Industry leader joins 72SOLD as national director of training
72SOLD announced Randy Cooney as its National Director of Training amid exponential growth. Cooney’s primary role will be overseeing the development of training programs both nationally and in Arizona, where 72SOLD is headquartered. Cooney has spent nearly 40 years in Arizona real estate as a designated broker, owner, trainer, coach, author and instructor.
“I am a true believer in what 72SOLD is doing in the market right now,” said Cooney. “Offering Arizona residents an easy, more convenient way to sell their home, and at a higher price too.”
Named a “Most Influential Person” in Arizona Real Estate by the Arizona Real Estate Educators Association, Cooney, who is also a published and celebrated author, is one of the most respected instructors in the real estate industry. His ability to convey difficult information in an easy-to-understand method is a true gift. In his new role, he will be leading the 72SOLD training division and helping develop the process and procedures. Among his accolades, Cooney is also the publisher of the nation’s largest real estate school publication, was named “Citizen of the Year” by the Phoenix Association of Realtors and received the National Hometown Hero Award from the National Association of Realtors. In addition, Cooney is native to Arizona and a graduate of Brophy High School and Arizona State University. He will remain the President of the Success Institute for Real Estate Professionals and a senior instructor for the Arizona School of Real Estate & Business.
“Having Randy as part of our 72SOLD team is a true honor,” said 72SOLD founder, Greg Hague. “He is a powerhouse in real estate and known for his commitment to those he works with and is a true educator who is a master at his craft.”
Founded by Arizona attorney, real estate authority and TV spokesperson Greg Hague, 72SOLD now operates in 38 states, offering home sellers a program to sell in 72 hours, avoid daily showings, choose their closing date, then stay in their home for up to six months after closing. A recent study by a local title company found that over the past two years, Phoenix area home sellers who used the 72SOLD program on average, sold 10.9% higher than the local median.
Corbins welcomes Greg Ayres
Corbins welcomes Greg Ayres, president of Corbins and partner and COO of Nox Group Companies. Greg is an Arizona native with over 26 years of experience working in the construction industry throughout the western United States, most recently leading the Industrial West Group for Sundt Construction, Inc. Throughout his career, Greg has proven to be a leader in planning and executing complex projects for both municipal and private industrial clients. Greg’s focus will be expanding Corbins construction management and self-perform offerings with new and existing clients across the US.
Greg shares, “Corbins has always stood out to me as a company that was quick to adopt and apply new technology and innovations focused on delivering value to the client – be it the prime contractor or the owner.” He states, “Combining innovation, dedication, and a skilled workforce enables Corbins to deliver quality results and the best value to clients.”
CEO, Justin Martin adds, “Greg has been a friend of the PRIDE for many years and a trusted advisor. In addition to Greg’s unique skillset, experience, and proven leadership, the cultural alignment he has with our team is undeniable. As Greg accelerates the expansion of Corbins’ capabilities and grows our construction business, I am excited for the opportunities this will provide for both our clients and our employees.”
GPEC’s Schwab will lead IEDC committee
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) has announced the roster of Economic Development leaders that will serve on the organization’s Marketing Advisory Committee in 2022. Colleen Schwab, Chief Performance Officer, Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), will serve as Chair on the Marketing Advisory Committee (MAC).
“I’m humbled and honored to lead the talented IEDC Marketing Advisory Committee,” said Schwab. “Collaboration is at the core of what we do at GPEC and it enables us to fulfill our mission and collectively advance the competitiveness of Greater Phoenix. Carrying that spirit of partnership to the Marketing Advisory Committee, we can inspire innovation both locally and internationally in pursuit of moving the profession forward to continue building equitable economies across the globe that creates opportunity for all.”
Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation welcomes 3 tribal council members
On February 8, the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation recognized the results of their 2022 General Election by welcoming Vice President Paul Russell, Secretary Verlene Enos and Council Member Albert Nelson to their recently named tribal council positions.
To keep tribal members safe during the still-pervasive COVID-19 pandemic, the inaugural celebration was live streamed from the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, a tribal-owned Enterprise. The festivities began with a welcome address by President Bernadine Burnette, followed by the posting of colors by the Fort McDowell Yavapai National Veterans Association and pledge of allegiance led by two members of the Youth Council. Antonio Armenta, U.S. Army, then conducted the invocation, after which Election Board President David McLevain shared the official election results.
Interim Chief Judge Kerry Passey then administered the oaths of office to Russell, Enos and Nelson, followed by traditional and Christian blessings bestowed by tribal elder Raphael Bear and Pastor Randall Ruiz, respectively.
A highlight of the virtual inauguration celebration was a video presentation featuring congratulatory remarks from Governor Doug Ducey and Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, recognizing the significant expertise and commitment that Russell, Enos and Nelson bring to these key leadership positions and the bright, exciting future that lies ahead for the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. National Indian Gaming Association chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. added his well wishes from the Cedar Lakes Casino Hotel in Cass Lake, Minnesota, owned by the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe tribe.
Preceded by individual photo montages of them, their families and their community, Russell, Enos and Nelson gave inspiring inaugural speeches pledging to further advance the health, prosperity and happiness of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. A traditional song by the Maswade Drum Group and benediction by SAGU American Indian College president Dr. Jonathan D. Gannon closed out the memorable evening.
“Inauguration ceremonies aren’t just the formal introduction of tribal officers,” remarked Burnette. “They symbolize the peaceful transition of power, reflecting the political will of our tribal members. I know how seriously each member of our tribal council takes their responsibilities and how hard they all work for the Yavapai people.”
Junior Achievement of Arizona expands JA Inspire team
Junior Achievement of Arizona announced Jennie Clausen is the new JA Inspire Program Director and Aden Ramirez is the JA Inspire Program Manager.
“We’re thrilled to have both on board,” said Katherine Cecala, CEO, Junior Achievement of Arizona. “They have an in-depth understanding of the current classroom climate and educational models. Both also have deep connections to teachers and schools throughout the Phoenix Metro area. We know they will be an asset to our team!”
Jennie brings over 10 years of experience as a K-12 classroom teacher and post-secondary education. For the past two years, she has been consulting with teachers who are trying to solve problems and improve areas of struggle. Jennie will be responsible for onboarding new schools, classes and districts to the JA Inspire platform, assisting with booth creation and design for new business sponsors, working closely with K-12 and Development teams to consistently improve the student’s experience and more.
She holds her Ph.D in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on Language and Literacy from Arizona State University.
Aden has over six years of experience in Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO). He managed one of the largest HOSA State Associations during a transitional time while providing new resources for teachers. He will be responsible for onboarding new schools and partners to the JA Inspire program. He has completed a certificate in Nonprofit Management and started a Masters of Nonprofit Leadership and Management degree program at Arizona State University.
JA Inspire, is a virtual career exploration fair that is the only one of its kind in Arizona. The program connects students to some of Arizona’s top industries and businesses, pairing based on a pre-event career assessment and prep lessons. At the event, students will learn all about their career, and the post-event wrap-up includes reflection on what they learned. The organization also offers a variety of free resources to keep students of all ages learning all year long.
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