Q: Realizing these are volatile times, what economic trends do you expect will impact your business in 2026?
Dr. Rajan Bhatt
CEO
OrthoArizona
Sector: Healthcare
Arizona’s economy continues to be defined by strong population growth and that will remain a major economic force in 2025. The Valley is adding new residents faster than almost any other region in the country, and with that comes rising demand for healthcare, housing and skilled talent.
To keep up with growth, we are expanding, both in physical locations and in the infrastructure needed to support them. While we are actively expanding to meet community needs, we’re doing so with discipline: balancing growth with long-term sustainability in the face of rising labor costs, continued inflation in supplies and construction, and downward pressure on healthcare reimbursement.
One of the most important ways we’re preparing is investing in best-in-class technology across all areas of our organization, from clinical care and imaging to revenue cycle, scheduling, data analytics and patient access. The goal is simple: improve efficiency, reduce administrative friction and create a better experience for both patients and providers as we grow.
We are also closely watching interest rates and capital markets, as the cost of capital will influence how quickly organizations can expand and reinvest. In a year this dynamic, success will come from being proactive — building to meet demand, but doing so with smart technology, operational discipline and the flexibility to adjust when conditions change.
I’m confident in Arizona’s long-term outlook. But in 2026, success will depend on being disciplined; growing where it makes sense, tightening where it doesn’t; and staying adaptable in a year that will reward preparation over prediction.
Rajan Bhatt, M.D., MBA, FACC, FACP, is a nationally recognized physician-entrepreneur and healthcare executive reshaping how physician-led organizations scale while preserving clinical excellence. As CEO of OrthoArizona, he leads the state’s premier orthopedic group. He previously founded Spectrum Dermatology, Arizona’s largest privately held dermatology practice, and Valley Surgery Center. Known for bold innovation and strategic growth, Dr. Bhatt blends deep clinical insight with forward-thinking business leadership.
Jim Colletti
Co-Owner
LiTRV – Luxury in Travel
Sector: Travel
Our business model is like Airbnb in that LiTRV rents luxury motorcoaches — sometimes referred to as “land yachts” — for curated travel experiences. At the onset of the pandemic, our business peaked as more people learned they could travel with their family, friends and pets while enjoying the comforts of home. Much like a hotel suite, a luxury motorcoach features an expansive kitchen, comfortable beds, multiple bathrooms, washer and dryer, a dishwasher and other high-end amenities. All our short- and long-term charters include a private driver.
While our clients follow economic trends, they are most concerned with convenience, and they appreciate our customized concierge services. Recently, we have seen an increase in luxury vacation travel as well as one-way trips, such as a relocation across the country. Sometimes, corporate clients charter a luxury motorcoach for a one-way team building trip to another luxury destination, private jet or yacht.
In 2026, we will increase digital marketing efforts, and we will also seek partnerships with realtors and others who can help generate sales leads.
Jim Colletti joined national luxury motorcoach travel company LiTRV – Luxury in Travel in 2020, during a time of expansion. As co-owner, Colletti has been instrumental in LiTRV’s growth in the luxury leisure travel sector. Under his leadership, LiTRV provides motorcoach rental representation, care and maintenance, and transport and storage. LiTRV also provides onsite event management to the professional autosports industry at tracks across the U.S.
Erik Hoyer
Owner & CEO
EJ’s Auction & Appraisal
Sector: Auction
We are fortunate in that we are very busy now. As a full-service auction house, EJ’s Auction & Appraisal works with consignors who are liquidating estates, downsizing or helping family members sell collectibles. We average more than 200 auctions each year, including specialty auctions. While we are based in Glendale, we have an international database of bidders who seek fine art, antiques, jewelry and other collectibles at our weekly online auctions.
The auction industry fares well during shifts in the economy. Our business doubled during the pandemic, primarily because of the supply chain challenges and lack of inventory at retail stores. Now, with the sharp increase of prices due to the new and changing tariffs, we are seeing more bidders seeking a better value for items such as cars, watches, toys, electronics, furniture and other household goods.
As 2026 approaches, we are expecting to see bidding levels increase much like they did during the pandemic. To prepare, we are improving our bidding platform and adding more staff to help with cataloging items and shipping.
Erik Hoyer is CEO of EJ’s Auction & Appraisal in Glendale. Hoyer founded the full-service auction house in 2012, which moved into its current 29,000-square-foot building a year later. Hoyer holds several certifications, including CAI (Certified Auctioneer Institute), GPPA (Graduate Personal Property Appraiser), CES (Certified Estate Specialist) and PRI )Professional Ringmen’s Institute). EJ’s is a National Auctioneers Association member.
Scott Pfeiffer
Founder & CEO
Sonora West Development
Sector: Homebuilder
Even in volatile times, we’re seeing unprecedented momentum in the Phoenix luxury housing market. Never in my career have I seen this kind of momentum. Everyone is betting on Phoenix. That confidence is reinforced by the wave of companies relocating headquarters or expanding operations in Arizona, bringing high-earning talent and sustained demand for premium housing.
We expect this influx of employers and workforce growth to be a defining economic trend shaping our business through 2026. While interest rate fluctuations and broader uncertainty may create occasional slowdowns, the long-term fundamentals remain strong. The luxury housing market here is about to go absolutely bananas in the next one to two years.
To prepare, we are strengthening our strategic partnerships, expanding our marketing platforms and investing in data-driven tools that help us track shifting buyer behavior as new residents enter the market. Our team is built to scale, ensuring we stay agile, competitive and ready to meet rising demand as Arizona’s economic expansion continues into 2026.
Scott Pfeiffer is the founder and CEO of Sonora West Development, a leading name in Scottsdale’s luxury home market. Since 2001, he has led the design and construction of more than 500 custom homes worth nearly $1 billion. Known for his craftsmanship and client-focused approach, Pfeiffer’s work continues to define the Valley’s most sought-after neighborhoods.
