When Cristina Perez Hesano founded Perez Law Group in 2010, she set out to do more than build a law firm; she set out to build a movement. In a field where Latinas make up only about 3% of all attorneys in the U.S., and progress has barely moved in 15 years, Hesano stands out as a trailblazer for representation, leadership and advocacy for the “little guy.” Her mission has … [More]
Cristina Perez Hesano: Building Justice, Community and a New Model of Leadership in Law
Perez Law Group exemplifies the philosophy of lifting others as you climb.
William Johnston: From Farm Rows to Vertical Mixed-Use
Epicenter visionary anchors decisions in first principles
When supply chains seized, inspections shifted without warning, and a few would-be tenants walked away during the pandemic, William Johnston didn’t flinch. He recalibrated. The CEO of Johnston & Co. tightened communication with equity partners and retailers, reworked timelines, and kept the bar high on design and fit. That resolve had already been tested in late 2017, when … [More]
Joe Stockunas Eyes Growth Opportunities for SEMICON West
The SEMI Americas president focuses on attendance, relevance and – in 2025 – on Phoenix
When Joe Stockunas talks about SEMI, he doesn’t sound like someone running a trade association. He sounds like an industry guy who’s spent decades in the trenches and knows how hard it is to get things done. That’s because he is. Before joining SEMI Americas, Stockunas spent more than 30 years leading businesses at Air Products and Nordson, working directly with customers and … [More]
Benson Systems: Building the Future from a Family Legacy
CEO Eric Benson founds his leadership on knowing the business from the inside, up
At 13 years old, I wasn’t thinking about company strategy or growth plans. I was sweeping floors and organizing shelves in the warehouse of my dad’s Gilbert-based business. Back then, I just wanted to be helpful, to earn my spot, and understand the value of hard work. Fast forward a couple of decades, and I now have the privilege of leading that same company, Benson Systems … [More]
Combining Rich Cultural and Culinary Traditions into Lasgidi Cafe
With storytelling and food, Chef Patty leads from the heart to build business on taste of home
My journey to entrepreneurship wasn’t a straight line — but it was always guided by heart. After earning a master’s degree in health care administration and building a successful career in the field, I felt a pull I could no longer ignore: a calling to share the rich culinary traditions of my Nigerian roots with the wider world. I decided to take the leap and start Lasgidi … [More]
Kim Richards and The Athens Group: Crafting Legacy in Luxury Hospitality
The Phoenix-based development company has trailblazed to an unmatched portfolio of high-end resorts, branded residences, golf courses and more
In the early 1980s, the landscape of luxury hospitality was in its infancy. It was visionaries and experienced real estate development experts like Kim Richards who were able create one-of-a-kind destinations that brought the luxury hospitality world to the almost $150-billion industry it is today. Following his 1983 appointment as president of Estes Properties, Kim Richards … [More]
They Built Their Family Business by Leading with Trust, Not Title
Chef Rocco and Marco Pezzano of Sfizio Modern Italian Kitchen on building a family business, one decision at a time
Tucked into a busy corner of north Phoenix, Sfizio Modern Italian Kitchen is more than just a neighborhood favorite, it’s a family dream realized through mutual respect, evolving roles and shared leadership. Founded by Chef Rocco Pezzano and his son Marco, Sfizio pairs authentic Italian flavors with a modern twist and a philosophy rooted in trust over titles. But the road to … [More]
Shining Light on American Solar’s People-Centric Vision
American Solar & Roofing embraces a culture where its people can thrive
For many leaders, the path to the top is carefully planned. For me, it was forged through experience, adversity and a deep sense of responsibility. My outlook was shaped by my upbringing as a classic Gen X-er, a so-called "feral child" of divorced working parents — if I didn’t make my own meals while watching “In Living Color,” no one would. I credit that early independence for … [More]
V&P Nurseries Leadership Rooted in Legacy
How Demetrios and Niko Vlachos Overcame Obstacles to Cultivate Success
For nearly five decades, V&P Nurseries has been shaped by the vision, resilience and determination of Demetrios and Niko Vlachos. Their leadership is a reflection of their history — one defined by hard work, perseverance and an unwavering commitment to growth. The surname “Vlachos” translates to “humble peasant farmer,” a fitting representation of how they have built their … [More]
Oscar Granados: Driving Change in the Auto-Repair Industry
Scottsdale Collision Center redefines the collision-center experience
In the auto-repair world, the story of Oscar Granados, owner of Scottsdale Collision Center, stands out amongst the rest. With hard work, a clear mission and big goals, Granados has turned a standalone auto-repair shop into a thriving, multi-location business that delivers high-quality repairs, keeping customer satisfaction and safety at the heart of his work. While … [More]
From Intern to President: Chris Kirch’s Leadership Journey at Kitchell Contractors
Learning and collaboration paired with experience and perspective
Some of the best professional advice Chris Kirch ever received came early in his career as a newly minted intern at Kitchell. His lead superintendent advised: “Be a sponge.” “I’ve had a lot of great managers along the way,” Kirch shares. “At that young age, I wasn’t immediately clear what he meant by ‘Be a sponge,’ but I soon learned and this remains some of the best … [More]
Brandon Maxwell: Building His Legacy through Shared Ownership
M Culinary Concepts’ Journey to an ESOP
Brandon Maxwell isn’t just the CEO of M Culinary Concepts; he’s a visionary leader who’s reshaping success by sharing it with those who helped build it. In 2023, M Culinary made a bold move, transitioning to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), making it 100% employee-owned. This decision wasn’t just about numbers on a balance sheet. For Maxwell, it was about legacy — … [More]
John Willenborg’s Vision of Adventure – How Owl Vans Is Changing the Game
‘Jack of all trades’ innovates solutions
When it comes to business innovation, John Willenborg, founder of Owl Vans, has found his stride by being a "jack of all trades" rather than a specialist. While some might see this as a disadvantage, Willenborg argues that knowing a little about a lot allows for broader thinking, innovative solutions and the cross-pollination of ideas from different industries. This mindset is … [More]
Michael Erath Scales Up with Next Level Growth
Flexibility enables a tailored approach to client needs
My career started when I joined my family’s manufacturing business, Erath Veneer, eventually working my way up to president and CEO. I led the company’s revenue growth from $8 million to $45 million and expanded our workforce from around 75 to more than 200. I later started a new venture in the hardwood industry, which I took from a startup to $7 million in just five … [More]
Mike Nelson: Crafting Success in the Sandwich Scene
Mike Nelson forges franchise growth as Mr. Pickle’s Sandwich Shops charts nationwide expansion
In 2019, Mike Nelson ate a sandwich from Mr. Pickle’s while on business in California. At the time, it was a cult brand with locations limited to a regional section of the Golden State owned since the mid-1990s by a husband-and-wife team approaching retirement. So, what made Nelson — a veteran multi-unit franchisee — think he could purchase it and position the brand for … [More]
Goodmans CEO Leads by Listening, Workers Return in Droves
Focus on employee well-being supports company’s continued success
Many businesses have struggled with how to encourage their employees to return to the office voluntarily after the pandemic. Typically, this is due to companies looking for a silver bullet. Free lunches and foosball tables don’t provide long-lasting workplace satisfaction. At Goodmans, we believe that “One size misfits all.” The old paradigm of a small committee making … [More]
Carol Nalevanko Put Heart into the Health Industry
Sustaining 40 years of success for DMB’s Village Health Clubs & Spas
Longtime residents might remember the 1980s here in the Valley as a time of chaos and crashes. Now known as the Savings and Loan Crisis, banks and financial institutions across the state went belly-up and the Valley’s booming real estate market went into a free-fall. Of course, things stabilized and Greater Phoenix returned to its normal rocket ship-style growth by the early … [More]
Dillan Knudson: Amplifying Arizona’s Economy through Commercial Banking
Helping businesses with his team of experienced bankers and subject matter experts at Western Alliance Bank
It’s no secret the fast-paced world of banking is fraught with challenges. Whether it’s unwieldy interest rates today or a global health crisis tomorrow, each day brings a new obstacle to overcome — often with high stakes. But for Dillan Knudson, Western Alliance Bank’s new head of commercial banking in Arizona, these obstacles are opportunities. He sees each challenge as a … [More]
