"Many new and established brands that survived pivoted to PPE, and mask manufacturing became “the new black” in fashion." As environmental concerns demand disruption through transparency and accountability, the fashion industry, like many others, has recently had to adapt and adopt new sustainable models. Instead of over-producing overseas, many domestic, direct-to-consumer … [More]
Hospitality Seizes the Moment to ‘Change and Adapt’
"My team and I see new opportunities to bring people, passion and big ideas together. Whether it’s over food or a new restaurant experience, nothing means more to me than real connections." The entire restaurant industry had to adjust the business model almost overnight. “Change and adapt” became the north star and, during this public health crisis, we have redefined … [More]
Past the Chaos and Uncertainty Is an Ocean of Opportunity
"Our ability to celebrate the fact that we are thriving in the face of COVID-19 by paying it forward is the best part of our industry, community and, indeed, our country." As a group of digital natives, our sector has only become more creative since the onset of the pandemic. From using Zoom to communicate with film producers on lock down in L.A. and using drones to get closer … [More]
COVID-19 Spurs Increased Reliance on Technology
"With a sensitivity to financial stability, we’ve seen the demand for development increase. … As a business community, prioritizing the digital space is critical during this volatile time." The unprecedented disruptions caused by COVID-19 have taken minor shifts in our infrastructure. We’ve utilized the mobility of remote work in Latin America and nationwide. As dynamics … [More]
New Protocols Necessary for Rebound in Travel Industry
"The best part of our industry, given the effects of COVID, has been the deeper understanding of how and why people travel." The hospitality sector, like most travel-related sectors, has been hugely impacted by COVID-related disruptions. There are no easy solutions and most involve the loss of jobs and a shift in how the products and services, as well as how the producing … [More]
COVID-19 Provided a Blank Page for Businesses to Engage Opportunity
"With the new USMCA agreement passed by Congress, Arizona and Mexico are primed to capture the returning tech, auto, financial and renewable industries." International business expansion and development slowed down in the early months of COVID19, but activity has recently picked up. At Mesa, Skybridge, for example, we are moving forward with the first two developments, … [More]
Sarah Jennings: Earning Her Family Legacy
Sarah Jennings started her career in commercial real estate in 2007 specializing in retail leasing. Due to unfortunate timing and the ‘08 recession, Jennings spent one year of trial and error in the industry before she decided it was time to join the family business, a local security firm called Safeguard. She had always been intrigued by their product, QuickPass, which is … [More]
App Aids Optometry Offices
Founded last year, Opti-Xpres provides a turnkey application and platform solution to optometrists and patients that links patient medical records with already existing office EHRs. The application allows doctors to customize an app for their office where patients can virtually schedule appointments, fill out paperwork, receive appointment reminders, integrate payment processes … [More]
Better Air, with a Delivery Schedule
Tru Filtered Air is a breathing company that sells air filters. “We produce custom, high-quality air filters, in any size, at one great price, delivered right to your front door precisely when it’s time to replace the old ones,” says David Zimmerman, who co-founded the company with Chris McConnell. One of Tru’s biggest differentiators is its unique subscription-based model … [More]
Nutritional Packaged Meals … and Now Upcycled Healthy Food for Pets
Franchesca Gonzales left the banking industry four years ago to start Fuel To Fit, a health-driven meal prep company that is now one of the longest-standing and fastest-growing meal prep companies in the Valley. Each meal is prepared using high-quality ingredients with macros and nutritional content in mind, and guests can customize their orders to be dairy-free; beef-, fish- … [More]
Pizza Oven on a Roll
Founded by Arin Finger earlier this year, in the very thick of COVID-19 closures, Dough Riders is a mobile wood-fired pizza company that “comes to you” to “deliver” fresh fired pizza, salads and desserts on demand. Using an 800-degree oven, Dough Riders provides a visual presentation with each order. Pizzas are served fresh in less than two minutes, and guests can enjoy … [More]
Escape: Immersive Entertainment Heeds COVID-19 Safety
Good entertainment can lift us above the struggles of life and transport us to a different place and time, while we laugh and make memories with family and friends. I’m not sure there’s ever been a time during my life when people needed that kind of escape and connectedness more than they do today! We’ve launched with staggered openings. Soda Jerk Co., opened in October, is … [More]
‘Contactless’ Real Estate Transactions
A new technology adopted by Premier Title Agency provides an alternative to the commonly used Automated Clearing House for financial transactions. Emerging technology leader Bank Shot recently entered into a partnership with the title agency with its mobile app, for which it recently received a patent, that enables completing real estate transactions via smart phone, including … [More]
Looking Good 2020 – December Standouts
Achievements Fulton Homes’ Achievements in Indoor Air Quality Pedal Haus Brewery Beer Takes Gold Philanthropy Homie Donates $100,000 to COVID Relief WaFd Bank Arizona Donates $20,000 to Food Bank … [More]
Global Pandemic Impact on Food & Beverage Industry
With its rich agricultural history, and as home to some of the most skilled farmers in the country, Maricopa County is one of the nation’s top food producers. While Maricopa’s agriculture industry is valued at $1.95 billion per year according to the City of Phoenix, the coronavirus has caused rapid surges and declines in demand, impacting various sectors of the food and … [More]
Business NOT as Usual
Leading a business through crisis is a crisis in itself. The COVID-19 pandemic has been taking its toll on many, creating turmoil in the global economy. Business NOT As Usual is written not only as a blueprint for a successful recovery plan, but also as a success blueprint and a roadmap beyond the recovery phase. A powerhouse of practical and workable plans and a roadmap to … [More]
Nikola Signs MOU with General Motors
PHOENIX — November 30, 2020 — Nikola Corporation announced the signing of a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with General Motors for a global supply agreement related to the integration of GM’s Hydrotec fuel-cell system into Nikola’s commercial semi-trucks. This supersedes and replaces the transaction announced on September 8, 2020. Under the terms of the MOU, Nikola … [More]
HVAC Co. Growth Continues with Acquisition of Arizona’s Dukes of Air
HomeServe USA, a leading provider of service plans, repair, and installation services for the home, today announced the acquisition of Arizona’s Dukes of Air, LLC (Dukes). Based in Mesa, Dukes is an A+ Better Business Bureau accredited company and the third company HomeServe has acquired in the greater Phoenix area since 2019. Dukes was founded in 2013 by the husband and … [More]
