Nearly 34 years ago, at the request of his father and with some borrowed tools in hand, Loren Vickers installed his first set of garage doors. “I think it took me two days and I made about 50 bucks for the two days of work,” said Loren. Shortly after that fateful experience, Loren says he realized there was a growing need for garage door installation in Northern Arizona. So in 1976, the locally-born Vickers set up his first shop in a 10-foot by 20-foot rental storage unit. … [Read more...] about Businessman Paying Close Attention to Customer Service
Business
New Flagstaff-Based Internet Business First of Its Kind
When producers for the Dr. Phil Show called Tom Jacobs recently and asked him to be on the television program, he was happy to oblige. Jacobs, a retired juvenile court judge, has become an expert in many teen-related topics. Dr. Phil asked him to comment on Phoebe Prince, a 15-year-old Massachusetts girl who hanged herself this year following months of abuse and threats by classmates. Jacobs talked about the court case involving numerous teenagers, … [Read more...] about New Flagstaff-Based Internet Business First of Its Kind
Legal Victory for Arizona Snowbowl
Arizona Snowbowl has won yet another legal battle, although the Save the Peaks Coalition is promising to appeal today's decision. Judge Mary H. Murguia ruled against the plaintiffs, who were claiming the final environmental impact statement by the U.S. Forest Service ignored health issues. Arizona Snowbowl is planning snowmaking operations at the resort near Flagstaff using reclaimed wastewater. Snowbowl officials told Flagstaff Business News that plans are in … [Read more...] about Legal Victory for Arizona Snowbowl
Local Businesses Optimistic About Holiday Shopping
From small independent shops to large nationwide retailers, Flagstaff businesses are looking forward to customers’ increasing confidence in the economy and planned generosity with gifts. In fact, the National Retail Federation (NRF) estimates sales to be up this November and December, the traditional holiday sales period, by 2.3 percent across the United States. That is a marked improvement over the dismal 3.9 percent drop in sales in 2008 and the 0.4 percent gain in … [Read more...] about Local Businesses Optimistic About Holiday Shopping
Lean, Green, Exhaust-Fighting Machines
Automotive acronyms like 4x4, SUV and FWD readily roll off the tongues of most Northern Arizona consumers. But when a new generation of electric vehicles rolls off assembly lines later this year, auto aficionados will be speaking a new acronymic language. For instance, EV translates to electric vehicle. Simple enough. Add an H and get HEV -- short for hybrid electric vehicle, while PHV means plug-in hybrid vehicle. Both the Nissan LEAF and Chevrolet Volt are expected to be available for … [Read more...] about Lean, Green, Exhaust-Fighting Machines
From Coffee to Construction: Are We Saving or Spending?
In turbulent times, what is our survival strategy? Are things getting better or worse? Should we save, spend, or chuck it all and run for the Peaks? Reading today’s economy is not easy. Perpetual ups and downs, sometimes in the same week, demonstrate that the roller coaster has not stopped, even if these days it is more of a kiddie ride than the White- Knuckle Gigacoaster. As recently as August, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported a 0.5 percent increase in personal income in the … [Read more...] about From Coffee to Construction: Are We Saving or Spending?
Flagstaff Businesses Hope New Stores Bring Additional Traffic
When you’re short on cash and crying over bills, maybe the last thing you want to buy is flowers. Johnnie Ferguson, owner of Flagstaff Floral in the University Plaza, added that when times are tough, many people don’t see flowers as a necessity, so they don’t buy as many as they used to. She said her business has declined in the last couple of years, partly because the nearby Safeway opened a floral department. However, Ferguson sees sunny skies through these dark … [Read more...] about Flagstaff Businesses Hope New Stores Bring Additional Traffic
Economists – Slow Recovery
While it is a difficult time financially for many people, the hardships during this economic period are not unusual. That was part of the consensus among economists during the recent Flagstaff Economic Outlook Conference. The annual conference was sponsored by Chase, Northern Arizona University W.A. Franke College of Business and Flagstaff Business News. Since 1976, the conference has drawn local businesspeople eager to hear annual forecasts by prominent economists. Keynote … [Read more...] about Economists – Slow Recovery
Paul Lancaster Joins Flagstaff Business News
Paul Lancaster joins Flagstaff Business News as an account executive. Many people know him from his time at KZGL, The Eagle, where he worked tirelessly to serve the community. Paul has also worked at other radio stations in Flagstaff and in Tucson and Los Angeles. His unique background in communications and internet marketing will help northern Arizona business reach more customers. Contact him at [email protected] … [Read more...] about Paul Lancaster Joins Flagstaff Business News
NAU Students Follow Their Hearts to Restaurant Ownership
She’s clearly a young woman on a mission: “I want 15 stores by the time I’m 30,” said restaurant owner and Northern Arizona University (NAU) junior, Chelsea Hulina. How can she pull off school and work? “Time management is key. I outsource responsibilities to people who are more qualified. I have friends in accounting who help me, and I train my staff well so they will operate the restaurant while I’m in class,” she explained. … [Read more...] about NAU Students Follow Their Hearts to Restaurant Ownership