Lane Jones is ready to enjoy life!! How did he get there? That’s what most of us want to know… check out the link and find out how he is able to “retire and enjoy”! Lane has made such a huge impact in our community and the way we serve one another not only personally but also, professionally. From coffee, to construction and bottled water, Lane has contributed so much for all in the North Georgia region. 
Kolikoff and Company is a business growth and development consulting firm that has a passion for serving people. We have a passion for growth – of both people and businesses.
We have a passion for making it rain, so you can enjoy more happiness, fulfillment and prosperity in your life, while you too are in service to others. The most important thing to know about Kolikoff is that our focus is on YOU.
Andrew Kolikoff, Owner of Kolikoff and Company, is a former chief science officer, 3-time successful business owner (once landing him on the front page of USA Today), author, adjunct professor, coach and consultant now helping lead the charge in one of Arizona’s fastest growing tech companies.
Andrew has mentored over 500 business owners and professionals.
Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.
As a charter member of Local First Arizona, Wist Office Products has since 2003 helped to promote, strengthen and support local business. The Wist family has owned and operated Wist Office Products for 58 years. The average life span of a family-owned business is 24 years.
Ian Wist’s grandfather, Martin Wist, entered the office supply industry in 1921 with PBSW Supply and Equipment. Wist Office Products has been a yearly Alfred P. Sloan Award winner for workplace flexibility since 2008.
Ian Wist is an experienced General Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the business supplies and equipment industry.
Skilled in Negotiation, Customer Service, Sales, Strategic Planning, and Business Development, Ian is a strong entrepreneurship professional with a Bachelor of Science, Marketing focused in Business Marketing from Arizona State University.
Connect with Ian on LinkedIn.
What is good business? What are local businesses doing to build a better Arizona?
Join Arizona Good Business Radio to hear from local companies who are:
Arizona Good Business Radio features local business leaders that are redefining what it means to do good business.
Thomas Barr is the Executive Director for Local First Arizona, the largest coalition of local businesses in North America. He advocates for a strong local business community that contributes to building vibrancy, equity, and prosperity across the state. A proud Arizona native and graduate of Arizona State University,Thomas leads the business coalition of Local First Arizona by advocating for the economic and cultural benefits provided by building strong local economies.
Thomas steers the strategic direction of LFA’s major programs and initiatives as well as the engagement of over 3000 businesses across Arizona. As Executive Director, Thomas guides a team of statewide senior directors overseeing the execution of LFA’s communication strategy, major initiatives and key partnerships, as well as the collaboration of over 30 staff implementing work in entrepreneurship programs, small business advocacy, local food initiatives, sustainability, urban development and community building. He frequently speaks to groups locally and nationally, presenting the impact of Local First Arizona and the importance of local economy work in building prosperity.
Outside of Local First Arizona, Thomas has participated in volunteering his time to many causes and organizations throughout the Valley including Young Nonprofit Professionals – Phoenix, Equality Arizona, Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits, Arizona Commission on the Arts, Heritage Square Foundation and Phoenix Legal Action Network. Additionally, Thomas is a 2018 Phoenix Magazine 40 Under 40 honoree, alumni of Arizona Leading for Change, and current participant in Valley Leadership Institute’s 40th cohort.
Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Local First Arizona is a nonprofit organization that celebrates independent, locally owned businesses. We support, promote and advocate for a strong local business community and raise public awareness of the economic and cultural benefits provided by strong local economies. Local businesses contribute to a sustainable economy for Arizona and build vibrant communities we’re all proud to call home.
TALES FAILS AND ALES Local First Arizona with Thomas Barr and U and Improved with Jodi Low
Join Jennifer Burwell and Kyle McIntosh for the monthly rendition of Tales, Fails, & Ales . . . where we drink ales and tell tales about fails. We represent MAC6, a company dedicated to the success of entrepreneurs and sharing their stories. Our hope is by forcing these leaders to share their biggest fuck ups, that we can realize our greatness is always just on the other side of adversity. Tune in monthly and enjoy hearing from the latest fuck ups, and be inspired by their tenacity to push through and make it happen.
Local First Arizona is a nonprofit organization that celebrates independent, locally owned businesses. We support, promote and advocate for a strong local business community and raise public awareness of the economic and cultural benefits provided by strong local economies. Local businesses contribute to a sustainable economy for Arizona and build vibrant communities we’re all proud to call home.
Thomas Barr is the Executive Director for Local First Arizona, the largest coalition of local businesses in North America. He advocates for a strong local business community that contributes to building vibrancy, equity, and prosperity across the state. A proud Arizona native and graduate of Arizona State University, Thomas leads the business coalition of Local First Arizona by advocating for the economic and cultural benefits provided by building strong local economies.
Thomas steers the strategic direction of LFA’s major programs and initiatives as well as the engagement of over 3000 businesses across Arizona. As Executive Director, Thomas guides a team of statewide senior directors overseeing the execution of LFA’s communication strategy, major initiatives and key partnerships, as well as the collaboration of over 30 staff implementing work in entrepreneurship programs, small business advocacy, local food initiatives, sustainability, urban development and community building. He frequently speaks to groups locally and nationally, presenting the impact of Local First Arizona and the importance of local economy work in building prosperity.
Outside of Local First Arizona, Thomas has participated in volunteering his time to many causes and organizations throughout the Valley including Young Nonprofit Professionals – Phoenix, Equality Arizona, Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits, Arizona Commission on the Arts, Heritage Square and Phoenix Legal Action Network. Additionally, Thomas is a 2018 Phoenix Magazine 40 Under 40 honoree, alumni of Arizona Leading for Change, and current participant in Valley Leadership Institute’s 40th cohort.
Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn and Twitter.
U & Improved provides innovative, sustainable leadership development training to individuals and companies committed to growth. We give our clients the tools to improve collaboration and communication in a way that results in loyalty, trust and a culture of coaction.
Jodi Low is an accomplished corporate trainer, inspirational speaker, and the Founder and CEO of U & Improved. Jodi has trained thousands of entrepreneurs and executives on how to build a booming business, master a mindset for success, and achieve the lifestyle they desire through heart-fueled leadership.
Through U & Improved—an award-winning personal and professional leadership development company based in Scottsdale—Jodi has redefined traditional leadership training by creating a sustainable and actionable model that is personal, challenging and meaningful to each and every individual who enrolls in any of the two-and-a-half-day experiential training classes. She and her elite training team have advanced the charge in heart-based leadership
development and empower U & Improved graduates with knowledge, tools and awareness to immediately be more effective and responsive leaders at work, home and within their communities.
Among her many accomplishments as a Valley leader, Jodi launched a teen leadership program in 2014 to empower young adults to become more confident, motivated and focused stewards of our future. In 2016, she founded a non-profit arm of the company—the U & Improved Leadership Foundation—that makes the program more accessible to deserving teens. 
Jodi has been recognized by industry publications and organizations for her work in leadership development and serves as a source of inspiration within the community. In 2015, she was honored as an “Outstanding Women in Business” by the Phoenix Business Journal and by the Phoenix Suns and National Bank of Arizona with the “Amazing Women” award. She has received both the prestigious “Diversity Leader of the Year” and the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce’s “Sterling Award.” She was also awarded a Silver Stevie Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year 2015 and was a finalist for the Junior League of Phoenix’s Valley Impact Award. Jodi is a devoted single parent who volunteers her time at her daughters’ school programs and with organizations such as Angel Mamas, where she’s served on the board for three years.
Follow U & Improved on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.
ABOUT TALES FAILS and ALES
Tales, Fails & Ales is brought to you by MAC6, Conscious Capitalism Arizona, Phoenix Business Radio X, Crush Craft Cider, and Lyft. Remember to keep your fuck ups in the board room and not on the road.
ABOUT YOUR CO-HOSTS
With a background in marketing, in various for profit and not for profit companies, 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.
Kyle is the President and Creative Excitant of MAC6. Day to day, his main operational role is on the “spaces” side of the business, focusing on creating thriving communities in the commercial office buildings, the co-working space, and the co-manufacturing space. The other role that he plays is that of EOS implementer, working with clients to bring the Entrepreneurial Operating System, from the book Traction® to their businesses. Additionally, he sits on the boards of Conscious Capitalism Arizona, telling the stories of good businesses in Arizona, and The Tempe Chamber of Commerce, sustaining Tempe’s quality of life and keeping our community and economy vibrant.
Kyle loves Arizona and wants to see us all collectively find great success based on the awesome things that are happening here every day.
Follow MAC6 on Facebook and Twitter.
Jennifer Burwell, joined MAC6 in 2013. Jennifer is their VP and Director of Programs. She uses her experience in real estate, team development and management to seamlessly integrate each of the MAC6 business units to assure they are all focused on the long-term company vision. She is also a student of human behavior.
As a Certified Professional Behavioral Analyst, she uses her knowledge to facilitate culture focused leadership programs with organizations of all sizes to integrate the company’s values and create higher performing teams.
To learn more about MAC6 Communities, call 480-293-4075 or find them on Facebook
AZ BRANDCAST with Local First Arizona Executive Director Thomas Barr
Mike and Chris interview Thomas Barr of Local First Arizona to discover how principles of capitalism and buying local work together to build a stronger local economy and a stronger world.
Learn about how Arizona’s culture supports its identity and how to decide where to put your purchasing dollars in supporting Arizona and your community.
Local First Arizona is a nonprofit organization that celebrates independent, locally owned businesses. We support, promote and advocate for a strong local business community and raise public awareness of the economic and cultural benefits provided by strong local economies. Local businesses contribute to a sustainable economy for Arizona and build vibrant communities we’re all proud to call home.
Thomas Barr is the Executive Director for Local First Arizona, the largest coalition of local businesses in North America. He advocates for a strong local business community that contributes to building vibrancy, equity, and prosperity across the state. A proud Arizona native and graduate of Arizona State University, Thomas leads the business coalition of Local First Arizona by advocating for the economic and cultural benefits provided by building strong local economies.
Thomas steers the strategic direction of LFA’s major programs and initiatives as well as the engagement of over 3000 businesses across Arizona. As Executive Director, Thomas guides a team of statewide senior directors overseeing the execution of LFA’s communication strategy, major initiatives and key partnerships, as well as the collaboration of over 30 staff implementing work in entrepreneurship programs, small business advocacy, local food initiatives, sustainability, urban development and community building. He frequently speaks to groups locally and nationally, presenting the impact of Local First Arizona and the importance of local economy work in building prosperity.
Outside of Local First Arizona, Thomas has participated in volunteering his time to many causes and organizations throughout the Valley including Young Nonprofit Professionals – Phoenix, Equality Arizona, Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits, Arizona Commission on the Arts, Heritage Square and Phoenix Legal Action Network. Additionally, Thomas is a 2018 Phoenix Magazine 40 Under 40 honoree, alumni of Arizona Leading for Change, and current participant in Valley Leadership Institute’s 40th cohort.
Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn and Twitter.
ABOUT AZ BRANDCAST
Branding isn’t just for companies. In fact, Arizona is its own brand. Every month, Mike Jones and Chris Stadler tap into Arizona’s rich community of thought leaders and business owners to find out how the state is developing that brand. Join them as they interview business and thought leaders from in and around Arizona about higher purpose in their companies and Arizona’s development as a brand. AZ Brandcast is powered by Conscious Capitalism AZ and Resound Creative.
ABOUT YOUR HOSTS
It’s Mike Jones‘ mission to see brands grow and succeed – to reach their full potential. He believes every brand, like every person, has DNA that’s remarkable, but not every brand knows how to act like it (and communicate it to the world). It’s not about what’s trendy, whatever consumers are demanding, or whatever will turn the fastest profit. It’s about the long game – building real relationships with your customers and your community.
Chris Stadler likes to see great plans executed. In a world looking for magic formulas, his stoic outlook tends to point people back to doing the basics really well. Accountability and measurement are his tools. In the past, Chris served as the staff copywriter for a large credit union, UX/human factors researcher at the University of Iowa and full-time teaching faculty, teaching design, copy and strategy at the University of Oregon.
Thomas Barr Executive Director with Local First AZ and Karen Nowicki CEO with Phoenix Business RadioX
Local First Arizona is a nonprofit organization that celebrates independent, locally owned businesses. We support, promote and advocate for a strong local business community and raise public awareness of the economic and cultural benefits provided by strong local economies. Local businesses contribute to a sustainable economy for Arizona and build vibrant communities we’re all proud to call home.
Thomas Barr is the Executive Director for Local First Arizona, the largest coalition of local businesses in North America. He advocates for a strong local business community that contributes to building vibrancy, equity, and prosperity across the state. A proud Arizona native and graduate of Arizona State University, Thomas leads the business coalition of Local First Arizona by advocating for the economic and cultural benefits provided by building strong local economies.
Thomas steers the strategic direction of LFA’s major programs and initiatives as well as the engagement of over 3000 businesses across Arizona. As Executive Director, Thomas guides a team of statewide senior directors overseeing the execution of LFA’s communication strategy, major initiatives and key partnerships, as well as the collaboration of over 30 staff implementing work in entrepreneurship programs, small business advocacy, local food initiatives, sustainability, urban development and community building. He frequently speaks to groups locally and nationally, presenting the impact of Local First Arizona and the importance of local economy work in building prosperity.
Outside of Local First Arizona, Thomas has participated in volunteering his time to many causes and organizations throughout the Valley including Young Nonprofit Professionals – Phoenix, Equality Arizona, Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits, Arizona Commission on the Arts, Heritage Square and Phoenix Legal Action Network. Additionally, Thomas is a 2018 Phoenix Magazine 40 Under 40 honoree, alumni of Arizona Leading for Change, and current participant in Valley Leadership Institute’s 40th cohort.
Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Phoenix Business RadioX amplifies the voice of business, helping local business and professional associations get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, profession, and community.
For over 20 years, Karen Nowicki has been helping organizations and the people who lead them drive their business strategies more effectively and as a result her clients are happier, healthier and more successful. As studio partner for Business Radio X ® and host for the metro Phoenix network shows, Nowicki has the pleasure of working with the most innovative, passionate and driven people who make a difference in their community and are willing to help others do the same. She is also a published author, accomplished speaker, and trusted advisor to business owners, senior executives and educational leaders.
Connect with Karen on LinkedIn and Twitter, and follow Phoenix Business RadioX on Facebook.
Deb Caron is the owner and principal consultant of Anahata Marketing, a Phoenix-based marketing and brand communication consultancy that focuses on empathic listening and content creation to foster real connection between businesses and the customers they serve. She hosts Culture Crush Rx as part of her personal passion for helping people live healthier, more fulfilling, well-rounded lives. Deb is also a registered yoga teacher and she truly enjoys sharing her knowledge and love for the practice with her community. Deb can be reached at deb@anahatamarketing.com and on Linkedin.
Arts & Commerce is hosted by Robin Young, a graduate of Sunnyside High School. Having left Tucson in 1985 to live along the coast of California, Robin returned to Tucson in 2015 and bought her forever home.
In her years in CA, she was blessed to live a life in which she balanced a life of art, commerce and raising her two wonderful children. With a life-long love of the arts and the people who worked in the arts, and a long history of building and working in small businesses, Robin’s goal with this show is to help businesses connect with the arts organizations and artists in Tucson, to the mutual benefit of each and an even wider benefit to the entire community of Tucson.
Today’s Guests on Tucson Business Radio – Arts & Commerce:
Michael Fenlason
Director
Strada Company
520-207-9611
Michael Fenlason is the Artistic Director of Strada Company and the Tubac Center of the Arts. Formerly, the Foundations and Corporations Officer at the Tucson Symphony, Marketing and Public Relations Director at the Tucson Museum of Art, Artistic Director at Unlikely Theater and Beowulf Alley Theatre, Michael has been a nonprofit professional for more than 25 years and every organization he has managed has run without loss or debt. Michael is also a professional writer and playwright and was honored by the American Association of Community Theatres for “far-reaching contribution” to theater.
Maryann Green
Executive Director
Tucson Fringe Theatre Festival
tucsonfringe.org
520-261-4851
https://www.facebook.com/tucsonfringe/
Maryann Green is the Executive Director of the Tucson Fringe Theatre Festival and also a Drama Teacher at Rincon High School. Maryann has also worked as an actress and storyteller in Tucson and recently took on the role of managing Live Theatre Workshops Etcetera series.
