Kyle Maynard and his long-time friend and business partner, Joey Leonardo, know all about failure. Before becoming world-class mountaineers, they weren’t even campers. “We didn’t know how to put up a tent,” said Leonardo. Today, they have over-the-top memories of viewing the world from some of the highest peaks. But, getting there took a rocky path and a mountain of challenges. Their climb in every endeavor is strewn with seemingly insurmountable difficulties. Their success across slippery … [Read more...] about Encouraging Yourself: Can You Go Three More Feet?
Business
Heritage Route 66 Motel Getting Retro Restoration
New owners are renovating the Whispering Winds Motel on Old Route 66 in Flagstaff. The 25-room motel was purchased on June 1 for just under $1 million, according to Coconino County records. “We’re working with Mark Reavis at the City of Flagstaff’s Heritage Preservation Office to renovate the landmark sign,” said Ascend Capital Management Sales and Marketing Dirctor Jose Alvarado. “Our goal is to renovate the whole building.” The Flagstaff-based company has chosen not to raze the Route 66 … [Read more...] about Heritage Route 66 Motel Getting Retro Restoration
International Minute Press Lifts Community During COVID-19
International Minute Press printing franchise owners Tracie and Glenn Hansen are helping people in Flagstaff celebrate milestones, stay safe and get back to business during COVID-19. Just five months after celebrating their first year in business, everything came to a sudden stop for them. “March was shaping up to be a record month, but it all came to a screeching halt once the governor declared a state of emergency. It was alarming. But from Day 1, local and corporate support staff from … [Read more...] about International Minute Press Lifts Community During COVID-19
Female-Operated Old Barrel Tea Company Pours Flavor into Downtown
From a social drink to a mid-day pick-me-up, tea has come a long way since its introduction to the United States in 1650. Tea has even seeped its way into the wellness industry, and Old Barrel Tea Company (OBTC), downtown Flagstaff’s newest business, is ready to tell you all about it. With four stores in New Mexico and two in Colorado, OBTC is a family-owned, female-run business. Manager Eleanor Krueger, who has roots in Flagstaff, is excited to introduce patrons to the advantages of … [Read more...] about Female-Operated Old Barrel Tea Company Pours Flavor into Downtown
Consumers Lose More Than Weight with Noom Health App
Consumers who are at home more than usual during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic may be especially interested in getting in shape by trying out convenient web-based health and fitness services. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning consumers about Noom, a popular app-based weight loss service. According to BBB Serving Metropolitan New York, where Noom is headquartered, customers have submitted well over a thousand complaints alleging the company offers misleading free trials and … [Read more...] about Consumers Lose More Than Weight with Noom Health App
Is PPP The Right Approach to Keeping Businesses Alive? One Startup’s Research Says No
PPP and other Cares Act funding was released to businesses under the disguise of ‘trying to keep them alive’. This is because governments know that businesses are the touchstones of local economies. They are the source of jobs, commerce, and vital services. However, we keep seeing the negative news headlines daily, as small businesses continue to fail despite over $6 trillion in relief. 20% to 40% of small businesses are closing their doors in America, and this is amidst PPP relief … [Read more...] about Is PPP The Right Approach to Keeping Businesses Alive? One Startup’s Research Says No
Beyond the Exterior
Forget career assessments or personality tests to determine your professional path; sometimes our names alone can hold the key to the employment door we should open. Such is the case with Flagstaff’s Janet Sweigart of SweigART, Designs, LLC, who began her career studying fine arts at Northern Arizona University and now specializes in custom interior architectural design for commercial and residential projects as well as new construction, remodels and design. Selecting NAU as her choice of … [Read more...] about Beyond the Exterior
Guitarman Esteban Strumming Softly Through COVID-19
For artists like Esteban, the show must go on, despite the cancelation of live concerts because of the novel coronavirus. “I’m not playing a lot of gigs,” said Esteban. “I’m doing a lot of recordings now. And I’m doing a lot of YouTube stuff because all my gigs canceled. You know, I had 45 gigs just smoked out. COVID-19.” Esteban, whose real name is Stephen Paul, opened up two downtown Prescott businesses in May 2019 – Arizona Earth and Relaxing Foot Spa – and is having to adjust the way … [Read more...] about Guitarman Esteban Strumming Softly Through COVID-19
Snowbowl, Chamber Offer COVID-19 Relief Fund
As businesses continue to struggle with the effects of COVID-19, some are looking for ways to help. Arizona Snowbowl officials say the resort is partnering with the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce to create the Arizona Snowbowl/Flagstaff Chamber COVID-19 Relief Fund, which will provide eight $7,500 grants to qualifying small businesses. “COVID-19 has created new challenges for everyone, including all of us at Snowbowl,” said General Manager Rob Linde. “As a part of our continued … [Read more...] about Snowbowl, Chamber Offer COVID-19 Relief Fund
A Tea Party with the White Rabbit
It’s high tea time in Flagstaff. Where can you settle into a plush turquoise armchair, accept a lovely cup of perfectly- brewed tea and sip gently with your pinky out while decorously nibbling on a warm scone? With the opening of the White Rabbit Tea Lounge in an upscale retail space in Sawmill at Aspen Place, Flagstaff now has a charming location to savor the wonders of tea. The tea lounge, situated below luxury apartments, was launched during a soft opening on July 11, with a grand … [Read more...] about A Tea Party with the White Rabbit