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]
Technology in Practice
While new technology is blamed as a reason affordable healthcare seems a thing of the past, some Arizona organizations are using such innovations to make medical care accessible on a number of fronts: patient records available immediately, links between rural physicians and urban specialists, use of wireless devices that even patients can afford, and, yes, a life-saving … [More]
Strategic Business Structuring Can Save Assets
So you’re ready to open a business. You have 15 solid years of experience. Your first customer is waiting. A contract manufacturer is ready to start production. You’ve decided on an L.L.C. for your business structure and you’re ready to conquer the world … The best advice for someone in the above scenario is to slow down. Choosing the right entity for a business is … [More]
Can an Organization Survive the Fall of an Iconic Leader?
Recent revelations by disgraced “hero” Lance Armstrong raised speculations about the future of LiveStrong, the charity Armstrong founded to fight cancer in the aftermath of his own cancer-fighting experience. Although some anticipate a short-term drop in LiveStrong’s fundraising, many believe the nonprofit will survive because its core mission goes far beyond the image of its … [More]
Chef Eddie Matney: Restaurateur with Panache
As Chef Eddie Matney can attest, from the series of restaurants to his credit, adjusting to a new group of regular customers after opening a restaurant is important. The regulars who now frequent Eddie’s House, in downtown Scottsdale among a host of art galleries, is a much different group from those he served at Eddie Matney’s, a previous restaurant that was located in the … [More]
Mercedes Benz S550 Luxury Sedan
The standard-bearer for luxury, the Mercedes S550 is a base-model sedan by which all other luxury sedans are measured. Style and substance best describes this 4-door, 429-horsepower, technological machine. Bringing more power to this year’s model is the standard 4.6-liter, biturbo, V-8 engine with advanced twin turbocharging. Advanced design means reduced emissions, fuel … [More]
Noontime Noca is Nocawich
Spreading the techniques, flavors and culinary excellence to the lunch hour five days a week, Eliot Wexler’s Nocawich is not to be missed. This quick-fix lunch spot conjures up much of the greatness that Noca by night is known for. Dubbed by many as “the best sandwich place,” its menu and location are making Nocawich a hot spot. With its selection of sandwiches, soups, … [More]
The ROI of Corporate Training
Before long, veteran construction worker Frank Scopetti will become a division president of McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., an accelerated in-house promotion made possible by the 150-year-old, employee-owned company’s state-of-the-art training programs, last year ranked in the Top 10 nationwide by Training Magazine. In an era of economic uncertainty, increased … [More]
