Technology’s rapid evolution is changing every aspect of business operations — including legal compliance. A failure to “get ahead of it” may negatively impact a company’s productivity and market share, and may create short-term and long-term legal issues that can be avoided with proper planning and organization. This evolution is “shrinking” our world. For example, customers … [More]
Jonathon Vento, True North Studio
Housing is a popular focus of economists and investors gauging the strength (or lack) of our economy — from urban towers and infill projects to sprawling master-planned communities. It’s a tremendous time for urbanization in cities across the country. The projects that we at True North Studio produce are inspired by, and contribute to, the fabric of a neighborhood and foster … [More]
Kim Shepard, Cigna
From an employer’s perspective, healthcare has long been viewed as an important employee benefit — and its importance as a benefit has increased dramatically over the past decade. But within that context, two elements of healthcare have also increased in importance: preventive wellness programs, and individual engagement in one’s healthcare coverage plan. Healthcare is going … [More]
Patrick J. Armstrong, Canal Partners
I have been fortunate to serve as the board chair for Social Venture Partners of Arizona for the past two years, and have been a partner with the organization for 10 years. My wife, Amy Armstrong, and I have witnessed firsthand how business leaders (and future leaders) are able to lend their time and talent to nonprofit organizations through serving on a board of directors, … [More]
Jerry Colangelo, USA Basketball
Whether or not leaders are born, they can (also) be made. And that’s where our business schools enter into the equation that is business. It’s no secret that business is changing at a breakneck pace. As such, teaching and learning must keep up with these changes, especially at the collegiate level. The good news is that we live in a nation and state where opportunities … [More]
Zach Ferres, Coplex
It was only a few years ago when the Valley was a venture capital wasteland. That has turned around — thanks in large part to the high-profile successes of Infusionsoft and WebPT. Each big tech success story spawns greater interest and capital for the local tech ecosystem; some of the bigger tech exits have been Carvana, LifeLock, HealthiestYou and Tuft & Needle. Almost … [More]
Dave Brown, Valley Leadership
Agile and innovative leadership in Arizona’s business community supports the continuing strength of our economy. Leadership can make all the difference in profitability, productivity and attracting talent (among other things) for business. As you’ll see in the portraits of leadership included in this issue, leadership takes time, requires decisiveness and patience, and, most … [More]
Brian Mohr, Conscious Capitalism
In many ways, Arizona has been leading the country with the concept of incorporating social good into business. Some of our local business owners were among the first to gain “B Corporation” certification when nonprofit B Lab initiated its licensing program. And, effective January 2015, Arizona pioneered a law that allowed businesses to incorporate as a “benefit corporation” — … [More]
Robert Gould, Cancer Treatment Centers of America®, Phoenix
Advancements in technology have changed life as we know it. As consumers, we now have the ability to immediately search for — and find — information related to just about anything … including healthcare. Healthcare is always a popular topic this time of year as employers consider open enrollment options — options that provide their employees access to high-quality care that’s … [More]
Sharon Lechter, Pay Your Family First
Last year, In Business Magazine introduced its Women of Achievement honorees in a very well-attended luncheon. Shining a light on, and supporting, women who are making a difference in our business community has long been a focus for me — and I am very pleased to be the Guest Editor of this September issue that recognizes this year’s Women of Achievement honorees. As a … [More]
Dawn Grove, Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
Like a magnet to steel, Arizona is pulling in modern manufacturers and other high-paying job creators that anchor our economy, and Arizona’s talented workers are being drawn to these jobs. Manufacturers and businesses cite being allured not only by Arizona’s pro-business tax and regulatory environment, but also by its attractive workforce population. Arizona swept the top five … [More]
Dr. Heidi Jannenga, WebPT
Business is risk. It’s inherent in every decision: “Can I grow this idea to support a company — myself, my employees, my shareholders?” “Will a new hire or an investment in additional technology propel our growth?” “Should I take on venture capital?” These were just some of the decisions — and risks — I faced in co-founding and growing WebPT. Every choice had the potential … [More]
Tom Forese, Arizona Corporation Commission
Fresh eyes bring new perspective. That’s always a good thing, especially when those fresh eyes come out of the C suite of some of our community’s best businesses. Whether the result is affirmation of the direction business is already following or charting new paths, The Valley, and Arizona overall, enjoys the expertise of the leadership of major businesses who continue to be … [More]
Ryan Sarbinoff, Marcus & Millichap
Real estate is, historically, the basis of wealth. As an economic factor, it’s an industry that underpins an enormous swath of other industries. The state of investment in it, then, has a broad impact on the economy at large. As one of the largest industries in the state, real estate impacts Arizona’s economy in a multitude of ways. Phoenix, specifically, is in prime … [More]
Pam Kehaly, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
Healthcare is changing rapidly, and many of the innovators pushing the boundaries of how patients access care and what kinds of care they receive are making breakthroughs right here in our community. With medical costs trending 6 to 7 percent higher each year, business owners are looking for new ways to contain costs while improving the health and productivity of their … [More]
Adam Goodman, Goodmans Interior Structures
As a business leader in a for-profit company, you create jobs, build markets and grow the economy. While your achievements should be celebrated, instead they are increasingly vilified. For example, a recent Harvard University study found that 51 percent of U.S. adults under 30 have a negative view of capitalism. This generational animosity is born out of a lifelong media … [More]
Scott Harkey, OH Partners
There is no doubt that technology is impacting every aspect of the way we live our lives. It not only affects our personal lives, but extends to the way businesses operate and how they connect with their target audience — most fundamentally in how they brand themselves. It’s nearly impossible to suggest that a business in this day and age can successfully develop, maintain … [More]
Rick McCartney, InMedia Company
As a business owner, I know that building business is a natural focus throughout each year, but the new year always inspires that special impulse to try to predict: What opportunities will the new year bring? What’s in store for my business? Great focus on the bottom line and other aspects of our businesses seems to be heightened as we start anew on January 1 — whether it’s … [More]
