Vincent VanVleet

Q: What most notably stands out about your leadership style or what is an example of leadership success you can share with our readers?

What most notably stands out about my leadership style is that I am extraordinarily pragmatic. I believe in fostering a culture where customer service and putting the patron first are paramount. Our team is united by the understanding that if we consistently get the behaviors right — treating every patron interaction with care, respect and attentiveness — revenue will naturally follow. This customer-first approach not only builds trust and loyalty but also sustains long-term growth.

Additionally, I lead our nonprofit with the same entrepreneurial mindset that drives successful businesses. We’re disciplined, data-driven and innovative, always seeking new ways to deliver value to our patrons while ensuring financial sustainability. A great example of this is our approach to our recent major expansion project. By balancing bold vision with operational pragmatism, we’ve garnered support from diverse stakeholders and positioned our organization to thrive for years to come. This blend of practicality, service focus and entrepreneurial drive has been key to our success.

Q: What impact has any disruptions of the past 18 months had on you as a leader?

The past 18 months have been a transformative period for me as a leader. With our theatre under construction for the past 14 months, every aspect of our business has been disrupted. Balancing the reality of having one of our three theatres temporarily closed — and with it, a vital engine that drives our mission — while preparing to reopen on a bigger and better scale has been both a challenge and an opportunity for growth.

I’ve learned just how fraught and unpredictable construction can be, with its unique hurdles and complexities. At the same time, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the importance of having the right people around me. A strong, dedicated team and unwavering board support have been critical to navigating these challenges. This experience has reinforced for me that leadership is as much about surrounding yourself with trusted partners as it is about guiding through uncertainty.

The journey has required patience, resilience and a focus on long-term vision. It’s been a powerful reminder of the importance of adaptability and teamwork in overcoming disruption and preparing for a bright future.

Q: What do you feel we can be doing as a business community to empower economic growth here?

To empower economic growth, I believe the business community must prioritize collaboration and investment in initiatives that enhance the overall quality of life in our region. Economic growth thrives when we foster environments where creativity, education and innovation intersect. This means strengthening partnerships between businesses, nonprofits and educational institutions to create pathways for workforce development and talent retention.

One critical resource is investing in cultural and community infrastructure. Arts and cultural organizations, for example, not only enrich our lives but also drive significant economic impact, attracting visitors and stimulating local spending. When we support these sectors, we’re investing in the vibrancy and attractiveness of our community as a place to live, work and grow businesses.

Another opportunity is increasing access to capital and mentorship for nonprofits and small businesses. Programs that provide funding, guidance and networking opportunities can empower the next generation of business leaders and innovators, ensuring long-term sustainability for our economy.

By working together to prioritize shared goals, build cross-sector partnerships and support initiatives that strengthen both our workforce and our community, we can lay the foundation for sustained economic growth that benefits everyone.

Q: What is new and notable for your company’s near future that will impact our economy?

What’s new and notable for our company is the upcoming completion of our state-of-the-art theatre, which represents a transformative moment not just for us but for the broader business community. This new facility will allow us to attract pre-Broadway show development projects, bringing significant outside investment into Phoenix.

These projects will create more arts-related jobs, from performers and technicians to designers and fabricators. They’ll also drive local spending on materials like fabric, scenic supplies and other production needs, benefiting local vendors and small businesses. Beyond the direct economic impact, this expansion will place Phoenix firmly on the national map as a hub for innovative theatre development.

The ripple effects are substantial: more visitors coming to the city, increased tourism revenue, and a boost to our cultural profile that makes Phoenix an even more attractive place to live and work. Our new theatre is not just an investment in the arts — it’s an investment in our entire community’s economic growth and vibrancy.