Sometimes the desires of our hearts and early life ventures can lead the way to a successful and fulfilling career. For Highgate Senior Living CEO Marjorie Todd, stepping into a hospital as a candy striper at age 14 ushered her on to a position as activity assistant at a senior living home just a few years later. “I fell in love with working with seniors and found my calling,” she said. “I worked with people who had late- to mid-state cognitive impairment and dementia.” Todd says working … [Read more...] about Marjorie Todd Believes in Holistic Care for Senior Living
Business
Office Space Momentum Anticipated in the New Year
There is no doubt, COVID-19 has had a colossal impact on how and where we do business. Now, as we usher in the new year with a massive rollout of vaccines, Americans are optimistic about an end to our “new normal,” healing for an exhausted healthcare industry and recovery for an ailing economy. However, economists and business owners predict the pandemic’s after-effects will linger on. Some of those impacts may affect lawyers, accountants, insurance agents, realtors, stockbrokers and other … [Read more...] about Office Space Momentum Anticipated in the New Year
Real Estate Market Maintaining Momentum in the New Year
Staying strong since last June, the housing market on the local, state and national level has risen to a 14-year high, despite the pandemic, economic uncertainty and a difficult presidential election. Even during historically slow periods, like the holiday season, homebuyers are quickly purchasing the few homes listed for sale. The shortage of housing inventory and extremely low interest rates have driven the hyperactive real estate market, says long-time realtor Gary Nelson, who heads the … [Read more...] about Real Estate Market Maintaining Momentum in the New Year
Hot Sauce Entrepreneur Pours Himself into Real Estate
Tangy condiments and Mexican food specialties don’t necessarily mix with real estate, but for one Flagstaff realtor, the combination makes the perfect blend. After achieving great success with his popular hot sauce, tortillas and tamales, local entrepreneur and owner of RisingHy and Tortilla Lady, Michael Konefal has added realtor to his resume. “I’ve always had a passion for real estate,” said Konefal, an agent with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. “My best friend’s mom was a … [Read more...] about Hot Sauce Entrepreneur Pours Himself into Real Estate
Governor Ducey Provides Additional Funding To Support Local Restaurants
Governor Doug Ducey today announced an additional $2 million to further help local restaurants and other dining establishments expand outdoor dining, protect patrons and staff, and limit the spread of COVID-19. “Arizona restaurant owners and their employees have worked diligently to serve patrons and limit the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Ducey. “Many restaurants have utilized outdoor dining to welcome more customers while maintaining safety, and we want to make sure our local … [Read more...] about Governor Ducey Provides Additional Funding To Support Local Restaurants
Invest in Yourself: Practice Your Craft, Buy the Dress
A few years ago, I called up a friend I’d known since grade school and asked her if she would go shopping with me. As the mother-of-the-groom, I needed a dress that would not embarrass my son and would fit with the colors and style of his large, formal wedding. Turns out, my friend, Claire, needed a dress for her sister’s wedding, which was in another state amongst people she had not seen in ages – or ever. Neither of us had shopped for a monumental-life-event dress in years and all I could … [Read more...] about Invest in Yourself: Practice Your Craft, Buy the Dress
Recreational Marijuana Set to Change the Business Landscape
Roy DuPrez owns Back2Basics Outdoor Adventures in Flagstaff. The company’s primary focus is helping individuals live meaningful lives free from alcohol and drug addictions. Yet, like 60% of the state’s residents, DuPrez voted for Proposition 207, the measure that legalizes recreational marijuana in Arizona. He uses cannabidiol medicinally for inflammation and sports injury pain. Also known as CBD, the cannabis product lacks THC and does not cause a high. DuPrez has been impressed by the many … [Read more...] about Recreational Marijuana Set to Change the Business Landscape
Former Railroad Conductor Switches Tracks with the Sale of Aspen Sports
The Santa Fe Railroad may have brought Jerry McLaughlin to Flagstaff, but a love for telemark skiing made this conductor realize the mountain town was more than just a whistle stop for him. For 34 years, McLaughlin has outfitted outdoor enthusiasts, kept their gear tuned up and offered tips for backcountry exploration – first, in a 500-square-foot shop on Aspen Ave., near The Orpheum; then, in the Monte Vista Hotel in the space now occupied by the Rendezvous; and finally, at 15 N. San Francisco … [Read more...] about Former Railroad Conductor Switches Tracks with the Sale of Aspen Sports
5 Ways to Thank Your Local Small Business
In the middle of a pandemic that has taken so much from us, acts of celebration and sharing hold an even deeper significance. Although our holidays celebrations will look different this year, our values remain unchanged. This is a season of caring, a season of giving. We each look for ways to ease suffering and connect with our loved ones, even if over a computer screen. As we care for our neighbors by donating meals and gifts and prepare the same for our families, I urge you to make those … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Thank Your Local Small Business
Going with the Overflow
You’re like Space Mountain at Disneyland!” one customer exclaimed this summer after experiencing the popularity of the Sweet Shoppe Candy Store in downtown Flagstaff. “I am floored,” said Sweet Shoppe owner Jennifer Rolley. “It’s embarrassing. We have lines out the door every weekend!” Lines out the door and tables of patrons into the street are very visible signs that businesses are open and thriving in Flagstaff’s historic district. Shop owners say it has been that way since they … [Read more...] about Going with the Overflow