Greater Phoenix has no shortage of great, successful companies. It also remains a hot spot for entrepreneurs, and many of their startups scale up to become more of our great, successful companies. In Business Magazine has chosen to showcase 21 businesses in our community, in different sectors and at different stages of growth. They offer candid answers to two questions that … [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]
The Proactive Magic of Asking, ‘How Can I Help?’
On the Friday afternoon of 4th of July weekend, 2009, I was on the New Jersey Turnpike returning home from another bustling day of activities as CEO of Campbell Soup Company. My wife was away in Washington, D.C., helping our daughter move into her new apartment. In the backseat of the car, I was dozing off with my seatbelt on, at the end of a busy week. We were going fast, … [More]
Deepen Capacity through Great Governance
Great governance doesn’t just happen; it is created intentionally! BoardSource, a recognized leader in board governance, defines solid governance: “Successful organizations have engaged boards with members who are passionate about the organization’s mission, who ask challenging questions and make informed decisions, who collaborate with each other, and who promote the … [More]
Create Everyday Courage by ‘Rumbling with Vulnerability’
We are in desperate need of braver and more daring leaders — those who have the courage to remove barriers and clear a path to good work, engaged teams and healthy workplaces. To do it well requires vulnerability, a word that makes people cringe. And with good reason: According to the dictionary, to be vulnerable means to open oneself to criticism or attack. Most of us work in … [More]
Boutique Concepts Strengthen Fitness Sector
“Boutique studio fitness is a growing segment of the fitness market,” say Julian and Karen Loveday, owners of the new CycleBar studio in Gilbert and licenses to build two more in the Gilbert and Tempe territory. Six CycleBar studios operate in Greater Phoenix, among the 230 franchises nationwide. Another national concept has now opened its first location in Arizona, with … [More]
Keys to Sales Success
The secret is listening. People tend to think that, as one of the most successful salespeople in the world, I must be a great talker and can influence people to do things they wouldn’t normally do. Nothing could be more incorrect. The real secret to sales and most anything else is listening to the customers. Too many people talk. More success will come from being a better … [More]
Canyon Ventures: Innovative Accelerator
GCU’s focus on benefitting its students and its community is evident in its recently launched business accelerator, Canyon Ventures. Member businesses must hire GCU students, a valuable pool of talent for the businesses that also benefits the students by giving them marketable experience as a foot in the door for future employment. Not only is space rent-free, but Canyon … [More]
From Research to Revenue
No research goes to market without time and money spent. Great ideas often die in a lab or workshop because the person behind them does not have the knowledge on how to bring the idea to market. While one may have the talent and skills to develop an idea, it’s crucial to have someone on the team who understands marketing, accounting, fundraising, et cetera, to bring the idea to … [More]
Suzette Smith: The Future Is Fermented
Growing up on a farm in rural Georgia, Suzette Smith learned the great art of garden-to-table cooking at an early age. Her parents were modern-day pioneers who left the city and moved the family to the country. Smith harvested the garden, which was the foundation for her passion of whole food nutrition. From soil to seed, she has stuck to the basics when it comes to food and … [More]
Adaptive Reuse: New Life for Phoenix
It’s been said that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” The views of a vacant, neglected office building may not conjure up beautiful thoughts, but a close look may show this rundown building to be the perfect place to live. That vision is what allows us to breathe new life into an aging office building through adaptive reuse development, transforming it into a unique … [More]
Don’t Get Ill Over Earned Paid Sick Time
Earned Paid Sick Time is a surprisingly complex law that requires exacting compliance. Failure to adhere to its requirements can expose a business to serious liability. But, it’s nothing to get sick over. Careful planning and thoughtful policies will help avoid potential litigation. I review employee handbooks on a routine basis. One thing I find most employers get wrong is … [More]
New Markets Tax Credits
Whether it’s time to expand to a new market, expand operations or open a new location, most businesses need a loan at some point. Traditional loans work well for many financing needs. But there are other creative financing options — sometimes with more favorable terms — that a businessperson should consider for his or her next project. There are many ways to finance growth … [More]
Looking Good 2020 – March Standouts
ACHIEVEMENTS Ballard Spahr Perfect in Corporate Equality Ballard Spahr was one of 680 companies nationwide to receive a 100 percent rating in the 2020 edition of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index, the nation’s premier benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality. Ballard … [More]
Running Late
Some of our favorite lunch stops are open only to 2 or 2:30. And then there’s that long pause until fine dining opens at 5. How about some great mid-afternoon lunching? Taco Guild Unique historic setting with many of the former church’s beautiful architectural elements. Mon. – Thurs.: 11a – 11p; Fri.: 11a – midnight; Sat.: 10a – midnight; Sun.: 10a – 10p 546 E. … [More]
2020 Porsche Taycan Turbo S
The Taycan is ready for the future as the first fully electric vehicle by Porsche. It is characterized by the features that have always been decisive for any Porsche: pure emotion and maximum driving pleasure. The Taycan carries a legacy that is reflected by performance — after all, it’s a Porsche. The latest drive technology ensures that its performance can be repeatedly … [More]
PHX Beer Co: Tapping into Greatness
When PHX Beer Co’s owners set out to augment their excellent brewery and taproom, they put the same care into developing a unique restaurant experience, which starts at the front door crafted for PHX Beer Co incorporating kegs and styled steel hardware. An idyllic location on the lake in the back of the Mercado del Lago shopping center provides an enjoyable setting, whether … [More]
Common Delegation Pitfalls
Delegating is the key to a successful business and what sets bosses apart from true leaders. The hardest part? Knowing when to let go. Some leaders find themselves delegating tasks, then nervously hover over their team making sure they do it right. Well, if the team doesn’t do it right, it might be as much their leader’s fault as it is theirs. Here are some of the top … [More]
