A true weight-loss program makes the all-new Range Rover Sport Supercharged a notable option for the SUV enthusiast who is looking for best in sports accoutrement and performance. Going to an all-aluminum body structure, new this year, results in a loss of 800 pounds, adding to the overall performance and stability of this model. The 5.0-liter LR-V8 supercharged engine does … [More]
Retailer Expands by Closing Its Shop
Nine months into breaking into retail with Amerisleep’s new design in beds, founder Firas Kittaneh added an online sales site to the company’s brick-and-mortar store in Tempe. The next step he considered was opening a second location — but within six months of launching the website, he made the reverse decision and closed the Tempe store. Online in the three years since then, … [More]
Lunch in the District — District American Kitchen & Wine Bar
Be in the know; be in the moment; be in the District. The District American Kitchen and Wine Bar has been serving lunch just off the lobby of the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown since the hotel’s opening in 2008. This lunch spot has been hopping with executives, deal makers, sports stars and independent small-business owners who see this location at Third and Van Buren streets as the … [More]
Top Rated: The All New Lexus IS 350
“IS” may stand for “incredible success.” The 2014 Lexus IS 350 is the latest in technology and performance, and has been impressing car critics since its recent release. Also available in the F Sport and AWD (all wheel drive) editions, this latest incarnation is winning in tests with the BMW 335i and the Cadillac ATS. Specs include the 3.5-liter V6 aluminum block direct-fuel … [More]
Cycling Dollars from Local to Local
Studies show a multiplier effect on dollars spent at local businesses that doesn’t exist for dollars spent at chain retailers or other out-of-state firms. Even if a local purveyor’s price is higher, the pay-off comes from keeping the money in the community. Local businesses propel dollars through an elaborate local spending cycle, generating jobs, profits, purchases, capital … [More]
U-Haul: Building on the Power of Relationships
The company was founded on faith in people, says Stuart Shoen, executive VP of U-Haul and third generation in the family business. In the mid-1940s, he relates, there were plenty of trailer rental companies but none that would rent one-way. Husband and wife L.S. and Anna Mary Carty Shoen conceived of a program to serve customers needing a long haul for a one-way move, such as … [More]
Searsucker: A Hip, Hot Spot
In a market that is ripe with hip restaurants, new eatery concepts and a trend toward serving healthy and quality ingredients, Searsucker may take the “cake.” This open, airy establishment is housed in a lobby-style space situated between the Camelback Tower and Neiman Marcus on Camelback Road at Goldwater Blvd. Team Brian Malarkey and Valley-known Chef Steve “Chops” Smith … [More]
2013 Audi A7
Audi kicked into this new sedan-hatchback genre with the A7. Mercedes CLS, BMW’s new 6 series coupes and the Porsche Panamara are all winners, and, while they are all priced higher than the A7, this new Audi is a true contender with a better EPA rating and a smaller engine that boasts great power and performance. Powered by a 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces only 310 … [More]
Facebook or Face Time? Communication Approach Matters
Technology has made many aspects of modern living more convenient and “connected,” but the pendulum has swung too far. This “technology takeover” is not without consequence. Misunderstandings abound. Relationships stagnate. Trust is at an all-time low. And all of these issues are at least partially due to the fact that genuine human connections are becoming a thing of the past, … [More]
Due Diligence as Partnership
As the economy picks up, so does mid-market merger and acquisition activity. Yet successful deals remain elusive. According to a wide array of respected industry studies, the failure rate of M&A deals ranges between 70 and 90 percent. Even the most upbeat research shows M&A success as a 50/50 proposition at best — daunting odds for such a high-stakes venture. The … [More]
Pizza Places that Please
When is pizza not a great suggestion? Here are some great lunchtime takes on this American concoction, a nearly universal favorite, that has been influenced by most cuisines around the world. Il Bosco Pizza Quaint and authentic, this pizzeria does all its pizzas wood-fired in an oven imported from Italy. Ingredients are creative and combinations of flavors are amazing, … [More]
2014 Buick Enclave
The new 2014 Buick Enclave is getting high marks for safety among other accolades for comfort, space and overall design. The car manufacturer has hit on a true success across the board with this latest version of what they call their crossover. We call it a full-sized SUV. While is has not been dramatically restyled or technologically reinvented, the 2014 has been engineered to … [More]
Equity-raising Opportunity Exists for Small Businesses
Owners of small businesses may find it easier to raise money in 2013. This is because, among the favorable tax breaks included under the American Taxpayer Relief Act (the “2012 Act”), there is a temporary extension of a provision that excludes 100 percent of gain arising from the sale of certain qualified small business stock (QSBS). This is a benefit small-business owners can … [More]
Chill Out
Getting away for lunch in the heat seems like a chore, so why not make it a cool and healthy moment — alone or with a client or business associates? Here are some of the cool “cool” spots where a light meal or a cool beverage will help to get the job done. GreenMix Fresh ingredients and healthy eating are what make up GreenMix. This “modern fresh salad” restaurant is … [More]
Open for Business: 2014 BMW M6 Convertible
Hot days, cooler nights (sort of) is what to expect as we approach summer in Arizona. However, the BMW M6 Convertible is all about performance and sporty comfort with or without the top down. M6 Series is known for its power and most-admired design. When BMW determined that sexy was also an attribute for their M line, the M6 Convertible was the outcome. With the highest … [More]
The New Porsche: Cayman S
All new for 2014 and termed the “third generation Boxter” or “rival to the 911,” this powerful and sporty edition by Porsche is getting noticed. Despite its obvious lower price and less powerful engine from that of the 911, the Cayman S is a stand-out for 2014 and may be a brilliant alternative to Porsche’s top-of-the-line machines. With new chassis technologies, more power … [More]
A Capital Idea: Dine at The Capital Grille
For corporate executives, socialites or businesspeople serious about cutting an important deal, The Capital Grille delights as it is where complete privacy or a table front and center to impress are the order of the day for local power-brokers. Originally founded in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1990, this classic high-end steakhouse has now become a business traveler’s … [More]
The 2014 Maserati Quattroporte GTS
While Maserati is known for style and having created some of the all-time best sports cars and luxury sedans, the new Maserati Quattroporte GTS may be its masterpiece. All new design and with new materials to make it nearly 200 pounds lighter and eight inches longer, this sixth-generation model is what enthusiasts have been waiting for. The new Quattroporte features a new … [More]
