Question: After establishing your business successfully in its first location, what were some key concerns when you began planning to expand to additional locations? Cindy Dach Co-Owner and General Manager Changing Hands Bookstore Sector: Retail For years, our community had been asking us to open a bookstore in Phoenix. Our search for a location was met with challenges. … [More]
Feedback: June 2017
Question: What are you doing now to attract business among tourists that is different from what you were doing 10 years ago, and why? Dick Bates General Manager Arizona Biltmore Golf Club Sector: Golf The golf business continues to evolve, and marketing to visitors has changed as well. Ten years ago, we were dependent on third-party advertising vehicles to get our … [More]
Feedback: May 2017
Question: What are the top two or three things you enjoy about being in a co-working space? (Include one aspect that was unexpected, if applicable.) Mallory Dyer CEO GraphLock, Inc. Sector: Education Technology We chose Galvanize because of the amazing people! I came on a hard-hat tour before it opened, and I could already feel the sense of community and collaboration … [More]
Feedback: April 2017
How important is healthcare as an employee benefit in attracting and retaining talent for your business? Bernie Clark Executive Vice President, Advisor Services Charles Schwab & Co. Sector: Financial Services Schwab is committed to the well-being of our employees and their families. Part of that commitment means listening to employees about what is important to them … [More]
Feedback: March 2017
What difference has mentoring made for you in building your business? Melanie Isaacs Founder and Chief Inclusion Officer PAL Experiences Sector: Social Enterprise Nonprofit I left a job of relative stability for the life of an entrepreneur — and have never looked back. Not that it is easy. It’s not. In fact, it is an addicting roller-coaster of wins and confidence … [More]
Feedback: February 2017
Regarding your company’s marketing strategies, what is a dramatic tactic you tried in these past two years, and what outcome did you derive from it? Robert L. “Bob” Meyer President and CEO Phoenix Children’s Hospital Sector: Healthcare What some may define as a “dramatic” marketing tactic has quickly become common sense for Phoenix Children’s: We are creating instant … [More]
Feedback: January 2017
Question: What is a lesson learned from 2016 that you anticipate using to your business’s benefit in 2017? Tom Beyer President and CEO Beyer Management Consulting, Inc. Sector: Management Consulting Strategically, the “total product solution” must be a primary part of the planning process. Total solution is more than the features and benefits of a product or service. … [More]
Feedback: December 2016
Question: Describe one or two of your most effective policies or strategies to help startups grow in your city. Bill Jabjiniak Economic Development Director City of Mesa Sector: Government LAUNCHPOINT, Mesa Technology Accelerator is a City of Mesa program created to accelerate the growth of young technology companies, thereby creating quality jobs and economic growth in … [More]
Feedback: November 2016
Question: What distinguishes your credit union from other types of lending institutions? David E. Doss President and Chief Executive Officer OneAZ Credit Union Sector: Financial Services As a local financial cooperative, OneAZ Credit Union exists to serve members who live and work in Arizona. We are owned and controlled by our members, meaning the money they put into the … [More]
Feedback: October 2016
Question: Stress has a tremendous impact on a person’s well-being. How do you address workplace stress among your employees? Debora Gallo-Capaldi Owner Pucci Salon Sector: Beauty Salon During particularly stressful times — such as when a stylist is running behind schedule or two clients are waiting — that’s when I’m hands-on. I’m at our salon every day to help … [More]
Feedback: September 2016
Question: As a leader of a nonprofit working with many local business leaders as members of its board of directors, what leadership skills and values do you find most valuable? Debbie Esparza Senior Associate Girl Scouts – Arizona Cactus-Pine Council Sector: Nonprofit Valley Leadership Institute class 35 There are several leadership skills and values that are present in … [More]
Feedback: August 2016
Question: “To go” has been a growing part of the restaurant industry. The delivery side of that has largely been focused on pizza, but there seems to be increasing interest in expanding this aspect of the food service industry. What is your take on this trend, and how are you responding to it? Sarah Groen General Manager Uber Sector: Transportation With the advent of … [More]
Feedback: July 2016
Question: Describe one or two of your most effective policies or strategies to help small business grow in your city. W.J. “Jim” Lane Mayor City of Scottsdale Sector: Government The City of Scottsdale was named one of the Top 10 locations to launch a startup for a reason, and closely helps local businesses and entrepreneurs grow and develop through resources and … [More]
Feedback: June 2016
Question: Economic development is a community-wide enterprise. This issue’s cover story deals with the importance of factors beyond just attracting new business. How does your organization contribute to the bigger picture of economic development for our region? Julie Brassell Executive Director Business United for Scottsdale Schools Sector: Nonprofit We can help our … [More]
Feedback: May 2016
Question: What do you feel are the main drivers for projects like yours? How is your project indicative of trends in the current commercial real estate market? Chris Chamberlain Real Estate Developer North American Development Group Sector: Real Estate With the growing demand in the Valley for truly great live/work spaces in our urban areas, North American Development … [More]
Feedback: April 2016
Question: What is the most notable need your employees have expressed regarding healthcare and wellness since the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act? Chad Falkenberg Chairman and CEO Soilworks Sector: Manufacturing At Soilworks, offering a choice in healthcare plans is very important to our employees. They appreciate having three quality … [More]
Feedback: March 2016
Question: What has your company’s philanthropic giving or activities done for the morale of your workforce? Bo Calbert President McCarthy Building Companies Southwest Division Sector: Construction Heart Hats is the volunteer-based community outreach arm of McCarthy Building Companies’ Southwest Division, based in Phoenix. Heart Hats is organized by McCarthy employees and … [More]
Feedback: February 2016
Question: It is expected that a major event venue will generate benefit to local businesses as well as impacting the quality of life for residents. But what has been the single most surprising benefit to business in your community you have seen or experienced? Howard Lein Founder & Owner RE/MAX Excalibur Sector: Real Estate We feel that the huge events that come to … [More]
