Mark Martinez joins Gainey Business Bank as chief credit officer
Gainey Business Bank announced that Mark J. Martinez has joined its Executive Management team as EVP—Chief Credit Officer.
Mark Martinez is a seasoned community banker having worked in the industry since 1977. Most recently he served as EVP—Chief Credit Officer of Arizona based Horizon Community Bank from 2011 until its sale in late 2022. Prior to that, Mr. Martinez worked in the Denver market, including serving as founder, Regional President and Chief Lending Officer of Solera National Bank, in Lakewood, CO.
Mark also served in executive management positions in the Denver banking market with First Citizens Bank and Key Bank. Throughout his career, he has been actively engaged in the communities in which he does business.
“We are thrilled to have Mark join our team, with his extensive experience in Community Bank Credit, Risk Management and Operations,” said Jim Unruh, Chairman of Gainey Business Bank. “This is a very valuable addition to our executive management team.”
Joe Stewart, President & CEO of Gainey Business Bank commented, “Mark brings critically important experience to our management team. His proven skills as a Credit executive, most recently over many years at an Arizona based community bank, line up very well with our mission. He is well versed in providing locally decided lending solutions into the Arizona market.”
TruWest receives Distinguished Service Excellence Award
TruWest® Credit Union received the Service Excellence Award from Priority Financial Group. This award signifies the commitment TruWest demonstrates related to its wealth management services and support.
This award was based on highest gross revenue and assets out of all the financial institutions on the platform and highest growth over prior year in gross revenue and assets.
“TruWest is one of the leading credit unions in the nation in terms of visionary leadership, high quality financial advisors, dedicated admin team, and complete support from the branches and marketing,” said PFG’s CEO, Mike Prior. “This truly is a fun team focused on quality advice.”
PFG provides turnkey compliance, operations, and sales support to over 20 financial institutions using Charles Schwab, Fidelity, and AssetMark platforms. TruWest is the number one financial institution in total revenue, assets, and clients.
The relationship between TruWest and PFG has grown year over year since 2005. Abby Johnson, the internal program executive at TruWest has guided the team to outstanding service levels while the Advisors manage $385M in AUA with 1770 clients. Even more impressive is that 83% of gross revenue is from advisory business.
“Through our partnership with PFG, we are able to deliver on our promise to provide financial education and solutions that make a difference in our members’ lives,” said Johnson.
For more information regarding TruWest Credit Union, please visit truwest.org.
Angry Crab Shack opens first franchise in Atlanta
Angry Crab Shack, the seafood restaurant founded in Mesa specializing in bold Asian-Cajun flavors, hosted the Grand Opening Celebration of its first Atlanta franchise location on March 22. Located in the heart of Atlanta at mixed-use destination Atlantic Station, at 1380 Atlantic Drive NW Unit 14180, the milestone opening brought the first Angry Crab Shack location to the Peach State, kickstarting additional expansion plans for the region while introducing the unique and popular concept to the area.
“We are excited to start the new year by sharing the Angry Crab Shack seafood boil concept with the Atlanta community,” said Darlene Morris, Angry Crab Shack, one of two franchise owners. “Great food, bringing families together, and giving back – these were our main priorities when we looked at different businesses to invest in.”
The Atlantic Station’s Grand Opening Celebration began at 4 p.m., consisting of a ribbon cutting with local elected officials, live performances, community stakeholders, influencers and dignitaries with chances to win Angry Crab Shack apparel, gift cards and more.
“We are eager to open the first Atlanta Angry Crab Shack location,” said Ron Lou, founder of Angry Crab
Shack.” Atlantic Station is the perfect spot for our brand and family friendly dining experience.”
Founded in Mesa, Arizona in 2013 by former NFL player Ron Lou, Angry Crab Shack draws bold Asian and Cajun flavors – as well as a fun food presentation and a laid-back environment to create an unparalleled dining experience for guests. The restaurant has seen momentous growth in early 2023, opening its first UK international location in early March 2023. Currently operating 16 locations in Arizona, the seafood restaurant is continuing its national expansion throughout 2023 with a second Georgia location and pending expansion to Washington,
David DuJordan appointed Mr. Pickle’s VP of operations
Mr. Pickle’s Sandwich Shop, which is headquartered in Scottsdale, announced the promotion of David DuJordan to vice president of operations. The national role was created for DuJordan, who has been with the brand in multiple roles since 2015, to ensure proper processes are developed and maintained as it relates to hiring, training, retention, customer service and other day-to-day operations as the brand continues its exponential growth across Arizona and California and as it looks to other markets nationwide.
DuJordan brings more than 30 years of experience in the quick service restaurant industry to the role. In addition to his eight years with Mr. Pickle’s, DuJordan has worked with brands including Carl’s Jr., TCBY, and On the Border, among others. He also served as director of operations of the Sacramento National Airport’s concessions, managing as many as 13 concepts at one point.
“When my business partner, Dean Johnson, and I purchased Mr. Pickle’s in 2020 when the original husband-wife owners decided to retire, we had a vision to bring the cult favorite brand primarily located in northern California to our home state of Arizona as well as open the door to expansion nationwide,” says Mike Nelson, Mr. Pickle’s CEO. “Dave was unbelievably integral to making this happen. Today, we have two restaurants in Arizona with four more set to open in the next year as well as franchise agreements to expand the brand throughout California. You do not have that level of success without a plan and processes, and we could not have done it so quickly without Dave.”
In addition to his primary responsibilities, DuJordan – who will divide his time between the north Scottsdale headquarters and northern California franchisee support center – will also work with Nelson and Johnson on everything from lease negotiations to managing general contractors on new location build-outs.
Az Business Leaders: The AZ Big Spotlight is sponsored by AZ Business Leaders, an annual business-to-business publication that combines the who’s who of Arizona business community with their valuable leadership advice and knowledge. The magazine is published by AZ Big Media. To learn more about Az Business Leaders, contact Sheri Brown, director of sales.
