It’s been 225 years since Benjamin Franklin said, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Whether you like it or not, there is another certainty for business leaders: sooner or later, one way or another, you’re going to have to leave your business. And even though experts said… Read More →

Whether you’re a meetings and event professional or the CEO of a company who is trying to organize a one-of-a-kind event for your employees, it’s time to think outside the hotel box. Arizona offers a variety of non-hotel options for meetings, conferences or off-site events and activities that may have never crossed your mind. Imagine… Read More →

The residential real estate market is about to go “boom.” According to AARP, for the next 18 years, Baby Boomers will be turning 65 at a rate of about 8,000 a day. That’s a lot of homeowners who may be thinking about unloading their large family homes. “It is often misleading to generalize for a whole… Read More →

Falling back into your boss’ arms to build trust is about as fresh as the “chicken dance.” “We are moving into an era where people need to give trust by being 100 percent engaged with their co-workers,” said Todd Davis, founder of Fun Coach USA. “Statistics say only 30 percent of 100 million workers are… Read More →

When Cristin Barr, CMP, went to college, she was more interested in investor relations than guest relations. “At The University of Texas I studied Investor Relations, which took me to New York City for my first professional job,” said the current president of the Arizona Sunbelt Chapter of Meeting Professionals International (AzMPI). “For the past… Read More →

Please don’t ever tell my mother this, but the thing I missed the most when I moved from New York to Arizona was the pizza. I missed the moments of cheesy deliciousness when I would finish a workout, grab a slice, fold it in half and walk down the street with orange grease dribbling through… Read More →

July marked the four-year anniversary of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which was meant to reform and stabilize our financial system. So, has it? “Since the implementation of the Dodd-Frank Act and establishment of Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), more than 800 credit unions have closed their doors,” said Dan Berger,… Read More →

Brian Mueller has created the most successful business model in education. When he took over as Grand Canyon University’s CEO in 2008, there were less than 1,000 students on campus and about 10,000 online. Today, GCU has 8,500 students on campus and 50,000 online, with a new East Valley campus coming in 2015. Mueller has… Read More →

As managing partner at Miller Russell Associates, a leading Phoenix-based investment and wealth management advisor, Christina Burroughs works with client families on investment planning, strategic multi-generational planning, and philanthropy. But her work life wasn’t always so sophisticated. Az Business: What was your first job?  Christina Burroughs: At 14, I was eager to work and was eligible for… Read More →

Is there any better fun than free fun? During the entire month of October, more than 110 San Diego hotels, restaurants, attractions, museums and transportation companies offer families with children special deals, so they can enjoy San Diego without emptying their wallets. “Kids Free San Diego” provides families an opportunity to save during budget-conscious times… Read More →

Looking for a place to enjoy a fun night? Well look no further, as the new comedy venue Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy brings entertainment and big laughs to the North Valley. Guests are invited to laugh the night away with shows taking place from Wednesday through Sunday. You can also join them for open-mic… Read More →

MJ Insurance, a leading property-casualty and employee benefits agency, was recently named one of the ‘Best Places to Work in Insurance’ by Business Insurance and Best Companies Group. The annual program was created six years ago to identify, recognize and honor the best employers in insurance. To be considered for the award companies had to… Read More →

A new restaurant, SaltRock, has opened as the signature dining destination at Kimpton’s Amara Resort & Spa in Sedona, lead by Executive Chef Massimo De Francesca. SaltRock offers Southwest-inspired cuisine marrying the fresh, light and seasonal approach to California cooking with culinary traditions and ingredients of the Southwest and Verde Valley. SaltRock serves breakfast, lunch… Read More →

Earlier this year, Candace Hunter Wiest, president and CEO of West Valley National Bank, launched AZ Dental Bank, a specialty group that she unveiled at the Western Regional Dental Convention in Phoenix. Az Business sat down with Wiest to talk about trends in her industry. What qualities do you think an effective CEO needs to… Read More →

They weren’t even friends when they launched a 20-year partnership. “We didn’t know each other until we started the business,” said Susan Smederovac-Wilcox, who created The Herb Box with Becky J. Windels in 1995. “We heard about each other and met for breakfast. I said, ‘If you can cook it, I can sell it.’ We… Read More →