Localrevibe Magazine | Issue 7 | March 2014 by localrevibe

issue 7 mar 2014

heavy

pedal made for cyclists and fueled by evolution

Terrance murtagh & victor vasquez

state forty eight

arizona passion meets arizona fashion

fixed heart films

creating an entrepreneurial story

by alexa chrisbacher

haus panther

Lifebox 2.0

a new structure of urban living

Get local az

hey, arizona get local

the “catification” lady

mamma toledo’s

the pie hole

space boy robot

the most extraordinary pieces aren’t always traditional www.localrevibe.com | @localrevibe

march 2014 | Localrevibe Magazine

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Localrevibe Magazine Issue 7 | March 2014 Published by Localrevibe Media Network, LLC. Chris Kontakis Creative Director Contributors Tina Van Booven Kimberly Gunning Morgan Tanabe Nicole Royse Ashley Brand Alexa Chrisbacher Katie Snyder

Localrevibe Media Network, LLC. 7000 N. 16th Street Suite 120 pmb215 Phoenix, Arizona 85020 Phone 480 336 2507 info@localrevibe.com www.localrevibe.com www.localrevibemedia.com

Proud Member of:

Media Partners Fixed Heart Films Kronos Creative

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Photo by: Michael Klinger 4

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lifebox 2.0

Get local az

Space boy robot

state forty eight

A New Structure of Urban Living

Hey, Arizona Get Local

The Most Extraordinary Pieces Aren’t Always Traditional

Arizona Passion Meets Arizona Fashion

COVER STORY

heavy pedal Made For Cyclists and Fueled By Evolution

Fixed heart films

Haus panther

mamma toledo’s

“intuicion the barcelona series”

cocktail style

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Creating An Entrepreneurial Story

The “Catification” Lady

The Pie Hole On Roosevelt

Exhibit By William Barnhart

Best Dressed Bartender Matt Tobey

march 2014 | Localrevibe Magazine

l ocal li vi ng

A New Structure of Urban Living Valley resident creates micro-modern architecture by Katie Snyder | Photos by Chris Kontakis

march 2014 | Localrevibe Magazine

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Phoenix resident Vincenz Saccento has always been a visionary. So, when the idea to turn boxes into a living space came to mind, it was only natural he would turn the idea into a reality.

“There is simply no maintenance,” he says. “The previous owner vacuum’s the floor and the next person can actually move in.” So, what’s next for the micro-modern movement?

“I have always been into

“With the success of V100 Modbox, I founded Lifebox

design,” says Saccento. “So,

2.0 in January with the plan to make better versions of my

when I saw the need for ad-

product,” says Saccento.

ditional housing in the Valley, I decided I was going to

His new business venture will focus on using transportable

make the first, cube-like liv-

64-square-foot boxes that will then be connected and creat-

ing unit.”

ed into larger spaces.

And he did. In fact, he be-

“The new model is faster and more furious than ever,” says

came the face of micro-modern living in the Valley.

Saccento. “We use smaller cubes and the walls in each unit are only half an inch thick versus the previous three inch

“My very first design was the V100 Modbox and it became

thick walls.”

a huge micro-unit movement,” says Saccento. Saccento also added that the new models are lighter and The first V100 Modbox neighborhood was located at the

will also take less time to put together. Adding that depend-

Southern end of downtown Phoenix. The creations came

ing on the size, each model can take two individuals at most

complete with high-end appliances and custom cabin-

just eight hours to put together.

etry. All appliances and materials were also completely eco-friendly. According to Saccento, a standard home in-

“The new model will allow us to expand the types of facili-

cluded a living room, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom all in a

ties we want to manufacture,” says Saccento. “As we go into

10’ x 10’ space.

2014, we will continue to look for additional partnerships and opportunities to create pop-up shops and other con-

The size isn’t even the most unique part of Saccento’s cre-

cepts, expanding the business in the downtown urban area.”

ation. The designer says, each unit can be built in a matter of days by just two people, with no nails, screwdrivers, or

For more information on Lifebox 2.0 contact

hammers required.

vincenzsaccento@gmail.com

“Each Modbox was built to accommodate a single person comfortably,” says Saccento. “Despite its snug size, the homes design provided a sense comfort that allowed homeowners to move freely and not feel claustrophobic.”

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shop local

hey, arizona get local

helping tie the small business community and local residents together by Kimberly Gunning | Photos by Chris Kontakis

march 2014 | Localrevibe Magazine

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Get Local AZ is helping tie the small busi-

The Farm at Agritopia in Gilbert, Junk

ness community and local residents to-

in the Trunk Vintage Market, SoZo Cof-

gether, at a time when entrepreneurship

feehouse in Chandler, Brand X Custom

and supporting local means more than

T-Shirts, Here On The Corner clothing

ever. The mission? ‘Invigorating local

boutique in Tempe, Four Peaks Brew-

economy through community.’

ers and My Waffle Crush food truck are among the varied list of participating

“We want people to shop locally, regular-

businesses.

ly,” Get Local AZ Owner Jordan Griffin explains.

Not only are names being added by the week, Gel Local AZ’s Instagram account

The Get Local AZ loyalty discount card

has exploded over the past few months,

provides incentive for consumers to shop

from 1200 followers to 6700 and counting.

locally, explore the Valley’s hotspots and play an important role in supporting Ar-

On Arizona’s birthday, February 14, Get

izona’s economy.

Local AZ officially unveiled its new website, offering an interactive map for local

Griffin took over the company in late

shoppers to view participating businesses,

2013. With the framework for Get Local

and for owners to showcase their compa-

AZ already set by two of his friends, he has

ny information—complete with history,

been able to run full speed ahead, working

contact information and website link.

full-time to cultivate the company and expand its reach.

Griffin shows a true love for Arizona and is passionate about educating consumers

“I hit the streets on a daily basis and just

about what shopping local means to the

try to make connections,” Griffin says, and

economy. “I think a lot of people don’t

explains he enjoys meeting the owners of

realize how much money stays in the

local businesses face-to-face and hearing

state and how important it is to keep that

their stories.

money in Arizona,” he states, and explains that $73 of every $100 spent locally stays

Keeping local businesses as the No. 1 ben-

within the community, while only $43 of

eficiary of Get Local AZ, participating

every $100 stays in the state when spent at

businesses receive a number of cards to

a business that is not locally owned.

sell, matching their initial investment. After that, they can buy additional cards at a

At the end of the day, Griffin says it’s more

wholesale price of $5 per card. With each

than just supporting local businesses,

card selling at $10, the remaining $5 goes

“This is about Arizona; this is about our

back into the business.

economy; this is about businesses thriving.”

Best of all, Griffin explains, “Businesses get what they want—which is a new, loyal customer.”

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featured arti st

space boy robot

the most extraordinary pieces aren’t always traditional by Morgan Tanabe | Photos by Chris Kontakis

Artist Jordan-Alexander Thomas knows

While digging through his mother’s ga-

For him, the process begins with con-

robots. Known for his quirky sculptures

rage he stumbled upon a treasure trove.

structing the robots from blocks. He then

created using whimsically ordinary me-

His discovery of craft boxes idly shoved

assembles parts of old model cars gears,

diums, Thomas reminds art fanatics the

aside filled with unique hardware and oth-

and other childhood relics.

most extraordinary pieces aren’t always

er nostalgic trinkets inspired him to rein-

traditional.

vent the otherwise forgotten items.

What began as a pastime has grown into an up-cycling lifestyle. His Sci-Fi-meets-

Having grown up around artists, Thomas’

“She had a bunch of fun, odd things. I

Steampunk approach shows true original-

passion for the arts bloomed at a young

thought I could use them to make a ro-

ity in his undoubtedly adorable robots.

age. In 2006, his love for both Science Fic-

bot,” he says. “So I began to glue wood

tion and unique constructions collided.

boxes and metal pieces together.”

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Art has always been at the forefront of his life. It wasn’t until 2006 that he began to cultivate his own original talent. Since then he has created hundreds of pieces, including a 25-inch robot for a previous gallery--and his ambitions continue to grow. His overarching popularity began after his first solo gallery last November. During the first night he was able to sell the majority of his pieces. The initial success encouraged him that robots truly are his “thing.” Today Thomas sees robots in everything. “Now I can look at anything and see it as a robot,” he explains. “I see scrap metal on the street, I pick it up and put it in my pocket.” For artist Jordan-Alexander, these robots constantly surround us, living in today’s world. But he’s willing to experiment, pushing it a step further. Not only does society use the technological gadgets to clean houses, communicate with friends and get from one place to another but Thomas imitates these detailed machines and transforms them into a work of art. Catch Thomas at Art Detour March 8th-9th in downtown Phoenix or online at spaceboyrobot.com

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l ocal made

state forty eight arizona passion meets arizona fashion by Ashley Brand | Photos by Chris Kontakis

Arizona became the forty-eighth state on February 14th 1912. Named for this momentous day in history, State Forty-Eight was created in April of 2013 to preserve the pride of this great desert state. Brothers Nick and Stephen Polando and their friend Mike Spangenberg developed the idea for the clothing company from their love for Arizona and sport’s teams. Their motto, “Arizona passion meets Arizona fashion,” as Stephen says, means sensible t-shirts and tank tops for the sweltering Arizona summers with unique designs never before seen in fashion. State Forty-Eight has a wide selection of children’s, women’s, and men’s shirts as well as beanies, snapbacks, hoodies, and more. Nick said, “Recently we released a ‘P’ Twice shirt for Patrick Peterson” for the cornerback that joined the Arizona Cardinals in 2011. The other items feature the State Forty-Eight design in the shape of the state of Arizona. Since 1988, when the Suns were the only major sports team in Phoenix, the population of Arizona’s major cities has grown into the hundreds of thousands and along with it, sports teams for them to root for. Stephen said, “People want to have pride in where they live. And I think why we want to tie sports into all that so much is because a sports team is usually what makes you so grounded to your city, to your state.” And to the Arizona faithful, these sports enthusiasts have become dedicated to creating a reliable yet fashionable product for their followers. “We tried to play a hand in creating that loyal fan base, and not just sports but just people proud of Arizona,” Mike said. By working with local businesses such as Here On The Corner in Tempe, State Forty-Eight has been met with overwhelming success. “It seriously feels like the sky’s the limit,” Stephen said, “People are overwhelmingly excited about it, for us.” In the future the guys hope to expand to other sports-dedicated states such as Texas and Colorado, State twenty-eight and thirty-eight respectively.

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march 2014 | Localrevibe Magazine

featured arti cle

heavy pedal made for cyclists and fueled by evolution by Alexa Chrisbacher | Photos by Michael Klinger

march 2014 | Localrevibe Magazine

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The Phoenix-based clothing brand Heavy Pedal is made for cyclists and fueled by evolution. Founders Terrance Murtagh and Victor Vasquez, who met in design school, wanted to inject some “cool” into their blog about bikes. “We weren’t sure what was up with fixed gear, but we were like this could be the next skateboard,” Vasquez said. He originally started Heavy Pedal as part of a sponsorship deal with another company. But as the site grew and started gaining followers with its flashy, eye-catching design, Murtagh and Vasquez knew it could be more than just a blog. “Heavy Pedal had its own identity then,” Murtagh said. “I think we gained a lot of attention for the fact that ours was different, people really liked that.” The duo added t-shirts to their site, which sold out immediately. As more merchandise was added, Heavy Pedal went from being a blog with a shirt to a product with a blog attached. “It was a hard transition because we were known as a blog,” Vasquez said. “But it was pretty important. We were selling out of one shirt, then we were selling out of two shirts and we were like why don’t we turn this into an actual company?” Heavy Pedal is still evolving, with plans to become a bike company just around the corner. They are still talking complete fixed gears right now, but there’s nothing keeping these two from pushing beyond that. “We’re not going to be the typewriter company that didn’t start making keyboards when the keyboard boom came because they were a typewriter company,” Murtagh said. The complete bike in the works at Heavy Pedal is a painstaking process, with thought going in to every part on it. According to Murtagh, each component will be used for a reason. Most importantly, he promises that the bike will be built and made to last. “We’re trying to position ourselves as a bike company with t-shirts as opposed to a t-shirt company that’s making a bike,” Murtagh said. That means the blog is on the back burner for now., but don’t get used to it. There’s talk of reviving it at some point in the future.

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busi ness

fixed heart films creating an entrepreneurial story at fixed heart films by Kimberly Gunning | Photos by Chris Kontakis

The lifestyle of completing college, spend-

terning with a manufacturing company

exploding. “This is a brand new way of

ing 30 years working for the same compa-

producing videos. Despite the lure of fi-

creating business, and we felt that we had

ny and then earning retirement is becom-

nancial and job stability, Kyle was eager to

the in on creating these videos for people,”

ing a model of the past. Our generation

work for himself, doing something differ-

Ryan said.

is learning to become entrepreneurs, and

ent with his film skills. Lacking the man-

Phoenix is gracefully working together to

agement skill set to run his own business,

put our new businesses on the map.

How It Works The business model for Fixed Heart Films follows the Kickstarter model—“If you

As crowd funding continues to grow in

don’t make it, we don’t make it,” Rico ex-

popularity as a way for new entrepre-

plains.

neurs to get their idea off the ground, a well-produced video to showcase

Understanding that most entrepre-

a project’s vision may determine

neurs have 90 percent of their mon-

whether it will be successfully funded

ey tied up, Fixed Heart Films works

or not.

around their budget. They discuss the scope of the video, length, location and

Locally based Fixed Heart Films is doing

complications in order to determine a

its part by giving a voice through video to

total cost. Ten percent is usually taken

Valley entrepreneurs.

up front and, if and when the project is Kyle’s brother Ryan Mausser came on as a

successfully funded, the remaining cost is

“I want to do something to where I leave

project manager to help him secure free-

collected.

an impact,” said Production Manager

lance work. Not long after, Diego Rico, the

Kyle Mausser. “This company just sort of

Mausser’s brother-in-law, joined as mar-

The success of Fixed Heart Films is, “all

formed out of a need to do something in-

keting manager.

dependent on how much we believe in

teresting with our lives.”

At the same time as the business part-

that company,” Ryan states. “We’re tied in

nership between brothers formed, crowd

with your success. It makes us work hard

funding on Kickstarter and Indiegogo was

with what we do.”

Kyle, an art school graduate, had been in-

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Remember SITGREEN’s most recent Kickstarter project? Fixed Heart Films produced the SITGREEN Kickstarter 2.0 video that helped Owner Jon Irons successfully earn funding to move his business forward. Originally from California, the three ventured to Phoenix after witnessing the small business and entrepreneurship initiatives happening around the city. A place calling for revival, they were taken back by how the city is working together to move things forward. “There’s energy in the city I think most people wouldn’t understand unless you’re here,” Rico says. Between the local government’s support of small business, the entrepreneurial resources and partnerships and the ease of shooting video around the Valley, Ryan says it is, “really powerful to see everybody working together” True Heart The name for the company, originally suggested by Ryan, is a bit of a play on Kyle’s own heart. Born with a hole in his heart, Kyle had surgery at nine months old, a replaced valve at 18 years old, and will require additional surgeries every seven to 15 years to keep his heart working properly. He may have a “repaired” heart as opposed to a “fixed” heart—as corrected by his doctor—but the name is an appropriate fit for the passion and commitment the company shows towards the entrepreneurs they work with and through the stories they tell. The passion to tell someone’s story is clearly seen through Fixed Heart Films’ One Passion Project. This March, the company will be launching its own Kickstarter project to fund the making of “Javier’s Journey to Baja 500.” Diego’s uncle Javier, who was paralyzed in a dirt biking accident, has built his own racing truck on a shoestring budget. “He’s winning races. It’s not like he’s just doing this for fun,” Diego says. The team plans to document his progress and his road to the Baja 500. “We want to spotlight how good he is at what he does,” Ryan says. If successfully funded, the money will go towards financing the filming equipment and help with the funds needed for Javier to race at the Baja 500.

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busi ness

the “catification” lady phoenix’s very own cat woman explores the depths of feline environmental enhancement by Katie Snyder | Photos by Chris Kontakis

Phoenix resident, Kate Benjamin has one

ing any luck,” says Benjamin. “So, I decid-

“Readers posted fan mail and I would

of the best jobs in the world. What is it,

ed to create an online resource, Modern-

receive various design samples from ad-

you ask? Well, she writes about and makes

cat.net, for other cat lovers like myself to

vertisers that I would then write about

things for cats all day.

find products that make their homes feline

or feature on my site,” says Benjamin. “As

friendly.”

advertisers grew, I decided to quit my day

But her feline driven business didn’t just happen overnight.

job, and devote all my time to Moderncat. The next thing she knew, Moderncat.net

net.”

became the go-to source for anything and “It all started about seven years ago, when

all things cats and Benjamin created a

And she did.

I was in the hunt for some stylish toys and

booming business and became the queen

In 2009, just a couple years after starting

accessories for my own cats but wasn’t hav-

of “catification.”

Moderncat.net, Benjamin’s popularity had

march 2014 | Localrevibe Magazine

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grown so much she was able to launch her

Today, the new website gets more than

“Currently, I work with Jackson on his

own line of handmade cat products, craft-

200,000 page views per month, current-

show “My Cat from Hell”, on Animal Plan-

ed locally, under the name Moderncat Stu-

ly has over 18,000 email subscribers and

et, discussing catification and how to cre-

dio.

has people from all over the world buying

ate a better environment for you and your

her products which include items such as

cat at home,” says Benjamin. “However,

“Many of the various beds and scratchers

organic cat nip, cat trapezes and unique

we’ve got even bigger plans for a project

out there are so ugly and people don’t want

scratching posts. Local distributors have

later this year.”

them in their home,” says Benjamin. “My

even been caught up in the cat frenzy.

products are unique and go very well in-

So, what’s next for the cat duo?

side a home without compromising a per-

“Aside from our online shop, we also sell

According to Benjamin, the two have plans

son’s design atheistic.”

our products locally at Noble Beast and a

to collaborate on a book about “catifica-

number of other small boutiques around

tion,” a concept that Benjamin says, teach-

the world,” says Benjamin.

es people how to live stylishly with cats by

With business booming, Benjamin thought it was time to bring her blog and line of cat

offering interior design ideas and D.I.Y.

products together in 2013 by re-branding

But it’s not just pet boutiques that are in-

projects for cat owners. The book is set to

her Moderncat blog as Hauspanther, an

terested in Benjamin and her products.

launch in later in 2014.

online magazine for design-conscious cat

Hauspanther has recently garnered the at-

people and product shop.

tention of popular cat behaviorist, and ex-

Until then, Benjamin says she will contin-

“I’m happy to have a space that brings cats

pert on environmental enhancement from

ue to connect with cat lovers everywhere

and their owners together and changes the

the hit television show “My Cat from Hell”,

through her website. “It’s great to finally

way people think about living with cats,”

Jackson Galaxy, too.

says Benjamin.

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march 2014 | Localrevibe Magazine

have a place that combines my love for design and love for cats in one space,” she says. “I’m eager to take my brand to the next level this year and look forward to sharing it with my cat-loving, design conscious community.” For more information, visit www.hauspanther.com.

march 2014 | Localrevibe Magazine

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march 2014 | Localrevibe Magazine

di ni ng

mamma toledo’s the pie hole

by Ashley Brand | Photos by Chris Kontakis

What began as a simple, yet passionate,

pies for friends, families, and parties, she

all beginnings, The First Ever Food Truck

love for baking and the dream of being a

branched out to coworkers and even the

Festival. Due to Tonya’s “go to the public”

restaurateur, soon turned into a successful

bank employees whom she later pitched

attitude, this seemed like a logical step into

food truck venture for avid dessert-lover,

her business plan to. Tonya said, “my brain

the mobile culinary business world. With

Tonya Saidi. Tonya was working in real

kicked in and said, if I want to do this I

pies such as the classic All American Ap-

estate when she first developed a business

better get in at the start.”

ple to unique creations like the Green Chili

plan to embark in a modified ice cream

Apple, it has been a recipe for success.

truck and sell her homemade pies crafted

At last, Mamma Toledo’s was born and

from fresh ingredients. Originally baking

that start happened to be the mother of

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Business owners always have their origin

sevelt in Downtown Phoenix. Several more

story, though, and Tonya’s was one of de-

developments will be coming to Mamma

termination. “I grew up in the restaurant

Toledo’s as well. She said, “The next thing

business,” she said, “When I was two years

on the horizon is we’re trying to roll out a

old, my mom owned a restaurant up at the

trailer. So, we can do our savory pies in the

airport back in Casper, Wyoming. So I was

trailer.” In addition to the changes to the

always running around restaurants playing

brick and mortar, Tonya has issued a pub-

waitress.” From then on, she became a self-

lic challenge: if you don’t see the pie you’re

taught baker with a flare for sampling new

craving on her extensive menu, just ask! As

flavors and tastes.

her website states, “I love a challenge.”

With Tonya’s business profiting and the de-

Be sure to add Mamma Toledo’s on social

mand for pies growing, she decided to set

media to follow the pie truck and visit the

up a permanent location on First and Roo-

new location to enjoy a slice today!

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march 2014 | Localrevibe Magazine

art

“Intuicion The Barcelona Series” exhibit by william barnhart by Nicole Royse

Willo North Gallery has a refreshed look and a new exhibition

throughout each print, resulting in a striking selection of imagery

featuring “Intuicion: The Barcelona Series” by William Barnhart,

that includes men, woman, animals, and the sea.

who participated in a month long residency in Barcelona, Spain. Immersing himself in printmaking under the guidance of master

The Willo North Gallery director and owner Kristen Shears be-

platemaker Jordi Roses, he produced an incredible series of prints,

lieves in collaborating with her artists and left it up to Barnhart to

both intaglio and chine collie. Barnhart had a wonderful experi-

select the work for this exhibition. However, this was a challenging

ence in Spain, staying three months, learning new techniques and

task considering he had created over 165 prints which led Shears

producing prints that focused on the basic ideas of “the balance

ask Caesar Chaves to step outside of his usual role as Creative Di-

between man and woman, strangers and friends, and men and

rector at the Heard Museum to play Guest Curator which he real-

the sea” that are organic and expressive. One can sense the rela-

ly enjoyed. He had the task of designing this exciting exhibition,

tionship and “intuition” between the lines, shapes, and colors seen

which involved sorting through a vast collection of prints to assist

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Barnhart with the final selection. These prints are an excellent addition to his current body of work which includes oil paintings, sculptures, and monoprints. Barnhart’s latest work features prints that are subtly abstracted using simple lines and bold colors resulting in images that are raw and emotional. This exhibition is brilliantly presented, simply displaying the prints on the walls and in stunning cases which really highlights the strong lines and shadows of each print. When asked about his creation process, Barnhart said “I no preconceived ideas when I began this series, I simply began with a few marks on the plate and it self directs where it wants to go from there.” However, the artist’s work always comes back to “the figure”. This is definitely evident in this current exhibition such as with the “untitled” intaglio print depicting what appears to be a man’s face, but upon closer examination, we see other forms taking shape hinting at the silhouette of a female figure. Overall, this is a very cohesive exhibition with an excellent balance between color and black and white prints as well as imagery. Take time to enjoy the meditative yet evocative work of William Barnhart as you explore “Intuicion The Barcelona Series”. In addition, Barnhart is also exhibiting his artwork at Celebration of Fine Art located in Scottsdale which is open daily through March 23rd. Finally, the SMoCA Artist Studio Tour 2014 will visit his Mesa studio on March 19th.

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event

cocktail style best dressed bartender matt tobey

by Kimberly Gunning | Photos by Kelley Karnes (Courtesy of Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel)

As much of an art as any other medium of expression,

Best Cocktail was not the only award to be won, howev-

mixologists take their craft seriously, creating and refin-

er. Matt Tobey of District American Kitchen and Wine

ing palette-pleasing cocktails with limitless possibilities

Bar earned full bragging rights as 2014’s “Best Dressed”

of flavor and personality. Their craft extends to the way

bartender, proving style to be an unforgotten element of

they present themselves—professionally, characteristi-

a mixologist’s craft.

cally and through their ensemble. Tobey gives us a little insight into his classically sleek The Fifth Annual Devour Phoenix Bartending Compe-

fashion influences and the significance his style plays

tition challenged seven, fan-selected Valley “Startend-

behind the bar…

ers” to showcase their talents at the Crescent Ballroom February 9. Using locally-distilled Arizona Distilling Company Copper City Bourbon and Gin, Manny Pena of Windsor, Evan Gibbs of Maizie’s Cafe, Matt Tobey of District American Kitchen and Wine Bar, Zachariah Gillespie of Phoenix Public Market Cafe, Joshua James of The Clever Koi, Michael Allmandinger of The Parlor Pizzeria and Ryan Richardson and Kazimierz World Wine Bar took the stage in front of a seasoned judging panel and a room full of thirsty voters. The “Devour Phoenix Best Cocktail of the Valley 2014” title was awarded to Michael Allmandinger from The Parlor, for his creation of the “Parlor Star,” featuring Dry Desert Gin. Missed out on this year’s Devour Phoenix Bartending Competition? Check out the featured video on LocalRevibe.com!

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march 2014 | Localrevibe Magazine

Where do you get your look? I like the look of a sleek, New York power-suit as well as a subtle influence of the Prohibition era and the 60s. I feel confident when well put together. And my key piece is a vest. I must wear a vest! How does your style evoke influence with your bartending and cocktail creations? Bartending is a show as much as it is a trade or a craft. Essentially, you have to dress the part. Dressing the part also takes into consideration the functionality of the outfit, which is why the vest is so appropriate and appealing for mixologists and bartenders. You mention a vest, and it’s interesting because I see many bartenders who wear a vest. Why do bartenders typically wear vests? It’s not just for fashion. The vest also serves a functional piece because it holds the tie down so it doesn’t get in the way when crafting cocktails. Who inspires your style? JT (Justin Timberlake)—How could he not?! Name your go-to men’s guide. GQ Magazine What are your favorite brands? English Laundry, Express for Men, G-Star RAW Skinny ties: Yes or No? No. I prefer a straight tie, double Windsor knot. Men’s accessories: : Yes or No? Wearing a watch is acceptable. Everything else seems like you’re trying too hard—that is unless you’re married and don a wedding ring. If you could give other bartenders one piece of style advice, what would it be? You have to look as good as your drink!

march 2014 | Localrevibe Magazine

www.localrevibe.com | @localrevibe

march 2014 | Localrevibe Magazine