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Inside a Family Business: How to Build and Grow a Company With Your Other Half E11

September 26, 2023 by Karen

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Inside a Family Business: How to Build and Grow a Company With Your Other Half E11

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Inside a Family Business: How to Build and Grow a Company With Your Other Half E11

More Details, Please podcast hosts Emmanuel and Angela Williams have worked together for over 20 years building their mobile steam cleaning business and franchise, DetailXPerts. In this episode, the husband-and-wife duo chat with each other about what it is like growing a company with your other half and what they’ve learned from the experience.

Entrepreneurship is not for everyone. Building a family business is not for everyone either. But the Williams remind you if you share a passion and vision with your partner, it can be the start of a beautiful adventure. They reveal more details about what motivates them, why running a purpose-led business strengthens their relationship, and how their different personalities and skill sets balance their successful partnership at home and work.

Tune into this episode if you’re an entrepreneur who is curious about the dynamics of a family business. Angela and Emmanuel talk about the rewards and challenges of being a husband-and-wife team and how flexing their entrepreneurial spirit brings them closer together. They also discuss the importance of communication and seeking outside support. You’ll also pick up tips on maintaining a healthy work-life balance, earning trust, keeping your ego in check, and why hard truths can be good for business.

About Your Hosts

Emmanuel Williams, CEO and co-founder, DetailXPerts

With a background in engineering, Emmanuel built DetailXPerts around a sophisticated steam cleaning process that saves water and sanitizes.

As a leading authority on green cleaning practices, Emmanuel has dedicated his career to promoting environmentally friendly cleaning methods in the auto detailing and commercial cleaning industries.

He is also passionate about supporting local communities and mentoring entrepreneurs seeking sustainable franchise opportunities.

Angela Williams, President and co-founder, DetailXPerts

Angela has a deep understanding of business and all things entrepreneur related. Her expertise includes Information Technology, Financial Systems, and Accounting.

She is a certified Project Management Professional, too. Her insights and experience drive the success of DetailXPerts, a thriving eco brand. Angela is always active in an evolving business landscape, from championing green tech to building strong client relationships. She’s also dedicated to mentoring franchisees from startup to success.

Together, Emmanuel and Angela bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table and are excited about talking to other entrepreneurs and leaders who share their passion for inspiring listeners on More Details, Please.

About Our Sponsor

DetailXPerts is a mobile detailing, truck wash, and commercial cleaning company that brings eco-friendly and efficient services to socially conscious customers. Its unique steam cleaning technology guarantees a deeper clean and continues to drive innovation in three competitive markets.

The company started as a steam cleaning car wash in 2002 and established its first car wash franchise in 2008. Now DetailXPerts has franchise units operating nationwide and in other water-stricken areas in the world.

At DetailXPerts’ core is the triple bottom-line philosophy of people, planet, and profits. Every day, the company strives hard to make the world a better, greener place while providing jobs to those in need and earning some profit in the process.

The company motto is “We bring a greener clean”. And it fulfils its promise thanks to green tech, mobile units, and on-demand services prioritizing customer convenience and sustainability.

Follow DetailXPerts on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Executive Suites and Community How They Can Help You Achieve Your Business Goals S2E1

September 22, 2023 by Karen

S2E1-Executive-Suites-and-Community-How-They-Can-Help-You-Achieve-Your-Business-Goals-feature

Phoenix Business Radio

Executive Suites and Community How They Can Help You Achieve Your Business Goals S2E1

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Executive Suites and Community How They Can Help You Achieve Your Business Goals S2E1

How work gets accomplished is changing in the 21st Century. Where and how it gets performed radically differs this Century from the last. At the Future of Work, we delve into where, why, and how people work in pursuit of business objectives.

In this episode, we discuss the Executive suite and how Mike Walker found and utilized his office. It speaks to how his Real Estate Broker, Steve Cross, worked together to get Mike the needed space and a community to help him thrive. We delve into both people’s careers and share an update on the commercial real estate landscape.

T.E.A.M.S Coaching is a comprehensive personal development program which takes the team approach to enhancing the lives of teenagers and young adults. They provide individual coaching and mentoring to teenagers and young adults, either in-person or online.

The focus is on the areas of transition, education, athletics, mindset and social skills. They also provide consulting sessions for parents on dealing with struggling kids in any of the areas mentioned. Individualized plans are created to include personal and collective goals for the mentees and their families, then monitored monthly to ensure progress in the targeted areas of their lives.

Coach Walker also makes himself available to collaborate with other members of his mentees’ support team upon requests. Lastly, they hold social events as opportunities for mentees to apply the skills they are developing.

Mike Walker is an educator turned entrepreneur, who has started his own personal growth program for teens and young adults.

Prior to this venture, he was a teacher/coach/administrator for a private school in the valley that served students with learning differences for 18 years.

It was during that time that he discovered his true passion, which was helping students and families navigate the trials of getting through school and transitioning to the real world.

CROSS Commercial Realty Advisors is a Scottsdale-based real estate firm specializing in commercial tenant and buyer representation. Their business model is unique in that they do not ‘list’ properties – this eliminates the unavoidable and insurmountable conflicts of interest that inevitably occur when one agent, or multiple agents from the same company, attempt(s) to represent both tenant/buyer and landlord/seller in the same transaction.

Their clients include Fortune 100 companies as well as hundreds of small- to mid-sized businesses, professional practices and municipalities seeking to lease or buy property at the lowest overall price and under the most favorable terms and conditions.

Since 1984, Steve Cross has helped over 2700 businesses, healthcare professionals, municipalities and investors solve their commercial real estate problems. In addition, he has authored dozens of articles covering many aspects of leasing and buying commercial real estate, many of which are available on his website (www.CrossReaty.com).

He has leased space for his own business and owns income-producing commercial property, which he manages. Because he has taken every step his clients are contemplating, and done so with his own money, Steve’s perspectives are closely aligned with the values and objectives of his clients seeking to minimize occupancy costs.

Steve attended Northern Arizona University on an athletic scholarship (cross country and track (800, mile run)) where he earned a BS in Accountancy, served as president of Babbitt Hall and was inducted into the NAU Athletic Hall of Fame.

Professionally, he has earned the CCIM designation, certifying him as an expert in commercial and investment real estate, is retained as an expert witness, and is a long time member of the Professional Standards Committee of the Arizona Association of Realtors. In his free time Steve enjoys country-western dancing, competitive sports, reading, writing and tackling home improvement projects.

ABOUT THE FUTURE OF WORK

Welcome to Future of Work Radio Show and Podcast – where business leaders share how they integrate humanity and technology through innovative approaches, healthy culture, flexible workspaces and seamless virtual technology.

ABOUT YOUR CO-HOSTS

With a focus in marketing and a background in various for profit and not for profit companies, including much professional and volunteer work, Kyle McIntosh wondered, “How can I pair the passion and commitment to community progress of a non-profit with the sustainability and reach of a for profit company?”

From this question and perspective a mission evolved to tear down the false distinction between the two sectors and to promote companies with Conscious Capitalism® business models through MAC6.

Albert Loveland has joined the MAC⁶ Team full-time. Al will be helping us to takeMAC⁶ to the next level as Vice President of Operations(and, for all of you who are familiar with EOS, as the MAC⁶Integrator).

Al brings over 25 years of experience in leadership and operational efficiency, first working for JPMorgan Chase for fifteen years and then, for the past decade, with his own consulting business working with small businesses, non-profits, and entrepreneurs.

Al has been working from MAC⁶ as a community member for five years now, acting as the unofficial ‘Mayor of MAC⁶’and helping every day to make this community a great place to be. Please join us in congratulating him as the now Official Mayor of MAC⁶ and as an integral new part of our team!

To learn more about MAC6 Communities, call 480-293-4075 or find them on LinkedIn and Facebook.

ABOUT OUR SPONSOR

MAC⁶ offers flexible spaces and programs to help your team grow, and a community of thriving businesses, just like yours. Advocating Capitalism as a Force for Good, MAC6 is Accelerating the shift to Conscious Capitalism (where Purpose and Profit Unite) through Creativity, Collaboration, Community and Change.

Nicole Myden with Nicole Myden, LLC and Lisa Boettcher and Sage Aubrey with House of Nectar

September 21, 2023 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Nicole Myden with Nicole Myden, LLC and Lisa Boettcher and Sage Aubrey with House of Nectar

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Nicole Myden with Nicole Myden, LLC and Lisa Boettcher and Sage Aubrey with House of Nectar

Nicole Myden, LLC – a boutique shop, run by PR industry veteran, Nicole Myden, on a mission to help small business owners get the press coverage they deserve.

Nicole Myden has been connecting people and brands with the media for 23 years. Her career began in 2000 in Los Angeles working in entertainment publicity for Disney, FOX on American Idol, and films for Sony Pictures Classic.

Since then, Nicole has produced publicity campaigns in every niche with popular and well-known brands in the arenas of fashion, beauty, consumer products, lifestyle, health, wellness, tech, food, hospitality, medical, entrepreneurship, and more.

Her clients have been featured across an array of media outlets including Forbes, The Today Show, Good Morning America, Los Angeles Business Journal, Phoenix Business Journal, Women’s Wear Daily, Oprah Magazine, Glamour, Marie Claire, and USA Today. Additionally, Nicole has held upper management executive roles at some of the most prestigious and award-winning agencies in the industry and had the honor of receiving company awards from both the industry and her peers.

Since relocating from Los Angeles to Scottsdale in 2016, Nicole has a great passion for mentoring and helping small business owners discover they are worthy of press opportunities and teaching them step-by-step systems and principles to garner those opportunities on their own.

She has mentored thousands of small business owners through in-person workshops, conferences, and one-on-one mentorship sessions. Her clients have experienced a variety of results, including landing magazine covers and features, local and national television segments, podcast and radio interviews, newspaper and online features, industry awards, and speaking engagements.

Nicole has been featured and seen on stages, at masterminds, trade shows, and conferences, and in the media teaching small business owners. Nicole prides herself on teaching through energetic alignment, a positive mindset, and practical tactics, to deliver results and buzz.

Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn and Instagram.

House of Nectar is the world’s first creative wellbeing brand to fuse energetic healing with brand mastery.

They believe that brands who transcend, cut through the noise and shift cultures can no longer be built with conventional methods—so they take an unconventional approach instead.

They build the talent behind the brand to find their truest calling, and then, the brand alignment follows.

Their method is holistic, intuitive and highly strategic. It’s a journey of inner work and brand discovery where they arouse authenticity, resurrect brand identity, story, strategy and positioning. The methodology is unorthodox, highly intentional and part of a creative awakening.

The House is here to guide brands, hold sacred space for them, and push them past the status quo.

Sage Aubrey is a cult-followed fashion entrepreneur, visionary and personality, featured in Vogue, WWD and Purse Blog, low key style icon, and mom to three cool AF little girls.

Sage founded her first accessory business when she was 15 and built nationwide distribution. She was recognized as a 30 Under 30 Entrepreneur at 26 for her success in women’s brick & mortar & online retail businesses and scaled Sage Aubrey Handbags to a globally distributed brand––with a successful Omni-channel sales strategy––coveted by celebrities and street style mavens the world across.

Sage’s career is built on her instinct, fortitude, and relentless self-expression. Her mission is to use her 20 years of bootstrapping to champion the next generation of brand owners with creative direction, vision and leadership.

Sage’s twin passions have entwined into her business, House of Nectar, a multi-dimensional creative wellbeing brand.

Lisa Boettcher is an ultra-efficient Creative Brand Strategist and mom of 4 tiny humans. Lisa’s career is built on her strong sense of strategy and the intuitive, futuristic approach she takes to her work––some of which has been featured on Target, in Forbes and Vogue.

Lisa founded, bootstrapped and sold a niche accessory fashion brand in under 5 years and with a decade of experience helping female founded brands scale through strategy, visuals, communications, community building, product design and development, she’s now guided by her desire to share creativity and the inner workings of identity with her community, whether through experiential offerings, with clients or on her social channels.

Lisa carries a high frequency of energy, a sixth sense and hard-won wisdom to further the impact brands of all sizes have on culture. Running alongside her career, she is a deep-rooted exponent for personal wellbeing practices and the process of unleashing yourself to discover the truest, most authentic version within.

Follow The House of Nectar on Instagram.

Stephanie Parra with ALL in Education and Gaby Cardenas with Colibri Collective

September 21, 2023 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Stephanie Parra with ALL in Education and Gaby Cardenas with Colibri Collective

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Stephanie Parra with ALL in Education and Gaby Cardenas with Colibri Collective

ALL in Education exists to ensure that individuals from the communities most impacted by education inequities are the ones making decisions for all students.

ALL in Education is building an Arizona WHERE ALL COMMUNITIES HAVE ACCESS TO OPPORTUNITY AND JUSTICE.

ALL in Education’s key strategic Pillars are: EQUITY, LEADERSHIP, POWER, INFLUENCE, & POLICY.

Stephanie Parra is the Executive Director of ALL In Education, a non-profit organization that aims to ensure that the communities most impacted by education inequities are the ones making decisions for ALL students.

Established to close the gap and achieve better representation on the state’s education policy-making bodies, ALL In Education aims to increase the number of Latino members on education boards that directly impact policy.

Stephanie is a first-generation American originally from Yuma, Arizona. As one of the first in her family to attend college, Parra saw first-hand the importance of education and the wonders it can do to develop a child’s life and future. She holds a Bachelor’s in Justice Studies and Psychology, and a Master’s in Higher and Postsecondary Education.

Her passion for education led her to past roles at Teach For America, Arizona State University, T.W. Lewis Foundation, and the Arizona Education Association. Parra currently serves on the Governing Board of the Phoenix Union High School District, representing Ward 3.

She is passionate about ensuring every student in Arizona receives an excellent education and is adequately prepared to succeed in college, career, and life.

Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.

The Colibri Collective is an award-winning full-service marketing agency providing a collective of talent with experience and expertise in all things marketing. Serving a wide range of clients varying from the political, non-profit and education sectors, our focus is to deliver elevated strategies that ignite emotion and most importantly results.

They bring visions to life by providing the passion necessary to ensure your campaigns are driven by three key metrics: data, skill, and emotion. Their partnerships are the cornerstone of our success, we seamlessly integrate their team with your business.

Gaby Cardenas is an award-winning marketer and entrepreneur with more than 22 years of experience in marketing, advertising, and strategic communications. She was raised in a family of entrepreneurs, honing her business acumen at a young age as she helped with the family’s small business.

After rising through the ranks of corporate America, in 2017 Gaby founded The Colibri Collective: the first Latina-owned digital marketing firm in Phoenix, Arizona. Since then, she has taken her agency to new heights, winning campaigns that mobilize and engage diverse audiences with data, skill, and emotion across a national footprint.

In 2022, after 5+ years of remarkable growth, The Colibri Collective opened a new division based in Los Angeles to expand the company’s footprint. This new division of The Colibri Collective focuses on political and advocacy client work and has already yielded exciting new partnerships.

Gaby prides herself in delivering each project for her clients with a high level of quality and aesthetic. Driving campaigns from the ground up, Gaby leads with a precise understanding of what mobilizes and engages audiences to bring campaigns to life. In her role as The Colibri Collective’s CEO, she partners with clients that align with her values to create meaningful change.

Both Gaby and The Colibri Collective have received multiple national awards and repeated recognition for excellence in marketing and digital strategy. Gaby has been awarded by Independent Voting and named a Women Achiever of Arizona by the Arizona Capitol Times. She was also recognized with the coveted 40 Under 40 Hispanic Leaders award and is an Athena Award nominee.

Her work for The Colibri Collective has also been nationally recognized with the 2021 USPS Best of Best for Direct Mail, a 2021 CampaignTech Award for Innovation in Voter Contact, and has received multiple Reed and AAPC Pollie Awards for innovative work. The agency has also been recognized as the best in the industry for several years in a row for Spanish language websites.

In addition to her entrepreneurship, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to volunteering and mentorship to uplift the local community. She is a board member of both the International Women’s Forum Arizona, Arizona Donors Alliance and ALL in Education.

Connect with Gaby on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Prioritizing Persistence and Perfection E10

September 15, 2023 by Karen

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Prioritizing Persistence and Perfection E10

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Prioritizing Persistence and Perfection E10

Podcast hosts Emmanuel and Angela Williams invited professional chef Laura Briscoe onto More Details, Please to talk about persistence and perfection in business.

Laura owns Laura’s Gourmet Granola, a nationally recognized brand of specialty granola that uses natural, premium ingredients to create gorgeous taste and texture. Laura had a career in technology sales before a life-changing moment made her become a chef. Laura shares her story of the last 22 years working for the brand she created and how persistence
and perfection pays off.

Don’t miss this conversation if you want the inside scoop on starting a business and building a brand. Laura reminds you it’s never too late to change the direction of your career. Also, she shares insights on lessons learned after losing $100,000 and how persistence cultivates resilience. You’ll pick up tips on retail expansion and learning to say no. Other highlights include managing money to support business growth, bouncing back from failure, and the importance of creating relationships with business partners you can trust.

Arizona made Laura’s Gourmet Granola is a nationally recognized brand of specialty granola, created by professional chef Laura Briscoe. Each artisan crafted flavor of Laura’s Gourmet Granola uses only natural, premium ingredients resulting in this chef’s “trifecta” of taste, texture and mouthfeel.

Laura’s Gourmet Granola is certified gluten free, certified kosher and certified woman owned. Key core values include inclusivity and transparency, evidenced in the variety of flavors available for a variety of dietary needs and restrictions. As the first and truest chef driven granola on the market, Laura’s Gourmet Granola redefines what true granola is and should taste like.

A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with degrees in Political Science and French, Chef Laura Briscoe spent nearly 15 years as a sales executive in the tech industry working for companies including Apple and Oracle. In 2001, Chef Laura changed career paths, attending culinary school in Arizona. She started her first business, Celebrated Cuisine, a private event and high-end catering company, in 2002.

Highly organized, passionate and dedicated, Chef Laura approached each event with a detailed focus on haute cuisine, attention to detail, focus on client satisfaction and ability to exceed client and guest needs, resulting in unparalleled events and hospitality. Culinary instruction has included private, small group classes plus larger corporate team buildings, in addition to recurring guest spots on local programs all with the intention of demystifying recipes and creating more confident home cooks.

In 2004, Chef Laura created a recipe now known as Vanilla Almond Crunch, the flagship flavor of Laura’s Gourmet Granola and earned placement on the retail shelf of AJs Fine Foods. Nearly 19 years later, Laura’s Gourmet Granola is a recognized brand of specialty granola of which all are all-natural, certified gluten free, certified kosher pareve, with vegan options, available at specialty grocers throughout the US.

In addition to retail, Laura’s Gourmet Granola offers foodservice solutions which have been distributed nationally since 2012, providing hospitality, education, healthcare and athletics a delicious, healthful and clean addition to their menus. In 2021, Laura’s Gourmet Granola began offering custom foodservice blends for other entrepreneurs to use in their retail solutions.

Today, Laura’s Gourmet Granola includes 9 distinctly delicious flavors. Always artisan crafted in its own facility in Tempe, Laura’s Gourmet Granola is also certified woman owned by WBEC, the most recognized name in this diverse certification.

Chef Laura lives in Scottsdale with her husband, Michael, where their “downtime” is spent hiking, working out, cooking and returning their home, built in 1961, to its rightful midcentury modern glory.

Connect with Laura on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

About Your Hosts

Emmanuel Williams, CEO and co-founder, DetailXPerts

With a background in engineering, Emmanuel built DetailXPerts around a sophisticated steam cleaning process that saves water and sanitizes.

As a leading authority on green cleaning practices, Emmanuel has dedicated his career to promoting environmentally friendly cleaning methods in the auto detailing and commercial cleaning industries.

He is also passionate about supporting local communities and mentoring entrepreneurs seeking sustainable franchise opportunities.

Angela Williams, President and co-founder, DetailXPerts

Angela has a deep understanding of business and all things entrepreneur related. Her expertise includes Information Technology, Financial Systems, and Accounting.

About Our Sponsor

The company motto is “We bring a greener clean”. And it fulfils its promise thanks to green tech, mobile units, and on-demand services prioritizing customer convenience and sustainability.

Follow DetailXPerts on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Ruth Ellen and Tim Elinski with Pin Drop Travel Trailers and Evelyn Vargas with Town of Miami, AZ

September 12, 2023 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Ruth Ellen and Tim Elinski with Pin Drop Travel Trailers and Evelyn Vargas with Town of Miami, AZ

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Ruth Ellen and Tim Elinski with Pin Drop Travel Trailers and Evelyn Vargas with Town of Miami, AZ

Pin Drop Travel Trailers are solar powered, fully self contained micro campers manufactured from raw materials in rural Arizona. Hand-built by experienced craftsmen, these campers are meticulously designed to utilize every square inch for gear storage and special features that enhance your outdoor experience.

The company was launched in 2018 by avid campers and entrepreneurs, Tim and Ruth Ellen Elinski. The Elinski’s sought a way to provide a sustainable alternative to camping with a travel trailer that would be untethered and easy on the environment, yet still allow one to haul adventure gear and sleep, cook and recreate with creature comforts normally found in much larger (inefficient) RV’s in remote, off grid destinations or in your favorite campground.a

Tim and Ruth Ellen are very active in their local communities. Tim has served as a member of City Council for over 18 years, currently serving as the mayor of Cottonwood, Arizona. Ruth Ellen is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer and was instrumental in creating the Jerome Art Walk and in helping Jerome to achieve its reputation as a fine arts destination. She is currently on the Board of Verde Valley Leadership and was recently elected to serve on the local school board.

Tim and Ruth Ellen are both Fellows of the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership’s Flinn Brown Leadership Academy. They are the proud parents of two young daughters who enjoy testing PinDrop Travel Trailers on their many adventures.

With their combined grit, work ethic and love of the outdoors, Tim and Ruth Ellen have created a company that is prepared to “Recharge Your Wonder.” Working collaboratively from their repurposed 115 year old production facility in historic downtown Miami, Arizona, the team utilizes Arizona resources and supplies whenever possible and aims to revitalize rural Arizona, producing a clean, sustainable and environmentally-friendly product.

Follow Pin Drop Travel Trailers on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

The copper mining town of Miami, Arizona is one square mile in size but, despite its small size, Miami has provided copper to the world for the the past 120 years. Today, copper mines surrounding Miami are still producing the copper found in satellites, cell phones, vehicles, electrical wire, and even makeup!

Miami is rich in manufacturing, industry, art, mining and mining history. Miami has 5 consecutive Luten arch bridges which connect Live Oak Street (Highway 60) to the downtown area of Sullivan Street. The only other place in the world to have 5 consecutive arch bridges of this type is in Italy.

Manufacturing includes hand-crafted Pin Drop Travel Trailers – a most unique design has enhanced the comfort of camping while still being part of the outdoors. The “Neo Tat,” is a tattoo machine are also manufactured in Miami and shipped all over the world. This revolutionary design changed the entire tattoo industry with its quiet use and low vibration.

Banjos are also made in Miami and are shipped throughout North America. Firearm parts are another product manufactured within the town. Art of all types is prevalent within the town along with many cultural an unique events hosted throughout the year.

Miami is in a resurgence time with many people interested in purchasing buildings and opening shops.

Evelyn Vargas is the first Economic Development Director for the Town of Miami, Arizona. She was born and raised in Miami, graduated from Miami High School, earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, Secondary and Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University.

Her professional background has included Teacher and Coach at Miami High School; Communications Coordinator at BHP Billiton-Pinto Valley Operation, a local copper mine; Chief Experience Officer at the Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center; and Director of Special Education for the Miami Unified School District. All her positions have given her a well-rounded background in many areas to lead the economic development for the Town of Miami.

Evelyn is currently the Chairman of the nonprofit “Hearts of Miami Engaged – HOME,” whose mission is to provide for the economic development of the Town of Miami by raising funds to restore public areas, increase tourism and bring about new business activities. “The copper Miami has produced over the past 120 years has been lighting the world and connecting our planet. The value the little Town of Miami has played in the world is immeasurable,” states Evelyn.

Evelyn and her husband, Ken, have been married for 44 years, raised 3 children whom they are very proud of and are all university graduates. She enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, traveling, gathering with family, and the quiet times at home.

Follow Miami, Arizona on Facebook.

Elena and James Thornton with Arizona Consortium for the Arts

September 12, 2023 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Elena and James Thornton with Arizona Consortium for the Arts

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Elena and James Thornton with Arizona Consortium for the Arts

Arizona Consortium for the Arts, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, all volunteer, community organization. The consortium’s vision is to establish a multicultural, multidisciplinary arts space/center with an open door policy.

The center will provide a home for all activities and foster artistic growth for people of all ages through the participation in the arts. It will be a home for many wonderful community organizations and groups, creative and innovative activities and projects representing and celebrating our diverse community.

We are dedicated to creating a connection with our community and provide a platform for social bridging through artistic, cultural and educational events. We inspire, engage, involve, give voices and visibility, celebrate, and connect our communities by providing innovative programs, activities and publications.

Our programs help nurture and support underserved and economically challenged populations through the transforming power of the arts. We are reflecting and representing the distinctive character of our region and explore, share and provide opportunities for the compelling expressions of arts and culture.

The consortium provides support for emerging and established Arizona artists spanning all disciplines and offers free access to the arts for the general public by hosting cultural, arts and performance arts events. We aim to advance, unite, collaborate, partner, connect, and engage individuals and community organizations in all aspects of arts, performing arts, literary arts and cultures in Arizona. We publish three online arts and literary magazines. The Blue Guitar, The Blue Guitar Jr. and Unstrung. It is free to submit.

Elena Thornton, Founder/CEO, Arizona Consortium for the Arts Charity is originally from Moldova, one of former Soviet Republics. Elena’s formal education is in the Secondary Education, she holds both a B. A. and M.A from the University at Albany, NY.

Elena has more than 30 years of hands-on experience in the education, business and the nonprofit sector. She also held positions as a Director of an after school program and a Director of Training for a Phoenix based company and traveled throughout the US and abroad.

Elena’s education and career experience combined with real-life experience makes her the successful organizational leader she is today. Currently, together with the Arizona Consortium for the Arts Board of Directors, volunteer coordinators and advisors, she is spearheading the efforts in developing relationships through networking and partnering with local Non-Profit organizations that will bridge resources and forge collaborations with individuals, public, private and government organizations and agencies, educational institutions, business community to reach their goals, objectives and ultimately build and sustain a multicultural arts and performing arts center facility.

Working closely with all the entities, she is confident they will have the resources, skills and knowledge that will enable them to continue on their path to success, grow and leave a legacy for the next generation.

Elena is also a Best Selling Author. She is one of the contributing authors in the 1 Habit For Success – SmartFem Special Edition book. The day it was published it ranked #2 for Business Leadership on Amazon Best Seller list.

Elena is a Photographer. Since 2010, together with her husband Jim Thornton they covered many social and nonprofit events in the valley. Their works have been published in magazines and are covers of several books. Elena is an artist and exhibited her works in galleries as a solo artist and in group exhibitions through arts groups.

She has won 2 art awards. Some of her works are in private collections in the US and abroad. She is a Published poet. The Freedom to Journey On, a collection of poems, two short stories and artwork and is available on Amazon.

In 2022, Elena and Jim filmed a short comedy in Hawaii, directed by Kimber Leigh, written by John Kestner and won for best cinematography in one of the film festivals.

Connect with Elena on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Marc Booker and Sandip Bhakta with University of Phoenix and Chris Herring with Stride

September 12, 2023 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Marc Booker and Sandip Bhakta with University of Phoenix and Chris Herring with Stride

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Marc Booker and Sandip Bhakta with University of Phoenix and Chris Herring with Stride

University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives.

In his current role as vice president of product management for Student Career Services teams, Sandip Bhakta brings to bear the roles he has held at University of Phoenix over the past nineteen years. He leads multiple empowered product teams, leveraging user centric product methodologies to develop digitals solutions aimed at helping students and alumni take charge of their career goals.

Sandip began his career at UOPX as a financial advisor and along his professional journey, has served in numerous managerial and leadership roles, such as Director of Financial Services and VP of Financial Services. In his various capacities and roles with the University, he always placed students and his employees first, focusing on opportunities for organizational effectiveness and improved student experience.

Sandip has led and overseen many initiatives focused on organizational effectiveness and efficiencies – leading to improved staff performance and, importantly, student satisfaction and outcomes.

In 2017, Sandip earned the distinguished UOPX Presidents award, recognizing his continued efforts towards finding creative solutions to help those he serves. He is an active member of various leadership development programs within the organization, and often serves as a mentor for aspiring leaders.

Outside of his professional work, Sandip is a father of three young children and actively volunteers as a baseball coach for the Chandler Youth Baseball, in Chandler, Arizona.

Sandip earned his Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Arizona State University W.P. Carey School of Business, and Master’s in Business Administration with the University of Phoenix.

With over two decades of experience working with online and distance education students at the post-secondary level in admissions, registrar, and academic administration roles Marc Booker brings a unique perspective on the trends in higher education from a post-traditional student lens.

As Vice Provost for Strategy at the University of Phoenix, Marc oversees critical path academic initiatives to improve the student experience such as learning platform implementations, curricular enhancements, developing innovative academic program designs, and creating empathetic solutions to drive improved student outcomes.

For his work guiding the academic strategy wing of the University of Phoenix, Marc received a 2020 Hall of Fame recognition from Blackboard recognizing his contributions in providing thought leadership and innovation in education.

Since 2009, Marc has been a regular speaker, contributor, and subject matter expert at national and regional conferences like the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), the Pacific Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (PACRAO), the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL), EDUCAUSE, and more.

Widely recognized as an expert in transfer credit and Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) Marc was previously the Vice President of Admissions and Evaluation at University of Phoenix, and during his tenure his office received three Showcase in Excellence Awards from the Southwest Alliance for Excellence for processes related to admissions application, transcript, and prior learning assessment processes.

Currently, Marc is the chair for the AACRAO Transfer and Articulation Committee, has authored courses on transfer process and has also contributed to publications on transfer credit processes.

Marc has served in several capacities on the PACRAO Board culminating in being President of the association in 2016 and is one of the founding faculty members for the PACRAO Leadership Development Institute, where is he is now Dean of Faculty for this program. Marc holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration from the University of Phoenix.

Follow University of Phoenix on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Stride is reimagining learning—where learning is lifelong, deeply personal, and prepares learners for tomorrow. The company has transformed millions of people’s teaching and learning experiences by providing innovative, high-quality, tech-enabled education solutions, curriculums, and programs directly to students, schools, the military, and enterprises in primary, secondary, and postsecondary settings.

Stride is a premier provider of K–12 education for students, schools, and districts, including career learning services through middle and high school curriculums. Stride has delivered millions of courses over the past decade and serves learners in all 50 states and more than 100 countries.

Chris Herring has spent his entire 17 year career in the EdTech arena. He joined Stride Inc. in 2023 as their new Head of Product for curriculum products. Jumping from Higher Ed to K12 he leads curriculum innovation developing new product lines in Augment Reality, Virtual Reality, Game Based Learning, and Artificial Intelligence products.

Chris served in various leadership roles during 15 years at University of Phoenix. He helped lead numerous technology products including the development of the University’s virtual assistant Phoebe and the development of the University’s Career Navigator.

Connect with Chris on LinkedIn.

Achieving Culture Excellence: Harnessing AI and Empowering Teams E34

September 8, 2023 by Karen

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Phoenix Business Radio

Achieving Culture Excellence: Harnessing AI and Empowering Teams E34

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Achieving Culture Excellence: Harnessing AI and Empowering Teams E34

This was a unique episode for the Culture Crush Business Podcast. We are always talking about ways to improve company culture so companies can thrive, and this episode was no different in that aspect. The topic was one that is often left out from the conversation of thriving company cultures, the focus on process improvement and the technology for improving the operations and culture of the company.

We discuss the need to focus on technology and resources that will help with the strategic side of the company in order to treat employees as humans rather than machines, which is essential for preventing burnout and maintaining a motivated team.

Effective leadership involves identifying and leveraging employees’ strengths and interests. This allows them to excel in their roles and contribute to the company’s growth. Offloading repetitive tasks to AI or outsourcing can free up employees to concentrate on their core competencies.

AI can be a game-changer for businesses, especially when handling data-intensive tasks. It can optimize scheduling, automate processes, and even enhance customer experiences, as demonstrated by the example of creating a Taylor Swift-inspired AI bot.

The conversation highlights the need to adapt to rapidly evolving technology. The emergence of new career paths, such as prompt engineering, underscores the importance of staying current and embracing technological advancements.

Many companies use numerous software tools, often without realizing the extent of their tech stack. Lauri Erickson emphasizes the importance of integrating these tools to streamline operations and data management, ultimately saving time and resources.

This episode focuses on a few key takeaways for our listeners:

Empower the employees to focus on the true strengths
The power of AI in enhancing efficiencies
Continuous adaptation to evolving technology
Integration of software and tools

Overall, the episode emphasizes the value of fostering a positive company culture, empowering employees, and leveraging outsourcing, technology, and AI to enhance efficiency and employee satisfaction. It also underscores the importance of staying open to new possibilities in the ever-changing business landscape.

Thank you to James Christensen, the President of Gateway Bank, for joining in this conversation and adding his additional insight and stories as the co- host for this episode with Lauri and Ben.

Located in Tempe, Arizona, Project Pros is a family-owned business that’s dedicated to alleviating the administrative burdens faced by small business owners. Their comprehensive support services are designed to give business owners more time, spanning areas like bookkeeping, HR, social media management, phone answering, and virtual administrative assistance.

Project Pros emerged from CEO Lauri Erickson’s understanding of the need to shift small business owners from working ‘in’ their business to working ‘on’ it. The team at Project Pros fosters a synergetic environment, collaborating to find solutions for each client’s unique needs.

Their approach emphasizes collaborative problem-solving, ensuring that every team member’s skills contribute to the clients’ success. Project Pros goes beyond traditional outsourcing, streamlining processes to save their clients both time and money. They serve as an extension of their clients’ businesses, partnering at every stage to facilitate the growth and success of those businesses.

Lauri Erickson’s professional journey is highlighted by her executive-level expertise gained through diverse experiences in various companies and positions. With a background in human resources, bookkeeping, customer service, and sales, she possesses invaluable insights into the unique needs of small businesses.

Lauri’s driving force lies in helping small businesses thrive and flourish. To achieve this, she surrounds herself with a team of like-minded, highly talented, forward-thinking, and energetic individuals who share her passion for making a difference. Their unwavering dedication and support leave a powerful and positive impact on their customers’ success.

Connect with Lauri on LinkedIn and follow Project Pros on Facebook and Instagram.

AI automation agency. We act as the automation department for your business removing redundant work and helping you scale with ease.

Ben Johnson is a seasoned data engineer and software developer with 20 years of experience.

He takes complex problems and solves them with simple and elegant solutions.

Connect with Ben on LinkedIn.

About Our Guest Co-Host

James Christensen is the President of Gateway Bank, the only community bank in Mesa, Arizona. Under his leadership, Gateway has thrived through multiple economic downturns and grown to consistently be one of the strongest performing financial institutions in its peer group.

James is also very active in the local community and was named Mesa Citizen of the Year in 2023. He is a fierce advocate for small businesses, marginalized groups, and people in need. From one-on-one meetings to presentations and podcasts like this, James enjoys educating and inspiring diverse audiences to improve their financial health and overall well-being.

Connect with James on LinkedIn.

About Culture Crush

At Culture Crush, culture isn’t just a corporate buzzword. It’s a key factor that can either boost your company or lead to its failure.

We’re culture consultants, with a focus on leadership, appreciation, communication, processes, accessibility, mental health, diversity, inclusion, and creating a dynamic workplace.

As a growing company:

Culture Crush Business is your hub for company culture resources. With deep cultural insights and years of expertise, we evaluate your company’s needs and connect you with the precise resources to cultivate a thriving culture.

We work with CEOs, founders, HR Directors, or Culture Leaders of companies or teams, who value company culture and understand its impact on their business success.With Culture Crush you’ll learn how to transform your workplace into a place of unity, efficiency, and growth. Don’t just fix your company culture – transform it with Culture Crush Business.

On this podcast: We focus on everything surrounding businesses with good company culture. We will talk with company leaders to learn about real-life experiences, tips, and best practices for creating a healthy work environment where employees are finding joy and satisfaction in their work while also striving and growing within the company. We share the resources to help improve company culture and showcase them on the podcast with their tips and tricks for growing culture.

About the Host

Kindra Maples is spartan racer, past animal trainer, previous magician’s assistant, and has a weakness for Oreo cookie shakes. Her journey working with people actually started working with animals as a teenager (don’t worry we won’t go that far back for her bio).

She worked for over 15 years in the zoo industry working with animals and the public. Her passion of working with animals shifted into working with people in education, operations and leadership roles. From there her passion of leadership and helping people develop has continued to grow.

Then came the opportunity for leading the Culture Crush Business Podcast and she jumped on it. Leadership, growth, and strong company cultures are all areas that Kindra is interested in diving into further.

Thank you for our Sponsor!

This episode is sponsored by Gateway Bank, a community bank in Arizona that specializes in serving small businesses across the Valley and the country.

When you work with Gateway, you don’t have to call an 800 number for support, or submit your loan application and wait weeks or months for an answer. You get fast, personal service from a team who knows you and cares about you.

When Gateway was founded in 2007, the team had a vision of building a hometown bank that prioritizes people over profits. Over 15 years later, they’re proud to still be one of the highest-performing AND highest-rated community banks around.

Whether you need a loan or banking services for your business, Gateway is here to help. Visit gcbaz.com/culturecrush for details and a free consultation with bank President James Christensen.

All loans subject to approval. Member FDIC.