Tempe Archives - Business RadioX ®

Proptech’s Role in Innovating AZ’s Real Estate Market E26

June 1, 2022 by Karen

Proptechs-Role-in-Innovating-AZs-Real-Estate-Market-feature

AZ TechCast

Proptech's Role in Innovating AZ's Real Estate Market E26

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Proptech’s Role in Innovating AZ’s Real Estate Market E26

Arizona’s business-friendly environment, weather and affordability have made it a hot spot for tourism and inbound migration for decades. But in a post-pandemic world where an estimated 269 people are moving to Arizona each day, the real estate market is experiencing an unexpected surge in demand that is affecting the availability of affordable inventory.

The May 2022 episode of the Arizona Technology Council’s AZTechCast podcast featured proptech experts including Ryan Egan, founder and CEO of Stackhouse; Bill Gleason, vice president of business development at ApostleTech; and Dusty Parsons, chief marketing officer at Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona. These leaders joined Karen Nowicki, president and owner of Phoenix Business RadioX, and Steve Zylstra, president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council, in exploring technology’s role in discussing the innovative technology solutions that are helping to stabilize Arizona’s housing market.

Throughout this hour-long episode, this panel of experts spoke about the pandemic’s unprecedented impact on the national and local real estate market. With the rise in remote work, workers were no longer tied to a physical office space and could disperse across the country, moving from urban metropolises like New York City and San Francisco to more affordable states more commonly known as “flyover states.”

This influx of new residents into Arizona, combined with the hesitancy to overbuild left over from the 2009-2010 recession, means that the state is still severely lagging in housing stock, particularly affordable housing stock. This shortage has inevitably pushed technologists and innovators into reimagining the real estate solutions that can help alleviate this social problem.

Stackhouse is a patent pending technology that allows you to take your container home with you no matter where you move.

Ryan Egan has been working in real estate since the age of 9 when his father started taking him to property showings. His first “real job” was filing for Larsen Baker. He worked for Bank of America but in 2008 he left banking and moved to the other side of the table negotiating short sales for his clients and other agents.

In 2009 he joined Heights properties, the real estate arm of Brake Masters. Starting in property management he quickly added site selection and construction management to his list of responsibilities.

In 2012 he was acquiring and repositioning non-performing assets in San Francisco when the idea for Stackhouse first came to him. Since starting the company in 2017 Stackhouse has been a first-place graduate of the UofA Forge incubator, and UACI.

In 2021 Stackhouse graduated from the Highly selective TechStars Anywhere program. He is currently scouting for property in Austin Texas with his solar-powered shipping container model home and his 3 Humane Society Specials.

Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn.

ApostleTech boasts a team of talented consultants with expertise in implementing, extending, connecting and supporting Salesforce solutions for the homebuilder industry.

For more than a decade, they’ve delivered successful enterprise level solutions that drive organizations to become more efficient and agile. As a premier Salesforce partner, ApostleTech has built its reputation on its long-term collaborative approach, working with homebuilding and construction companies throughout the US and Canada.

Bill Gleason built his career helping companies add new clients and customers to their roster. As an expert in B2B sales, he has worked in a variety of industries including financial services and healthcare solutions, prior to joining the ApostleTech team.

Bill has worked as the vice president of business development at ApostleTech since 2017. During that time the company has solidified its position as a leading solutions provider of homebuilding CRM implementations and marketing automation solutions.

Bill’s prior experience as a CRM user gives him a unique perspective to better understand the challenges and struggles many of ApostleTech’s clients face. This shared understanding enables Bill to approach clients with empathy, which in turn, allows him to build trust.

Follow ApostleTech on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona – Since 1985, with the help of generous donors and volunteers, Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona has been privileged to build more than 1,180 homes, affect more than 3,000 repairs, and improve a place called home for more than 4,000 Arizona families.

Dusty Parsons, Chief Marketing Office at Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona, is a highly organized – tech savvy – business minded – forward thinking – creative, with proven ability to influence partners, processes, and procedures to ensure organizational success.

With a combination of direct communication, humor, and technical expertise, as well as an eye for operational consistency, Dusty has had significant impact on the companies and people he has worked with. He values relationships and results.

Dusty specializes in integrated marketing, community outreach and strategic partnerships.

Follow Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About AZ TechCast

AZ TechCast is dedicated to covering innovation and technology in Arizona and beyond.

Through the art of connected conversation, AZ TechCast’s guests will share their expertise, success stories, news and analysis about the region’s leading startups, companies and emerging technologies, as well as the latest industry trends and critical issues propelling the state’s growing technology ecosystem.

About Your Hosts

Steve Zylstra serves as president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council, a role he assumed in 2007. He is responsible for strategy, operations, finance and policy development. Zylstra is a vocal spokesman for the value technology can provide in raising social and economic standards in Arizona.

Zylstra serves on numerous councils, committees and boards, was named “Leader of the Year, Technology,” by the Arizona Capitol Times, and “Most Admired Leader” by the Phoenix Business Journal. In addition, he was awarded an honorary doctorate of science in technology from the University of Advancing Technology in Tempe, Ariz.

Zylstra earned a bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering technology from Western Michigan University.

Karen Nowicki is a successful author, speaker and the creator of Deep Impact Leadership™ and SoulMarks Coaching™. She is a two-time recipient of the prestigious national Choice Award® for her book and personal development retreat. Karen was crowned the first-ever “Mompreneur of the Year” Award in 2010 for the southwestern states. She was recognized for her leadership, business acumen, and work-life balance.

Karen has been an expert guest on regional TV and radio shows, including Fox Phoenix Morning Show, Sonoran Living, Good Morning Arizona, The Chat Room, and Mid-Day Arizona. She has been a regular contributor to many print and online magazines – publishing articles and blogs for business and education.

In addition to working with private coaching clients, Karen is also the Owner & President of Phoenix Business RadioX. The Business RadioX Network amplifies the voice of business – serving the Fortune 500,000, not just the Fortune 500. Phoenix Business RadioX helps local businesses and professional associations get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, profession, and community.

Of all the experiences Karen has had the privilege of participating in over her vast career, she shares that Phoenix Business RadioX is a pinnacle adventure!

Connect with Karen on LinkedIn and follow Phoenix Business RadioX on Facebook and Instagram.

Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Bianca Buliga is a trilingual first-generation American of Romanian ethnicity. A marketing professional with experience in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, Bianca currently works as Director, Marketing & Communications for the Arizona Technology Council.

Previously, Bianca worked as Marketing Communications Lead at Proctorio, a learning integrity platform that offers remote proctoring software ensuring exam integrity for learners around the world.

Bianca also worked as Senior Marketing Manager at SEED SPOT, a social impact incubator that educates, accelerates, and invests in impact-driven entrepreneurs creating market-based solutions to social problems. In January of 2020, Bianca was selected as an awardee of the Mandela Washington Reciprocal Exchange Program and traveled to the African island of Mauritius to run entrepreneurship programming for 15 impact-driven ecopreneurs on behalf of the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Bianca has also completed comprehensive consulting projects for IBM, ESAN Business School, and the Peruvian government, and interned at the Arizona House of Representatives and U.S. Embassy in Bucharest, Romania.

Bianca earned her Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs from Northern Arizona University in 2014 and her Master’s degree in Global Affairs and Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management in 2017. She is an avid reader, yogi, and world traveler always planning her next trip.

Connect with Bianca on LinkedIn.

About Our Sponsor

The Arizona Technology Council, Arizona’s only statewide organization serving the technology sector, fosters a climate of innovation to enhance technology in Arizona.

A trusted resource in strengthening Arizona’s technology industry, the Council proactively eliminates impediments that companies face, accelerates the entrepreneurial mindset in the state’s expanding innovation ecosystem, and works to create a destination for companies to be, thrive and stay.

Follow Arizona Technology Council on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Gabe Hagen and Jesse Shank with Brick Road Coffee

February 4, 2022 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Gabe Hagen and Jesse Shank with Brick Road Coffee

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Gabe Hagen and Jesse Shank with Brick Road Coffee

Brick Road Coffee is a locally LGBTQ+-owned coffee shop located in Tempe, Arizona serving artisanal coffee, pastries, and pizzas. Their name is inspired by the classic film, The Wizard of Oz where Dorothy sets out on a journey of self-discovery only to realize that all one really needs to find themself is self-realization and acceptance.

Co-owners (and husbands) Gabe Hagen and Jesse Shank took the film’s philosophy and made it their mission to accept everyone as they are, no matter where they are on their personal journey.

A great product is important to Gabe and Jesse who took their time selecting the perfect local roaster, CULT Artisan Beverage Company, and pastries brought in by Squarz Bakery in Tempe.

Supporting local was a must. Approachability and authenticity are important for their business as well as serving quality, locally made and sourced coffee, tea, and food items.

Community is just as important as the perfect latte for Gabe and Jesse. Along with their staff, they have cultivated a culture where friends and neighbors, new and old alike can come together and be accepted for who they are. The environment in their coffee shop is unique and inviting.

The focal point in their main seating area is a custom mural by Tempe artist Paige Reesor which depicts how one’s community can truly support them on their journey along the yellow brick road. Another mural located in the hallway leading to gender-neutral restrooms was custom made by Corrie Mattie (or the LA Hope Dealer) as she’s known in Los Angeles.

Jesse-Shank-Phoenix-Business-RadioX — Jesse Shank, Brick House Coffee

Gabe and Jesse’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is apparent in other ways as well. They set up a free LGBTQ+ lending library right in their cafe and often run promotions that give back to charities such as Aunt Rita’s and one-n-ten Phoenix.

Supporting local politics and leaders who want to make a change is important to them too. They’ve hosted several “Coffee with a Candidate” events where they’ve teamed up with city leaders to connect with the community they serve.

Gabe-Hagen-Phoenix-Business-RadioX — Gabe Hagen, Brick House Coffee

After moving out of their small Midwestern towns and meeting in Southern California, Gabe and Jesse realized just how much coffee shops are centers of the communities they serve. They are a gathering place for exchanging ideas, coming together in common endeavors, and building networks and relationships.

They left California to pursue careers in finance in Arizona but once the pandemic hit in early 2020, they wanted to do something that made a difference.

Their hope is that the community born at Brick Road Coffee will help elevate their neighbors and make a small yet meaningful impact on their lives.

“I want to be known for how I treat my employees and my community. I want to be known for my coffee, sure, but I want to be known for those two things more. ” – Gabe Hagen

Starting a small business is no easy feat but equipped with business finance experience and a passion to make a difference, Gabe and Jesse opened their doors in early November and slowly expanded their hours and staff to ensure they had everything down to a science ahead of their Grand Opening Event, held Jan. 27 – Jan. 29, 2022.

Complete with an official ribbon-cutting hosted by the Tempe Chamber of Commerce and a raffle held to benefit an organization near and dear to their hearts, one•n•ten Phoenix, they certainly had a lot to celebrate!

Follow Brick Road Coffee on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

The Future of Fitness with Drew Saenz Kelsey Girts and Shelly Johnson E23

February 8, 2021 by Karen

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Phoenix Business Radio

The Future of Fitness with Drew Saenz Kelsey Girts and Shelly Johnson E23

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The Future of Fitness with Drew Saenz Kelsey Girts and Shelly Johnson E23

On this episode of The Future of Work: Water Cooler Conversations we were joined by guests Kelsey Girts & Shelly Johnson of Fit4MOM Chandler, Gilbert and Tempe and Drew Saenz of Team Up Fitness. We talked about how they each found their way into health and wellness and entrepreneurship. We also discussed the changes the whole fitness industry have undergone since the pandemic.

Drew, Kelsey and Shelly gave some great tips on how to take the first step on your fitness journey and how to stay motivated. You will also learn about different programs that are available, including virtual fitness programs that are just a click or two away.

Team Up helps busy professionals stop the hands of time so they can regain their health and live life to the fullest.

Drew Saenz, Owner of Team Up Health and Fitness, is a dad, husband, and fitness business owner on a mission to improve the quality of life of his clients and the Arizona community through health and fitness coaching and programming.

Connect with Drew on LinkedIn and follow Team Up on Facebook.

FIT4MOM is the nation’s leading company for pre and postnatal health, wellness, and fitness programs for every stage of motherhood. From pregnancy through postpartum and beyond, their fitness and wellness programs help make women strong in body, mind, and spirit.

Kelsey Girts and Shelly Johnson are a mother daughter franchise team who worked in various fitness & coaching arenas before coming together to support the local community of women through Fit4Mom. Kelsey is mom to two little girls, 2 & 4 with a background in group & personal training as well as corporate fitness. Shelly is mom to Kelsey and two school aged children who enjoyed a successful career coaching collegiate volleyball.

The two happened upon the opportunity to get involved in the Fit4Mom community and jumped at the chance. Kelsey & Shelly bought the Tempe & Chandler franchise in May of 2019 and acquired the Gilbet territory in January of 2021. The two now lead a team of 9 other #mombosses. Their goal is to provide community, wellness, support, and education to women in every stage of motherhood – meeting the woman where she is at and connecting her to this amazing village of women.

Follow FIT4MOM on Instagram.

ABOUT THE FUTURE OF WORK: WATER COOLER CONVERSATIONS

Welcome to Future of Work: Water Cooler Conversations 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 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

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.

Greg Ross with Four Peaks Brewing Company E17

November 23, 2020 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Greg Ross with Four Peaks Brewing Company E17

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Greg Ross with Four Peaks Brewing Company E17

Four Peaks Brewing Co. is an Arizona brewery and restaurant that was founded by Andy Ingram, Jim Scussel, and Randy Schultz. The original and main location is in an old creamery and warehouse on 8th Street in Tempe, Arizona, about one-half mile (800 m) east of the campus of Arizona State University.

Four Peaks has gained nationwide fame in recent years as a result of earning numerous awards at the annual Great American Beer Festival in Denver, Colorado.

Greg Ross is an experienced Sales and Brand Director with a demonstrated history of effectively connecting new consumers and wholesalers with a nationally recognized brand in both established home and expansion markets.

Skilled in Advertising, Media Planning, Budgeting, Wholesaler Integration, Event Management, Brand Positioning and Public Relations as well as using value added selling techniques to acquire new distribution and programs in National Accounts.

Connect with Greg on LinkedIn.

About Arizona Good Business

What is good business? What are local businesses doing to build a better Arizona?

Join Arizona Good Business to hear from local companies who are:

Centering purpose at the forefront of business
Creating social well-being for the community
Prioritizing sustainability and positive environmental practices
Growing strong company cultures through building authentic teams
Ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion are involved in all business decisions

Arizona Good Business features local business leaders that are redefining what it means to do good business.

About Your Host

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 AZ

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.

City of Tempe Mayor Corey Woods Thomas Barr with Local First Arizona and Jihan Cottrell with Cox Business E10

July 17, 2020 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

City of Tempe Mayor Corey Woods Thomas Barr with Local First Arizona and Jihan Cottrell with Cox Business E10

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City of Tempe Mayor Corey Woods Thomas Barr with Local First Arizona and Jihan Cottrell with Cox Business E10

Are you a business leader in Arizona, Tempe resident, or small business owner? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you will definitely want to listen to this episode of Collaborative Connections Radio Show and Podcast. Everything from COVID-19, to Black Lives Matter, to supporting local businesses, police reform, giving back and more was covered!

Thomas Barr, Executive Director of Local First Arizona, Corey Woods, newly elected Mayor of the City of Tempe, and Jihan Cottrell, Account Executive at Cox Business joined Kelly Lorenzen on-air for this very special episode. They had a great conversation about current events, local business and collaborative efforts to move us forward.

City of Tempe is a government organization providing public services and programs.

Corey Woods was elected mayor of the City of Tempe in March 2020.

In his professional career, he is the chief of staff at ASU Preparatory Academy. Woods is responsible for assisting the managing director with operations, external partnerships and strategic initiatives.

He previously served as the chief operating officer for the Greater Phoenix Urban League, director of college and career articulation for the Phoenix Union High School District and director of government relations for the American Lung Association of Arizona.

His personal commitment to community service extends to board memberships for many organizations including Newtown Community Development Corporation, Friendship Village, and Landings Credit Union. Woods is also an emeritus board member of Equality Arizona, active member and past president of the Kiwanis Club of Tempe, former board chair for Children’s Action Alliance, and former two-term board president of the Tempe Boys and Girls Club – Ladmo Branch.

Woods served as a Councilmember for the City of Tempe from July 2008 – July 2016. He was elected to the Tempe City Council in May 2008 and reelected in March 2012.

Woods was instrumental in guiding city policy that led to Tempe’s perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign’s “Municipal Equality Index.” He championed initiatives in the areas of affordable housing and human services while working tirelessly to improve community development standards to attract business investment and protect neighborhoods.

Woods graduated from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in April 2000 with a B.A. in
Political Science, and a minor in African-American Studies. After college, Woods was a teaching assistant at ASU for three years. In May 2018, Woods earned a Master of Arts in Educational Policy from ASU’s Mary Lou Fulton College of Education.

Connect with Mayor Woods on Facebook and Twitter.

A proud Arizona native and graduate of Arizona State University, Thomas leads the business coalition of Local First Arizona. He advocates for the economic and cultural benefits provided by building strong local economies and leads the resources Local First provides to its network of over 3000 small businesses.

Outside of Local First Arizona, Thomas has participated in volunteering his time to many causes and organizations throughout Arizona including Young Nonprofit Professionals – Phoenix, Equality Arizona, Arizona Commission on the Arts, Heritage Square Foundation, Valley Leadership and Phoenix Legal Action Network. Additionally, Thomas is a 2018 Phoenix Magazine 40 Under 40 honoree, alumni of Arizona Leading for Change, and alumni of Valley Leadership Institute’s 40th cohort.

Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn and follow Local First Arizona on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Cox Business provides Internet, transport, cloud and managed services, voice, video, network and physical security services to businesses across the country. Cox recently formed Cox2M to leverage smart technologies for its customers. Within Arizona alone, Cox owns and manages a fiber optic network covering both the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas.

The Cox national network reaches from coast-to-coast, enabling Cox Business to be one of the largest providers of business Ethernet services in the U.S. In addition to the technology Cox provides, the company is committed to the local communities which it serves through programs and charitable giving with primary focus on education, sustainability, and diversity.

Cox Communications is known for its pioneering efforts in broadband, voice and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For 10 years, Cox has been recognized as a best operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; Cox has ranked among DiversityInc’s Top 50 Companies for Diversity 13 times.

Jihan Cottrell is an Account Executive with Cox Business and brings fifteen years of telecommunications experience which has encompassed various sales, marketing and leadership roles. Jihan considers the opportunities to represent the Cox Business brand as an ambassador within the community as a highly engaging and fulfilling attribute of his role.

Jihan has served on board of directors for the Tempe Chamber of Commerce for four years and is currently the past chair. His direct involvement with the Tempe Chamber has served as a best practice within Cox Business by illustrating the value of developing key partnerships within the cities and communities that Cox Business serves.

Before working for Cox, Jihan was the office manager for various national & regional optical chains, where he enjoyed developing, cultivating and leading teams that provided excellent customer care for clients. He graduated from the University of Phoenix with a B.S. in Business Marketing & Business Management.

Jihan moved to Arizona in 1998, becoming rooted in the valley with his wife of 21 years and 4 children. Outside of work, Jihan volunteers his time by coaching a variety of youth sports, most recently his daughter’s soccer team and son’s flag football team.

He views each client as a business partner and is committed to delivering a level of customer support that is rarely experienced in the telecommunications industry today.

About the Show

Kelly Lorenzen started the “Collaborative Connections” show to bring her clients and favorite charities together to meet each other, connect and collaborate in life and business. She hopes to build a stronger community one show at a time.

About Our Sponsor

KLM Consulting is a business concierge and project management firm. They help small business owners and non-profits build, brand and brag about their businesses.

About Your Host

Kelly Lorenzen, CEO of KLM Consulting, is an award-winning entrepreneur with over 15 years of business-ownership experience. She is also a certified project management professional.

Kelly’s expertise is in business development, customer service, marketing, and sales.

Connect with Kelly on LinkedIn, and follow KLM Consulting on Facebook.

Humanitarian Raveen Arora with Think Human and Co-host Jim Hall with Crexendo

July 11, 2018 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Humanitarian Raveen Arora with Think Human and Co-host Jim Hall with Crexendo

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Humanitarian Raveen Arora with Think Human and Co-host Jim Hall with Crexendo

In this episode of Phoenix Business Radio, Host Karen Nowicki and Special Guest Co-host Jim Hall, get you connected with community builder and philanthropist, Raveen Arora. Listen in as Raveen shares his approach (and life’s work) to advocating diversity and a constant provider of opportunities, education… and a delicious meal.

Since childhood in his native India, Raveen Arora, Founder of Think Human, has lived a life of service. This includes the All India Boy Scouts Association, volunteership with Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity to Tempe business owner, caring neighbor, and immigrant community mentor.

Inspired by his humble beginnings, Arora believes there is nothing more important than community involvement and social responsibility. “I am truly humbled and incredibly privileged to be selected for this honor,” he says. “This award is much bigger than me and rightfully belongs to all my neighbors on the Apache corridor who have been on this journey with me. It’s the people who matter.”

At an early age, Arora knew what it meant to be hungry after his family lost everything during war. Growing up in Kolkata (Calcutta), India he involved himself with service organizations such as the Scouts, president of the Leo/Lions Club, and other charitable works before immigrating to America.

In 2003, Arora opened The Dhaba and India Plaza, near Apache and McClintock in an area of Tempe with many challenges. Through the years, Arora has made a positive change by providing clothing, bottled water, and daily free meals to people in need. Several local nonprofits have benefited from his financial support and leadership.

During construction of Tempe’s light rail on Apache, Arora became aware of a dangerous situation for residents crossing the street to utilize public transportation, especially for wheelchair users. He responded by donating a portion of his land for the installation of an accessible ramp and crosswalk.

Arora upholds the dignity of people from all walks of life by providing jobs, giving incentives to further their education, and encouraging the very best in each person he meets. He is known as “uncle” to many foreign students and immigrants living in the area, helping them with their studies and transitioning to a new culture.

For his life of good works, Raveen has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Mother Theresa International Service Award, Don Carlos Humanitarian of the Year, and the National Restaurant Association Humanitarian Award.

Connect with Raveen on LinkedIn.

Crexendo is a cloud-based telephone service provider, helping for-profit and nonprofit organizations cut their telecom costs while improving operational efficiencies. In short, they provide telephone systems that use the internet eliminating the costs and limitations of traditional telephone lines. Telephone calls are often the first impression and last impression of a business. Crexendo connects prospects and customers to your business regardless of when and where your staff is at the time.

Tempe South Rotary is a group of people dedicated to helping others locally nationally and internationally. Tempe South Rotarians volunteer time and raise and donate money through a wide variety of means and organizations to helpothers in need. Thier motto is service above self.

Tempe Community Council is a unique nonprofit organization with a mission of connecting those in need with those who care. TCC interfaces with the City of Tempe and residents in need of services including food, transportation, education, and tax prepartion through agency review and grants.

Jim Hall has a passion for technology and helping others. Jim consults businesses on options for their telephone systems and service, matching the business needs to system capabilities with eyes on cost. When not helping businesses with their telecom, Jim is involved in community organizations and activities including Tempe South Rotary and Tempe Community Council. In his spare time, Jim enjoys playing music, golfing, and outdoor activities.