Real estate is a common thread in the story of business during, through and after the COVID-19 pandemic’s disruption. How are the various segments of our economy faring? A look at the real estate markets throughout Greater Phoenix gives a general snapshot to answer that. As a small, family-owned commercial real estate business, we understand the challenges that business … [More]
And We Pivot
Healthcare was the topic we’d planned for this edition long before COVID-19 took over the headlines and disrupted our lives and our businesses. These will prove to be some of the most interesting times of our generation. At In Business Magazine, we decided to pivot quickly to remain the respected resource for our business community with this Special Issue: COVID-19 edition. … [More]
Matthew Fehling, Better Business Bureau serving the Pacific Southwest
A business community that is excelling is a business community that is made up of successes throughout. With all that we do to attract business here in the Valley, it stands to reason there would be some businesses, small and large, that are doing so well that sharing their success and their unique proposition would empower us all in business. Businesses that build a strong … [More]
Brian Cassidy, CCGB Architects
Greater Phoenix is the fifth-largest metropolitan area in the nation, so it’s no surprise that there is nothing static about our business community. With a strong core of major corporations and a thriving startup community, business here is continually pushing new boundaries. One way I believe we can help our own businesses to grow is to support other businesses in our … [More]
Mayor Kate Gallego, City of Phoenix
Technology and the proliferation of data are leading to an increasingly connected world. The “smart city” movement has gained advocates across the country and, here in Phoenix, we have taken it one step further by pursuing a “Smart Region” approach. Whether it’s aviation, semiconductors or startups, our region has long been a global leader in innovation. We want to continue … [More]
Tammy McLeod, Ph.D., Flinn Foundation
The continuing strength of our economy and growth of business goes hand in hand with agile and innovative leadership in Arizona’s business community. Increasingly, in fact, business sectors overlap and intertwine, requiring an ever-broader perspective from those at the helm of their company. Since arriving at the Flinn Foundation two years ago, I have confirmed what two … [More]
David Berg, Redirect Health
Healthcare is seeing advances in all quarters: treatments, delivery, provider systems. And cost. Here in Phoenix, we’re at the epicenter in all of these areas. Deciding on a healthcare plan for your employees is a tough decision. This is not only a serious issue for business, it affects everyone in America. Every year, it gets more expensive for employers, and is getting to … [More]
Cindy Hensley McCain
Shining a special spotlight once a year on women who are making a difference in our community, In Business Magazine focuses this edition on Women of Achievement. The awards and luncheon have proved enormously popular since introduced three years ago. I am energized by the complete change of the composition of the work force since the days when I took over my company. The … [More]
Doug Fulton, Fulton Homes
Many industry shake-ups are being pioneered here in our local business community. It’s happening in a range of businesses from entertainment to professional services to retail. There’s no doubt about it, Arizona is red hot right now when it comes to business and population growth. The business-friendly climate and the still relatively inexpensive cost of living are two of … [More]
Joshua Becker, Gallagher & Kennedy
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]
