“It seemed like a natural to turn the insurance business over to the people it was created for,” says Don Smith, CEO of what is now CopperPoint Mutual Insurance Company. His 14 years with the state’s workers’ compensation insurance company included leading SCF Arizona through its transition from a state fund to a private company, officially launched this past … [More]
Business, Social Media and the First Amendment
A recent court case that upheld a business’s right to fine a customer for posting a negative review on social media may have some businesses questioning: Do we have legal recourse when someone bad-mouths us? Does the First Amendment protect people who say bad things about our company? What is often overlooked in these discussions is the fact that the First Amendment does not … [More]
Mark Russell: Translating Training to Guest Experience
“Training. It’s all about training.” So says Mark Russell, CEO and founder of Oregano’s Pizza Bistro, when asked about how he stays ahead of the pack. His office is a wonderland of street signs, old marketing signs and wooden barrels, and he’s got a pinball machine behind his desk. It’s a décor not unlike that of his restaurants — hardly surprising, as he actually decorates … [More]
Amateur Sports League Follows NBA Business Model
Calling it a “grassroots marketplace,” Jamar Johnson is bringing to Phoenix his concept of Community Basketball Leagues as a platform that connects amateur basketball players and sports-related marketing opportunities for small businesses. Basketball has always been his passion, says Johnson, who went to college on a basketball scholarship and played professionally although not … [More]
Subscription Model Makes the Cut for Barbershop
The concept of a subscription-based barbershop is modeled on NetFlix, according to co-owner Josh Thorsvik, who explains it works because it’s something people “want more of.” In fact, it was the business model itself that came first, and then “we considered what types of business would fit.” Thorsvik and Jacob Meltzer, already business partners with a Liberty Tax franchise, … [More]
Success Follows Attitude
The Success Index was developed based on responses to questions regarding business growth and characteristics proven to be emblematic of high-performing entrepreneurs. Based on a 100-point scoring scale, four distinct levels emerged: “strugglers” (scoring 0-40 points), “sustainers” (scoring 41-60 points), “strivers” (scoring 61-80 points) and “high achievers,” who scored … [More]
Don’t Forget Z’Tejas Valley-wide
A Valley favorite for more than 20 years, Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill is known to many as an original that was developed right here in Scottsdale — but, actually, the first location was in Austin, Texas. The concept was to create a fresh and seasonal menu using Southwestern ingredients found in Arizona, California, New Mexico, Texas and even Louisiana. Born of the fiery and … [More]
New 2014 BMW X5 xDrive50i
The third-generation BMW X5 is empowered by this xDrive50i edition for 2014. While the new appearance is notable, it is the latest technologies and fuel efficiencies that are the true benefit in the next edition. With a 2-mpg gain in highway fuel efficiency, a lighter overall weight and some aerodynamic redesign, this driving machine is a “sports activity vehicle” to check … [More]
100 Club of Arizona
“This year’s Tribute to Heroes will be different,” says 100 Club of Arizona executive director Sharon Knutson-Felix, noting that in 2013 “we lost 22 officers and firefighters in the line of duty.” The Tribute is one of the organization’s two major fundraisers, supporting its efforts to “stand behind the men and women who stand behind the badge.” The event March 7th at the … [More]
Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council
The Girl Scout Cookie Sale is in full swing now, running from Jan. 27 to March 9, and Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council is running it all as direct sales — eliminating the pre-sale stage of previous years. Evidenced by the experience of other councils, eliminating pre-sales and doing direct sales only is expected to increase sales by about 15 percent, according to Heather … [More]
Feedback: February 2014
Question: What was the one thing about your initial concept or product that made franchising a good option? William Brennan Co-founder and CEO Kalologie Sector: Health & Wellness Kalologie is a word that, translated, means “aesthetics.” Our company, Kalologie 360 Spa, focuses on spa services in the aesthetics industry. We offer an array of membership-based spa … [More]
Jerry Brock to be Honored with Spirit of Tempe Award
Jerry Brock will be presented with the Tempe Chamber of Commerce’s Spirit of Tempe Award at the 17th Annual Breakfast for Chamber Champions on Feb. 28 at the Embassy Suites Tempe. The award recognizes lifetime achievements of service, dedication and contribution to the community and honors hard work and strong commitment to improving the quality of life in Tempe. A Tempe … [More]
SASSI Named One of the Most Romantic Restaurants in America by OpenTable Diners
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, OpenTable has released its annual list of the 100 most romantic restaurants in the U.S. The Diners’ Choice Awards Top 100 Most Romantic restaurant list of winners is derived from more than 5 million reviews submitted by OpenTable diners for more than 19,000 restaurants in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. This year, SASSI joins three … [More]
Sam Fox Named to ‘Nation’s Restaurant News’ Power List – 50 Most Influential People in Restaurants
Penton's Nation's Restaurant News, the leading resource of business intelligence for executive decision-makers in the foodservice industry, has announced The Power List, exploring the 50 most influential individuals driving development in the restaurant industry. "The restaurant industry, and business in general, is changing at a pace never before seen," … [More]
Nonprofit Leader Wins Outstanding Community Leader Award
Tempe Leadership will award its highest honor, the Outstanding Community Leader Award, to Shana Ellis at the Tempe Chamber of Commerce’s Breakfast for Chamber Champions event on Feb. 28. Ellis, a native of Tempe, was named in January as the president and CEO of The Centers for Habilitation (TCH) in Tempe, a statewide nonprofit organization that has served people with … [More]
The Frutkin Law Firm Names New Senior Counsel
This month, the Frutkin Law Firm has announced Stephanie Fierro, Esq., has been named senior counsel attorney at the firm. Fierro serves clients in general counsel business law and estate planning. She also has experience in business litigation and alternative dispute resolution inherent in any general counsel practice. She brings the firm a wide range of experience and … [More]
Entrepreneur Magazine Announces Top Fastest-Growing Franchises — The Joint…the chiropractic place ranks No. 32 on the 2014 List
Entrepreneur Magazine today ranked The Joint…the chiropractic place on its annual Fastest-Growing Franchise list, an exclusive ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing franchise companies. The Joint received the ranking of No. 32. “The Entrepreneur Fastest-Growing Franchise list represents the top franchise brands, and The Joint is honored to be recognized among the most … [More]
CBRE Hires Kate Morris and Vince Femiano; Duo Joins Healthcare Services Group
CBRE has hired First Vice President Kate Morris and Vice President Vince Femiano, the top healthcare tenant brokerage team in the local commercial real estate industry, to join the firm’s Healthcare Services Group in Phoenix, Ariz. The duo will focus their attention on the dynamic local healthcare market, and will be providing services to healthcare systems, … [More]
