Like a marriage, business partnerships don’t always last forever, and lengthy disputes can be nasty. Knowing one’s ownership rights is important, and many business executives make the mistake of not planning well and educating themselves before the partnership is formed. Pouria Paknejad, a trial attorney and partner with Scottsdale-based Smith Paknejad PLC, sees a wealth of … [More]
All-New Ford F150 Platinum
Ford has reinvented the technology behind engineering a tough and eco-friendly truck with this 2015 all-new edition of the most-awarded truck in history. The F150 combines high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy for the body and bed and a new, fully boxed, high-strength steel frame to create a rigid foundation that makes this model more capable and effective. Weighing … [More]
A Mainstream Meal: Cornish Pasty Co.
Growing up in Saltash, Cornwall, the westernmost county in England, Dean Thomas, founder of Cornish Pasty Company, was introduced to this famed food — the pasty. Thomas’ first restaurant in Tempe was a local favorite, and he has expanded now to other parts of the Valley, including a bungalow-style location in Old Town Scottsdale. The scrumptious dish is a virtual “pastry … [More]
Business Built the Glendale CVB
Glendale hotel executives, looking for a way to boost business, took the unusual step of asking for a tax increase, and it turned out to be a win-win-win. Revenue from a 1.6-percent increase in Glendale’s bed tax is earmarked for the Glendale Convention & Visitors Bureau, which has increased its promotional and marketing activities; hotel occupancy rates are growing by … [More]
Arizona Fall League: Developing Talent for the MLB
Major League Baseball’s best kept secret is right here in Metro Phoenix, and, for baseball fans, it provides a chance to see a “Who’s Who” of the best Minor League players in action. Now in its 23rd season, the Arizona Fall League is a pivotal cog in baseball’s player development process. All 30 MLB clubs must participate by sending seven of their top prospects to the league. … [More]
2015 Mustang GT
After 50 years of Ford developing and redeveloping the Mustang, Ford announces the 2015 Mustang GT. Tradition and technology come together in this latest edition and body style. Boasting the power and performance that is expected after five decades of research, wear and tear makes this a truly special edition. The GT engine is a 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8 engine. Known for its low … [More]
Implement a Successful Worksite Wellness Program
Successful worksite wellness programs help improve employees’ health and productivity and reduce medical costs for employees and the company. Here are 10 tips for employers to implement an effective wellness program: Understand the Company’s Work Force. Review past insurance claims data, employee surveys and health assessments to select wellness programs that address the … [More]
An Instant Classic: Paul Martin’s American Grill
Homemade dishes with the finest ingredients at a great price was the concept developed by Brian Bennett and Paul Fleming. Known for their successful restaurant concepts, they have now launched Paul Martin’s American Grill to be that great neighborhood joint to get some well-known dishes and fresh and flavorful creations made of locally sourced ingredients. Recently opened in … [More]
The 2015 Lincoln MKC SUV Crossover
It is the latest from Lincoln, the struggling car maker that once was the pinnacle of the industry. On its way back is the Lincoln MKC SUV crossover that is introducing luxury and new technologies at a great price. The MKC will be available this month and offers three engine types that include Ford’s 2.3-liter EcoBoost, direct-injection, I-4 turbo engine that creates 285 hp … [More]
Travel Downtime Goes Smart
Business travel was once a luxury and is now a time-consuming activity that can engender the sense that productivity is being lost. With the agile smartphone, travel downtime is quickly becoming a productive and even innovative time to get ahead. Here are some apps we recommend for those travel pauses. Evernote Stay organized, save ideas and improve productivity. Evernote is … [More]
A Global ‘State’ of Mind: Help from an Unexpected Resource
Youthful populations and burgeoning middle classes, from Pacific nations and the African continent to China, offer unprecedented opportunities for growth and profit for enterprising U.S. companies. As a businessperson, you already know that knowledge is power, and research is key to successful start-up and market growth. What if there were a free resource that can be … [More]
Navigate ‘Unsolvable’ Problems
Innovation. It’s a buzzword that’s so overused it’s tough to understand what it really means and how to capture its elusive spirit. We know we need more of it as businesses are increasingly challenged to produce an outcome that achieves seemingly irreconcilable goals, but we often receive conflicting advice on how to achieve it. When anyone tackles the topic of innovation, the … [More]
Cibo Pizzeria: An Urban Classic
Chic and urban may be the best way to describe Cibo (pronounced CHEE-boh), a Downtown Phoenix pizzeria, but it hardly embodies the appeal. That must be done by describing the food, which is truly authentic and creatively delicious. The old early-20th-century bungalow-style home has been transformed into a comfortable, urban hot spot with many rooms and a unique Old World charm … [More]
New 2015 Porsche Macan Turbo
Entering the compact luxury SUV market is Porsche with the Macan Turbo. Built by Porsche to be a Porsche, this sports car (as it must be called) is an impressive champ on the road and an even more impressive sight to look at. With a 3.6-litre twin turbo V6 engine, this 400-horsepower vessel boasts 0-60 mph in just 4.6 seconds and entertains top speeds above 160 — setting a new … [More]
Lead Us Not into Crisis
Crises are hard enough in any business. But there are a number of ways to turn a crisis into a catastrophe with very little effort. Unfortunately, some of the behaviors that increase the odds for failure are considered by many to be “leadership.” The following are some of those common leadership responses. Be overly optimistic. There is a vast body of literature out there that … [More]
Power Lunch: Relish the Moment
What has become a classic and a must for lunch (and dinner, for that matter) is Relish Burger Bistro at The Phoenician Resort. This golf-course-view, second-story casual spot serves up arguably one of the best burgers in town. With menu offerings that range from the classic American burger to the Kobe beef gourmet burger, Relish is aptly named. The pairings and the inventive … [More]
2015 Cadillac Escalade
The luxury SUV seems to be a thing of the future and not the past given what GM put into the new Cadillac Escalade — all newly redesigned and a step up from past editions, with real wood interior trim and the new generation mechanics that are making this ultra-premium sports utility vehicle a contender for Range Rover and Infinity. Tighter steering, more nimble ride and a mild … [More]
Small Companies Can Compete with the Giants
Before the Internet, small companies didn’t stand a chance against the Goliaths. That’s because no war can be won without intelligence and, before the digital era, collecting actionable data and information about one’s competitors, market and customers cost a lot more than most small businesses — the Davids — could afford. But today, the Davids are taking down the Goliaths. … [More]
