FEBRUARY 2025

Cover Story

Building Arizona: Critical Strengths and Challenges in Our Housing Market

Metro Phoenix is the No. 3 housing market in the United States, according to Greg Vogel, founder and CEO of Land Advisors Organization, who cites data from the U.S. Census Bureau showing single-family and multifamily permits totaled 45,000 for … [More]

Features

SRP’s New Construction Program Encourages Sustainability and Cost Savings

Booming development throughout Phoenix makes having a partnership that encourages sustainability and lowering costs a major advantage for construction companies. Knowing this, Salt River Project created the New Construction Solutions Program to … [More]

Construction Costs in Commercial Real Estate: A 2025 Outlook

Although construction costs are estimated to be relatively flat year over year, with a moderate increase of 5–7% projected, there are many variables that can affect this estimate so early in the year. Construction costs in the commercial real estate … [More]

The New Administration’s Impact on AI and Digital Assets

AI and digital assets are undergoing rapid transformation, with significant changes expected under the new administration. With the appointment of David Sacks as the new AI and Crypto Czar and the resignation of Gary Gensler from the Securities and … [More]

Unlock Organizational Agility and Value Creation

Executives today are challenged to think creatively about how they invest in people, processes and technology. In a business landscape driven by rapid innovation, fluctuating demands and the constant need to remain competitive, successful project … [More]

Windows of Impact: Renewal by Andersen’s Commitment to Community

Renewal by Andersen, the replacement window division of Andersen Corporation, has long been known for its superior craftsmanship and innovation. However, the company’s charitable efforts, powered by its affiliate group Esler Companies, showcase a … [More]

Resilience – Core of Innovation

The purpose of this column is twofold: to expand leaders’ awareness of the exponential impact that individual resilience has on organizational success, and to elevate its consideration as a highly prudent strategy for long-term organizational … [More]

Trust, Transformation and Thinking Patterns

In times of upheaval, the success of a business often hinges on its ability to adapt — and adaptation begins with trust. Trust fuels the conversations that create alignment, encourage inclusivity and inspire change. But trust, especially in teams … [More]

Roundtable

What I’ve Learned from Women Who Lead Outside the Lines

Reflecting on my leadership journey, one of the most transformative experiences has been working alongside incarcerated and formerly incarcerated … [More]

Economy

Surety Bonds: A Key to Managing Construction Risk in 2025

As Arizona continues to experience rapid population growth, the construction industry is a critical player in accommodating the evolving needs in the … [More]

Legal

New Employment Laws Affecting Arizona Businesses

The year 2024 was one of the most active ones for federal and state agencies in passing workplace legislation — many of which created new compliance … [More]

Nonprofit

Ready to Be a Board Member?

Being asked to sit on a nonprofit board is, admittedly, a nice boost for the ego. But what should corporate executives consider before making the … [More]

From the Top

Oscar Granados: Driving Change in the Auto-Repair Industry

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 … [More]

Strategies

SRP’s New Construction Program Encourages Sustainability and Cost Savings

Startups

Kitchen Switchen: More than Retail

Kitchen Switchen was created to be a first-of-its-kind culinary content creators' community, says co-founder Brittney Valentine, who describes it as “a haven where you can discover the latest and … [More]

HomeLyfe Provides Roofing Solution

HomeLyfe is a home maintenance company that helps homeowners build, maintain and protect their equity, starting with their roof. “Ninety percent of asphalt shingle roofs do not need to be replaced — … [More]

Healthcare

Addressing the Challenges of Drug Testing in a Shifting Workplace

Recreational marijuana is legal in 24 states (including Arizona), and 39 states legalize it for medical use. Several states are seeing updates to laws surrounding cannabis drug testing, including Arizona's Smart and Safe Arizona Act (SSAA), which is … [More]

Technology

3 Things Business Owners Do Wrong with Websites

Having a well-thought-out website is critical for any business trying to succeed in today’s world. Many business owners build websites without knowing what is best for their brand. They overflow the homepage with information and add social media … [More]

Semi Insights

Arizona Secures Major Semiconductor Research Lab

The U.S. Commerce Department and Natcast, the National Semiconductor Technology Center operator, have selected Arizona as the site for a flagship semiconductor research and development facility. Located at Arizona State University’s Research Park in … [More]

Foam Packaging Specialties: ‘What Matters is Inside.’

What began as a small family business has transformed into a key player in the semiconductor supply chain. Its story is not just about growth — it's about foresight, adaptability and commitment to quality in a high-stakes industry. Founded in … [More]

CRE

Phoenix Small-Office Product Lagging

Over the last four years, small-office product of 20,000–50,000 square feet has outperformed larger product greater than 50,000 square feet. But Cushman & Wakefield Research, using statistics based on leasable office buildings larger than 20,000 … [More]

Nextwave Tempe Breaks Ground on Former Big Surf Site

Developer Overton Moore Properties and its partner, Invesco Real Estate, have started construction on Nextwave Tempe. The project consists of three Class A industrial buildings totaling 689,000 square feet on 35.5 acres at the former site of the Big … [More]

Construction Costs in Commercial Real Estate: A 2025 Outlook

Briefs

Tesoro.vc Launches Accelerator for Early-Stage Startups

Over the last several years, Greater Phoenix has grown as a hub for startups and tech ventures. The region has attracted record venture capital investment, deal size and company valuation as it finds its place among the other national … [More]

Title 9 Sports Grill Celebrates Women’s Athletics

This month, Phoenix will make history with the grand opening of Title 9 Sports Grill, the city’s first sports bar dedicated to celebrating women athletes. Located in the heart of the Melrose District, Title 9 Sports Grill reimagines the sports bar … [More]

Electric Pickle Synthesizes Eclectic Entertainment

Electric Pickle, the nearly 5-acre pickleball, dining and outdoor entertainment destination, is now open in Tempe — the first of six locations planned across the Southwest. Blending pickleball with globally inspired cuisine and lively … [More]