Financial Covenants. As
         soon as available but in any event within forty-five (45) days after
         the end of each fiscal quarter of Borrower hereafter, a certificate
         signed by an Authorized Officer of the Borrower, or other financial
         officer acceptable to Lender, setting forth in such level of detail as
         Lender shall reasonably require a calculation of the Financial
         Covenants as of the end of that fiscal quarter.

                  (d) Annual Tax Return. As soon as available but in any event
         within thirty (30) days after its filing, a copy of Borrower's federal
         tax return together with all schedules thereto.


                                      -26-
<PAGE>   28
                  (e) Management Letters. With the audited fiscal year-end
         statements submitted under Section 7.1(b) above, the management letter,
         if any, of Borrower's certified public accountants issued in connection
         with such audit.

                  (f) Other Information. Such other information concerning the
         business, properties or financial condition of Borrower as Lender shall
         reasonably request.

         7.2 Payment of Taxes and Other Indebtedness. It will pay and discharge
(i) all income taxes and payroll taxes, (ii) all taxes, assessments, fees and
other governmental charges imposed upon it or upon its income or profits, or
upon any property belonging to it, before delinquent, which become due and
payable, (iii) all lawful claims (including claims for labor, materials and
supplies), which, if unpaid, might become a Lien upon any of its property and
(iv) all of its Indebtedness as it becomes due and payable, except as prohibited
hereunder; provided, however, that it shall not be required to pay any such tax,
assessment, charge, levy, claims or Indebtedness if and so long as the amount,
applicability or validity thereof shall currently be contested in good faith by
appropriate actions and appropriate accruals and reserves therefor have been
established in accordance with GAAP.

         7.3 Maintenance of Existence and Rights; Conduct of Business. It will
preserve and maintain its corporate existence and all of its rights, privileges,
licenses, permits, franchises and other rights necessary or desirable in the
normal conduct of its business, and conduct its business in an orderly and
efficient manner consistent with good business practices.

         7.4 Notice of Default. It will furnish to Lender immediately upon
becoming actually aware of the existence of any event or condition that
constitutes an Event of Default, a written notice specifying the nature and
period of existence thereof and the action which it is taking or proposes to
take with respect thereto.

         7.5 Other Notices. It will promptly notify Lender of (a) any Material
Adverse Effect, (b) any waiver, release or default under any Significant Debt
Agreement, (c) any claim not covered by insurance against Borrower or any of
Borrower's properties, and (d) the commencement of, and any material
determination in, any litigation with any third party or any proceeding before
any Governmental Authority affecting it, except litigation or proceedings which,
if adversely determined, would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

         7.6 Compliance with Credit Documents. It will comply with any and all
covenants and provisions of this Credit Agreement, the Note and all other Credit
Documents.

         7.7 Compliance with Significant Debt Agreements. It will comply in all
material respects with all Significant Debt Agreements.

         7.8 Operations and Properties. It will keep in good working order and
condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, all of its assets and properties
which are necessary to the conduct of its business.


                                      -27-
<PAGE>   29
         7.9 Books and Records; Access. It will give any authorized
representative of Lender access during normal business hours to, and permit such
representative to examine, copy or make excerpts from, any and all books,
records and documents in its possession of and relating to the Loan, and to
inspect any of its properties. It will maintain complete and accurate books and
records of its transactions in accordance with good accounting practices.

         7.10 Compliance with Law. It will comply with all applicable laws,
rules, regulations, and all final, nonappealable orders of any Governmental
Authority applicable to it or any of its property, business operations or
transactions, a breach of which could result in a Material Adverse Effect.

         7.11 Authorizations and Approvals. It will promptly obtain, from time
to time at its own expense, all such governmental licenses, authorizations,
consents, permits and approvals as may be required to enable it to comply with
its obligations hereunder and under the other Credit Documents and to operate
its businesses as presently or hereafter duly conducted.

         7.12 ERISA Compliance. With respect to its Plans, it shall (a) at all
times comply with the minimum funding standards set forth in Section 302 of
ERISA and Section 412 of the Code or shall have duly obtained a formal waiver of
such compliance from the proper authority; (b) at Lender's request, within
thirty (30) days after the filing thereof, furnish to Lender copies of each
annual report/return (Form 5500 Series), as well as all schedules and
attachments required to be filed with the Department of Labor and/or the
Internal Revenue Service pursuant to ERISA, in connection with each of its Plans
for each year of the plan; (c) notify Lender within a reasonable time of any
fact, including, but not limited to, any Reportable Event arising in connection
with any of its Plans, which constitutes grounds for termination thereof by the
PBGC or for the appointment by the appropriate United States District Court of a
trustee to administer such Plan, together with a statement, if requested by
Lender, as to the reason therefor and the action, if any, proposed to be taken
with respect thereto; and (d) furnish to Lender within a reasonable time, upon
Lender's request, such additional information concerning any of its Plans as may
be reasonably requested.

         7.13 Further Assurances. It will make, execute or endorse, and
acknowledge and deliver or file or cause the same to be done, all such notices,
certifications and additional agreements, undertakings or other assurances, and
take any and all such other action, as Lender may, from time to time, deem
reasonably necessary or proper to fully evidence the Loan.

         7.14 News Releases. It shall promptly forward to Lender copies of all
news releases made by it to the news media as to anything of material
significance with respect to its financial status.

         7.15 Insurance. It shall maintain in full force and effect at all times
all insurance coverages required under the terms of this Credit Agreement and/or
the Security Documents to which it is a party. In addition, it shall maintain in
full force and effect at all times:

                  (a) Policies of all risk coverage insurance covering (i) its
         real property of every kind and description, and wherever located, in
         which Lender has been granted or has obtained a lien to secure any
         portion of the Obligation, in respective coverage amounts not less
         than, from time to time, the full replacement value of all insurable
         improvements situated thereon and (ii) all tangible personalty in which
         Lender has


                                      -28-
<PAGE>   30
         been granted or obtained a security interest to secure the Obligation,
         in respective coverage amounts not less than, from time to time, the
         fair market value thereof.

                  (b) Policies of insurance evidencing personal liability and
         property damage liability coverages in amounts not less than $1,000,000
         single occurrence and $2,000,000.00 aggregate (combined single limit
         for bodily injury and property damage), and an umbrella excess
         liability coverage in an amount not less than $20,000,000.00 shall be
         in effect with respect to Borrower.

                  (c) Policies of workers' compensation insurance in amounts and
         with coverages as legally required.

Without limitation of the foregoing, it shall at all times maintain insurance
coverages in scope and amount not less than, and not less extensive than, the
scope and amount of insurance coverages customary in the trades or businesses in
which it is from time to time engaged. All of the aforesaid insurance coverages
shall be issued by insurers reasonably acceptable to Lender. Copies of all
policies of insurance evidencing such coverages in effect from time to time
shall be delivered to Lender prior to the initial Advance under this Credit
Agreement and upon reasonable notice upon issuance of new policies thereafter.
From time to time, promptly upon Lender's request, it shall provide evidence
satisfactory to Lender (i) that required coverage in required amounts is in
effect, and (ii) that Lender is shown as an additional loss payee with respect
to all such coverages, as Lender's interest may appear, by standard
(non-attribution) loss payable endorsement, additional insured endorsement,
insurer's certificate or other means acceptable to Lender in its reasonable
discretion. At Lender's option, it shall deliver to Lender certified copies of
all such policies of insurance in effect from time to time, to be retained by
Lender so long as Lender shall have any commitment to lend hereunder and/or any
portion of the Obligation shall be outstanding or unsatisfied. All such
insurance policies shall provide for at least thirty (30) days prior written
notice of the cancellation or modification thereof to Lender.

         7.16 Change in Control. Should there be a Change in Control as to
Borrower, the Loan shall be immediately due and payable.


                                      -29-
<PAGE>   31
                                    ARTICLE 8

                               NEGATIVE COVENANTS

         Until payment in full of the Note and the performance of the
Obligation, Borrower agrees that:

         8.1 Amendments to Organizational Documents. It will not amend its
organizational documents if the result thereof could result in the occurrence
directly or indirectly of a Material Adverse Effect.

         8.2 Margin Stock. It shall not use any proceeds of the Loan, or any
proceeds of any other or future financial accommodation from Lender for the
purpose, whether immediate, incidental or ultimate, of purchasing or carrying
any "margin stock" as that term is defined in Regulation U or to reduce or
retire any indebtedness undertaken for such purposes within the meaning of said
Regulation U, and will not use such proceeds in a manner that would involve
Borrower in a violation of Regulation U or of any other Regulation of the Board
of Governors of its Federal Reserve System, nor use such proceeds for any
purpose not permitted by Section 7 of the Exchange Act, or any of the rules or
regulations respecting the extensions of credit promulgated thereunder.

         8.3 Fiscal Year. Except with prior notice to Lender, it will not change
the times of commencement or termination of its fiscal year or other accounting
periods; or change its methods of accounting other than to conform to GAAP
applied on a consistent basis. After any such changes, its method of accounting
shall conform to GAAP.

         8.4 Liens. On and after the date hereof, it will not create or suffer
to exist Liens upon the Collateral, except (i) Liens, if any, for the benefit of
Lender, and (ii) Permitted Liens.

         8.5 Merger, Sale of Assets. It will not, without Lender's prior written
consent: (i) sell, lease, transfer or dispose of substantially all of its assets
to another entity; or (ii) consolidate with or merge into another entity, permit
any other entity to merge into it or consolidate with it, or permit any transfer
of the ownership of, or power to control, Borrower.

         8.6 Insider Loan or Dividends. It will neither make Loan, receivables
or investments, on a consolidated basis, to officers of Borrower or any other
companies of said officers, except for normal advances for travel and
entertainment, nor declare or pay cash dividends.

         8.7 Transfer Collateral. It will not assign, transfer or convey any of
its right, title and interest in the Collateral (whether real or personal)
encumbered by the Security Documents.

         8.8 Financial Covenants. It will not permit at the end of any fiscal
quarter:

                  (a) Its Tangible Net Worth to be less than $19,000,000.00;


                                      -30-
<PAGE>   32
                  (b) Its Tangible Owner's Equity Percentage to be less than
         thirty-three percent (33.0%) prior to the December 31, 1997 fiscal
         quarter end, or forty percent (40.0%) thereafter;

                  (c) Its Current Ratio to be less than 1.25 to 1.0; or

                  (d) Its Debt Coverage Ratio for the prior four (4) quarters to
         be less than 1.50 to 1.0;

where:

                  "Tangible Net Worth" means Net Worth plus Subordinated
         Indebtedness.

                  "Net Worth" means the sum of the following: capital, capital
         surplus and retained earnings, less the sum of the value of Borrower's
         books of all intangible assets, including, but not limited to,
         goodwill, patents, franchises, trademarks, copyrights and the write-up
         in the book value of any assets resulting therefrom after acquisition.

                  "Subordinated Indebtedness" means any and all Indebtedness of
         Borrower to any other creditor, the repayment of which is subordinated
         in writing to that of Lender.

                  "Tangible Owner's Equity Percentage" means the results
         obtained by dividing (A) Tangible Net Worth, by (B) Borrower's total
         assets less its Tangible Net Worth.

                  "Debt Coverage Ratio" means the results obtained by dividing
         (A) the sum of (A) its net profit after taxes, less its cash dividends,
         plus its depreciation and amortization, plus or less any change in its
         deferred taxes, by (B) the current maturities of its long-term debt for
         its prior period.


                                      -31-
<PAGE>   33
                                    ARTICLE 9

                                EVENTS OF DEFAULT

         9.1 Events of Default. An "Event of Default" shall exist if any one or
more of the following events (herein collectively called "Events of Default")
shall occur and be continuing:

                  (a) Borrower shall fail to pay any principal of, or interest
         on, the Note when the same shall become due or payable;

                  (b) Any failure or neglect to perform or observe any of the
         covenants, conditions, provisions or agreements of Borrower contained
         herein, or in any of the other Credit Documents or of a Guarantor in
         any of the other Credit Documents;

                  (c) Any warranty, representation or statement contained in
         this Credit Agreement or any of the other Credit Documents, or which is
         contained in any certificate or statement furnished or made to Lender
         pursuant hereto or in connection herewith or with the Loan, shall be or
         shall prove to have been false when made or furnished;

                  (d) The occurrence of any"event of default" or "default" by
         Borrower or a Guarantor under any Security Document, any other Credit
         Document or any agreement, now or hereafter existing, to which Lender
         or an Affiliate of Lender, and Borrower or a Guarantor are a party,
         including without limitation the Other Credits;

                  (e) Borrower shall (i) fail to pay any Indebtedness of
         Borrower (other than the Note) due under any Significant Debt
         Agreement, or any interest or premium thereon, when due (whether by
         scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand, or
         otherwise) or within any applicable grace period, (ii) fail to perform
         or observe any term, covenant, or condition on its part to be performed
         or observed under any agreement or instrument relating to such
         Indebtedness, within any applicable grace period when required to be
         performed or observed, if the effect of such failure to perform or
         observe is to accelerate the maturity of such Indebtedness, or any such
         Indebtedness shall be declared to be due and payable, or required to be
         prepaid (other than by a regularly scheduled prepayment), prior to the
         stated maturity thereof, or (iii) allow the occurrence of any material
         event of default with respect to such Indebtedness;

                  (f) Any one or more of the Credit Documents shall have been
         determined to be invalid or unenforceable against Borrower executing
         the same in accordance with the respective terms thereof, or shall in
         any way be terminated or become or be declared ineffective or
         inoperative, so as to deny Lender the substantial benefits contemplated
         by such Credit Document or Credit Documents;

                  (g) Borrower or any Guarantor shall (i) apply for or consent
         to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, intervenor or
         liquidator of itself or of


                                      -32-
<PAGE>   34
         all or a substantial part of its assets, (ii) file a voluntary petition
         in bankruptcy or admit in writing that it is unable to pay its debts as
         they become due, (iii) make a general assignment for the benefit of
         creditors, (iv) file a petition or answer seeking reorganization of an
         arrangement with creditors or to take advantage of any bankruptcy or
         insolvency laws, (v) file an answer admitting the material allegations
         of, or consent to, or default in answering, a petition filed against it
         in any bankruptcy, reorganization or insolvency proceeding, or (vi)
         take corporate action for the purpose of effecting any of the
         foregoing;

                  (h) An involuntary petition or complaint shall be filed
         against Borrower or any Guarantor seeking bankruptcy or reorganization
         of Borrower, or the appointment of a receiver, custodian, trustee,
         intervenor or liquidator of Borrower, or all or substantially all of
         its assets, and such petition or complaint shall not have been
         dismissed within sixty (60) days of the filing thereof; or an order,
         order for relief, judgment or decree shall be entered by any court of
         competent jurisdiction or other competent authority approving a
         petition or complaint seeking reorganization of Borrower, appointing a
         receiver, custodian, trustee, intervenor or liquidator of Borrower, or
         all or substantially all of its assets, and such order, judgment or
         decree shall continue unstayed and in effect for a period of sixty (60)
         days;

                  (i) Any final judgment(s) (excluding those the enforcement of
         which is suspended pending appeal) for the payment of money in excess
         of the sum of $100,000.00 in the aggregate (other than any judgment
         covered by insurance where coverage has been acknowledged by the
         insurer) shall be rendered against Borrower, and such judgment or
         judgments shall not be satisfied, settled, bonded or discharged at
         least ten (10) days prior to the date on which any of its assets could
         be lawfully sold to satisfy such judgment;

                  (j) Either (i) proceedings shall have been instituted to
         terminate, or a notice of termination shall have been filed with
         respect to, any Plans (other than a Multi-Employer Pension Plan as that
         term is defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA) by Borrower, any member
         of the Controlled Group, PBGC or any representative of any thereof, or
         any such Plan shall be terminated, in each case under Section 4041 or
         4042 of ERISA, and such termination shall give rise to a liability of
         the Borrower or the Controlled Group to the PBGC or the Plan under
         ERISA having an effect in excess of $100,000.00 or (ii) a Reportable
         Event, the occurrence of which would cause the imposition of a lien in
         excess of $100,000.00 under Section 4062 of ERISA, shall have occurred
         with respect to any Plan (other than a Multi-Employer Pension Plan as
         that term is defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA) and be continuing
         for a period of sixty (60) days;

                  (k) Any of the following events shall occur with respect to
         any Multi-Employer Pension Plan (as that term is defined in Section
         4001(a)(3) of ERISA) to which Borrower contributes or contributed on
         behalf of its employees and Lender determines in good faith that the
         aggregate liability likely to be incurred by Borrower, as a result of
         any of the events specified in Subsections (i), (ii) and (iii)


                                      -33-
<PAGE>   35
         below, will have an effect in excess of $100,000.00; (i) Borrower
         incurs a withdrawal liability under Section 4201 of ERISA; (ii) any
         such plan is "in reorganization" as that term is defined in Section
         4241 of ERISA; or (iii) any such Plan is terminated under Section 4041A
         of ERISA;

                  (l) The occurrence of a Change in Control without the written
         consent of Lender;

                  (m) The dissolution, liquidation, sale, transfer, lease or
         other disposal of all or substantially all of the assets or business of
         Borrower;

                  (n) Any levy or execution upon, or judicial seizure of, any
         property of Borrower that has a fair market value in excess of
         $100,000.00 or any Collateral that is not bonded or released within
         thirty (30) days;

                  (o) Any attachment or garnishment of, or the existence or
         filing of any lien or encumbrance other than any Permitted Exceptions
         against, any portion of the Collateral that is not removed or released
         within thirty (30) days after its creation;

                  (p) The institution of any legal action or proceedings to
         enforce any lien or encumbrance upon any portion of the Collateral that
         is not dismissed within fifteen (15) days after its institution;

                  (q) Any failure to comply with a Financial Covenant; or

                  (r) The occurrence of any adverse change in the financial
         condition of Borrower that Lender, in its reasonable discretion, deems
         material, or if Lender in good faith shall believe that the prospect of
         payment or performance of the Loan is impaired.

         9.2 Remedies Upon Event of Default. If an Event of Default shall have
occurred and be continuing, then Lender may, at its sole option, exercise any
one or more of the following rights and remedies, and any other remedies
provided in any of the Credit Documents, as Lender in its sole discretion may
deem necessary or appropriate, all of which remedies shall be deemed cumulative,
and not alternative:

                           (i) cease making Advances or extensions of financial
                  accommodations in any form to or for the benefit of Borrower
                  and declare the principal of, and all interest then accrued
                  on, the Note and any other liabilities hereunder to be
                  forthwith due and payable, whereupon the same shall become
                  immediately due and payable without presentment, demand,
                  protest, notice of default, notice of acceleration or of
                  intention to accelerate or other notice of any kind all of
                  which Borrower hereby expressly waives, anything contained
                  herein or in the Note to the contrary notwithstanding;


                                      -34-
<PAGE>   36
                           (ii)     reduce any claim to judgment; and/or

                           (iii) without notice of default or demand, pursue and
                  enforce any of Lender' rights and remedies under the Credit
                  Documents, or otherwise provided under or pursuant to any
                  applicable law or agreement; provided, however, that if any
                  Event of Default specified in Sections 9.1(g) and 9.1(h) shall
                  occur, the principal of, and all interest on, the Note and
                  other liabilities hereunder shall thereupon become due and
                  payable concurrently therewith, without any further action by
                  Lender and without presentment, demand, protest, notice of
                  default, notice of acceleration or of intention to accelerate
                  or other notice of any kind, all of which Borrower hereby
                  expressly waives.

         Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default,
Lender is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, without notice to
Borrower (any such notice being expressly waived by Borrower), to set off and
apply any and all moneys, securities or other property of Borrower and the
proceeds therefrom, now or hereafter held or received by or in transit to Lender
or its agents, from or for the account of Borrower, whether for safe keeping,
custody, pledge, transmission, collection or otherwise, and also upon any and
all deposits (general or special) and credits of Borrower, and any and all
claims of Borrower against Lender at any time existing. Lender agrees promptly
to notify Borrower after any such setoff and application, provided that the
failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and
application. The rights of Lender under this Section 9.2 are in addition to
other rights and remedies (including, without limitation, other rights of
setoff) which Lender may have.

         9.3 Performance by Lender. Should Borrower fail to perform any
covenant, duty or agreement with respect to the payment of taxes, obtaining
licenses or permits, or any other requirement contained herein or in any of the
Credit Documents within the period provided herein, if any, for correction of
such failure, Lender may, at its option, perform or attempt to perform such
covenant, duty or agreement on behalf of Borrower. In such event, Borrower
shall, at the request of Lender, promptly pay any amount expended by Lender in
such performance or attempted performance to Lender at its main office in
Phoenix, Arizona, together with interest thereon at the Default Rate, from the
date of such expenditure until paid. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is
expressly understood that Lender does not assume any liability or responsibility
for the performance of any duties of Borrower hereunder or under any of the
Credit Documents or other control over the management and affairs of Borrower.


                                      -35-
<PAGE>   37
                                   ARTICLE 10

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

         10.1 Modification. All modifications, consents, amendments or waivers
of any provision of any Loan Document, or consent to any departure by Borrower
therefrom, shall be effective only if the same shall be in writing and accepted
by Lender.

         10.2 Waiver. No failure to exercise, and no delay in exercising, on the
part of Lender, any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall
any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other further exercise
thereof or the exercise of any other right. The rights of Lender hereunder and
under the Credit Documents shall be in addition to all other rights provided by
law. No modification or waiver of any provision of this Credit Agreement, the
Note or any Credit Documents, nor consent to departure therefrom, shall be
effective unless in writing and no such consent or waiver shall extend beyond
the particular case and purpose involved. No notice or demand given in any case
shall constitute a waiver of the right to take other action in the same, similar
or other instances without such notice or demand.

         10.3 Payment of Expenses. Borrower shall pay all costs and expenses of
Lender (including, without limitation, the attorneys' fees of Lender's legal
counsel) incurred by Lender in connection with the documentation of the Loan,
and the preservation and enforcement of Lender's rights under this Credit
Agreement, the Note, and/or the other Credit Documents; provided, however, that
notwithstanding the aforesaid, with respect to any legal action between the
parties hereto that is pursued to judgment the prevailing party only shall be
reimbursed by the other party for all costs and expenses (including, without
limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and costs) incurred in connection with
the preservation and enforcement of its rights under this Credit Agreement, the
Note and/or other Credit Documents. In addition, Borrower shall pay all costs
and expenses of Lender in connection with the negotiation, preparation,
execution and delivery of any and all amendments, modifications and supplements
of or to this Credit Agreement, the Note or any other Loan Document.

         10.4 Notices. Except for telephonic notices permitted herein, any
notices or other communications required or permitted to be given by this Credit
Agreement or any other documents and instruments referred to herein must be (i)
given in writing and personally delivered or mailed by prepaid certified or
registered mail, or (ii) made by telefacsimile delivered or transmitted, to the
party to whom such notice or communication is directed, to the address of such
party as follows:

         Borrower:                  Schuff Steel Company
                                    Post Office Box 39670
                                    Phoenix, Arizona  85069

         Lender:                    Bank One, Arizona, NA
                                    Post Office Box 71
                                    Phoenix, Arizona  85001
                                    Attention: Commercial Banking AZ1-1178


                                      -36-
<PAGE>   38
Any notice to be personally delivered may be delivered to the principal offices
(determined as of the date of such delivery) of the party to whom such notice is
directed. Any such notice or other communication shall be deemed to have been
given (whether actually received or not) on the day it is personally delivered
as aforesaid; or, if mailed, on the third day after it is mailed as aforesaid;
or, if transmitted by telefacsimile, on the day that such notice is transmitted
as aforesaid. Any party may change its address for purposes of this Credit
Agreement by giving notice of such change to the other parties pursuant to this
Section 10.4.

         10.5 Governing Law. This Credit Agreement has been prepared, is being
executed and delivered, and is intended to be performed in the State of Arizona.
The substantive laws of the State of Arizona and the applicable federal laws of
the United States of America shall govern the validity, construction,
enforcement and interpretation of this Credit Agreement and all of the other
Credit Documents, without regard to Arizona conflicts of law rules.

         10.6 Invalid Provisions. If any provision of any Loan Document is held
to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under present or future laws during the
term of this Credit Agreement, such provision shall be fully severable; such
Loan Document shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid or
unenforceable provision had never comprised a part of such Loan Document; and
the remaining provisions of such Loan Document shall remain in full force and
effect and shall not be affected by the illegal, invalid or unenforceable
provision or by its severance from such Loan Document. Furthermore, in lieu of
each such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision there shall be added as
part of such Loan Document a provision mutually agreeable to Borrower and Lender
as similar in terms to such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision as may
be possible and be legal, valid and enforceable.

         10.7 Binding Effect. The Credit Documents shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of Borrower and Lender and their respective successors,
assigns and legal representatives; provided, however, that Borrower may not,
without the prior written consent of Lender, assign any rights, powers, duties
or obligations thereunder.

         10.8 Entirety. The Credit Documents embody the entire agreement between
the parties and supersede all prior agreements and understandings, if any,
relating to the subject matter hereof and thereof.

         10.9 Time. Time is of the essence hereof.

         10.10 Headings. Section headings are for convenience of reference only
and shall in no way affect the interpretation of this Credit Agreement.

         10.11 Survival. All representations and warranties made by Borrower
herein shall survive delivery of the Note and the making of the Loan.

         10.12 No Third Party Beneficiary. The parties do not intend the
benefits of this Credit Agreement to inure to any third party, nor shall this
Credit Agreement be construed to make or render Lender liable to any
materialman, supplier, contractor, subcontractor, purchaser or lessee of any
property owned by Borrower, or for debts or claims accruing to any such persons
against


                                      -37-
<PAGE>   39
Borrower. Notwithstanding anything contained herein or in the Note, or in any
other Loan Document, or any conduct or course of conduct by any or all of the
parties hereto, before or after signing this Credit Agreement or any of the
other Credit Documents, neither this Credit Agreement nor any other Loan
Document shall be construed as creating any right, claim or cause of action
against Lender, or any of its officers, directors, agents or employees, in favor
of any materialman, supplier, contractor, subcontractor, purchaser or lessee of
any property owned by Borrower, nor to any other person or entity other than
Borrower.

         10.13 Indemnity. Borrower agrees to and shall indemnify, hold harmless
and defend Lender from any liability, claims or losses resulting from the
disbursement of the proceeds of the Loan. This provision shall survive repayment
of the Loan and shall continue in full force and effect so long as the
possibility of such liability, claims or losses exists.

         10.14 Schedules and Exhibits Incorporated. All schedules and exhibits
attached hereto, if any, are hereby incorporated into this Credit Agreement by
each reference thereto as if fully set forth at each such reference.

         10.15 Counterparts. This Credit Agreement may be executed in multiple
counterparts, each of which, when so executed, shall be deemed an original but
all such counterparts shall constitute but one and the same agreement.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Credit Agreement
as of the day and year first above written.

                                   SCHUFF STEEL COMPANY, a Delaware
                                   corporation



                                   By
                                            Its


                                   BANK ONE, ARIZONA, NA, a national banking
                                   association



                                   By
                                            Its


                                      -38-
<PAGE>   40
                                 CONSENT OF B&K


         The undersigned hereby consents to those financial accommodations
extended by Bank One, Arizona, NA ("Lender") to Schuff Steel Company, a Delaware
corporation ("Borrower"), pursuant to that Credit Agreement dated as of December
10, 1997 between the Borrower and Lender and agrees that its guaranty delivered
to Lender with respect to all the indebtedness of Borrower to Lender continues
in full force and effect.

                                   B&K STEEL FABRICATIONS, INC., an Arizona
                                   corporation



                                   By:
                                   Name:
                                   Its:
<PAGE>   41
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                                                               Page
                                                                                                               ----
<S>                                                                                                            <C>
RECITALS..........................................................................................................1

ARTICLE 1             DEFINITION OF TERMS.........................................................................2
         1.1          Definitions.................................................................................2
         1.2          Terms Generally.............................................................................9

ARTICLE 2             THE LINE OF CREDIT LOAN....................................................................10
         2.1          Line of Credit Commitment..................................................................10
         2.2          Line of Credit.............................................................................10
         2.3          Line of Credit Note........................................................................10
         2.4          Line of Credit Payments and Line of Credit Advances........................................10
         2.5          Uses of Line of Credit Advances............................................................13
         2.6          Principal Prepayments......................................................................15
         2.7          Method of Payment..........................................................................16
         2.8          Conditions.................................................................................17
         2.9          Other Line of Credit Advances by Lender....................................................17
         2.10         Assignment.................................................................................17

ARTICLE 3             NON-USE FEE................................................................................18
         3.1          Non-Use Fee................................................................................18

ARTICLE 4             SECURITY...................................................................................19
         4.1          Security...................................................................................19
         4.2          Guaranties.................................................................................19
         4.3          Security Documents.........................................................................19

ARTICLE 5             CONDITIONS PRECEDENT.......................................................................21
         5.1          Initial or any Subsequent Advance..........................................................21
         5.2          No Event of Default........................................................................22
         5.3          No Material Adverse Change.................................................................22
         5.4          Representations and Warranties.............................................................22

ARTICLE 6             REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.............................................................23
         6.1          Organization and Good Standing.............................................................23
         6.2          Authorization and Power....................................................................23
         6.3          No Conflicts or Consents...................................................................23
         6.4          Enforceable Obligations....................................................................23
         6.5          Financial Condition........................................................................23
         6.6          Full Disclosure............................................................................24
         6.7          No Default.................................................................................24
         6.8          Significant Debt Agreements................................................................24
         6.9          No Litigation..............................................................................24


                                                        -i-
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   42
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                             <C>
         6.10         Taxes......................................................................................24
         6.11         ERISA......................................................................................24
         6.12         Compliance with Law........................................................................24
         6.13         Survival of Representations, Etc...........................................................25
         6.14         Recitals...................................................................................25
         6.15         No Stock Purchase..........................................................................25
         6.16         Solvent....................................................................................25
         6.17         Advances...................................................................................25
         6.18         Title to Collateral........................................................................25
         6.19         Security Documents.........................................................................25
         6.20         Environmental Matters......................................................................25
         6.21         Investment Company Act.....................................................................25

ARTICLE 7             AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS......................................................................26
         7.1          Financial Statements, Reports and Documents................................................26
         7.2          Payment of Taxes and Other Indebtedness....................................................27
         7.3          Maintenance of Existence and Rights; Conduct of Business...................................27
         7.4          Notice of Default..........................................................................27
         7.5          Other Notices..............................................................................27
         7.6          Compliance with Credit Documents...........................................................27
         7.7          Compliance with Significant Debt Agreements................................................27
         7.8          Operations and Properties..................................................................27
         7.9          Books and Records; Access..................................................................28
         7.10         Compliance with Law........................................................................28
         7.11         Authorizations and Approvals...............................................................28
         7.12         ERISA Compliance...........................................................................28
         7.13         Further Assurances.........................................................................28
         7.14         News Releases..............................................................................28
         7.15         Insurance..................................................................................28
         7.16         Change in Control..........................................................................29

ARTICLE 8             NEGATIVE COVENANTS.........................................................................30
         8.1          Amendments to Organizational Documents.....................................................30
         8.2          Margin Stock...............................................................................30
         8.3          Fiscal Year................................................................................30
         8.4          Liens......................................................................................30
         8.5          Merger, Sale of Assets.....................................................................30
         8.6          Insider Loan or Dividends..................................................................30
         8.7          Transfer Collateral........................................................................30
         8.8          Financial Covenants........................................................................30

ARTICLE 9             EVENTS OF DEFAULT..........................................................................32
         9.1          Events of Default..........................................................................32
         9.2          Remedies Upon Event of Default.............................................................34
         9.3          Performance by Lender......................................................................35


                                                        -ii-
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   43
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                             <C>
ARTICLE 10            MISCELLANEOUS..............................................................................37
         10.1         Modification...............................................................................37
         10.2         Waiver.....................................................................................37
         10.3         Payment of Expenses........................................................................37
         10.4         Notices....................................................................................37
         10.5         Governing Law..............................................................................38
         10.6         Invalid Provisions.........................................................................38
         10.7         Binding Effect.............................................................................38
         10.8         Entirety...................................................................................38
         10.9         Time.......................................................................................38
         10.10        Headings...................................................................................39
         10.11        Survival...................................................................................39
         10.12        No Third Party Beneficiary.................................................................39
         10.13        Indemnity..................................................................................39
         10.14        Schedules and Exhibits Incorporated........................................................39
         10.15        Counterparts...............................................................................40
</TABLE>

Exhibit "A" - Form of Pledge Agreement
Exhibit "B" - Form of Guaranty
Exhibit "C" - Form of Security Agreement
Exhibit "D" - Form of Deed of Trust
Exhibit "E" - Form of Environmental Indemnity Agreement


                                      -iii-
<PAGE>   44
                                   EXHIBIT "A"

                            FORM OF PLEDGE AGREEMENT
<PAGE>   45
                                   EXHIBIT "B"

                                FORM OF GUARANTY
<PAGE>   46
                                   EXHIBIT "C"

                           FORM OF SECURITY AGREEMENT
<PAGE>   47
                                   EXHIBIT "D"

                              FORM OF DEED OF TRUST
<PAGE>   48
                                   EXHIBIT "E"

                    FORM OF ENVIRONMENTAL INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

<PAGE>   49
                                   EXHIBIT "A"

                 PLEDGE AND IRREVOCABLE PROXY SECURITY AGREEMENT


         THIS PLEDGE AND IRREVOCABLE PROXY SECURITY AGREEMENT is made and
entered into as of the _____ day of _____________, 19___, by SCHUFF STEEL
COMPANY, a Delaware corporation (hereinafter called "Pledgor"), whose chief
executive office is located at Post Office Box 39670, Phoenix, Arizona 85069, in
favor of BANK ONE, ARIZONA, NA, a national banking association, and its
successors and assigns (hereinafter called "Secured Party"), whose address is
Post Office Box 71, Phoenix, Arizona 85001, Attention: Commercial Banking Dept.
AZ1-1178.

1.       RECITALS

         1.1 Secured Party has agreed to make certain financial accommodations
to Pledgor (hereinafter when referred to in this capacity called "Borrower").

         1.2 Secured Party's agreement to make financial accommodations to
Pledgor is conditioned upon Secured Party's receiving a pledge and security
interest in all stock and securities issued by the Company (as defined on
Schedule A attached hereto) now owned or hereafter acquired by Pledgor.

         1.3 Pledgor is the owner of _______________ shares of the stock of the
Company that are described on Schedule A and Pledgor desires to pledge them to
Secured Party in connection with Secured Party's financial accommodations to
Pledgor.

2.       PLEDGE OF STOCK

         2.1 Pledgor hereby assigns, transfers, pledges and delivers to Secured
Party and grants Secured Party a security interest in all issued and outstanding
stock in the Company now owned or hereafter acquired by Pledgor, including
without limitation the stock described on Schedule "A" attached hereto and by
this reference made a part hereof, together with all earnings thereon, all
additions thereto, all proceeds thereof from sale or otherwise, all
substitutions therefor, and all securities issued with respect thereto as a
result of any stock dividend, stock split, warrants or other rights,
reclassification, readjustment or other change in the capital structure of the
Company, and the securities of any corporation or other properties received upon
the conversion or exchange thereof pursuant to any merger, consolidation,
reorganization, sale of assets or other agreement or received upon any
liquidation of the Company or such other corporation (all hereinafter called the
"Pledged Securities").

         2.2 Upon the execution of this Agreement, Pledgor shall deliver to
Secured Party certificates for the Pledged Securities, together with appropriate
stock transfer powers therefor duly executed by Pledgor in blank substantially
in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 1. Immediately upon receipt, Pledgor
shall deliver to Secured Party all certificates and other evidences of the
Pledged Securities that come into the possession, custody or control of Pledgor,
together with
<PAGE>   50
appropriate stock transfer powers therefor duly executed by Pledgor in blank,
and any other property constituting part of the Pledged Securities, free and
clear of any prior lien, claim, charge or encumbrance.

         2.3 Secured Party may receive, hold and/or dispose of the Pledged
Securities subject and pursuant to all the terms, conditions and provisions
hereof and of the Loan Agreement (defined below) until the Obligation (defined
below) has been discharged in full. Secured Party is hereby authorized and
empowered to take any and all action with respect to such property as authorized
hereunder. In its discretion and without notice to Pledgor, Secured Party may
take any one or more of the following actions, without liability except to
account for property actually received by it:

                  (a) transfer to or register in its name or the name of its
         nominee any of the Pledged Securities, with or without indication of
         the security interest herein created, and whether or not so transferred
         or registered, receive the income, dividends and other distributions
         thereon and hold them or apply them to the Obligation in any order of
         priority;

                  (b) exercise or cause to be exercised all voting and corporate
         powers with respect to any of the Pledged Securities so registered or
         transferred, including all rights of conversion, exchange, subscription
         or any other rights, privileges or options pertaining to such Pledged
         Securities, as if the absolute owner thereof;

                  (c) insure any of the Pledged Securities;

                  (d) exchange any of the Pledged Securities for other property
         upon a reorganization, recapitalization or other readjustment and, in
         connection therewith, deposit any of the Pledged Securities with any
         committee or depositary upon such terms as the Secured Party may
         determine;

                  (e) in its name, or in the name of Pledgor, demand, sue for,
         collect or receive any money or property at any time payable or
         receivable on account of, or in exchange for, any of the Pledged
         Securities and, in connection therewith, endorse notes, checks, drafts,
         money orders, documents of title or other evidences of payment,
         shipment or storage in the name of Pledgor; and

                  (f) make any compromise or settlement deemed advisable with
         respect to any of the Pledged Securities.

Secured Party shall be under no duty to exercise, or to withhold the exercise
of, any of the rights, powers, privileges and options expressly or implicitly
granted to Secured Party in this Agreement, and shall not be responsible for any
failure to do so or delay in so doing.

3.       OBLIGATION SECURED

         This Agreement shall secure, in such order of priority as Secured Party
may elect:


                                      -2-
<PAGE>   51
                  (a) Payment of the sum of $10,000,000.00 with interest
         thereon, extension and other fees, late charges, prepayment premiums
         and attorneys' fees, according to the terms of that Promissory Note
         dated December 10, 1997, made by Pledgor, payable to the order of
         Secured Party, and all extensions, modifications, renewals or
         replacements thereof (hereinafter called the "Line Note");

                  (b) Payment of the sum of $10,000,000.00 according to the
         terms of that Promissory Note dated June 30, 1995, made by Pledgor,
         payable to the order of Secured Party, evidencing a revolving line of
         credit, all or any part of which may be advanced to Pledgor, repaid by
         Pledgor and readvanced to Pledgor, from time to time, subject to the
         terms and conditions thereof, with interest thereon, extension and
         other fees, late charges, prepayment premiums and attorneys' fees,
         according to the terms thereof, and all extensions, modifications,
         renewals or replacements thereof (hereinafter called with the Line Note
         the "Note");

                  (c) Payment, performance and observance by Pledgor of each
         covenant, condition, provision and agreement contained herein and of
         all monies expended or advanced by Secured Party pursuant to the terms
         hereof, or to preserve any right of Secured Party hereunder, or to
         protect or preserve the Pledged Securities or any part thereof;

                  (d) Payment, performance and observance by Pledgor of each
         covenant, condition, provision and agreement contained in that Credit
         Agreement dated December 10, 1997, by and between Pledgor and Secured
         Party (hereinafter called the "Loan Agreement") and in any other
         document or instrument related to the indebtedness hereby secured and
         of all monies expended or advanced by Secured Party pursuant to the
         terms thereof or to preserve any right of Secured Party thereunder; and

                  (e) Payment and performance of any and all other indebtedness,
         obligations and liabilities of Pledgor to Secured Party of every kind
         and character, direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, due or to
         become due, now existing or hereafter incurred, whether such
         indebtedness is from time to time reduced and thereafter increased or
         entirely extinguished and thereafter reincurred.

All of the indebtedness and obligations secured by this Agreement are
hereinafter collectively called the "Obligation."

4.       REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PLEDGOR

         Pledgor hereby represents and warrants that:

         4.1 The address of Pledgor set forth at the beginning of this Agreement
is the chief executive office of Pledgor.


                                      -3-
<PAGE>   52
         4.2 The Pledged Securities are and shall be duly and validly issued and
pledged in accordance with applicable law, and this Agreement shall not
contravene any law, agreement or commitment binding Pledgor or the Company, and
Pledgor shall defend the right, title, lien and security interest of Secured
Party in and to the Pledged Securities against the claims and demands of all
persons and other entities whatsoever.

         4.3 Pledgor has the right, power and authority to convey good and
marketable title to the Pledged Securities; and the Pledged Securities and the
proceeds thereof are and shall be free and clear of all claims, mortgages,
pledges, liens, encumbrances and security interest of every nature whatsoever
other than as imposed hereby or as set forth, if at all, on Schedule "A"
attached hereto.

5.       IRREVOCABLE PROXY

         5.1 Pledgor irrevocably constitutes and appoints Secured Party, whether
or not the Pledged Securities have been transferred into the name of Secured
Party or its nominee, as Pledgor's proxy with full power, in the same manner, to
the same extent and with the same effect as if Pledgor were to do the same, in
the sole discretion of Secured Party:

                  (a) To call a meeting of the stockholders of the Company and
         to vote the Pledged Securities, to seek the consent of such
         stockholders, to remove the directors of the Company, or any of them,
         and to elect new directors of the Company, who thereafter shall manage
         the affairs of the Company, operate its properties and carry on its
         business, and otherwise take any action with respect to the business,
         properties and affairs of the Company that such new directors shall
         deem necessary or appropriate, including, but not limited to, the
         maintenance, repair, renewal or alteration of any or all of the
         properties of the Company, the leasing, subleasing, sale or other
         disposition of any or all of such properties, the borrowing of money on
         the credit of the Company (whether from Secured Party or others) that
         in the judgment of such new directors shall be necessary to preserve
         any of such properties or to discharge the obligations of the Company,
         and the employment of any or all agents, attorneys, counsel, or other
         employees as deemed by such new directors to be necessary for the
         proper operation or conduct of the business, properties and affairs of
         the Company;

                  (b) To consent to any and all actions by or with respect to
         the Company for which consent of the stockholders of the Company is or
         may be necessary or appropriate; and

                  (c) Without limitation, to do all things that Pledgor can do
         or could do as stockholder of the Company, giving Secured Party full
         power of substitution and revocation;

provided, however, that (i) the foregoing irrevocable proxy shall not be
exercisable by Secured Party, and Pledgor alone shall have the foregoing powers,
so long as there is no Event of Default hereunder, and (ii) this irrevocable
proxy shall terminate at such time as this Agreement is no longer in full force
and effect. The foregoing proxy is coupled with an interest sufficient in law to
support an


                                      -4-
<PAGE>   53
irrevocable power and shall be irrevocable and shall survive the death or
incapacity of Pledgor. Pledgor hereby revokes any proxy or proxies heretofore
given to any person or persons and agrees not to give any other proxies in
derogation hereof until such time as this Agreement is no longer in full force
and effect.

6.       COVENANTS OF PLEDGOR

         6.1 Pledgor shall not sell, transfer, assign or otherwise dispose of
any of the Pledged Securities or any interest therein without obtaining the
prior written consent of Secured Party and shall keep the Pledged Securities
free of all security interests or other encumbrances except the lien and
security interests granted herein.

         6.2 Pledgor shall pay when due all taxes, assessments, expenses and
other charges which may be levied or assessed against the Pledged Securities.

         6.3 Pledgor shall give Secured Party immediate written notice of any
change in Pledgor's name as set forth above and of any change in the location of
Pledgor's chief executive office (or residence if Pledgor is an individual
without an office).

         6.4 Pledgor, at its cost and expense, shall protect and defend the
Pledged Securities, this Agreement and all of the rights of Secured Party
hereunder against all claims and demands of other parties. Pledgor shall pay all
claims and charges that in the opinion of Secured Party might prejudice, imperil
or otherwise affect the Pledged Securities. Pledgor shall promptly notify
Secured Party of any levy, distraint or other seizure, by legal process or
otherwise, of all or any part of the Pledged Securities and of any threatened or
filed claims or proceedings that might in any way affect or impair the terms of
this Agreement.

         6.5 If Pledgor shall fail to pay any taxes, assessments, expenses or
charges, to keep all of the Pledged Securities free from other security
interests, encumbrances or claims, or to perform otherwise as required herein,
Secured Party may advance the monies necessary to pay the same or to so perform.

         6.6 All rights, powers and remedies granted Secured Party herein, or
otherwise available to Secured Party, are for the sole benefit and protection of
Secured Party, and Secured Party may exercise any such right, power or remedy at
its option and in its sole and absolute discretion without any obligation to do
so. In addition, if, under the terms hereof, Secured Party is given two or more
alternative courses of action, Secured Party may elect any alternative or
combination of alternatives at its option and in its sole and absolute
discretion. All monies advanced by Secured Party under the terms hereof, all
amounts paid, suffered or incurred by Secured Party under the terms hereof and
all amounts paid, suffered or incurred by Secured Party in exercising any
authority granted herein, including reasonable attorneys' fees, shall be added
to the Obligation, shall be secured hereby, shall bear interest at the highest
rate payable on any of the Obligation until paid, and shall be due and payable
by Pledgor to Secured Party immediately without demand.

         6.7 Secured Party shall use such reasonable care in handling,
preserving and protecting the Pledged Securities in its possession as it uses in
handling similar property for its own account.


                                      -5-
<PAGE>   54
Secured Party, however, shall have no liability for the loss, destruction or
disappearance of any Pledged Securities unless there is affirmative proof of a
lack of due care; the lack of due care shall not be implied solely by virtue of
any loss, destruction or disappearance. Secured Party shall not be required to
take any steps necessary to preserve any rights in the Pledged Securities
against prior parties or to protect, perfect, preserve or maintain any security
interest given to secure the Pledged Securities.

         6.8 Immediately upon demand by Secured Party, Pledgor shall execute and
deliver to Secured Party such other and additional applications, acceptances,
stock powers, authorizations, irrevocable proxies, dividend and other orders,
chattel paper, instruments or other evidences of payment and such other
documents as Secured Party may reasonably request to secure to Secured Party the
rights, powers and authorities intended to be conferred upon Secured Party by
this Agreement. All assignments and endorsements by Pledgor shall be in such
form and substance as may be satisfactory to Secured Party.

7.       EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES

         7.1 "Event of Default" hereunder shall mean any "Event of Default" as
defined in the Loan Agreement.

         7.2 Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default and at any time while
such Event of Default is continuing, Secured Party shall have the following
rights and remedies and may do one or more of the following:

                  (a) Declare all or any part of the Obligation to be
         immediately due and payable, and the same, with all costs and charges,
         shall be collectible thereupon by action at law;

                  (b) Transfer the Pledged Securities or any part thereof into
         its own name or that of its nominee so that Secured Party or its
         nominee may appear of record as the sole owner thereof;

                  (c) Vote any or all of the Pledged Securities and give all
         consents, waivers and ratifications in respect thereof and otherwise
         acting with respect thereto as though it were the absolute owner
         thereof;

                  (d) Exercise any and all rights of conversion, exchange,
         subscription, or any other rights, privileges or options pertaining to
         any of the Pledged Securities including, but not limited to, the right
         to exchange, at its discretion, any or all of the Pledged Securities
         upon the merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization or
         other readjustment of the Company or upon the exercise by Pledgor or
         Secured Party of any right, privilege or option pertaining to any of
         the shares of the Pledged Securities, and in connection therewith to
         deposit and deliver such shares of Pledged Securities with any
         committee, depository, transfer agent, registrar or any other agency
         upon such terms as Secured Party may determine without liability except
         to account for the property actually received by it;


                                      -6-
<PAGE>   55
                  (e) Receive and retain any dividend or other distribution on
         account of the Pledged Securities; and

                  (f) Sell any or all of the Pledged Securities in accordance
         with the provisions hereof;

but Secured Party shall have no duty to exercise any of the aforesaid rights,
privileges or options and shall not be responsible for any failure to do so or
delay in so doing. Pledgor waives all rights to be advised or to receive any
notices, statements or communications received by Secured Party or its nominee
as the record owner of all or any of the Pledged Securities. Any cash received
and retained by Secured Party as additional collateral hereunder may be applied
to payment in the manner provided in Subparagraph 7.3(c) below.

         7.3 In connection with Secured Party's right to sell any or all of the
Pledged Securities, upon the occurrence of any Event of Default and at any time
while such Event of Default is continuing:

                  (a) (i) Secured Party shall have the right at any time and
                  from time to time to sell, resell, assign and deliver, in its
                  discretion, all or any part of the Pledged Securities in one
                  or more units, at the same or different times, and all right,
                  title and interest, claim and demand therein, and right of
                  redemption thereof, at private sale, or at public sale to the
                  highest bidder for cash, upon credit or for future delivery,
                  Pledgor hereby waiving and releasing to the fullest extent
                  permitted by law any and all equity or right of redemption. If
                  any of the Pledged Securities are sold by Secured Party upon
                  credit or for future delivery, Secured Party shall not be
                  liable for the failure of the purchaser to purchase or pay for
                  same, and, in the event of any such failure, Secured Party may
                  resell such Pledged Securities. In no event shall Pledgor be
                  credited with any part of the proceeds of the sale of any
                  Pledged Securities until cash payment thereof has actually
                  been received by Secured Party.

                           (ii) No demand, advertisement or notice, all of which
                  are hereby expressly waived, shall be required in connection
                  with any sale or other disposition of all or any part of the
                  Pledged Securities that threatens to decline speedily in value
                  or that is of a type customarily sold on a recognized market;
                  otherwise Secured Party shall give Pledgor at least five (5)
                  days' prior notice of the time and place of any public sale or
                  of the time after which any private sale or other dispositions
                  are to be made, which Pledgor agrees is reasonable, all other
                  demands, advertisements and notices being hereby waived. Upon
                  any sale, whether under this Agreement or by virtue of
                  judicial proceedings, Secured Party may bid for and purchase
                  any or all of the Pledged Securities and, upon compliance with
                  the terms of the sale, may hold, retain, possess and dispose
                  of such items in its own


                                      -7-
<PAGE>   56
                  absolute right without further accountability, and as
                  purchaser at such sale, in paying the purchase price, may turn
                  in any note or notes held by Secured Party in lieu of cash up
                  to the amount that would, upon distribution of the net
                  proceeds of such sale in accordance with Subparagraph 7.3(c)
                  hereof, be payable to Secured Party. In case the amount so
                  payable thereon shall be less than the amount due thereon, the
                  note or notes turned in (in lieu of cash) shall be returned to
                  the holder thereof after being properly stamped to show the
                  partial payment effected by such purchase.

                  (b) Pledgor recognizes that Secured Party may be unable to
         effect a sale to the public of all or a part of the Pledged Securities
         by reason of prohibitions contained in applicable securities laws, but
         may be compelled to resort to one or more sales to a restricted group
         of purchasers who will be obliged to agree, among other things, to
         acquire such Pledged Securities for their own account, for investment
         and not with a view to the distribution or resale thereof. Pledgor
         agrees that sales so made may be at prices and other terms less
         favorable to the seller than if such Pledged Securities were sold to
         the public, and that Secured Party has no obligation to delay sale of
         any such Pledged Securities for the period of time necessary to permit
         the issuer of such Pledged Securities to register the same for sale to
         the public under applicable securities laws. Pledgor agrees that
         negotiated sales made under the foregoing circumstances shall be deemed
         to have been made in a commercially reasonable manner.

                  (c) In all sales of Pledged Securities, public or private,
         Secured Party shall apply the proceeds of sale as follows:

                           (i) First, to the payment of all costs and expenses
                  incurred hereunder or for the sale, transfer, or delivery,
                  including broker's and attorneys' fees;

                           (ii) Next to the payment of the Obligation; and

                           (iii) The balance, if any, to Pledgor or to the
                  person or persons entitled thereto upon proper demand.

         7.4 Secured Party shall have the right, for and in the name, place and
stead of Pledgor, to execute endorsements, assignments or other instruments of
conveyance or transfer with respect to all or any of the Pledged Securities and
any instruments, documents and statements that Pledgor is obligated to furnish
or execute hereunder. Pledgor shall execute and deliver such additional
documents as may be necessary to enable Secured Party to implement such right.

         7.5 Pledgor shall pay all costs and expenses, including without
limitation court costs and reasonable attorneys' fees, incurred by Secured Party
in enforcing payment and performance of the Obligation or in exercising the
rights and remedies of Secured Party hereunder. All such costs and expenses
shall be secured by this Agreement and by all other lien and security documents
securing


                                      -8-
<PAGE>   57
the Obligation. In the event of any court proceedings, court costs and
attorneys' fees shall be set by the court and not by jury and shall be included
in any judgment obtained by Secured Party.

         7.6 In addition to any remedies provided herein for an Event of
Default, Secured Party shall have all the rights and remedies afforded a secured
party under the Uniform Commercial Code and all other legal and equitable
remedies allowed under applicable law. No failure on the part of Secured Party
to exercise any of its rights hereunder arising upon any Event of Default shall
be construed to prejudice its rights upon the occurrence of any other or
subsequent Event of Default. No delay on the part of Secured Party in exercising
any such rights shall be construed to preclude it from the exercise thereof at
any time while that Event of Default is continuing. Secured Party may enforce
any one or more rights or remedies hereunder successively or concurrently. By
accepting payment or performance of any of the Obligation after its due date,
Secured Party shall not thereby waive the agreement contained herein that time
is of the essence, nor shall Secured Party waive either its right to require
prompt payment or performance when due of the remainder of the Obligation or its
right to consider the failure to so pay or perform an Event of Default.

8.       MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

         8.1 The acceptance of this Agreement by Secured Party shall not be
considered a waiver of or in any way to affect or impair any other security that
Secured Party may have, acquire simultaneously herewith, or hereafter acquire
for the payment or performance of the Obligation, nor shall the taking by
Secured Party at any time of any such additional security be construed as a
waiver of or in any way to affect or impair the right and interest granted
herein; Secured Party may resort, for the payment or performance of the
Obligation, to its several securities therefor in such order and manner as it
may determine.

         8.2 Without notice or demand, without the necessity for any additional
endorsements, without affecting the obligations of Pledgor hereunder or the
personal liability of any person for payment or performance of the Obligation,
and without affecting the rights and interests granted herein, Secured Party,
from time to time, may: (i) extend the time for payment of all or any part of
the Obligation, accept a renewal note therefor, reduce the payments thereon,
release any person liable for all or any part thereof, or otherwise change the
terms of all or any part of the Obligation; (ii) take and hold other security
for the payment or performance of the Obligation and enforce, exchange,
substitute, subordinate, waive or release any such security; (iii) join in any
extension or subordination agreement; or (iv) release any part of the Pledged
Securities from this Agreement.

         8.3 Pledgor waives and agrees not to assert: (i) any right to require
Secured Party to proceed against any guarantor, to proceed against or exhaust
any other security for the Obligation, to pursue any other remedy available to
Secured Party, or to pursue any remedy in any particular order or manner; (ii)
the benefits of any statute of limitations affecting the enforcement hereof;
(iii) the benefits of any legal or equitable doctrine or principle of
marshalling; (iv) demand, diligence, presentment for payment, protest and
demand, and notice of extension, dishonor, protest, demand and nonpayment,
relating to the Obligation; and (v) any benefit of, and any right to participate
in, any other security now or hereafter held by Secured Party.


                                      -9-
<PAGE>   58
         8.4 The terms herein shall have the meanings in and be construed under
the Uniform Commercial Code. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
according to the internal laws of the State of Arizona. Each provision of this
Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under
applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be void or
invalid, the same shall not affect the remainder hereof which shall be effective
as though the void or invalid provision had not been contained herein.

         8.5 No modification, rescission, waiver, release or amendment of any
provision of this Agreement shall be made except by a written agreement executed
by Pledgor and a duly authorized officer of Secured Party.

         8.6 This is a continuing agreement, which shall remain in full force
and effect until actual receipt by Secured Party of written notice of its
revocation as to future transactions and shall remain in full force and effect
thereafter until all of the Obligation incurred before the receipt of such
notice, and all of the Obligation incurred thereafter under commitments extended
by Secured Party before the receipt of such notice, shall have been paid and
performed in full.

         8.7 No setoff or claim that Pledgor now has or may in the future have
against Secured Party shall relieve Pledgor from paying or performing its
obligations hereunder.

         8.8 Time is of the essence hereof. If more than one Pledgor or more
than one Borrower is named herein, the word Pledgor and the word "Borrower,"
respectively, shall mean all and any one or more of them, severally and
collectively. All liability hereunder shall be joint and several. This Agreement
shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and
their heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns. The term "Secured
Party" shall include not only the original Secured Party hereunder but also any
future owner and holder, including pledgees, of the note or notes evidencing the
Obligation. The provisions hereof shall apply to the parties according to the
context thereof and without regard to the number or gender of words or
expressions used.

         8.9 All notices required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in
writing and may be given in person or by United States mail, by delivery service
or by electronic transmission. Any notice directed to a party to this Agreement
shall become effective upon the earliest of the following: (i) actual receipt by
that party; (ii) delivery to the designated address of that party, addressed to
that party; or (iii) if given by certified or registered United States mail,
twenty-four (24) hours after deposit with the United States Postal Service,
postage prepaid, addressed to that party at its designated address. The
designated address of a party shall be the address of that party shown at the
beginning of this Agreement or such other address as that party, from time to
time, may specify by notice to the other parties.

         8.10 A carbon, photographic or other reproduced copy of this Agreement
and/or any financing statement relating hereto shall be sufficient for filing
and/or recording as a financing statement.


                                      -10-
<PAGE>   59
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, these presents are executed as of the date
indicated above.

Witnessed by:                               SCHUFF STEEL COMPANY, a Delaware
(Other than notary)                                  corporation



                                       By
                                       Name
                                       Its

                                                                         PLEDGOR


                                      -11-
<PAGE>   60
STATE OF ___________       )
                           ) ss.
County of ____________     )

         The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this _____ day of
_______________________, _____, by
_______________________________________________, the ___________________________
of SCHUFF STEEL COMPANY, a Delaware corporation, on behalf of that corporation.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand and official seal.



                                                     ---------------------------
                                                     Notary Public

My commission expires:

----------------------


                                      -12-
<PAGE>   61
                                  SCHEDULE "A"


         All issued and outstanding shares of stock in
_______________________________ _________________________________, a(n)
_________________ corporation ("Company"), now or hereafter owned by Pledgor,
which as of the date hereof consists of _________ shares of __________ stock.


<PAGE>   62
                                   EXHIBIT "1"

                      ASSIGNMENT SEPARATE FROM CERTIFICATE


         FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned does hereby sell, assign and
transfer to __________________________________________, ____________ (_____)
shares of common stock of ___________________________________________________,
an ___________________ corporation (the "Corporation"), represented by
certificate number __ in the name of the undersigned on the books of the
Corporation.

         The undersigned does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint any
officer of the Corporation as attorney to transfer said stock on the books of
the Corporation with full power of substitution in the premises.

         Dated as of _____________________.

Witnessed by:                           SCHUFF STEEL COMPANY, a Delaware
(Other than notary)                                  corporation



                                        By
                                        Name
                                        Its


                                      -14-
<PAGE>   63
STATE OF ___________       )
                           ) ss.
County of ____________     )

         The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this _____ day of
_______________________, _____, by
_______________________________________________, the ___________________________
of SCHUFF STEEL COMPANY, a Delaware corporation, on behalf of that corporation.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand and official seal.



                                                     ---------------------------
                                                     Notary Public

My commission expires:

----------------------


                                      -15-

<PAGE>   64
                                   EXHIBIT "B"

                              CONTINUING GUARANTEE


TO:      BANK ONE, ARIZONA, NA, a national banking association

         1. For valuable consideration, the undersigned (hereinafter called
"Guarantor"), whose address is set forth after Guarantor's signature below,
jointly and severally, and unconditionally, guarantees and promises to pay to
BANK ONE, ARIZONA, NA, a national banking association (hereinafter called
"Lender"), or order, on demand, in lawful money of the United States, any and
all indebtedness of SCHUFF STEEL COMPANY, a Delaware corporation (hereinafter
called "Borrower") to Lender. If more than one Borrower is named herein, or if
this Guarantee is executed by more than one Guarantor, the word "Borrower" and
the word "Guarantor" respectively shall mean all and any one or more of them,
severally and collectively. The word "indebtedness" is used in its most
comprehensive sense and includes any and all advances, debts, obligations and
liabilities of Borrower heretofore, now or hereafter made, incurred or created,
with or without notice to Guarantor, whether voluntary or involuntary and
however arising, whether due or not due, absolute or contingent, liquidated or
unliquidated, determined or undetermined, and whether Borrower is liable
individually or jointly with others, or whether recovery upon such indebtedness
may be or hereafter become barred by any statute of limitations, or whether such
indebtedness may be or hereafter become otherwise unenforceable, exclusive,
however, of any indebtedness of Borrower to Lender presently covered by existing
guaranties executed by Guarantor, but without derogation to such existing
guaranties, if any, which are hereby ratified and reaffirmed.

         2. Guarantor agrees that to the extent Borrower or Guarantor makes any
payment to Lender in connection with the Indebtedness, and all or any part of
such payment is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or
preferential, set aside or required to be repaid by Lender or paid over to a
trustee, receiver or any other entity, whether under any bankruptcy act or
otherwise (any such payment is hereinafter referred to as a "Preferential
Payment"), then this Guarantee shall continue to be effective or shall be
reinstated, as the case may be, and, to the extent of such payment or repayment
by Lender, the Indebtedness or part thereof intended to be satisfied by such
Preferential Payment shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as
if said Preferential Payment had not been made.

         3. This is a continuing guarantee that shall remain in full force and
effect and includes all indebtedness arising under future transactions or under
successive transactions which either continue then existing indebtedness or from
time to time renew it after it has been satisfied, but shall not apply to any
indebtedness created after actual receipt by Lender of written notice of the
revocation of this Guarantee as to future transactions. Any such revocation of
this Guarantee at any time by any Guarantor as to future transactions shall not
affect the liability of any other guarantor for indebtedness of Borrower and
shall not affect the liability of that Guarantor or any other guarantor for
indebtedness incurred or credit committed by Lender to Borrower prior to the
effective time of that revocation; this Guarantee shall remain in full force and
effect as to all such indebtedness. The death of any Guarantor shall not operate
as a revocation of liability hereunder of the estate of that Guarantor for
indebtedness created or incurred or credit committed by Lender to




<PAGE>   65
Borrower subsequent to such death until actual receipt by Lender of written
notice of the death of that Guarantor. Guarantor waives notice of revocation
given by any other guarantor.

         4. Guarantor is providing this Guarantee at the instance and request of
Borrower to induce Lender to extend or continue financial accommodations to
Borrower. Guarantor hereby represents and warrants that Guarantor is and will
continue to be fully informed about all aspects of the financial condition and
business affairs of Borrower that Guarantor deems relevant to the obligations of
Guarantor hereunder and hereby waives and fully discharges Lender from any and
all obligations to communicate to Guarantor any information whatsoever regarding
Borrower or Borrower's financial condition or business affairs.

         5. Guarantor authorizes Lender, without notice or demand and without
affecting Guarantor's liability hereunder, from time to time, to: (a) renew,
modify, compromise, extend, accelerate or otherwise change the time for payment
of, or otherwise change the terms of the indebtedness or any part thereof,
including increasing or decreasing the rate of interest thereon; (b) release,
substitute or add any one or more endorsers, Guarantor or other guarantors; (c)
take and hold security for the payment of this Guarantee or the indebtedness,
and enforce, exchange, substitute, subordinate, waive or release any such
security; (d) proceed against such security and direct the order or manner of
sale of such security as Lender in its discretion may determine; and (e) apply
any and all payments from Borrower, Guarantor or any other guarantor, or
recoveries from such security, in such order or manner as Lender in its
discretion may determine.

         6. Guarantor waives and agrees not to assert: (a) any right to require
Lender to proceed against Borrower or any other guarantor, to proceed against or
exhaust any security for the indebtedness, to pursue any other remedy available
to Lender, or to pursue any remedy in any particular order or manner; (b) the
benefit of any statute of limitations affecting Guarantor's liability hereunder
or the enforcement thereof; (c) demand, diligence, presentment for payment,
protest and demand, and notice of extension, dishonor, protest, demand,
nonpayment and acceptance of this Guarantee; (d) notice of the existence,
creation or incurring of new or additional indebtedness of Borrower to Lender;
(e) the benefits of any statutory provision limiting the liability of a surety,
including without limitation the provisions of A.R.S. Sections 12-1641, et seq.;
(f) any defense arising by reason of any disability or other defense of Borrower
or by reason of the cessation from any cause whatsoever (other than payment in
full) of the liability of Borrower for the indebtedness; and (g) the benefits of
any statutory provision limiting the right of Lender to recover a deficiency
judgment, or to otherwise proceed against any person or entity obligated for
payment of the indebtedness, after any foreclosure or trustee's sale of any
security for the indebtedness, including without limitation the benefits, if
any, to Guarantor of A.R.S. Section 33-814. Guarantor shall have no right of
subrogation and hereby waives any right to enforce any remedy which Lender now
has, or may hereafter have, against Borrower, and waives any benefit of, and any
right to participate in, any security now or hereafter held by Lender.

         7. All existing and future indebtedness of Borrower to Guarantor is
hereby subordinated to the indebtedness of Borrower to Lender and such
indebtedness of Borrower to Guarantor, if Lender so requests, shall be
collected, enforced and received by Guarantor as trustee for Lender and shall be
paid over to Lender on account of the indebtedness of Borrower to Lender, but
without




                                       -2-
<PAGE>   66
reducing or affecting in any manner the liability of Guarantor under the other
provisions of this Guarantee.

         8. In addition to all liens upon, and rights of setoff against, the
monies, securities or other property of Guarantor given to Lender by law, Lender
shall have a lien and a right of setoff against, and Guarantor hereby grants to
Lender a security interest in, all monies, securities and other property of
Guarantor now and hereafter in the possession of or on deposit with Lender,
whether held in a general or special account or deposit, or for safekeeping or
otherwise; every such lien and right of setoff may be exercised without demand
upon or notice to Guarantor. No lien or right of setoff shall be deemed to have
been waived by any act or conduct on the part of Lender, by any neglect to
exercise such right of setoff or to enforce such lien, or by any delay in so
doing.

         9. If Guarantor is a corporation, a limited liability company or a
partnership, Guarantor represents and warrants that: (a) it has the necessary
power under law and its governing documents to make the agreements on its part
herein contained; (b) the execution of this Guarantee has been authorized by all
necessary and proper actions; (c) the execution and delivery of this Guarantee,
the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, and the fulfillment of
or compliance with the terms and conditions of this Guarantee do not conflict
with or result in a breach of any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any
agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it is bound; and (d)
Guarantor agrees that during the term of this Guarantee it will maintain its
separate existence, and will not dissolve, terminate, merge or consolidate.

         10. Guarantor agrees to pay all attorneys' fees and all other costs and
expenses which may be incurred by Lender in enforcing this Guarantee.

         11. The obligations of Guarantor hereunder are joint and several if
Guarantor is more than one person or entity, are separate and independent of the
obligations of Borrower and of any other guarantor, and a separate action or
actions may be brought and prosecuted against Guarantor whether action is
brought against Borrower or any other guarantor or whether Borrower or any other
guarantor is joined in any action or actions. The obligations of Guarantor
hereunder shall survive and continue in full force and effect until payment in
full of the indebtedness is actually received by Lender, notwithstanding any
release or termination of Borrower's liability by express or implied agreement
with Lender or by operation of law and notwithstanding that the indebtedness or
any part thereof is deemed to have been paid or discharged by operation of law
or by some act or agreement of Lender. For purposes of this Guarantee, the
indebtedness shall be deemed to be paid only to the extent that Lender actually
receives immediately available funds and to the extent of any credit bid by
Lender at any foreclosure or trustee's sale of any security for the
indebtedness.

         12. This Guarantee sets forth the entire agreement of Guarantor and
Lender with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior oral
and written agreements and representations by Lender to Guarantor. No
modification or waiver of any provision of this Guarantee or any right of Lender
hereunder and no release of Guarantor from any obligation hereunder shall be
effective unless in a writing executed by an authorized officer of Lender.





                                       -3-
<PAGE>   67
         13. This Guarantee shall inure to the benefit of Lender and its
successors and assigns and shall be binding upon Guarantor and its heirs,
personal representatives, successors and assigns. Lender may assign this
Guarantee in whole or in part without notice.

         14. Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary, if the
Guarantor's obligations hereunder are subject to avoidance by a trustee or
debtor-in-possession in any bankruptcy proceedings under the United States
Bankruptcy Code or any comparable provisions or subject to avoidance by any
creditor under applicable state fraudulent transfer acts then, in such event,
the Guarantor's obligations hereunder shall be reduced to the maximum amount
which would not be subject to such avoidance.

         15. Guarantor acknowledges that the execution of this Guarantee shall
not entitle Guarantors to rely on the Lender to preserve or maintain any
collateral or other security that Lender may not have or hereafter acquire in
connection with the Indebtedness. Guarantor hereby releases Lender from any
obligation to inspect, preserve or maintain any collateral or other security
that Lender may now have or hereafter acquire in connection with the
Indebtedness, and any obligation to monitor, control or see to the use of any
monies advanced to the Borrower. Guarantor further waives any and all rights to
receive reports or other information Bank may have relating to Borrower.

         16. Guarantor agrees that during the term of this Guarantee it will not
transfer or dispose of any material part of its assets except in the ordinary
course of business for a full and fair consideration. Guarantor agrees that
during the term of this Guarantee it will furnish annually, within 90 days after
the close of each year or fiscal year, as the case may be, a financial statement
consisting of a balance sheet and such other financial information as Lender may
reasonably request.

         17. If any part of parts of this Guarantee shall at any time be held to
be invalid or unenforceable by binding arbitration or by a court of competent
jurisdiction, the remaining part or parts of the Guarantee shall be and remain
in full force and effect.

         18. Guarantor acknowledges the Lender would not have allowed the
indebtedness to exist except for the consideration received from Guarantor's
promise to pay pursuant to this Guarantee.

         19. This Guarantee shall be governed by and construed according to the
laws of the State of Arizona.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF these presents are executed as of the _____ day of
________________, 19___.

WITNESS:                       GUARANTOR:



                               Address:




                                       -4-

<PAGE>   68
                                   EXHIBIT "C"

                               SECURITY AGREEMENT


         THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of the _____ day of
_________________, 19___, by __________________________________________________
_____________________________________ (hereinafter called "Debtor"), whose chief
executive office is located at
______________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________, in favor of
BANK ONE, ARIZONA, NA, a national banking association, and its successors and
assigns (hereinafter called "Secured Party"), whose address is Post Office Box
71, Phoenix, Arizona 85001, Attention: Commercial Banking Dept. AZ1-1178.

1.       SECURITY INTEREST

         Debtor hereby grants to Secured Party a security interest (hereinafter
called the "Security Interest") in all of Debtor's right, title and interest in
and to the following described personal property described on Schedule "A"
attached hereto (the "Collateral"):

2.       OBLIGATION SECURED

         The Security Interest shall secure, in such order of priority as
Secured Party may elect:

                  (a) Payment of the sum of $10,000,000.00 with interest
         thereon, extension and other fees, late charges, prepayment premiums
         and attorneys' fees, according to the terms of that Promissory Note
         dated December 10, 1997, made by SCHUFF STEEL COMPANY, a Delaware
         corporation ("Borrower"), payable to the order of Secured Party, and
         all extensions, modifications, renewals or replacements thereof
         (hereinafter called the "Line Note");

                  (b) Payment of the sum of $10,000,000.00 according to the
         terms of that Promissory Note dated June 30, 1995, made by Borrower,
         payable to the order of Secured Party, evidencing a revolving line of
         credit, all or any part of which may be advanced to Borrower, repaid by
         Borrower and readvanced to Borrower, from time to time, subject to the
         terms and conditions thereof, with interest thereon, extension and
         other fees, late charges, prepayment premiums and attorneys' fees,
         according to the terms thereof, and all extensions, modifications,
         renewals or replacements thereof (hereinafter called with the Line
         Note, the "Note");

                  (c) Payment, performance and observance by Debtor of each
         covenant, condition, provision and agreement contained herein and of
         all monies expended or advanced by Secured Party pursuant to the terms
         hereof, or to preserve any right of Secured Party hereunder, or to
         protect or preserve the Collateral or any part thereof;
<PAGE>   69

                  (d) Payment, performance and observance by Borrower of each
         covenant, condition, provision and agreement contained in that Credit
         Agreement dated December 10, 1997, by and between Borrower and Secured
         Party (hereinafter called the "Loan Agreement") and in any other
         document or instrument related to the indebtedness described in
         subparagraph (a) above and of all monies expended or advanced by
         Secured Party pursuant to the terms thereof or to preserve any right of
         Secured Party thereunder;

                  (e) Payment and performance of any and all other indebtedness,
         obligations and liabilities of Debtor and/or Borrower to Secured Party
         of every kind and character, direct or indirect, absolute or
         contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter incurred,
         whether such indebtedness is from time to time reduced and thereafter
         increased or entirely extinguished and thereafter reincurred.

All of the indebtedness and obligations secured by this Agreement are
hereinafter collectively called the "Obligation."

3.       USE; LOCATION; CONSTRUCTION

         3.1 The Collateral is or will be used or produced primarily for
business purposes:

         3.2 The Collateral will be kept at Debtor's address set forth at the
beginning of this Agreement and/or at the following location(s):
__________________________________________.

         3.3 Debtor's records concerning the Collateral will be kept at Debtor's
address set forth at the beginning of this Agreement and/or at the following
location(s): ____________.

         3.4 If any portion of the Collateral is or will be a fixture, it will
be affixed to real property having the following legal description:
______________________________________________________________________; and a
financing statement relating hereto is to be filed (recorded) in the office
where a mortgage of that real property would be recorded.

4.       REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF DEBTOR

         Debtor hereby represents and warrants that:

         4.1 If Debtor is a corporation, limited liability company, partnership
or trust, it (i) is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under
the laws of the state in which it is organized; (ii) is qualified to do business
and is in good standing under the laws of the state in which the

                                      -2-
<PAGE>   70
Collateral is located and in each state in which it is doing business; (iii) has
full power and authority to own its properties and assets and to carry on its
businesses as now conducted; and (iv) is fully authorized and permitted to
execute and deliver this Agreement and to enter into any transactions evidenced
by any portion of the Collateral. The execution, delivery and performance by
Debtor of this Agreement and all other documents and instruments relating to the
Obligation will not result in any breach of the terms and conditions or
constitute a default under any agreement or instrument under which Debtor is a
party or is obligated. Debtor is not in default in the performance or observance
of any covenants, conditions or provisions of any such agreement or instrument.

         4.2 Debtor is the owner of the Collateral free of all security
interests or other encumbrances except the Security Interest and no financing
statement covering the Collateral is filed or recorded in any public office.

         4.3 The Collateral is, and is intended to be, used, produced or
acquired by Debtor for use primarily for the purpose marked in Section 3 above.
The address of Debtor set forth at the beginning of this Agreement is the chief
executive office of Debtor or Debtor's residence if Debtor is an individual
without an office. If a portion of the Collateral is or will become a fixture,
it will be affixed to the real property as described above.

         4.4 Each account, chattel paper or general intangible included in the
Collateral is genuine and enforceable in accordance with its terms against the
party named therein who is obligated to pay the same (hereinafter called
"Obligor"), and the security interests that are part of each item of chattel
paper included in the Collateral are valid, first and prior perfected security
interests. Each Obligor is solvent, and the amount that Debtor has represented
to Secured Party as owing by each Obligor is the amount actually and
unconditionally owing by that Obligor, without deduction except for normal cash
discounts where applicable; no Obligor has any defense, setoff, claim or
counterclaim against Debtor that can be asserted against Secured Party whether
in any proceeding to enforce the Security Interest or otherwise. Each document,
instrument and chattel paper included in the Collateral is complete and regular
on its face and free from evidence of forgery or alteration. No default has
occurred in connection with any instrument, document or chattel paper included
in the Collateral, no payment in connection therewith is overdue and no
presentment, dishonor or protest has occurred in connection therewith.

5.       COVENANTS OF DEBTOR

         5.1 Debtor shall not sell, transfer, assign or otherwise dispose of any
Collateral or any interest therein (except as permitted herein) without
obtaining the prior written consent of Secured Party and shall keep the
Collateral free of all security interests or other encumbrances except the
Security Interest. Although proceeds of Collateral are covered by this
Agreement, this shall not be construed to mean that Secured Party consents to
any sale of the Collateral.

         5.2 Debtor shall keep and maintain the Collateral in good condition and
repair and shall not use the Collateral in violation of any provision of this
Agreement or any applicable statute, ordinance or regulation or any policy of
insurance insuring the Collateral.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>   71

         5.3 Debtor shall provide and maintain insurance insuring the Collateral
against risks, with coverage and in form and amount satisfactory to Secured
Party. At Secured Party's request, Debtor shall deliver to Secured Party the
original policies of insurance containing endorsements naming Secured Party as a
loss payee.

         5.4 Debtor shall pay when due all taxes, assessments and other charges
which may be levied or assessed against the Collateral.

         5.5 Debtor shall prevent any portion of the Collateral that is not a
fixture from being or becoming a fixture and shall prevent any portion of the
Collateral from being or becoming an accession to other goods that are not part
of the Collateral.

         5.6 If the Collateral includes motor vehicles, Debtor shall not remove
or permit such motor vehicles to be removed from the State of Arizona without
the prior written consent of Secured Party, shall keep all titled vehicles
properly registered with and licensed by the State of Arizona, shall provide
Secured Party with the license numbers of all titled vehicles, shall cause the
Security Interest to be shown as a valid first lien on the Certificate of Title
for all titled vehicles and shall deliver lien filing receipts to Secured Party
as evidence thereof.

         5.7 Debtor, upon demand, shall promptly deliver to Secured Party all
instruments, documents and chattel paper included in the Collateral and all
invoices, shipping or delivery records, purchase orders, contracts or other
items related to the Collateral. Debtor shall notify Secured Party immediately
of any default by any Obligor in the payment or performance of its obligations
with respect to any Collateral. Debtor, without Secured Party's prior written
consent, shall not make or agree to make any alteration, modification or
cancellation of, or substitution for, or credit, adjustment or allowance on, any
Collateral.

         5.8 Debtor shall give Secured Party immediate written notice of any
change in the location of: (i) Debtor's chief executive office (or residence if
Debtor is an individual without an office); (ii) the Collateral or any part
thereof; or (iii) Debtor's records concerning the Collateral.

         5.9 Secured Party or its agents may inspect the Collateral at
reasonable times and may enter into any premises where the Collateral is or may
be located. Debtor shall keep records concerning the Collateral in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles and, unless waived in writing by
Secured Party, shall mark its records and the Collateral to indicate the
Security Interest. Secured Party shall have free and complete access to Debtor's
records and shall have the right to make extracts therefrom or copies thereof.
Upon request of Secured Party from time to time, Debtor shall submit up-to-date
schedules of the items comprising the Collateral in such detail as Secured Party
may require and shall deliver to Secured Party confirming specific assignments
of all accounts, instruments, documents and chattel paper included in the
Collateral.

         5.10 Debtor, at its cost and expense, shall protect and defend this
Agreement, all of the rights of Secured Party hereunder, and the Collateral
against all claims and demands of other parties, including without limitation
defenses, setoffs, claims and counterclaims asserted by any Obligor against
Debtor and/or Secured Party. Debtor shall pay all claims and charges that in the
opinion of Secured Party might prejudice, imperil or otherwise affect the
Collateral or the Security Interest.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>   72
Debtor shall promptly notify Secured Party of any levy, distraint or other
seizure by legal process or otherwise of any part of the Collateral and of any
threatened or filed claims or proceedings that might in any way affect or impair
the terms of this Agreement.

         5.11 The Security Interest, at all times, shall be perfected and shall
be prior to any other interests in the Collateral. Debtor shall act and perform
as necessary and shall execute and file all security agreements, financing
statements, continuation statements and other documents requested by Secured
Party to establish, maintain and continue the perfected Security Interest.
Debtor, on demand, shall promptly pay all costs and expenses of filing and
recording, including the costs of any searches, deemed necessary by Secured
Party from time to time to establish and determine the validity and the
continuing priority of the Security Interest.

         5.12 If Debtor shall fail to pay any taxes, assessments, expenses or
charges, to keep all of the Collateral free from other security interests,
encumbrances or claims, to keep the Collateral in good condition and repair, to
procure and maintain insurance thereon, or to perform otherwise as required
herein, Secured Party may advance the monies necessary to pay the same, to
accomplish such repairs, to procure and maintain such insurance or to so
perform; Secured Party is hereby authorized to enter upon any property in the
possession or control of Debtor for such purposes.

         5.13 All rights, powers and remedies granted Secured Party herein, or
otherwise available to Secured Party, are for the sole benefit and protection of
Secured Party, and Secured Party may exercise any such right, power or remedy at
its option and in its sole and absolute discretion without any obligation to do
so. In addition, if under the terms hereof, Secured Party is given two or more
alternative courses of action, Secured Party may elect any alternative or
combination of alternatives at its option and in its sole and absolute
discretion. All monies advanced by Secured Party under the terms hereof and all
amounts paid, suffered or incurred by Secured Party in exercising any authority
granted herein, including reasonable attorneys' fees, shall be added to the
Obligation, shall be secured by the Security Interest, shall bear interest at
the highest rate payable on any of the Obligation until paid, and shall be due
and payable by Debtor to Secured Party immediately without demand.

6.       NOTIFICATION AND PAYMENTS; COLLECTION OF COLLATERAL; USE OF
         COLLATERAL BY DEBTOR

         6.1 Secured Party, before or after the occurrence of any Event of
Default, defined below, and without notice to Debtor, may notify any or all
Obligors of the existence of the Security Interest and may direct the Obligors
to make all payments on the Collateral to Secured Party. Until Secured Party has
notified the Obligors to remit payments directly to it, Debtor, at Debtor's own
cost and expense, shall collect or cause to be collected the accounts and monies
due under the accounts, documents, instruments and general intangibles or
pursuant to the terms of the chattel paper. Secured Party shall not be liable or
responsible for any embezzlement, conversion, negligence or default by Debtor or
Debtor's agents with respect to such collections; all agents used in such
collections shall be agents of Debtor and not agents of Secured Party. Unless
Secured Party notifies Debtor in writing that it waives one or more of the
requirements set forth in this sentence, any payments or other proceeds of
Collateral received by Debtor, before or after notification to Obligors, shall
be held by Debtor in trust for Secured Party in the same form in which received,
shall not be

                                      -5-
<PAGE>   73
commingled with any assets of Debtor and shall be turned over to Secured Party
not later than the next business day following the day of receipt. All payments
and other proceeds of Collateral received by Secured Party directly or from
Debtor shall be applied to the Obligation in such order and manner and at such
time as Secured Party, in its sole discretion, shall determine. In addition,
Debtor shall promptly notify Secured Party of the return to or possession by
Debtor of goods underlying any Collateral; Debtor shall hold the same in trust
for Secured Party and shall dispose of the same as Secured Party directs.

         6.2 Secured Party, before or after the occurrence of an Event of
Default and without notice to Debtor, may demand, collect and sue on the
Collateral (either in Debtor's or Secured Party's name), enforce, compromise,
settle or discharge the Collateral and endorse Debtor's name on any instruments,
documents, or chattel paper included in or pertaining to the Collateral; Debtor
hereby irrevocably appoints Secured Party its attorney in fact for all such
purposes.

         6.3 Until the occurrence of an Event of Default, Debtor may: (i) use,
consume and sell any inventory included in the Collateral in any lawful manner
in the ordinary course of Debtor's business provided that all sales shall be at
commercially reasonable prices; and (ii) subject to Paragraphs 6.1 and 6.2
above, retain possession of any other Collateral and use it in any lawful manner
consistent with this Agreement.

7.       COLLATERAL IN THE POSSESSION OF SECURED PARTY

         7.1 Secured Party shall use such reasonable care in handling,
preserving and protecting the Collateral in its possession as it uses in
handling similar property for its own account. Secured Party, however, shall
have no liability for the loss, destruction or disappearance of any Collateral
unless there is affirmative proof of a lack of due care; the lack of due care
shall not be implied solely by virtue of any loss, destruction or disappearance.

         7.2 Debtor shall be solely responsible for taking any and all actions
to preserve rights against all Obligors; Secured Party shall not be obligated to
take any such actions whether or not the Collateral is in Secured Party's
possession. Debtor waives presentment and protest with respect to any instrument
included in the Collateral on which Debtor is in any way liable and waives
notice of any action taken by Secured Party with respect to any instrument,
document or chattel paper included in any Collateral that is in the possession
of Secured Party.

8.       EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES

         8.1 The occurrence of any of the following events or conditions shall
constitute and is hereby defined to be an "Event of Default":

                  (a) Any failure or neglect to perform or observe any of the
         terms, provisions, or covenants of this Agreement.

                  (b) The occurrence of any event of default under the Loan
         Agreement.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>   74
         8.2 Secured Party, so far as may be lawful, may purchase all or any
part of the Collateral offered at any public or private sale made in the
enforcement of Secured Party's rights and remedies hereunder.

         8.3 Any demand or notice of sale, disposition or other intended action
hereunder or in connection herewith, whether required by the Uniform Commercial
Code or otherwise, shall be deemed to be commercially reasonable and effective
if such demand or notice is given to Debtor at least five (5) days prior to such
sale, disposition or other intended action, in the manner provided herein for
the giving of notices.

         8.4 Debtor shall pay all costs and expenses, including without
limitation costs of Uniform Commercial Code searches, court costs and reasonable
attorneys' fees, incurred by Secured Party in enforcing payment and performance
of the Obligation or in exercising the rights and remedies of Secured Party
hereunder. All such costs and expenses shall be secured by this Agreement and by
all deeds of trust and other lien and security documents securing the
Obligation. In the event of any court proceedings, court costs and attorneys'
fees shall be set by the court and not by jury and shall be included in any
judgment obtained by Secured Party.

         8.5 In addition to any remedies provided herein for an Event of
Default, Secured Party shall have all the rights and remedies afforded a secured
party under the Uniform Commercial Code and all other legal and equitable
remedies allowed under applicable law. No failure on the part of Secured Party
to exercise any of its rights hereunder arising upon any Event of Default shall
be construed to prejudice its rights upon the occurrence of any other or
subsequent Event of Default. No delay on the part of Secured Party in exercising
any such rights shall be construed to preclude it from the exercise thereof at
any time while that Event of Default is continuing. Secured Party may enforce
any one or more rights or remedies hereunder successively or concurrently. By
accepting payment or performance of any of the Obligation after its due date,
Secured Party shall not thereby waive the agreement contained herein that time
is of the essence, nor shall Secured Party waive either its right to require
prompt payment or performance when due of the remainder of the Obligation or its
right to consider the failure to so pay or perform an Event of Default.

9.       MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

         9.1 The acceptance of this Agreement by Secured Party shall not be
considered a waiver of or in any way to affect or impair any other security that
Secured Party may have, acquire simultaneously herewith, or hereafter acquire
for the payment or performance of the Obligation, nor shall the taking by
Secured Party at any time of any such additional security be construed as a
waiver of or in any way to affect or impair the Security Interest; Secured Party
may resort, for the payment or performance of the Obligation, to its several
securities therefor in such order and manner as it may determine.

         9.2 Without notice or demand, without affecting the obligations of
Debtor hereunder or the personal liability of any person for payment or
performance of the Obligation, and without affecting the Security Interest or
the priority thereof, Secured Party, from time to time, may: (i) extend the time
for payment of all or any part of the Obligation, accept a renewal note
therefor, reduce the payments thereon, release any person liable for all or any
part thereof, or otherwise

                                      -7-
<PAGE>   75
change the terms of all or any part of the Obligation; (ii) take and hold other
security for the payment or performance of the Obligation and enforce, exchange,
substitute, subordinate, waive or release any such security; (iii) join in any
extension or subordination agreement; or (iv) release any part of the Collateral
from the Security Interest.

         9.3 Debtor waives and agrees not to assert: (i) any right to require
Secured Party to proceed against any guarantor, to proceed against or exhaust
any other security for the Obligation, to pursue any other remedy available to
Secured Party, or to pursue any remedy in any particular order or manner; (ii)
the benefits of any legal or equitable doctrine or principle of marshalling;
(iii) the benefits of any statute of limitations affecting the enforcement
hereof; (iv) demand, diligence, presentment for payment, protest and demand, and
notice of extension, dishonor, protest, demand and nonpayment, relating to the
Obligation; and (v) any benefit of, and any right to participate in, any other
security now or hereafter held by Secured Party.

         9.4 The terms herein shall have the meanings in and be construed under
the Uniform Commercial Code. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
according to the laws of the State of Arizona. Each provision of this Agreement
shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under
applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be void or
invalid, the same shall not affect the remainder hereof which shall be effective
as though the void or invalid provision had not been contained herein.

         9.5 No modification, rescission, waiver, release or amendment of any
provision of this Agreement shall be made except by a written agreement executed
by Debtor and a duly authorized officer of Secured Party.

         9.6 This is a continuing Agreement which shall remain in full force and
effect until actual receipt by Secured Party of written notice of its revocation
as to future transactions and shall remain in full force and effect thereafter
until all of the Obligation incurred before the receipt of such notice, and all
of the Obligation incurred thereafter under commitments extended by Secured
Party before the receipt of such notice, shall have been paid and performed in
full.

         9.7 No setoff or claim that Debtor now has or may in the future have
against Secured Party shall relieve Debtor from paying or performing the
Obligation.

         9.8 Time is of the essence hereof. If more than one Debtor, or more
than one Borrower, is named herein, the word "Debtor" and the word "Borrower,"
respectively, shall mean all and any one or more of them, severally and
collectively. All liability hereunder shall be joint and several. This Agreement
shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and
their heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns. The term "Secured
Party" shall include not only the original Secured Party hereunder but also any
future owner and holder, including pledgees, of note or notes evidencing the
Obligation. The provisions hereof shall apply to the parties according to the
context thereof and without regard to the number or gender of words or
expressions used.

         9.9 All notices required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in
writing and may be given in person or by United States mail, by delivery service
or by electronic transmission. Any

                                      -8-
<PAGE>   76
notice directed to a party to this Agreement shall become effective upon the
earliest of the following: (i) actual receipt by that party; (ii) delivery to
the designated address of that party, addressed to that party; or (iii) if given
by certified or registered United States mail, twenty-four (24) hours after
deposit with the United States Postal Service, postage prepaid, addressed to
that party at its designated address. The designated address of a party shall be
the address of that party shown at the beginning of this Agreement or such other
address as that party, from time to time, may specify by notice to the other
parties.

         9.10 A carbon, photographic or other reproduced copy of this Agreement
and/or any financing statement relating hereto shall be sufficient for filing
and/or recording as a financing statement.

10.      NON-DEBTOR BORROWER PROVISIONS

         10.1 All advances of principal under the Note shall be made to Borrower
subject to and in accordance with the terms thereof. If Borrower is a
corporation, limited liabiilty company or partnership, it is not necessary for
Secured Party to inquire into the powers of Borrower or the officers, directors,
partners or agents acting or purporting to act on its behalf. Debtor is and
shall continue to be fully informed as to all aspects of the business affairs of
Borrower that it deems relevant to the risks it is assuming and hereby waives
and fully discharges Secured Party from any and all obligations to communicate
to Debtor any facts of any nature whatsoever regarding Borrower and Borrower's
business affairs.

         10.2 Debtor authorizes Secured Party, without notice or demand, without
affecting the obligations of Debtor hereunder or the personal liability of any
person for payment or performance of the Obligation and without affecting the
lien or the priority of the Security Interest, from time to time, at the request
of any person primarily obligated therefor, to renew, compromise, extend,
accelerate or otherwise change the time for payment or performance of, or
otherwise change the terms of, all or any part of the Obligation, including
increase or decrease any rate of interest thereon. Debtor waives and agrees not
to assert: (i) any right to require Secured Party to proceed against Borrower;
(ii) the benefits of any statutory provision limiting the liability of a surety,
including without limitation the benefit of Section 12-1641, et seq., of the
Arizona Revised Statutes; and (iii) any defense arising by reason of any
disability or other defense of Borrower or by reason of the cessation from any
cause whatsoever of the liability of Borrower. Debtor shall have no right of
subrogation and hereby waives any right to enforce any remedy which Secured
Party now has, or may hereafter have, against Borrower.

                                      -9-
<PAGE>   77

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, these presents are executed as of the date
indicated above.

Witnessed by:
                                        ________________________________________
(other than notary)

                                     By:
                                         _______________________________________

                                     Name:
__________________________                 _____________________________________

                                     Title:
                                            ____________________________________
                                                                          DEBTOR







                                      -10-
<PAGE>   78

STATE OF ___________                )
                                    ) ss.
County of ____________              )

         The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this _____ day of
_______________________, _____, by
_______________________________________________, the ___________________________
of ____________________________________________, on behalf of that
_____________.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand and official seal.


                                                     ___________________________

                                                     Notary Public
My commission expires:

_________________________________





                                      -11-
<PAGE>   79
                                  SCHEDULE "A"

                             COLLATERAL DESCRIPTION


         All of the property described below in, to or under which Debtor now
has or hereafter acquires any right, title or interest, whether present, future
or contingent, and in Debtor's expectancy to acquire such property (all of the
property described on this schedule is herein called the "Collateral"):

                  10.3 All money, accounts, general intangibles, instruments,
         documents and chattel paper now existing or hereafter arising or
         acquired from time to time in the course of Debtor's business as now or
         hereafter conducted, including all accounts receivable, notes, drafts,
         lease agreements and security agreements, and all goods, if any,
         represented thereby;

                  10.4 All inventory now owned or hereafter arising or acquired,
         including all goods held for sale or lease in Debtor's business, as now
         or hereafter conducted, and all materials, work in process and finished
         goods used or to be consumed in Debtor's business (whether or not
         Debtor holds legal title thereto or whether any such inventory is
         represented by warehouse receipts or bills of lading or has been or may
         be placed in transit or delivered to a public warehouse);

                  10.5 All equipment, including all furniture, fixtures,
         furnishings, vehicles (whether titled or non-titled), machinery,
         materials and supplies, wherever located, including but not limited to
         such items used in connection with Debtor's business and/or described
         on the Collateral Schedule (if any) attached hereto and by this
         reference made a part hereof, together with all parts, accessories,
         attachments, additions thereto or replacements therefor;

                  10.6 All rights as unpaid seller or lienor that arise in
         connection with any of the Collateral, including the rights of
         replevin, reclamation and stoppage in transit, and the right to sue or
         file mechanics' or materialmen's liens in the name of Debtor or
         otherwise for the unpaid balances due thereunder;

                  10.7 All tax refund claims, all policies or certificates of
         insurance covering any of the Collateral, all contracts, agreements or
         rights of indemnification, guaranty or surety relating to any of the
         Collateral, and all claims, awards, loss payments, proceeds and premium
         refunds that may become payable with respect to any such policies,
         certificates, contracts, agreements or rights;

                  10.8 All ledger cards, invoices, delivery receipts,
         worksheets, books of accounts, statements, correspondence, customer
         lists, files, journals, ledgers and records in any form, written or
         otherwise, related to any of the Collateral;





<PAGE>   80


                  10.9 Tradenames, trademarks and service marks (subject to any
         franchise or license agreements relating thereto);

                  10.10 All claims for loss or damage to or in connection with
         any of the Collateral, all other claims in any form for the payment of
         money, including tort claims, and all rights with respect to such
         claims and all proceeds thereof;

                  10.11 All accessions to any of the Collateral;

                  10.12 All products and proceeds of the Collateral, in any
         form, including all proceeds received, due or to become due from any
         sale, exchange or other disposition of any of the Collateral, whether
         such proceeds are cash or noncash in nature or are represented by
         checks, drafts, notes or other instruments for the payment of money;
         and

                  10.13 All property that is now or at any time hereafter may be
         in Secured Party's possession or control in any capacity, including
         without limitation all money owed or that becomes owed to Debtor and
         all money deposited for the account of Debtor.

All "Collateral Schedules," if any, attached hereto are hereby incorporated into
this collateral description as if set forth here and at each reference thereto.






                                      -2-
<PAGE>   81
                                   EXHIBIT "D"

When recorded, return to:

BANK ONE, ARIZONA, NA
Post Office Box 71
Phoenix, Arizona  85001
Attention:  Commercial Banking Dept. AZ1-1178



                       DEED OF TRUST, ASSIGNMENT OF RENTS,
                      SECURITY AGREEMENT AND FIXTURE FILING


         This Deed of Trust, Assignment of Rents, Security Agreement and Fixture
Filing (hereinafter called "Deed of Trust") is made as of the _____ day of
_____________, 19___, by and among
____________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________, whose mailing
address and whose chief executive office is located at
____________________________________ ______________________________, hereinafter
called "Trustor," ARIZONA TRUST DEED CORPORATION, an Arizona corporation, whose
mailing address is Post Office Box 71, Phoenix, Arizona 85001, hereinafter
called "Trustee," and BANK ONE, ARIZONA, NA, a national banking association,
whose mailing address is Post Office Box 71, Phoenix, Arizona 85001, Attention:
Commercial Banking Dept. AZ1-1178, hereinafter called "Beneficiary."

                                   WITNESSETH:

SECTION 1.                 GRANTING CLAUSE; WARRANTY OF TITLE

         1.1 Trustor hereby irrevocably grants, transfers, conveys and assigns
to Trustee, in trust, with power of sale, for the benefit of Beneficiary, all of
Trustor's present and future estate, right, title and interest in and to that
real property and all buildings and other improvements now thereon or hereafter
constructed thereon (the "Premises"), in the County of ________________, State
of _______, described on Schedule "A" attached hereto and by this reference made
a part hereof, together with all of the following which, with the Premises
(except where the context otherwise requires), are hereinafter collectively
called the "Trust Property":

                  (a)      All appurtenances in and to the Premises;

                  (b) All water and water rights, ditches and ditch rights,
reservoir and reservoir rights, stock or interests in irrigation or ditch
companies, minerals, oil and gas rights, royalties, lease or leasehold interests
owned by Trustor, now or hereafter used or useful in connection with,
appurtenant to or related to the Premises;


<PAGE>   82

                  (c) All right, title and interest of Trustor now owned or
hereafter acquired in and to all streets, roads, alleys and public places, and
all easements and rights of way, public or private, now or hereafter used in
connection with the Premises;

                  (d) All machinery, equipment, fixtures and materials now or at
any time attached to the Premises together with all processing, manufacturing
and service equipment and other personal property now or at any time hereafter
located on or appurtenant to the Premises and used in connection with the
management and operation thereof;

                  (e) Any licenses, contracts, permits and agreements required
or used in connection with the ownership, operation or maintenance of the
Premises, and the right to the use of any tradename, trademark, or service mark
now or hereafter associated with the operation of any business conducted on the
Premises;

                  (f) Any and all insurance proceeds, and any and all awards,
including interest, previously and hereafter made to Trustor for taking by
eminent domain of the whole or any part of the Premises or any easements
therein;

                  (g) Subject to the rights of Beneficiary under Section 3
hereof, all existing and future leases, subleases, licenses and other agreements
for the use and occupancy of all or any portion of the Premises and all income,
receipts, revenues, rents, issues and profits arising from the use or enjoyment
of all or any portion of the Premises.

         1.2 Trustor warrants that it is well and truly seized of a good and
marketable title in fee simple to the Premises, that it is the lawful owner of
the rest of the Trust Property, and that, except for those matters approved by
Beneficiary and specifically described on Schedule B to the title insurance
policy insuring this Deed of Trust (hereinafter called the "Permitted
Exceptions"), the title to all the Trust Property is clear, free and
unencumbered; Trustor shall forever warrant and defend the same unto
Beneficiary, its successors and assigns, against all claims whatsoever.

         TRUSTOR FURTHER REPRESENTS, WARRANTS, COVENANTS AND AGREES AS
FOLLOWS:

SECTION 2.                 OBLIGATION SECURED

         This Deed of Trust is given for the purpose of securing, in such order
of priority as Beneficiary may elect:

         2.1 Payment of the sum of TEN MILLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS
($10,000,000.00), which may include, without limitation, future advances of
principal made after the date hereof, with interest thereon, extension and other
fees, late charges, prepayment premiums and attorneys' fees, according to the
terms of that Promissory Note dated December 10, 1997, made by SCHUFF STEEL
COMPANY, a Delaware corporation ("Borrower"), payable to the order of
Beneficiary, and all extensions, modifications, renewals or replacements thereof
(hereinafter called the "Line Note"). The Note bears interest at a variable rate
in accordance with the terms and provisions thereof which are by this reference
incorporated herein;

                                      -2-
<PAGE>   83
         2.2      Payment of the sum of TEN MILLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS
($10,000,000.00) according to the terms of that Promissory Note dated June 30,
1995, made by Borrower, payable to the order of Beneficiary, evidencing a
revolving line of credit, all or any part of which may be advanced to Borrower,
repaid by Borrower and readvanced to Borrower, from time to time, subject to the
terms and conditions thereof, provided that the principal balance outstanding at
any time shall not exceed the sum set forth above in this Paragraph 2.2, with
interest thereon, extension and other fees, late charges, prepayment premiums
and attorneys' fees, according to the terms thereof, and all extensions,
modifications, renewals or replacements thereof (hereinafter called the "RLC
Note") (the Line Note and the RLC Note are hereinafter severally and
collectively called the "Note"). The RLC Note bears interest at a variable rate
in accordance with the terms and provisions thereof which are by this reference
incorporated herein;

         2.3 Payment, performance and observance by Trustor of each covenant,
condition, provision and agreement contained herein and of all monies expended
or advanced by Beneficiary pursuant to the terms hereof, or to preserve any
right of Beneficiary hereunder, or to protect or preserve the Trust Property or
any part thereof;

         2.4 Payment, performance and observance by Borrower of each covenant,
condition, provision and agreement contained in that Credit Agreement dated
December 10, 1997, by and between Borrower and Beneficiary (hereinafter called
the "Loan Agreement") and in any other document or instrument related to the
indebtedness hereby secured and of all monies expended or advanced by
Beneficiary pursuant to the terms thereof or to preserve any right of
Beneficiary thereunder;

         2.5 Payment of any and all additional loans and advances made by
Beneficiary to Borrower, Trustor and/or to the then record owner or owners of
the Trust Property and any other indebtedness or obligation of Trustor, Borrower
and/or the then record owner or owners of the Trust Property to Beneficiary of
any kind, direct or indirect (excluding, however, any such loan to, or
indebtedness or obligation of, an individual for personal, family or household
purposes) with interest thereon, late charges, extension and other fees,
prepayment premiums and attorneys' fees, according to the terms of the
promissory note(s), credit agreement(s) and/or guarantees evidencing such loans,
advances, indebtedness and obligations, and all extensions, modifications,
renewals or replacements thereof.

All of the indebtedness and obligations secured by this Deed of Trust are
hereinafter collectively called the "Obligation."

SECTION 3.                 LEASES; ASSIGNMENT OF RENTS AND LEASES

         3.1 To facilitate payment and performance of the Obligation, Trustor
hereby absolutely transfers and assigns to Beneficiary all right, title and
interest of Trustor in and to (i) all existing and future leases, subleases,
licenses and other agreements for the use and occupancy of all or any part of
the Trust Property, whether written or oral and whether for a definite term or
month to month, together with all guarantees of the lessee's obligations
thereunder and together with all extensions, modifications and renewals thereof
(hereinafter called the "Leases"), and (ii) all income, receipts, revenues,
rents, issues and profits now or hereafter arising from or out of the Leases or
from or out

                                      -3-
<PAGE>   84
of the Trust Property or any part thereof, including without limitation room
rents, minimum rents, additional rents, percentage rents, occupancy and user
fees and charges, license fees, parking and maintenance charges and fees, tax
and insurance contributions, proceeds of the sale of utilities and services,
cancellation premiums, claims for damages arising from any breach of the Leases,
proceeds from any sale or other disposition of all or any portion of the Trust
Property, and all other benefits arising from the use or enjoyment of, or the
lease, sale or other disposition of, all or any portion of the Trust Property,
together with the immediate and continuing right to receive all of the foregoing
(hereinafter called the "Rents"). In furtherance of this Assignment, and not in
lieu hereof, Beneficiary may require a separate assignment of rents and leases
and/or separate specific assignments of rents and leases covering one or more of
the Leases; the terms of all such assignments are incorporated herein by
reference.

         3.2 Trustor hereby authorizes and directs the lessees and tenants under
the Leases that, upon written notice from Beneficiary, all Rents shall be paid
directly to Beneficiary as they become due. Trustor hereby relieves the lessees
and tenants from any liability to Trustor by reason of the payment of the Rents
to Beneficiary. Nevertheless, Trustor shall be entitled to collect the Rents
until Beneficiary notifies the lessees and tenants in writing to pay the Rents
to Beneficiary. Beneficiary is hereby authorized to give such notification upon
the occurrence of an Event of Default and at any time thereafter while such
Event of Default is continuing. Receipt and application of the Rents by
Beneficiary shall not constitute a waiver of any right of Beneficiary under this
Deed of Trust or applicable law, shall not cure any Event of Default hereunder,
and shall not invalidate or affect any act done in connection with such Event of
Default, including, without limitation, any trustee's sale or foreclosure
proceeding.

         3.3 All Rents collected by Trustor shall be applied in the following
manner:

                  First, to the payment of all taxes and lien assessments levied
against the Trust Property, where provision for paying such is not otherwise
made;

                  Second, to the payment of ground rents (if any) payable with
respect to the Trust Property;

                  Third, to the payment of any amounts due and owing under the
Obligation;


                  Fourth, to the payment of current operating costs and expenses
(including repairs, maintenance and necessary acquisitions of property and
expenditures for capital improvements) arising in connection with the Trust
Property;

                  Fifth, to Trustor or its designee.

All Rents collected by Beneficiary may be applied to the items above listed in
any manner that Beneficiary deems advisable and without regard to the
aforestated priorities.

         3.4 Trustor represents and warrants that: (i) the Leases are in full
force and effect and have not been modified or amended; (ii) the Rents have not
been waived, discounted, compromised, setoff or paid more than one month in
advance; (iii) there are no other assignments, transfers,

                                      -4-
<PAGE>   85
pledges or encumbrances of any Leases or Rents; and (iv) neither Trustor nor the
lessees and tenants are in default under the Leases.

         3.5 Trustor shall (i) fulfill or perform each and every term, covenant
and provision of the Leases to be fulfilled or performed by the lessor
thereunder; (ii) give prompt notice to Beneficiary of any notice received by
Trustor of default thereunder or of any alleged default or failure of
performance that could become a default thereunder, together with a complete
copy of any such notice; and (iii) enforce, short of termination thereof, the
performance or observance of each and every term, covenant and provision of each
Lease to be performed or observed by the lessees and tenants thereunder.

         3.6 Trustor, without the prior written consent of Beneficiary, shall
not: (i) cancel, modify or alter, or accept the surrender of, any Lease; (ii)
assign, transfer, pledge or encumber, the whole or any part of the Leases and
Rents to anyone other than Beneficiary; (iii) accept any Rents more than one
month in advance of the accrual thereof; (iv) do or permit anything to be done,
the doing of which, or omit or refrain from doing anything, the omission of
which, could be a breach or default under the terms of any Lease or a basis for
termination thereof; or (v) enter in to any new tenant leases.

         3.7 Beneficiary does not assume and shall not be liable for any
obligation of the lessor under any of the Leases and all such obligations shall
continue to rest upon Trustor as though this assignment had not been made.
Beneficiary shall not be liable for the failure or inability to collect any
Rents.

         3.8 Neither the Assignment of Rents and Leases contained herein or in
any separate assignment nor the exercise by Beneficiary of any of its rights or
remedies thereunder or in connection therewith, prior to Beneficiary obtaining
actual possession of the Trust Property as provided in Paragraph 8.2 hereof,
shall constitute Beneficiary a "mortgagee in possession" or otherwise make
Beneficiary responsible or liable in any manner with respect to the Trust
Property or the occupancy, operation or use thereof. In the event Beneficiary
obtains actual possession of the Trust Property as provided in Paragraph 8.2
hereof, Beneficiary shall have the rights, and Beneficiary's liability shall be
limited, as provided in that Paragraph.

SECTION 4.                 SECURITY AGREEMENT

         4.1 This Deed of Trust shall cover, and the Trust Property shall
include, all property now or hereafter affixed or attached to or incorporated
upon the Premises, which, to the fullest extent permitted by law, shall be
deemed fixtures and a part of the Premises. To the extent any of the Trust
Property consists of rights in action or personal property covered by the
Uniform Commercial Code, this Deed of Trust shall also constitute a security
agreement, and Trustor hereby grants to Beneficiary, as secured party, a
security interest in such property, including all proceeds thereof, for the
purpose of securing the Obligation. In addition, for the purpose of securing the
Obligation, Trustor hereby grants to Beneficiary, as secured party, a security
interest in all of the property described below in, to, or under which Trustor
now has or hereafter acquires any right, title or interest, whether present,
future, or contingent: all equipment, inventory, accounts, general intangibles,
instruments, documents, and chattel paper, as those terms are defined in the
Uniform

                                      -5-
<PAGE>   86
Commercial Code, and all other personal property of any kind (including without
limitation money and rights to the payment of money), whether now existing or
hereafter created, that are now or at any time hereafter (i) in the possession
or control of Beneficiary in any capacity; (ii) erected upon, attached to, or
appurtenant to, the Premises; (iii) located or used on the Premises or
identified for use on the Premises (whether stored on the Premises or
elsewhere); or (iv) used in connection with, arising from, related to, or
associated with the Premises or any of the personal property described herein,
the construction of any improvements on the Premises, the ownership,
development, maintenance, leasing, management, or operation of the Premises, the
use or enjoyment of the Premises, or the operation of any business conducted on
the Premises; including without limitation all such property more particularly
described as follows:

                  (a) Buildings, structures and improvements, and building
materials, fixtures and equipment to be incorporated into any buildings,
structures or improvements;

                  (b) Goods, materials, supplies, fixtures, equipment,
machinery, furniture and furnishings, including without limitation, all such
items used for (i) generation, storage or transmission of air, water, heat,
steam, electricity, light, fuel, refrigeration or sound; (ii) ventilation,
air-conditioning, heating, refrigeration, fire prevention and protection,
sanitation, drainage, cleaning, transportation, communications, maintenance or
recreation; (iii) removal of dust, refuse, garbage or snow; (iv) transmission,
storage, processing or retrieval of information; and (v) floor, wall, ceiling
and window coverings and decorations;

                  (c) Income, receipts, revenues, rents, issues and profits,
including without limitation, room rents, minimum rents, additional rents,
percentage rents, occupancy and user fees and charges, license fees, parking and
maintenance charges and fees, tax and insurance contributions, proceeds of the
sale of utilities and services, cancellation premiums, and claims for damages
arising from the breach of any leases;

                  (d) Water and water rights, ditches and ditch rights,
reservoirs and reservoir rights, stock or interest in irrigation or ditch
companies, minerals, oil and gas rights, royalties, and lease or leasehold
interests;

                  (e) Plans and specifications prepared for the construction of
any improvements, including without limitation, all studies, estimates, data,
and drawings;

                  (f) Documents, instruments and agreements relating to, or in
any way connected with, the operation, control or development of the Premises,
including without limitation, any declaration of covenants, conditions and
restrictions and any articles of incorporation, bylaws and other membership
documents of any property owners association or similar group;

                  (g) Claims and causes of action, legal and equitable, in any
form whether arising in contract or in tort, and awards, payments and proceeds
due or to become due, including without limitation those arising on account of
any loss of, damage to, taking of, or diminution in value of, all or any part of
the Premises or any personal property described herein;

                                      -6-
<PAGE>   87
                  (h) Sales agreements, escrow agreements, deposit receipts, and
other documents and agreements for the sale or other disposition of all or any
part of the Premises or any of the personal property described herein, and
deposits, proceeds and benefits arising from the sale or other disposition of
all or any part of the Premises or any of the personal property described
herein;

                  (i) Policies or certificates of insurance, contracts,
agreements or rights of indemnification, guaranty or surety, and awards, loss
payments, proceeds, and premium refunds that may be payable with respect to such
policies, certificates, contracts, agreements or rights;

                  (j) Contracts, agreements, permits, licenses, authorizations
and certificates, including without limitation all architectural contracts,
construction contracts, management contracts, service contracts, maintenance
contracts, franchise agreements, license agreements, building permits and
operating licenses;

                  (k) Trade names, trademarks, and service marks (subject to any
franchise or license agreements relating thereto);

                  (l) Refunds and deposits due or to become due from any utility
companies or governmental agencies;

                  (m) Replacements and substitutions for, modifications of, and
supplements, accessions, addenda and additions to, all of the personal property
described herein;

                  (n) Books, records, correspondence, files and electronic
media, and all information stored therein;

together with all products and proceeds of all of the foregoing, in any form,
including all proceeds received, due or to become due from any sale, exchange or
other disposition thereof, whether such proceeds are cash or non-cash in nature,
and whether represented by checks, drafts, notes or other instruments for the
payment of money. The personal property described or referred to in this
Paragraph 4.1 is hereinafter called the "Personal Property." The security
interests granted in this Paragraph 4.1 are hereinafter severally and
collectively called the "Security Interest."

         4.2 The Security Interest shall be self-operative with respect to the
Personal Property, but Trustor shall execute and deliver on demand such
additional security agreements, financing statements and other instruments as
may be requested in order to impose the Security Interest more specifically upon
the Personal Property. The Security Interest, at all times, shall be prior to
any other interests in the Personal Property except any lien or security
interest granted in connection with any Permitted Exception. Trustor shall act
and perform as necessary and shall execute and file all security agreements,
financing statements, continuation statements and other documents requested by
Beneficiary to establish, maintain and continue the perfected Security Interest.
Trustor, on demand, shall promptly pay all costs and expenses of filing and
recording, including the costs of any searches, deemed necessary by Beneficiary
from time to time to establish and determine the validity and the continuing
priority of the Security Interest.

                                      -7-
<PAGE>   88
         4.3 Trustor shall not sell, transfer, assign or otherwise dispose of
any Personal Property or any interest therein without obtaining the prior
written consent of Beneficiary, except Personal Property that Trustor is obliged
to replace pursuant to the terms hereof. Unless Beneficiary then agrees
otherwise in writing, all proceeds from any permitted sale or disposition in
excess of that required for replacements shall be paid to Beneficiary to be
applied to the Obligation, whether or not then due. Trustor shall keep the
Personal Property free of all security interests or other encumbrances, except
the Security Interest and any security interests and encumbrances granted in
connection with any Permitted Exception. Although proceeds of Personal Property
are covered hereby, this shall not be construed to mean that Beneficiary
consents to any sale of the Personal Property.

         4.4 Trustor shall keep and maintain the Personal Property in good
condition and repair, and shall promptly replace any part thereof that from time
to time may become obsolete, badly worn or in a state of disrepair. All such
replacements shall be free of any other security interest or encumbrance, except
any security interest or encumbrance granted in connection with any Permitted
Exception.

         4.5 Except for purposes of replacement and repair, Trustor, without the
prior written consent of Beneficiary, shall not remove, or permit the removal
of, any Personal Property from the Premises.

         4.6 Trustor hereby warrants, covenants and agrees that: (i) the
Personal Property is or will be used primarily for business (other than farm)
purposes; (ii) the Personal Property will be kept at the Premises; and (iii)
Trustor's records concerning the Personal Property will be kept at Trustor's
address as set forth in the beginning of this Deed of Trust.

         4.7 Trustor represents and warrants that (i) the name specified above
for Trustor is the true and correct legal name of Trustor, and (ii) the address
specified above is the address of Trustor's chief executive office (or residence
if Trustor is an individual without an office). Trustor shall give Beneficiary
immediate written notice of any change in the location of: (i) Trustor's chief
executive office (or residence if Trustor is an individual without an office),
as set forth in the beginning of this Deed of Trust; (ii) the Personal Property
or any part thereof; or (iii) Trustor's records concerning the Personal
Property. Trustor shall give Beneficiary immediate written notice of any change
in the name, identity or structure of Trustor.

         4.8 All covenants and warranties of Trustor contained in this Deed of
Trust shall apply to the Personal Property whether or not expressly referred to
in this Section 4. The covenants and warranties of Trustor contained in this
Section 4 are in addition to, and not in limitation of, those contained in the
other provisions of this Deed of Trust.

         4.9 Upon its recording in the real property records, this Deed of Trust
shall be effective as a financing statement filed as a fixture filing. In
addition, a carbon, photographic or other reproduced copy of this Deed of Trust
and/or any financing statement relating hereto shall be sufficient for filing
and/or recording as a financing statement. The filing of any other financing
statement relating to any personal property, rights or interests described
herein shall not be construed to diminish any right or priority hereunder.


                                      -8-
<PAGE>   89
SECTION 5.                 PROTECTION AND PRESERVATION OF THE TRUST PROPERTY

         5.1 Trustor shall neither commit nor permit to occur any waste upon the
Trust Property but shall at all times make or cause to be made all repairs,
maintenance, renewals and replacements as may be necessary to maintain the Trust
Property in good condition and repair. Trustor shall keep the Trust Property
free of termites, dry rot, fungus, beetles and all other harmful or destructive
insects and shall keep all plants, trees and shrubs included in the Trust
Property neatly pruned and in good condition. Trustor shall keep the Trust
Property free of rubbish and other unsightly or unhealthful conditions. Trustor
shall neither use nor permit the use of the Trust Property in violation of any
applicable statute, ordinance or regulation, including, without limitation, the
Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 and corresponding rules and regulations
(the "ADA"), or any policy of insurance insuring the Trust Property.

         5.2 Trustor shall promptly complete any improvements that may be
commenced, in good and workmanlike manner and in conformity with the ADA and
with plans and specifications approved by Beneficiary. Trustor shall repair and
restore, in conformity with the ADA, any portions of the Trust Property that may
be damaged or destroyed. Trustor shall pay when due all claims for work
performed and materials furnished on or in connection with the Trust Property or
any part thereof and shall pay, discharge, or cause to be removed, all
mechanic's, artisan's, laborer's or materialman's charges, liens, claims of
liens or encumbrances upon the Trust Property. Trustor shall comply with all
laws, ordinances and regulations now or hereafter enacted, including, without
limitation, the ADA, affecting the Trust Property or requiring any alterations
or improvements to be made. Except as required by law, Trustor shall not remove,
substantially alter, or demolish any building or improvement included in the
Trust Property without Beneficiary's prior written consent.

         5.3 (a) Trustor shall provide and maintain policies of fire and
extended coverage insurance on the Trust Property in an amount not less than the
full insurable value, on a replacement-cost basis, of the Trust Property and,
when requested by Beneficiary, shall also provide and maintain policies of
insurance in amounts required by Beneficiary covering vandalism and malicious
mischief, sprinkler leakage, rent abatement and/or business loss, flood damage,
earthquake and all other risks commonly insured against by persons owning like
properties in the locality of the Trust Property or commonly required by prudent
institutional lenders making loans secured by liens against such properties. All
such policies shall contain standard, non-contributory trust beneficiary clauses
making losses payable to Beneficiary. Trustor shall also provide and maintain
comprehensive public liability insurance in amounts required by Beneficiary and
containing endorsements naming Beneficiary as an additional insured. All
insurance policies shall be with companies from time to time approved by
Beneficiary, shall provide that Beneficiary is to receive thirty (30) days'
notice prior to cancellation and shall otherwise be in form and substance
satisfactory to Beneficiary. Original policies of insurance shall be delivered
to Beneficiary; renewal policies shall be delivered to Beneficiary thirty (30)
days before the expiration of the then-existing policies with satisfactory proof
that the premiums for renewal have been paid.

                  (b) In the event of loss, Trustor shall give immediate notice
to Beneficiary, and Beneficiary may make proof of loss if not made promptly by
Trustor. Each insurance company is hereby authorized and directed to make
payment for loss directly to Beneficiary, instead of to Trustor or to Trustor
and Beneficiary jointly; Beneficiary may apply all or any part of such insurance


                                      -9-
<PAGE>   90
proceeds to the payment of the Obligation, whether or not then due, or the
restoration or repair of the Trust Property. Beneficiary shall not be
responsible for any insurance, for the collection of any insurance proceeds, or
for the insolvency of any insurer. Application of insurance proceeds by
Beneficiary shall not cure nor waive any Event of Default nor invalidate any act
done hereunder because of any such Event of Default. In the event of the sale of
the Trust Property under the power of sale herein granted to Trustee, or upon
foreclosure of this Deed of Trust as a mortgage, or in the event Beneficiary or
a receiver appointed by the court shall take possession of the Trust Property
without sale, then all right, title and interest of Trustor in and to all
insurance policies then in force shall inure to the benefit of and pass to the
beneficiary in possession, receiver or purchaser at such sale, as the case may
be. Beneficiary is hereby appointed attorney in fact for Trustor to assign and
transfer such policies.

                  (c) If the insurance proceeds are to be used for the
restoration and repair of the Trust Property, they shall be held by Beneficiary
in a non-interest bearing account selected by Beneficiary in its sole and
absolute discretion (the "Restoration Account"). Trustor, at its expense, shall
promptly prepare and submit to Beneficiary all plans and specifications
necessary for the restoration and repair of the damaged Trust Property, together
with evidence acceptable to Beneficiary setting forth the total expenditure
needed for the restoration and repair based upon a fixed price contract with a
reputable builder and covered by performance and labor and material payment
bonds. The plans and specifications and all other aspects of the proposed
restoration and repair shall be subject to Beneficiary's approval. In the event
the insurance proceeds held in the Restoration Account are insufficient to
complete the restoration and repair, Trustor shall deposit in the Restoration
Account an amount equal to the difference between the amount then held in the
Restoration Account and the total contract price for the restoration and repair.
Trustor may commence restoration and repair of the damaged Trust Property only
when authorized in writing by Beneficiary to do so and thereafter shall proceed
diligently with the restoration and repair until completed. Disbursements shall
be made from the Restoration Account for the restoration and repair in
accordance with a disbursement schedule, and subject to other terms and
conditions, acceptable to Beneficiary. Disbursements from the Restoration
Account shall be charged first against funds deposited by Trustor and, after
such funds are exhausted, against the insurance proceeds deposited therein. In
the event the amounts held in the Restoration Account exceed the cost of the
restoration and repair of the damaged Trust Property, the excess funds shall be
disbursed to Trustor to the extent of any amounts deposited therein by Trustor.
Any funds remaining after such disbursement, at Beneficiary's option, may be
applied by Beneficiary to the payment of the Obligation, whether or not then
due, or may be disbursed to Trustor. All funds held in the Restoration Account
are hereby assigned to Beneficiary as further security for the Obligation.
Beneficiary, at any time, may apply all or any part of the funds held in the
Restoration Account to the curing of any Event of Default.

         5.4 Trustor shall pay or cause to be paid all taxes and assessments of
every kind, nature and description levied or assessed on or against the Trust
Property and shall deliver to Beneficiary, at least ten (10) days before they
become delinquent, receipts showing payment of all such taxes and assessments
and shall pay when due all dues and charges for water and water delivery,
electricity, gas, sewers, waste removal, bills for repairs, and any and all
other claims, encumbrances and expenses incident to the ownership of the Trust
Property. Trustor may contest in good faith the validity or amount of any tax,
assessment, charge or encumbrance in the manner provided by law, provided that
Trustor shall have furnished Beneficiary a cash deposit or other security in an
amount


                                      -10-
<PAGE>   91
and form satisfactory to Beneficiary to protect Beneficiary against the creation
of any lien on, or any sale or forfeiture of, the Trust Property. Upon the final
determination of Trustor's contest, Trustor shall promptly pay all sums
determined to be due. Any deposit or security provided by Trustor shall be
returned to Trustor upon the final determination of Trustor's contest and the
payment by Trustor of the sums, if any, determined to be due.

         5.5 Beneficiary may contest, by appropriate legal proceedings, the
validity of any valuation for real or personal property tax purposes or of any
levy or assessment of any real or personal property taxes against the Trust
Property either in the name of Beneficiary or the name of Trustor or both.
Trustor, upon notice and request by Beneficiary, shall join in any such
proceedings. Trustor shall cooperate with Beneficiary in any such proceeding and
execute any documents or pleadings required for such purposes. Trustor shall
provide Beneficiary with a copy of the Notice of Valuation within ten (10) days
after receipt (five (5) days in the case of personal property). Trustor shall
reimburse Beneficiary for all costs and legal expenses incurred by Beneficiary
in connection with any such proceedings, but in no event shall such
reimbursement exceed the tax savings achieved for the period covered by the
Notice of Valuation. To facilitate the right of Beneficiary to contest any real
or personal property tax valuation, levy, or assessment as described above,
Trustor does hereby make, constitute and appoint Beneficiary, and its successors
and assigns, Trustor's true and lawful attorney-in-fact, in Trustor's name,
place and stead, or otherwise, to file any claim or proceeding or to take any
action, either in its own name, in that of its nominee, in the name of Trustor,
or otherwise, to contest any real or personal property tax valuation, levy, or
assessment. The power of attorney given herein is a power coupled with an
interest and shall be irrevocable so long as any part of the Obligation remains
unpaid or unperformed. Beneficiary shall have no obligation to exercise any of
the foregoing rights and powers in any event.

         5.6 In order to insure the payment of taxes and assessments that are
now, or hereafter may be, a lien upon the Trust Property, and to insure the
payment of all premiums on policies of insurance required herein, Trustor, if
required by Beneficiary after the occurrence of any Event of Default or any
failure to pay taxes, assessments or insurance premiums as required herein,
shall pay to Beneficiary each month, in addition to any other payments required
hereunder, an amount equal to the taxes and special assessments levied or to be
levied against the Trust Property and the premium or premiums that will become
due and payable to maintain the insurance on the Trust Property, all as
reasonably estimated by Beneficiary (giving due consideration to the previous
year's taxes, assessments and premiums) less all deposits therefore already
made, divided by the number of months remaining before one month prior to the
date when the taxes, assessments and premiums become delinquent. If amounts paid
to Beneficiary under the terms of this paragraph are insufficient to pay all
taxes, assessments and premiums as they become due, Trustor shall pay to
Beneficiary upon demand all additional sums necessary to fully pay and discharge
these items. All moneys paid to Beneficiary under the terms of this paragraph
may be either held by Beneficiary to pay the taxes, assessments and premiums
before the same become delinquent or applied to the Obligation upon payment by
Beneficiary from its own funds of the taxes, assessments and premiums. To the
extent provision is not made for payment pursuant to this paragraph, Trustor
shall remain obligated to pay all taxes, assessments and premiums as they become
due and payable. Deposits made under this paragraph may be commingled with
Beneficiary's general funds; Beneficiary shall have no liability to Trustor for
interest on any deposits.


                                      -11-
<PAGE>   92
         5.7 Trustor hereby assigns, transfers and conveys to Beneficiary all
compensation and each and every award of damages in connection with any
condemnation for public or private use of, or injury to, the Trust Property or
any part thereof, to the extent of the Obligation then remaining unpaid, and all
such compensation and awards shall be paid directly to Beneficiary. Beneficiary
may apply all or any part of such compensation and awards to the payment of the
Obligation, whether or not then due, or to the restoration or repair of the
Trust Property in accordance with the procedures specified in Paragraph 5.3(c)
above for insurance proceeds.

SECTION 6.                 PROTECTION AND PRESERVATION OF BENEFICIARY'S INTEREST

         6.1 Trustor, by the payment of any such tax or taxes, shall protect
Beneficiary against any and all loss from any taxation of indebtedness or deeds
of trust, direct or indirect, that may be imposed upon this Deed of Trust, the
lien of this Deed of Trust on the Trust Property, or upon the Obligation, by any
law, rule, regulation or levy of the federal government, any state government,
or any political subdivision thereof. In the event the burden of such taxation
cannot lawfully be shifted from Beneficiary to Trustor, Beneficiary may declare
the entire Obligation due and payable sixty (60) days after notice to Trustor.

         6.2 If Trustor shall fail to pay any taxes, assessments, expenses or
charges, to keep all of the Trust Property free from liens and claims of liens,
to maintain and repair the Trust Property, or to procure and maintain insurance
thereon, or otherwise fail to perform as required herein, Beneficiary may
advance the monies necessary to pay the same, to accomplish such maintenance and
repairs, to procure and maintain such insurance or to so perform; Beneficiary is
hereby authorized to enter upon the Trust Property for such purposes.

         6.3 Upon written request by Beneficiary, Trustor shall appear in and
prosecute or defend any action or proceeding that may affect the lien or the
priority of the lien of this Deed of Trust or the rights of Beneficiary
hereunder and shall pay all costs, expenses (including the cost of searching
title) and attorneys' fees incurred in such action or proceeding. Beneficiary
may appear in and defend any action or proceeding purporting to affect the lien
or the priority of the lien of this Deed of Trust or the rights of Beneficiary.
Beneficiary may pay, purchase, contest or compromise any adverse claim,
encumbrance, charge or lien that in the judgment of Beneficiary appears to be
prior or superior to the lien of this Deed of Trust, other than any Permitted
Exceptions.

         6.4 Without obtaining the prior written consent of Beneficiary, Trustor
shall not sell, transfer, convey, assign or otherwise dispose of, or further
encumber, all or any part of the Trust Property or any interest therein,
voluntarily or involuntarily, by operation of law or otherwise. If Trustor is a
corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture or trust, any
material change in the ownership or management of, or interest in, Trustor, or
any pledge or encumbrance of any interest in Trustor, shall be deemed to be a
transfer of the Trust Property. Upon the occurrence of any such transaction with
Beneficiary's consent, or without Beneficiary's consent if Beneficiary elects
not to exercise its rights and remedies for an Event of Default, Beneficiary (i)
may increase the interest rate on all or any part of the Obligation to its then
current market rate for similar indebtedness; (ii) may charge a loan fee and a
processing fee in connection with the change; and (iii) shall not be obligated
to release Trustor from any liability hereunder or for the Obligation except to


                                      -12-
<PAGE>   93
the extent required by law. Consent to any such transaction shall not be deemed
to be consent or a waiver of the requirement of consent to any other such
transaction.

         6.5 Without obtaining the prior written consent of Beneficiary, Trustor
shall not consent to, or vote in favor of, the inclusion of all or any part of
the Trust Property in any Community Facilities District formed pursuant to the
Community Facilities District Act, A.R.S. Section 48-701, et seq., as amended
from time to time. Trustor shall immediately give notice to Beneficiary of any
notification or advice that Trustor may receive from any municipality or other
third party of any intent or proposal to include all or any part of the Trust
Property in a Community Facilities District. Beneficiary shall have the right to
file a written objection to the inclusion of all or any part of the Trust
Property in a Community Facilities District, either in its own name or in the
name of Trustor, and to appear at, and participate in, any hearing with respect
to the formation of any such district.

         6.6 All rights, powers and remedies granted Beneficiary herein, or
otherwise available to Beneficiary, are for the sole benefit and protection of
Beneficiary, and Beneficiary may exercise any such right, power or remedy at its
option and in its sole and absolute discretion without any obligation to do so.
In addition, if, under the terms hereof, Beneficiary is given two or more
alternative courses of action, Beneficiary may elect any alternative or
combination of alternatives, at its option and in its sole and absolute
discretion. All monies advanced by Beneficiary under the terms hereof and all
amounts paid, suffered or incurred by Beneficiary in exercising any authority
granted herein, including reasonable attorneys' fees, shall be added to the
Obligation, shall be secured by this Deed of Trust, shall bear interest at the
highest rate payable on any of the Obligation until paid, and shall be due and
payable by Trustor to Beneficiary immediately without demand.

         6.7 Trustor, upon request of Beneficiary, shall promptly correct any
defect, error or omission that may be discovered in the content of this Deed of
Trust or in the execution or acknowledgment hereof. In addition, Trustor shall
do such further acts as may be necessary or that Beneficiary may reasonably
request to carry out more effectively the purposes of this Deed of Trust, to
subject any property intended to be encumbered hereby to the lien and security
interest hereof, and to perfect and maintain the lien and security interest
hereof.

SECTION 7.                 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

         7.1 If Trustor is a corporation, limited liability company, partnership
or trust, it (i) is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under
the laws of the state in which it is organized; (ii) is qualified to do business
and is in good standing under the laws of the state in which the Trust Property
is located and in each state in which it is doing business; (iii) has full power
and authority to own its properties and assets and to carry on its business as
now conducted; and (iv) is fully authorized and permitted to execute and deliver
this Deed of Trust. The execution, delivery and performance by Trustor of this
Deed of Trust and all other documents and instruments relating to the Obligation
will not result in any breach of the terms or conditions or constitute a default
under any agreement or instrument under which Trustor is a party or is
obligated. Trustor is not in default in the performance or observance of any
covenants, conditions or provisions of any such agreement or instrument.


                                      -13-
<PAGE>   94
         7.2 The liens, security interests and assignments created hereby will
be valid, effective, properly perfected and enforceable liens, security
interests and assignments.

         7.3 All financial statements, profit and loss statements, statements as
to ownership and other statements or reports previously or hereafter given to
Beneficiary by or on behalf of Trustor are and shall be true, complete and
correct as of the date thereof. There has been no material adverse change in the
financial condition or the results of the operation of Trustor since the latest
financial statement of Trustor given to Beneficiary.

         7.4 Trustor has filed all federal, state and local tax returns and has
paid all of its current obligations before delinquent, including all federal,
state and local taxes and all other payments required under federal, state or
local law.

         7.5 The Trust Property is not in violation of the ADA and is not
subject to any existing, pending or threatened investigation in connection with
the ADA.

         7.6 All representations and warranties made herein shall survive the
execution hereof, the execution and delivery of all other documents and
instruments in connection with the Obligation, and until the Obligation has been
fully paid and performed.

SECTION 8.                 DEFAULTS; REMEDIES

         8.1 The occurrence of any of the following events or conditions shall
constitute an "Event of Default" under this Deed of Trust:

                  (a) The occurrence of any Event of Default, as that term is
defined in the Loan Agreement.

                  (b) The abandonment by Trustor of all or any part of the Trust
Property.

                  (c) The existence of any encroachment upon the Trust Property
that has occurred without the approval of Beneficiary that is not removed or
corrected within thirty (30) days after its creation.

                  (d) The demolition or destruction of, or any substantial
damage to, any portion of the Trust Property that is not adequately covered by
insurance, or the loss, theft or destruction of, or any substantial damage to,
any portion of the Personal Property or any other collateral or security for the
Obligation, that is not adequately covered by insurance.

         8.2 Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, and at any time while
such Event of Default is continuing, Beneficiary may do one or more of the
following:

                  (a) Declare the entire Obligation to be immediately due and
payable, and the same, with all costs and charges, shall be collectible
thereupon by action at law.


                                      -14-
<PAGE>   95
                  (b) Give such notice of default and of election to cause the
Trust Property to be sold as may be required by law or as may be necessary to
cause Trustee to exercise the power of sale granted herein. Trustee shall then
record and give such notice of trustee's sale as then required by law and, after
the expiration of such time as may be required by law, may sell the Trust
Property at the time and place specified in the notice of sale, as a whole or in
separate parcels as directed by Beneficiary, or by Trustor to the extent
required by law, at public auction to the highest bidder for cash in lawful
money of the United States, payable at time of sale, all in accordance with
applicable law. Trustee, from time to time, may postpone or continue the sale of
all or any portion of the Trust Property by public declaration at the time and
place last appointed for the sale. No other notice of the postponed sale shall
be required. Upon any sale, Trustee shall deliver its deed conveying the
property sold, without any covenant or warranty, express or implied, to the
purchaser or purchasers at the sale. The recitals in such deed of any matters or
facts shall be conclusive as to the accuracy thereof. Any person, including
Trustor, Trustee or Beneficiary, may purchase at the sale.

                  (c) Commence proceedings for foreclosure of this Deed of Trust
in the manner provided by law for the foreclosure of a real property mortgage.

                  (d) Exercise any or all of the remedies of a secured party
under the Uniform Commercial Code with respect to the Personal Property. If
Beneficiary should proceed to dispose of any of the Personal Property in
accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code, five (5) days'
notice by Beneficiary to Trustor shall be deemed to be commercially reasonable
notice under any provision of the Uniform Commercial Code requiring notice.
Trustor, however, agrees that all property of every nature and description,
whether real or personal, covered by this Deed of Trust, together with all
personal property used on or in connection with the Premises or any business
conducted thereon by the Trustor and covered by separate security agreements, is
encumbered as one unit, that this Deed of Trust and such security interests, at
Beneficiary's option, may be foreclosed or sold in the same proceeding, and that
all property encumbered (both realty and personalty), at Beneficiary's option,
may be sold as such in one unit as a going business, subject to the provisions
of applicable law.

                  (e) Without regard to the adequacy of any security for the
Obligation or the solvency of Trustor or any other person or entity, send
notifications to any and all lessees and tenants under the Leases that all Rents
shall be paid to Beneficiary. Thereafter, Beneficiary shall be entitled to
collect the Rents until Trustor cures all Events of Default and may apply the
Rents collected at its sole discretion to the maintenance of the Trust Property
and/or the payment of the Obligation.

                  (f) Apply any funds in the possession or control of
Beneficiary under the provisions of Paragraph 5.6 hereof to the payment of the
Obligation, in lieu of the purposes specified in that paragraph.

                  (g) Apply for and obtain, without regard to the adequacy of
any security for the Obligation or the solvency of the Trustor or any other
person or entity, a receiver by any court of competent jurisdiction to take
charge of all the Trust Property, to manage, operate and carry on any business
then being conducted or that could be conducted on the Premises, to carry on,
protect, preserve, replace and repair the Trust Property, and receive and
collect all Rents and to apply the same to pay the receiver's expenses for the
operation of the Trust Property and then in the manner


                                      -15-
<PAGE>   96
provided in Paragraph 3.3 herein. Upon appointment of said receiver, Trustor
shall immediately deliver possession of all of the Trust Property to such
receiver. Neither the appointment of a receiver for the Trust Property by any
court at the request of Beneficiary or by agreement with Trustor nor the
entering into possession of all or any part of the Trust Property by such
receiver shall constitute Beneficiary a "mortgagee in possession" or otherwise
make Beneficiary responsible or liable in any manner with respect to the Trust
Property or the occupancy, operation or use thereof. Trustor agrees that
Beneficiary shall have the absolute and unconditional right to the appointment
of a receiver in any independent and/or separate action brought by Beneficiary
regardless of whether Beneficiary seeks any relief in such action other than the
appointment of a receiver. In that respect, Trustor waives any express or
implied requirement under common law or A.R.S. Section 12-1241 that a receiver
may be appointed only ancillary to other judicial or non-judicial relief.

                  (h) Without regard to the adequacy of any security for the
Obligation or the solvency of Trustor or any other person or entity, enter upon
and take possession of all or any part of the Trust Property, either in person
or by agent or employee, or by a receiver appointed by a court of competent
jurisdiction; Trustor shall on demand peaceably surrender possession of the
Trust Property to Beneficiary. Beneficiary, in its own name or in the name of
Trustor, may operate and maintain all or any part of the Trust Property to such
extent as Beneficiary deems advisable, may rent and lease the same to such
persons, for such periods of time, and on such terms and conditions as
Beneficiary in its sole discretion may determine, and may sue for or otherwise
collect any and all Rents, including those past due and unpaid. In dealing with
the Trust Property as a beneficiary in possession, Beneficiary shall not be
subject to any liability, charge, or obligation therefor to Trustor, other than
for wilful misconduct, and shall be entitled to operate any business then being
conducted or which could be conducted thereon or therewith at the expense of and
for the account of Trustor (and all net losses, costs and expenses thereby
incurred shall be advances governed by Paragraph 6.6 hereof), to the same extent
as the owner thereof could do, and to apply the Rents to pay the receiver's
expenses, if any, for the operation of the Trust Property and then in the manner
provided in Paragraph 3.3 herein.

         8.3 Trustor shall pay all costs and expenses, including without
limitation costs of title searches and title policy commitments, Uniform
Commercial Code searches, court costs and reasonable in-house and outside
attorneys' fees, incurred by Beneficiary in enforcing payment and performance of
the Obligation or in exercising the rights and remedies of Beneficiary
hereunder. All such costs and expenses shall be secured by this Deed of Trust
and by all other lien and security documents securing the Obligation. In the
event of any court proceedings, court costs and attorneys' fees shall be set by
the court and not by jury and shall be included in any judgment obtained by
Beneficiary.

         8.4 In addition to any remedies provided herein for an Event of
Default, Beneficiary shall have all other legal or equitable remedies allowed
under applicable law (including specifically that of foreclosure of this
instrument as though it were a mortgage). No failure on the part of Beneficiary
to exercise any of its rights hereunder arising upon any Event of Default shall
be construed to prejudice its rights upon the occurrence of any other or
subsequent Event of Default. No delay on the part of Beneficiary in exercising
any such rights shall be construed to preclude it from the exercise thereof at
any time while that Event of Default is continuing. Beneficiary may enforce any
one or more remedies or rights hereunder successively or concurrently. By
accepting payment or


                                      -16-
<PAGE>   97
performance of any of the Obligation after its due date, Beneficiary shall not
thereby waive the agreement contained herein that time is of the essence, nor
shall Beneficiary waive either its right to require prompt payment or
performance when due of the remainder of the Obligation or its right to consider
the failure to so pay or perform an Event of Default. In any action by
Beneficiary to recover a deficiency judgment for any balance due under the Note
upon the foreclosure of this Deed of Trust or in any action to recover the
Obligation or Obligations secured hereby, and as a material inducement to making
the loan evidenced by the Note, Trustor acknowledges and agrees that the
successful bid amount made at any judicial or non-judicial foreclosure sale, if
any, shall be conclusively deemed to constitute the fair market value of the
Premises, that such bid amount shall be binding against Trustor in any
proceeding seeking to determine or contest the fair market value of the Premises
and that such bid amount shall be the preferred alternative means of determining
and establishing the fair market value of the Premises. Trustor hereby waives
and relinquishes any right to have the fair market value of the Premises
determined by a judge or jury in any action seeking a deficiency judgment or any
action on the Obligation or Obligations secured hereby, including, without
limitation, a hearing to determine fair market value pursuant to A.R.S.
Section 12-1566, Section 33-814, Section 33-725 or Section 33-727.

SECTION 9. GENERAL PROVISIONS

         9.1 Trustor shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless Beneficiary, any
successors to Beneficiary's interest in the Trust Property, any purchaser of the
Trust Property upon foreclosure, and all shareholders, directors, officers,
employees and agents of all of the foregoing and their heirs, personal
representatives, successors and assigns from and against all claims, costs,
expenses, actions, suits, proceedings, losses, damages and liabilities of any
kind whatsoever, including but not limited to all amounts paid in settlement of,
and all costs and expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred in defending or
settling, any actual or threatened claim, action, suit or proceeding, directly
or indirectly arising out of or relating to the Obligation, this Deed of Trust,
or the Trust Property, including but not limited to (i) any violation of or
claim of violation of the ADA with respect to the Trust Property; or (ii) any
breach of any of the warranties, representations and covenants contained herein.
This indemnity provision shall continue in full force and effect and shall
survive the payment and performance of the Obligation, the release of record of
the lien of this Deed of Trust, any foreclosure (or action in lieu of
foreclosure) of this Deed of Trust, the exercise by Beneficiary of any other
remedy under this Deed of Trust or any other document or instrument evidencing
or securing the Obligation, and any suit, proceeding or judgment against Trustor
by Beneficiary hereon.

         9.2 The acceptance of this Deed of Trust by Beneficiary shall not be
considered a waiver of or in any way to affect or impair any other security that
Beneficiary may have, acquire simultaneously herewith, or hereafter acquire for
the payment or performance of the Obligation, nor shall the taking by
Beneficiary at any time of any such additional security be construed as a waiver
of or in any way to affect or impair the security of this Deed of Trust;
Beneficiary may resort, for the payment or performance of the Obligation, to its
several securities therefor in such order and manner as it may determine.

         9.3 Without notice or demand, without affecting the obligations of
Trustor hereunder or the personal liability of any person for payment or
performance of the Obligation, and without affecting the lien or the priority of
the lien of this Deed of Trust, Beneficiary, from time to time,


                                      -17-
<PAGE>   98
may: (i) extend the time for payment of all or any part of the Obligation,
accept a renewal note therefor, reduce the payments thereon, release any person
liable for all or any part thereof, or otherwise change the terms of all or any
part of the Obligation; (ii) take and hold other security for the payment or
performance of the Obligation and enforce, exchange, substitute, subordinate,
waive or release any such security; (iii) consent to the making of any map or
plat of the Trust Property; (iv) join in granting any easement on or in creating
any covenants, conditions or restrictions affecting the use or occupancy of the
Trust Property; (v) join in any extension or subordination agreement; or (vi)
release or direct Trustee to release any part of the Trust Property from this
Deed of Trust. Any such action by Beneficiary, or Trustee at Beneficiary's
direction, may be taken without the consent of any junior lienholder and shall
not affect the priority of this Deed of Trust over any junior lien.

         9.4 Trustor waives and agrees not to assert: (i) any right to require
Beneficiary to proceed against any guarantor, to proceed against or exhaust any
other security for the Obligation, to pursue any other remedy available to
Beneficiary, or to pursue any remedy in any particular order or manner; (ii) the
benefits of any legal or equitable doctrine or principle of marshalling; (iii)
the benefits of any statute of limitations affecting the enforcement hereof;
(iv) demand, diligence, presentment for payment, protest and demand, and notice
of extension, dishonor, protest, demand and nonpayment, relating to the
Obligation; and (v) any benefit of, and any right to participate in, any other
security now or hereafter held by Beneficiary.

         9.5 Upon written request of Beneficiary stating that all of the
Obligation has been paid, and upon surrender of this Deed of Trust and the Note
to Trustee for cancellation and retention or, if requested, delivery, then
Trustee (and Beneficiary if necessary to clear title), upon payment of Trustee's
fees, shall reconvey, without warranty, the Trust Property. The recitals in such
reconveyance of any matters or facts shall be conclusive as to the accuracy
thereof. The grantee in such reconveyance may be described as "the person or
persons legally entitled thereto." Five years after issuance of such full
reconveyance, Trustee may destroy the Note and this Deed of Trust (unless
directed in such request to retain them), unless prior thereto Trustee has been
directed to deliver them to the person or persons to whom the property was
reconveyed.

         9.6 Beneficiary or Trustee, or both, shall have the right to inspect
the Trust Property at all reasonable times.

         9.7 Time is of the essence hereof. If more than one Trustor, or more
than one Borrower, is named herein, the word "Trustor" and the word "Borrower,"
respectively, shall mean all and any one or more of them, severally and
collectively. All liability hereunder shall be joint and several. This Deed of
Trust shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the parties
hereto and their heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns. The
term "Beneficiary" shall include not only the original Beneficiary hereunder but
also any future owner and holder, including pledgees, of the Note. The
provisions hereof shall apply to the parties according to the context thereof
and without regard to the number or gender of words or expressions used.

         9.8 The acceptance by Trustee of this trust shall be evidenced when
this Deed of Trust, duly executed and acknowledged, is made a public record as
provided by law. The trust created hereby is irrevocable by Trustor.



                                      -18-
<PAGE>   99
         9.9 This Deed of Trust cannot be changed except by agreement, in
writing, signed by Trustor and Beneficiary.

         9.10 No setoff or claim that Trustor now has or may in the future have
against Beneficiary shall relieve Trustor from paying or performing the
Obligation.

         9.11 Each term, condition and provision of this Deed of Trust shall be
interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law but
if any term, condition or provision of this Deed of Trust shall be held to be
void or invalid, the same shall not affect the remainder hereof which shall be
effective as though the void or invalid term, condition or provision had not
been contained herein. In addition, should this instrument be or become
ineffective as a deed of trust, then these presents shall be construed and
enforced as a realty mortgage with the Trustor being the Mortgagor and
Beneficiary being the Mortgagee.

         9.12 This Deed of Trust, the Obligation and the agreements of any
person or entity to pay or perform the Obligation shall be governed by and
construed according to the laws of the State of Arizona, without giving effect
to conflict of laws principles, the state in which the Trust Property is located
may require that its laws be applied to the creation and priority of liens, to
the perfection of security interests and to any foreclosure, trustee's sale,
appointment of receiver or other remedy with respect to the Trust Property. Any
procedures provided herein for such remedies shall be modified by and replaced
with, where inconsistent with or required by, any procedures or requirements of
the laws of the state in which the Trust Property is located.

         9.13 All notices required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be
in writing and may be given in person or by United States mail, by delivery
service or by electronic transmission. Any notice directed to a party to this
Deed of Trust shall become effective upon the earliest of the following: (i)
actual receipt by that party; (ii) delivery to the designated address of that
party, addressed to that party; or (iii) if given by certified or registered
United States mail, twenty-four (24) hours after deposit with the United States
Postal Service, postage prepaid, addressed to that party at its designated
address. The designated address of a party shall be the address of that party
shown at the beginning of this Deed of Trust or such other address as that
party, from time to time, may specify by notice to the other parties.

SECTION 10.  NON-TRUSTOR BORROWER PROVISIONS  (If Applicable)

         10.1 All advances of principal under the Note shall be made to Borrower
subject to and in accordance with the terms thereof. If Borrower is a
corporation, limited liability company, partnership or trust, it is not
necessary for Beneficiary or Trustee to inquire into the powers of Borrower or
the officers, directors, members, managers, partners, trustees or agents acting
or purporting to act on its behalf. Trustor is and shall continue to be fully
informed as to all aspects of the business affairs of Borrower that it deems
relevant to the risks it is assuming and hereby waives and fully discharges
Beneficiary and Trustee from any and all obligations to communicate to Trustor
any facts of any nature whatsoever regarding Borrower and Borrower's business
affairs.

         10.2 Trustor authorizes Beneficiary, without notice or demand, without
affecting the obligations of Trustor hereunder or the personal liability of any
person for payment or performance


                                      -19-
<PAGE>   100
of the Obligation and without affecting the lien or the priority of the lien of
this Deed of Trust, from time to time, at the request of any person primarily
obligated therefor, to renew, compromise, extend, accelerate or otherwise change
the time for payment or performance of, or otherwise change the terms of, all or
any part of the Obligation, including increase or decrease any rate of interest
thereon. Trustor waives and agrees not to assert: (i) any right to require
Beneficiary to proceed against Borrower; (ii) the benefits of any statutory
provision limiting the liability of a surety, including without limitation the
benefit of Section 12-1641, et seq., of the Arizona Revised Statutes; and (iii)
any defense arising by reason of any disability or other defense of Borrower or
by reason of the cessation from any cause whatsoever of the liability of
Borrower. Trustor shall have no right of subrogation and hereby waives any right
to enforce any remedy which Beneficiary now has, or may hereafter have, against
Borrower.

                  (a) All costs and expenses of Beneficiary relating to all
partial releases shall be paid by Trustor, including but not limited to
reconveyance fees, title fees, recording fees and legal expenses.

                  (b) No partial release shall impair or adversely affect
Beneficiary's security in the Trust Property remaining subject to this Deed of
Trust or any term or provision of this Deed of Trust as it pertains to the Trust
Property remaining subject to this Deed of Trust.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, these presents are executed as of the date
indicated above.

Witnessed by:                         __________________________________________
(other than notary)

                                        By
                                        Name
                                        Its

                                                                         TRUSTOR


                                      -20-
<PAGE>   101
STATE OF ___________                )
                                    ) ss.
County of _____________             )

         The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this _____ day of
_______________________, 1997, by __________________________________________,
the ______________________________ of ________________________________________,
a(n) _________________________________, on behalf of that
_______________________.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand and official seal.


                                      __________________________________________
                                      Notary Public

My commission expires:

______________________

                                      -21-
<PAGE>   102
                                  SCHEDULE "A"


Legal Description:

         All that real property situate in the County of ____________, State of
         ___________, more particularly described as follows:

<PAGE>   103
                                   EXHIBIT "E"

                        ENVIRONMENTAL INDEMNITY AGREEMENT


         BY THIS AGREEMENT, executed as of the _____ day of _______________,
199__, in connection with and as partial consideration for financial
accommodations by BANK ONE, ARIZONA, NA, a national banking association
("Lender"), to SCHUFF STEEL COMPANY, a Delaware corporation ("Borrower"),
guaranteed by __________________________________
____________________________________________________ ("Guarantor(s)") (Borrower
and Guarantor(s) are hereinafter severally and collectively called "Indemnitor")
in the amount of TWENTY MILLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($20,000,000.00)
(collectively the "Loan"), evidenced by one or more promissory notes
(collectively the "Note"), secured or to be secured in part by one or more deeds
of trust (severally and collectively, the "Deed of Trust") on the property
described on Schedule "A" attached hereto and by this reference incorporated
herein (the "Property"), Indemnitor hereby certifies, represents, and warrants
to Lender, and agrees as follows:

         1. As used herein, the following terms shall have the meanings
specified below:

                                   DEFINITIONS

                  1.1 The term "Agreement" shall mean this Environmental
Indemnity Agreement and all modifications, supplements, and amendments thereto.

                  1.2 The term "De Minimis Amounts" shall mean any Hazardous
Substance either (1) being transported on or from the Property or being stored
for use by Borrower or its tenant on the Property within a year from original
arrival on the Property in connection with Borrower's current operations or (2)
being currently used by Borrower or its tenant on Property, in both instances in
a manner that both (a) does not constitute a violation or threatened violation
of any Environmental Law or require any reporting or disclosure under any
Environmental Law and (b) is consistent with customary business practice for
such operations in the state where the Property is located.

                  1.3 The term "Environmental Claim" shall mean any and all
actual or threatened liabilities, claims, actions, causes of action, judgments,
orders, inquiries, investigations, studies or notices relating to any Hazardous
Substance or any Environmental Law, including, without limitation, those arising
as a result of strict liability, whether under Environmental Law or otherwise,
and those arising out of the negligence of the Indemnified Party.

         1.4 The term "Environmental Law" shall mean any federal, state or local
law, whether common law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, or judicial or
administrative decision or policy or guideline, pertaining to Hazardous
Substances, health, industrial hygiene, environmental conditions, or the
regulation or protection of the environment, and all amendments thereto as of
this date and to be added in the future and any successor statute or rule or
regulation promulgated thereto.

         1.5 The term "Hazardous Substance" shall mean all of the following:
<PAGE>   104
                           (a) Any substance, material, or waste that is
         included within the definitions of "hazardous substances," "hazardous
         materials," "hazardous waste," "toxic substances," "toxic materials,"
         "toxic waste," or words of similar import in any Environmental Law;

                           (b) Those substances listed as hazardous substances
         by the United States Department of Transportation (or any successor
         agency) (49 C.F.R. 172.101 and amendments thereto) or by the
         Environmental Protection Agency (or any successor agency) (40 C.F.R.
         Part 302 and amendments thereto); and

                           (c) Any substance, material, or waste that is
         petroleum, petroleum-related, or a petroleum by-product, asbestos or
         asbestos-containing material, polychlorinated biphenyls, flammable,
         explosive, radioactive, freon gas, radon, or a pesticide, herbicide, or
         any other agricultural chemical.

                  1.6 The term "Indemnified Parties" shall mean and includes
Lender, any parent, subsidiary, or affiliated company of Lender, any assignee or
successor in interest of all or part of Lender's interest in the Loan or the
Loan Documents, any owner of a participation interest in the Loan or the Loan
Documents, any purchaser who acquires all or part of the Property from Lender,
its parent, or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, any recipient of a deed or
assignment in lieu of foreclosure of all or part of the Property, any court
appointed receiver, and the officers, directors, employees and agents of each of
them.

                  1.7 The term "Loan Documents" shall mean the Note, the Deed of
Trust and any other documents evidencing, securing or otherwise relating to the
Loan, specifically excluding, however, this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything
contained in the Loan Documents to the contrary, the obligations of Indemnitor
under this Agreement shall not be secured by the Deed of Trust, and in the event
of any conflict between this paragraph and the terms and conditions of the Loan
Documents, this paragraph shall control.

                  1.8 The term "Note Rate" shall mean at any given time, (a) the
rate of interest then applicable to the balance outstanding under the Note, or,
(b) if the Note is in default, the default rate of interest under the Note. If
the Note has been paid in full, the Note Rate shall mean the rate of interest
that would have been applicable under the Note, if it had not been paid in full
and there was a balance outstanding.

                  1.9 The term "Property" shall mean all property that is or was
at any time affected by the Deed of Trust, which may later include any and all
property previously released from the Deed of Trust.

                  1.10 The term "Release" shall mean any releasing, spilling,
leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping,
leaching, migrating, disposing, or dumping of any substance into the
environment.

         2. Except as disclosed in writing by Borrower to Lender, Borrower
represents and warrants to the Indemnified Parties that neither the Property nor
Borrower nor, to Borrower's


                                      -2-
<PAGE>   105
knowledge, any tenant are in violation of any Environmental Law applicable to
the Property, and neither the Property nor Borrower nor, to Borrower's
knowledge, any tenant are subject to any existing, pending or threatened
investigation pertaining to the Property by any federal, state or local
governmental authority or are subject to any remedial obligation or lien under
or in connection with any Environmental Law.

         3. Except as disclosed in writing by Borrower to Lender, Borrower
represents and warrants to the Indemnified Parties that (a) neither Borrower
nor, to Borrower's knowledge, any tenant has obtained, or is not required by any
Environmental Law to obtain, any permit, approval, or license or file any
registration to construct or use any improvements, fixtures or equipment that
are or are intended to be part of, or are located on, the Property or to operate
any business that is being conducted or intended to be conducted on the
Property, and (b) there are no factors or circumstances related to Hazardous
Substances or any environmental conditions known to Borrower that would
materially impair the ability of Borrower or its tenant to obtain any permit,
approval, registration, or license necessary for the future development of the
Property or to otherwise continue the contemplated development of the Property.

         4. Borrower has undertaken an appropriate inquiry into the previous
ownership and uses of the Property consistent with good commercial practice. If
any environmental questionnaire is executed by Borrower and delivered to Lender,
Borrower represents and warrants to the Indemnified Parties that, to Borrower's
knowledge, the information disclosed in any such environmental questionnaire is
true, complete and correct. Based on Borrower's inquiry, Borrower represents and
warrants to the Indemnified Parties that Borrower, including, without
limitation, any officer, director, employee, agent, affiliate, tenant, partner
or joint venturer of Borrower, has no actual knowledge or notice of the actual,
alleged or threatened presence or release of Hazardous Substances in, on, around
or potentially affecting any part of the Property or the soil, groundwater or
soil vapor on or under the Property, or the migration of any Hazardous
Substance, from or to any other property adjacent to or in the vicinity of the
Property, provided that the foregoing representation and warranty does not apply
to De Minimis Amounts. Borrower's intended future use of Property will not
result in the Release of any Hazardous Substance other than De Minimis Amounts,
in, on, around or potentially affecting any part of the Property or in the soil,
groundwater or soil vapor on or under the Property, or the migration of any
Hazardous Substance from or to any other property adjacent to or in the vicinity
of the Property. Indemnitor shall promptly notify Lender in writing if
Indemnitor, including, without limitation, any officer, director, employee,
agent, affiliate, partner, or joint venturer, of Indemnitor, has any actual
knowledge or notice that any statement in this Paragraph 4 is no longer
accurate.

         5. Borrower shall neither use nor permit any third party to use,
generate, manufacture, produce, store, or Release, on, under or about the
Property, or transfer to or from the Property, any Hazardous Substance except in
compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws, provided that if any third
party, by act or omission or by intent or accident, allows any foregoing action
to occur, Indemnitor shall promptly remedy such condition, at its sole expense
and responsibility, in accordance with Paragraph 8 below. Furthermore,
Indemnitor shall not permit any environmental liens to be placed on any portion
of the Property.


                                      -3-
<PAGE>   106
         6. Borrower has complied, and shall comply and require all occupants of
the Property, regardless of length of occupancy, to comply, at Borrower's sole
expense and responsibility, with all Environmental Laws governing or applicable
to Hazardous Substances, including those requiring disclosures to prospective
and actual buyers of all or any portion of the Property.

         7. Borrower shall give prompt written notice to Lender at the address
set forth in the Loan Documents executed in connection with the Loan if any of
the following occur:

                  (a) Borrower knows, suspects or believes there may be any
         Hazardous Substance, except in De Minimis Amounts, in, on, around or
         potentially affecting the Property or the soil, groundwater or soil
         vapor on or under the Property, or that Borrower or the Property or, to
         Borrower's knowledge, any tenant may be subject to any threatened or
         pending investigation by any governmental agency under any law,
         regulation or ordinance pertaining to any Hazardous Substance;

                  (b) Any proceeding, including lawsuit, investigation or
         settlement by or with any federal, state or local governmental
         authority (including, without limitation, the U.S. Environmental
         Protection Agency or any other federal, state or local governmental
         agency) with respect to the presence of any Hazardous Substance on the
         Property or the migration thereof from or to any other property
         adjacent to, or in the vicinity of, the Property;

                  (c) All claims made or threatened by any third party against
         Borrower or the Property relating to any loss or injury resulting from
         any Hazardous Substance;

                  (d) Borrower's discovery of any occurrence or condition on any
         property adjoining or in the vicinity of the Property that could cause
         the Property or any part thereof to be subject to any restrictions on
         its ownership, occupancy, transferability or use under any
         Environmental Law;

                  (e) Borrower's discovery of a violation of any Environmental
         Law that Borrower is legally required to report to any federal, state
         or local governmental authority or the discovery of a Release of a
         Hazardous Substance in sufficient quantities to be reportable under any
         Environmental Law to any federal, state or local governmental
         authority;

                  (f) Borrower's discovery, receipt, or notice that an
         environmental lien has been or will be placed on the Property; and

                  (g) Borrower knows, suspects or believes that an Environmental
         Claim has been or will be asserted against either Borrower or the
         Property.

         8. Indemnitor has complied and shall comply, to Lender's satisfaction,
with the reasonable recommendations of any qualified environmental engineer or
other expert, who shall be acceptable to Lender, which apply or pertain to the
Property. Indemnitor shall conduct and complete, to Lender's satisfaction, all
investigations, studies, sampling, and testing as may be (i)


                                      -4-
<PAGE>   107
recommended by any qualified environmental engineer or other expert, who shall
be acceptable to Lender and (ii) required by Lender. Indemnitor shall provide to
Lender copies of all results and reports relating to such investigations,
studies, sampling and testing. Indemnitor shall conduct and complete, to
Lender's satisfaction, all remedial, removal, and other actions necessary to
clean up and remove Hazardous Substances in, on, or materially affecting the
Property:

                  (a) In accordance with all applicable Environmental Laws; and

                  (b) In accordance with all applicable orders and directives of
         all governmental authorities.

Indemnitor shall provide to Lender copies of all results and reports relating to
such remedial, removal, and other actions.

         9. Indemnitor shall, within thirty (30) days after demand by Lender,
provide Lender with a bond, letter of credit, or similar financial assurance
evidencing to Lender's satisfaction that sufficient funds are available to pay
the cost of complying with the requirements of Paragraph 8 above.

         10. Indemnitor's obligations under this Agreement shall not be
diminished or affected in any respect as a result of any notice, disclosure or
knowledge, if any, to or by any of the Indemnified Parties of the release,
presence, existence or threatened release of Hazardous Substances in, on,
around, or potentially affecting the Property or the soil, groundwater or soil
vapor on or under the Property, or of any matter covered by Indemnitor's
obligations hereunder. No Indemnified Party shall be deemed to have permitted,
caused, contributed to or acquiesced in any such release, presence, existence or
threatened release of Hazardous Substances or any other matter covered by
Indemnitor's obligations hereunder solely because Lender or any other
Indemnified Party had notice, disclosure or knowledge thereof, whether at the
time this Agreement is delivered or at any other time.

         11. If at any time any Indemnified Party reasonably believes that there
exists on the Property any condition that could result in any material (in the
sole judgment of Lender) liability, cost, or expense to the owner, occupier, or
operator of the Property arising under any Environmental Law, then the
Indemnified Parties and their contractors, agents and representatives
(hereinafter, "Site Reviewers") shall have the right at any time and from time
to time to enter upon and visit the Property for the purposes of observing the
Property, taking and removing soil or groundwater samples, and conducting tests
and/or site assessments on any part of the Property (collectively, "Site
Assessments") for the purpose of determining whether there exists on the
Property any such condition. The Indemnified Parties have no duty, however, to
conduct any Site Assessment, and no Site Assessment shall impose any liability
on any Indemnified Party. In no event shall the completion of any Site
Assessment be a representation that Hazardous Substances are or are not present
in, on, under or around the Property, or that there has been or shall be
compliance with any Environmental Law or any other law or governmental
regulatory or liability pronouncement. The Indemnified Parties owe no duty of
care to protect Indemnitor or any other party against, or to inform Indemnitor
(except as provided herein) or any other party of, any Hazardous Substances or
any other adverse condition affecting the Property. The Indemnified Party shall
make reasonable


                                      -5-
<PAGE>   108
efforts to avoid interfering with Borrower's use of the Property in exercising
any rights provided in this Section. The Site Reviewers are hereby authorized to
enter upon the Property for the purpose of conducting Site Assessments. The Site
Reviewers are further authorized to perform both above and below the ground
testing for environmental conditions or the presence of Hazardous Substances on
the Property and such other tests on the Property as may be necessary to conduct
the Site Assessments in the reasonable opinion of the Site Reviewers. Indemnitor
will supply to the Site Reviewers such historical and operational information
regarding the Property as may be reasonably requested by the Site Reviewers to
facilitate the Site Assessments and will make available for meetings with the
Site Reviewers appropriate personnel having knowledge of such matters. The cost
of performing such Site Assessments shall be paid by Indemnitor upon demand of
Lender. On request, Lender shall make the results of such Site Assessments fully
available to Indemnitor provided (i) that Indemnitor has fully reimbursed Lender
for the cost of such Site Assessments, and (ii) neither Indemnitor nor any other
party is entitled to rely on any Site Assessment conducted by or on behalf of
any Indemnified Party, which Site Assessment shall be for the sole benefit and
use of the Indemnified Party.

         12. Lender shall have the right, but not the obligation, without in any
way limiting Lender's other rights and remedies under the Loan Documents, to
enter onto the Property or to take such other actions as it deems necessary or
advisable to clean up, remove, resolve, or minimize the impact of, or otherwise
deal with, any Hazardous Substances on or affecting the Property following
receipt of any notice from any person or entity asserting the existence or
possible existence of any Hazardous Substances pertaining to the Property or any
part thereof that, if true, could result in an Environmental Claim, order,
notice, suit, imposition of a lien on the Property, or other action and/or that,
in Lender's sole opinion, could jeopardize Lender's security under the Loan
Documents. All reasonable costs and expenses paid or incurred by Lender in the
exercise of any such rights shall be secured by the Loan Documents and shall be
payable by Indemnitor upon demand.

         13. Lender shall have the right at any time to appear in and to
participate in, as a party if it elects, and be represented by counsel of its
own choice in, any action or proceeding in connection with any Environmental Law
that affects the Property. Upon demand by any Indemnified Party, Indemnitor
shall defend any investigation, action or proceeding involving any matter
covered by Indemnitor's obligations hereunder which is brought or commenced
against any Indemnified Party, whether alone or together with Borrower or any
other person, all at Indemnitor's own cost and by counsel to be approved by the
Indemnified Party in the exercise of its reasonable judgment. In the
alternative, any Indemnified Party may elect to conduct its own defense at the
expense of Indemnitor.

         14. Indemnitor shall indemnify and hold the Indemnified Parties
harmless from, for and against any and all Environmental Claims, liabilities,
damages (including foreseeable and unforeseeable consequential damages), losses,
fines, penalties, judgments, awards, settlements, and costs and expenses
(including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees, experts', engineers'
and consultants' fees, and costs and expenses of investigation, testing,
remediation and dispute resolution) (collectively referred to as "Environmental
Costs") that directly or indirectly arise out of or relate in any way to:


                                      -6-
<PAGE>   109
                  (a) Any investigation, cleanup, remediation, removal, or
         restoration work of site conditions of the Property relating to
         Hazardous Substances (whether on the Property or any other property);

                  (b) Any resulting damages, harm, or injuries to the person or
         property of any third parties or to any natural resources involving
         Hazardous Substances relating to the Property;

                  (c) Any actual or alleged past or present disposal,
         generation, manufacture, presence, processing, production, Release,
         storage, transportation, treatment, or use of any Hazardous Substance
         on, under, or about the Property;

                  (d) Any actual or alleged presence of any Hazardous Substance
         on the Property;

                  (e) Any actual or alleged past or present violation of any
         Environmental Law relating to the Property;

                  (f) Any actual or alleged past or present migration of any
         Hazardous Substance from the Property to any other property, whether
         adjoining, in the vicinity, or otherwise, or migration of any Hazardous
         Substance onto the Property from any other property, whether adjoining,
         in the vicinity, or otherwise;

                  (g) Any lien on any part of the Property under any
         Environmental Law;

                  (h) Any Environmental Claim by any federal, state, or local
         governmental agency and any claim that any Indemnified Party is liable
         for any such asserted Environmental Claim allegedly because it is an
         "owner" or "operator" of the Property under any Environmental Law;

                  (i) Any Environmental Claim asserted against any Indemnified
         Party by any person other than a governmental agency, including any
         person who may purchase or lease all or any portion of the Property
         from Borrower, from any Indemnified Party, or from any other purchaser
         or lessee; any person who may at any time have any interest in all or
         any portion of the Property; any person who may at any time be
         responsible for any cleanup costs or other Environmental Claims
         relating to the Property; and any person claiming to have been injured
         in any way as a result of exposure to any Hazardous Substance relating
         to the Property;

                  (j) Any Environmental Claim which any Indemnified Party
         reasonably believes at any time may be incurred to comply with any law,
         judgment, order, regulation, or regulatory directive relating to
         Hazardous Substances and the Property, or which any Indemnified Party
         reasonably believes at any time may be incurred to protect the public
         health or safety;


                                      -7-
<PAGE>   110
                  (k) Any Environmental Claim resulting from currently existing
         conditions in, on, around, or materially affecting the Property,
         whether known or unknown by Borrower or the Indemnified Parties at the
         time this Agreement is executed, and any such Environmental Claim
         resulting from the activities of Borrower, Borrower's tenants, or any
         other person, in, on, around, or materially affecting the Property; or

                  (l) Breach of any representation or warranty by or covenant of
         Indemnitor in this Agreement.

Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the foregoing
indemnity shall not apply to (i) matters resulting from the gross negligence or
willful misconduct of any Indemnified Party, or (ii) matters resulting solely
from the actions of Indemnified Parties taken after such parties have taken
title to, or exclusive possession of the Property, provided that, in both cases,
such matters shall not arise from or be accumulated with any condition of the
Property, which condition was not caused by an Indemnified Party. THE FOREGOING
INDEMNITY IS EXPRESSLY INTENDED TO INCLUDE, AND DOES INCLUDE, ANY ENVIRONMENTAL
COSTS ARISING AS A RESULT OF ANY STRICT LIABILITY IMPOSED OR THREATENED TO BE
IMPOSED ON AN INDEMNIFIED PARTY IN CONNECTION WITH ANY OF THE INDEMNIFIED
MATTERS DESCRIBED IN THIS PARAGRAPH 14 OR ARISING AS A RESULT OF THE NEGLIGENCE
OF AN INDEMNIFIED PARTY IN CONNECTION WITH SUCH MATTERS.

         15. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to limit any claim or
right which any Indemnified Party may otherwise have at any time against
Indemnitor or any other person arising from any source other than this
Agreement, including any claim for fraud, misrepresentation, waste, or breach of
contract other than this Agreement, and any rights of contribution or indemnity
under federal, state or local environmental law or other applicable law,
regulation or ordinance.

         16. If any Indemnified Party delays or fails to exercise any right or
remedy against Indemnitor, that alone shall not be construed as a waiver of that
right or remedy. All remedies of any Indemnified Party against Indemnitor are
cumulative.

         17. This Agreement shall be binding upon Indemnitor and its successors
and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the Indemnified Parties.

         18. The indemnity obligations of Indemnitor pursuant to Paragraph 14
and all other obligations of Indemnitor hereunder shall survive until terminated
in accordance with this Paragraph 18, which termination shall occur upon the
full satisfaction of either of the following conditions:

                  (a) The Loan shall have been repaid in full and in accordance
         with its terms, and all obligations under the Loan Documents shall have
         been performed in full in accordance with their terms, in both cases
         rather than through the occurrence of one or more of (i) the acceptance
         by Lender of the surrender of the Note and reconveyance of the Deed of
         Trust, (ii) the foreclosure of the Deed of Trust, (iii) the
         extinguishment of the Deed of Trust by any means, including deed or
         assignment in lieu of foreclosure, (iv) the acquisition of the Property
         or any portion of it by any of the Indemnified Parties, and (v) the
         transfer of all of Lender's rights in the Loan


                                      -8-
<PAGE>   111
         Documents, or through the exercise of any other rights and remedies by
         Lender (including, without limitation, foreclosure, trustee's sale or
         actions on promissory notes, guaranties or other obligations); or

                  (b) One or more of the events described in (i) - (v) of
         subparagraph (a) above has occurred, Lender has not received notice of
         any Environmental Claim relating to the Property that has not been
         fully satisfied or settled to Lender's satisfaction, and two (2) years
         have elapsed from the date which is the latest of (i) the date of the
         occurrence of one or more of the events described in (i) - (v) of
         subparagraph (a) above, (ii) the date Indemnitor has been fully
         released of all of its obligations under the Loan Documents, and (iii)
         the date any Environmental Claim relating to the Property is fully
         satisfied or settled to Lender's satisfaction. Notwithstanding the
         foregoing and in addition to its rights under Paragraph 11, Lender, or
         any Site Reviewer selected by Lender, shall have the right at any time
         and from time to time to enter upon and visit the Property to conduct a
         Site Assessment and prepare, at Lender's own expense, an environmental
         report regarding environmental conditions on the Property prior to the
         Termination Date. Based upon such report, Lender may assert an
         Environmental Claim.

         19. The indemnity contained herein shall not be subject to any
nonrecourse or other limitation of liability provisions contained in any
document or instrument executed and delivered in connection with the Loan and
the liability of Indemnitor hereunder shall not be limited by any such
nonrecourse or similar limitation of liability provisions.

         20. If any material warranty, representation or statement contained
herein shall be or shall prove to have been false when made or if Indemnitor
shall fail or neglect to perform or observe any of the terms, provisions or
covenants contained herein, the same shall constitute an Event of Default (as
defined in the Loan Documents) under the Loan Documents.

         21. Any notice required or permitted in connection herewith shall be
given in the manner provided in any Loan Document.

         22. Indemnitor acknowledges that Lender has and will rely upon the
representations, warranties and agreements herein set forth in closing and
funding (or modifying as the case may be) the Loan and that the execution and
delivery of this Agreement is an essential condition but for which Lender would
not close or fund (or modify) the Loan.

         23. Indemnitor waives any right or claim of right to cause a marshaling
of the assets of Indemnitor or to cause Lender to proceed against any of the
security for the Loan before proceeding under this Agreement against Indemnitor;
Indemnitor agrees that any payments required to be made hereunder shall become
due on demand; Indemnitor expressly waives and relinquishes all rights and
remedies accorded by applicable law to sureties, indemnitors or guarantors,
except any rights of subrogation that Indemnitor may have, provided that the
indemnity provided for hereunder shall neither be contingent upon the existence
of any such rights of subrogation nor subject to any claims or defenses
whatsoever that may be asserted in connection with the enforcement or attempted


                                      -9-
<PAGE>   112
enforcement of such subrogation rights, including, without limitation, any claim
that such subrogation rights were abrogated by any acts or omissions of Lender.

         24. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the parties expressly
agree that a separate right of action hereunder shall arise each time Lender
acquires knowledge of any matter indemnified by Indemnitor under this Agreement.
Separate and successive actions may be brought hereunder to enforce any of the
provisions hereof at any time and from time to time. No action hereunder shall
preclude any subsequent action, and Indemnitor hereby waives and covenants not
to assert any defense in the nature of splitting of causes of action or merger
of judgments.

         25. In this Agreement, the word "person" includes any individual,
company, trust or other legal entity of any kind. If this Agreement is executed
by more than one person, the words "Indemnitor," "Guarantor" and "Borrower"
include all such persons. The word "include(s)" means "include(s), without
limitation," and the word "including" means "including, but not limited to."
When the context and construction so require, all words used in the singular
shall be deemed to have been used in the plural and vice versa. All headings
appearing in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall be disregarded in
construing this Agreement.

         26. Every provision of this Agreement is intended to be severable. If
any term, provision, section or subsection of this Agreement is declared to be
illegal or invalid, for any reason whatsoever, by a court of competent
jurisdiction, such illegality or invalidity shall not affect the other terms,
provisions, sections or subsections of this Agreement, which shall remain
binding and enforceable.

         27. On demand, Indemnitor agrees to pay all of the Indemnified Parties'
costs and expenses, including attorneys' fees, which may be incurred in any
effort to enforce any term of this Agreement, including all such costs and
expenses which may be incurred by any Indemnified Party in any legal action,
reference, mediation or arbitration proceeding. From the time(s) incurred until
paid in full to the Indemnified Party, those sums shall bear interest at the
Note Rate.

         28. Time is of the essence of this Agreement, and of each and every
provision hereof. The waiver by Indemnified Party of any breach or breaches
hereof shall not be deemed, nor shall the same constitute, a waiver of any
subsequent breach of breaches.

         29. This Agreement and the transaction contemplated hereunder shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Arizona,
without giving effect to conflict of laws principles.

         30. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts each
of which shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts together shall
constitute but one Agreement.

         32. Each party executing this Agreement as an Indemnitor shall be
jointly and severally liable for all obligations of Indemnitor hereunder.

         31. JURY WAIVER. THE UNDERSIGNED AND LENDER (BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF)
HEREBY VOLUNTARILY, KNOWINGLY, IRREVOCABLY AND


                                      -10-
<PAGE>   113
UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO HAVE A JURY PARTICIPATE IN RESOLVING ANY
DISPUTE (WHETHER BASED UPON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) BETWEEN OR AMONG THE
UNDERSIGNED AND LENDER ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATED TO THIS DOCUMENT OR
ANY OTHER AGREEMENTS, DOCUMENTS OR INSTRUMENTS EXECUTED OR DELIVERED IN
CONNECTION WITH, OR OTHERWISE RELATING TO, THIS AGREEMENT OR THE LOAN (TOGETHER
WITH THIS AGREEMENT, THE "RELATED DOCUMENTS"). THIS PROVISION IS A MATERIAL
INDUCEMENT TO LENDER TO PROVIDE THE FINANCING DESCRIBED HEREIN OR IN THE OTHER
RELATED DOCUMENTS.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Indemnitor has executed this Agreement as of the
date first indicated above.

                                             SCHUFF STEEL COMPANY, a Delaware
                                             corporation



                                             By:
                                             Name:
                                             Title:

                                                                        BORROWER



                                                                    GUARANTOR(S)


                                      -11-
<PAGE>   114
                                  SCHEDULE "A"

                         REAL PROPERTY LEGAL DESCRIPTION

<PAGE>   115
                             ARBITRATION RESOLUTION



(a)      Binding Arbitration.

         The undersigned hereby agree that all controversies and claims of any
         nature arising directly or indirectly out of any and all loan
         transactions between them and any related agreements, instruments or
         documents, shall at the written request of any party be arbitrated
         pursuant to the applicable rules of the American Arbitration
         Association. The arbitration shall occur in the State of Arizona.
         Judgment upon any award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in
         any court having jurisdiction. The Federal Arbitration Act shall apply
         to the construction and interpretation of this arbitration agreement.

(b)      Arbitration Panel.

         A single arbitrator shall have the power to render a maximum award of
         one hundred thousand dollars. When any party files a claim in excess of
         this amount, the arbitration decision shall be made by the majority
         vote of three arbitrators. No arbitrator shall have the power to
         restrain any act of any party.

(c)      Provisional Remedies, Self-Help, and Foreclosure.

         No provision of subparagraph (a) shall limit the right of any party to
         exercise self-help remedies, to foreclose against any real or personal
         property collateral, or to obtain any provisional or ancillary remedies
         (including but not limited to injunctive relief or the appointment of a
         receiver) from a court of competent jurisdiction. At Lender's option,
         it may enforce its rights under a mortgage by judicial foreclosure, and
         under a deed of trust either by exercise of power of sale or by
         judicial foreclosure. The institution and maintenance of any remedy
         permitted above shall not constitute a waiver of the right to submit
         any controversy or claim to arbitration. The statute of limitations,
         estoppel, waiver, laches, and similar doctrines which would otherwise
         be applicable in an action brought by a party shall be applicable in
         any arbitration proceeding.

(d)      Counterparts.

         This Arbitration Resolution may be executed in counterparts, all of
         which executed counterparts shall together constitute a single
         document. Signature pages may be detached
<PAGE>   116
         from the counterparts and attached to a single copy of this Arbitration
         Resolution to physically form one document.

Agreed to this 10th day of December, 1997.

                                       BANK ONE, ARIZONA, NA, a national banking
                                       association



                                       By:
                                       Name:
                                       Title:

                                                                          LENDER


                                       SCHUFF STEEL COMPANY, a Delaware
                                       corporation



                                       By:
                                       Name:
                                       Title:

                                                                        BORROWER


                                       -2-