Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside and Snowflake
February 2011 | Volume 3, Issue 2
Cautious Optimism For Arizona’s 2011 Business Climate By Theresa Bierer White Mountain Business News
W
hile many people say Arizona’s economic recovery is going to be slower than other states, there seems to be a consensus that things will improve this year. Judy Fortenberry is already seeing a change. She and her husband decided to run Baker’s Office City in Show Low a little more than three years ago, and the timing couldn’t have been worse, she jokes. “We’re seeing a bit of upswing in our business here,” said Foretenberry. “I think
the most important thing is for people to continue to buy locally.” She says once people understand the degree of customer service they can get from a local business, they will come back. Fortenberry has noticed bigger businesses starting to spend more than during the height of the downturn. David Schlatter has also seen a change, but thinks 2011 will continue to be challenging economically. As managing general partner of Media Duck Global, Schlatter helps clients with web design, website optimization strategies and marketing their services.
“Our company represents nearly 200 businesses in the area and throughout Arizona and few feel like the recession is over.” Schlatter believes it will be two to four years before there is a substantial climb out of the economic doldrums and into a bona fide recovery. Business advocacy groups would like to see more rural companies hire additional workers, which could facilitate the state’s economic recovery. Arizona Small Business Association CEO Donna Davis tells White Mountain Business News that there are some bright spots in the year ahead.
“We have a very entrepreneurial culture, a very independent culture. Arizona has always been one of the top five states for entrepreneurs and small business,” said Davis. Most of the fallout from the sour economy has already happened, she predicts. “We’ve got very strong players left standing and there are fewer competitors, so you have less competition, which will make the remaining companies even more viable and able to soar as things start slowly turning around,” added Davis. As recovery moves forward, ASBA is focusing on a three-pronged approach for Continued on page 5
Slump Inspires Creativity for Candy Company By Debe Campbell White Mountain Business News
“
You’re Wonderful” is a great case study in a public agency thinking outside the box – in this case, a candy box. For 21 years, Northland Therapy Services has provided a variety of home- and communitybased services to special needs populations under contract with the Arizona Department of Economic Services and other social service agencies in Apache and Navajo Counties. As contract funds began to dwindle and staffing reductions created more office space, NTS Executive Director Jody Gaskill and administrator Judi Snitzer put their heads together to fill the gaps. Picking up the idea of a previously successful (but now closed) local candy bouquet business, the women bought some books and supplies and began toying with candy flower bouquets. It was a way to provide vocational rehabilitation and job placement for adults with disabilities, when there were no jobs to place them in. They were up and running for Valentine’s Day 2009. “Our overhead is low and our spirits are Continued on page 10
Judi Snitzer, Jody Gaskill, Tavis Campfield and Katy Pundt of You’re Wonderful
Inside: Community Profile: Franchising Fresh p 4
Your Health: A Simple Elixir
p7
Home-Based Businesses Flourish p 9
2 White Mountain Business News | February 2011 | www.whitemountainbusinessnews.com
“Firefighters have heroes, too. Mine is the Heart & Vascular Center of Northern Arizona.” — Patrick Burns, Fireman, Summit Fire Department
Forty-one year-old firefighter Patrick Burns was out for a run with his wife when he experienced intense stomach pain. “It took my breath away,” he said. “I doubled over and dropped to one knee.” Within minutes of calling 911, paramedics determined he was having a heart attack and rushed him to Flagstaff Medical Center, where Omar Wani, M.D., was waiting. An interventional cardiologist with the Heart & Vascular Center of Northern Arizona, Dr. Wani acted quickly to preserve Patrick’s heart function by inserting a stent in one of his blocked coronary arteries. Today, Patrick is an avid spokesperson for knowing your family history and getting regular heart screenings. “We’re lucky to have such an incredibly gifted group of doctors right in our hometown,” Patrick says. To schedule an appointment with one of the world-class doctors at the Heart & Vascular Center, call 877 928-WELL.
A Service of Flagstaff Medical Center and Verde Valley Medical Center.
Heart & Vascular Center of Northern Arizona — Our best team. Your backyard. Flagstaff Cottonwood Camp Verde Sedona Winslow
naheartcare.com 877 928-WELL
www.whitemountainbusinessnews.com | February 2011 | White Mountain Business News 3
Locals Eligible for Rural USDA Home Loans By Debe Campbell White Mountain Business News
R
esidents in Navajo and Apache counties can take advantage of a little-used United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development Home Loan program that provides 100 percent financing for a homebuyer, according to Realtor Tiffany Burks. The loan is a flexible, zero-down payment, government-guaranteed program to promote home ownership in rural communities with low to moderate incomes. Burks says she has assisted dozens of local buyers close on homes, sometimes within 30 days, through this program. The program will lend up to 103.5 percent of the home’s appraised value and even allow buyers to include closing costs in the actual loan. All USDA guaranteed loans carry a 30-year term with current fixed rates of five percent interest. “These loans have no monthly mortgage insurance and are not credit-score driven,” said Burks. “People don’t believe it and it sounds too good to be true,” she acknowledged. “People who are cash poor don’t have to come up with a down payment. There are no tricks, no
hidden agendas, and nothing scary about this,” she added. Loans may be made on up to a $417,000 purchase price for site-built properties. It must be owner occupied as a primary residence and
sales and foreclosures. “Before people short sell or go into foreclosure and walk away from their investment, they need counseling from someone who can help them wind up in
“
Residents in Navajo and Apache counties can take advantage of a little-used United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development Home Loan program that provides 100 percent financing for a homebuyer… a flexible, zero-down payment, government-guaranteed program to promote home ownership in rural communities...
there are income requirements that can’t be exceeded. Even those whose homes were foreclosed are eligible after three years. Burks moved to the White Mountains from the Valley two years ago, where she specialized in distress sales, short
a better financial position,” she said. Although not a counselor, she is able to work with homeowners in financially distressed scenarios and help them weigh their options. “There is assistance out there,” said Burks, “and those challenging scenarios
are the ones I love to focus on. It is rewarding to help people achieve their goals. “People don’t realize, a lot of credit problems can be overcome in a short time to get them back on track for qualifying for a loan.” She described one client, 13 points shy of qualifying, who was able to pay $375 toward some specific bills, which brought his credit score to a level to qualify. Other advantages of this program are lower closing costs or the ability to have the property owner pay closing costs, low fixed payments, low interest and no pre-payment penalty. WMBN
Tiffany Burks Cool Pines Realty 928-358-3020 tiffany@tiffanyburks.com www.coolpinesrealty.com
4 White Mountain Business News | February 2011 | www.whitemountainbusinessnews.com
| Community Profile | Hands-On Hard Work Key for Area Restaurateur By Patty McCormac White Mountain Business News After moving to Pinetop in 2000, Phil Hagadorn bought two Subway stores in the White Mountains that no one else in the world wanted. He went to work with his own two hands making them popular and profitable. After that was done, he built another one from the ground up, bought another existing store and two years later, another one. By early summer, he will own two more and he has his eye on another. All this from a man who does not consider himself a restaurateur. “I consider myself more an entrepreneur and risk taker,” he said. “It keeps us busy because I went from
facturing gourmet business for the gourmet industry,” he said. He ended up selling that business to a customer. Soon after moving to the White Mountains, he got the opportunity to buy two Subway stores there. His brother already owned four Subways in Phoenix and it is company policy to offer the sales to existing franchise owners first. There were no takers, so the store owners were permitted to offer them to family members. “They were under distress,” he said. “No one in the entire world wanted them. I grabbed them.” Phil says the biggest challenge in being a multiple franchise owner is the employees. “At the beginning, I was putting in 80 hours a week. I work a lot less now. The larger I have
Barbara Bruce
Back row from left: Phil Hagadorn and Joseph Lee Front row from left: Josuha Heap, Kayleen Hagadorn and Shaylee Heap
managing one store, being hands on the line, working with the public, to managing managers, an interesting transition I really enjoy.” Even when he was starting out, he was no stranger to the restaurant business. “My grandfather, who has passed away, was in the restaurant business for most of his life. He had Dairy Queens and was an entrepreneur. My father was in banking, but managed his money and bought a restaurant in Glendale. I grew up around the restaurant business,” Hagadorn said. He moved to Phoenix from Michigan with his parents at the age of six. His father, who worked for Pacific Finance, was transferred out west. Phil attended Sevilla Elementary School and Alhambra High School. “I had quite a few jobs and owned a manu-
gotten, I have hired good managers and area directors who do a lot of the leg work I used to do,” he said. He credits Subway corporate for a lot of his success. “The marketing Subway puts on is awesome. They are doing a great job. Our net profits have gone down because of $5 Footlongs, and yes, if I lived in the Valley, sales would be double what we are doing, but I’m not complaining. We are in business because of the great marketing. We are well-liked and I have great employees.” Besides making him a sort of sandwich mogul, the White Mountains had something else in store for him: his wife, Kayleen. She was raised in tiny St. Johns, Arizona. She had been married before and had three children. Her
www.whitemountainbusinessnews.com | February 2011 | White Mountain Business News 5
youngest son, Joshua Heap, began working for Phil at age 16 and soon started becoming a pesky little matchmaker. The two became close, and Phil was a sort of father figure and good friend. “We had man-to-man talks,” Phil said. All the while, Joshua was talking to both Phil and Kayleen about how much the other found
“He is a helicopter mechanic on the Apaches. I talk to him a three times a month and on Facebook,” she said. They worry constantly about the 19-year-old. “He should be getting out of the Army in June. He’s told me a few things that have happened to him over there and it’s scary,” she said.
“
The marketing Subway puts on is awesome. They are doing a great job….We are in business because of the great marketing. We are wellliked and I have great employees.” - Phil Hagadorn
the other attractive and nice. Kayleen said the only time she saw Phil was when she picked up or dropped off Joshua. She was busy raising her family and with her job at Arizona Credit Union, but Joshua’s persistence started to pay off. When Phil began the construction of his Subway store in Pinetop right across the street from the credit union, things began to go Joshua’s way. Phil asked Kayleen out to lunch so she could tell him all the things the credit union had to offer a businessman like himself. The rest is history. They were married on May 18, 2007. The matchmaker is now serving with the Army in Afghanistan.
Her other children are Joseph Lee, 23, who is a restaurant manager, and 12-year-old Shaylee Heap, who still lives at home. Kayleen still holds her job at the credit union. In their spare time, the couple likes to ride their horses, mountain bike, snow ski and travel. “I love to shop,” said Kayleen, which elicited a groan from Phil. He said when Shaylee and Kayleen moved into his house, he put on an addition with a huge walk-in closet, which now holds a whole wall of shoes. “She must have 70 or 80 pairs of shoes,” he said. Not true, objected Kayleen. It is more like 100. WMBN
CLIMATE continued from page 1
Arizona businesses. In addition to attracting companies for relocation to the state, Davis says it is important to retain Arizona businesses. In addition, it is critical to support what she calls second stage entrepreneurs. “Companies like W.L. Gore in Flagstaff who are doing great, how do we help them? They usually have the most growth and innovation and hiring,” she said. The Arizona Small Business Association represents about 5,000 member businesses throughout the state. The group wants the legislature to further improve the business climate by reducing personal property taxes and payroll taxes. The business group also wants regulations simplified. That is already happening, says Paul Senseman, who until recently served as communications chief for Arizona Governor Jan Brewer. “There is a freeze on all new regulations and the regulatory process has been shrunk down substantially so we can have a much more comprehensive grasp on what our regulatory requirements and policies are as a state.” Senseman says the governor’s office wants to apply statutes properly without creating an added burden on businesses. As the governor has worked to prepare her State of the State address and her budget, business and job creation has been a primary focus. “She has been working for many months on a new paradigm for our economic development in the state and our creation of a brand new model called the Arizona Commerce Authority,” Senseman said. Replacing the Arizona Department of Commerce, which was purely a government function, he says the public-private agency promotes confidence among businesses leaders. “We are going to rely less on government funds that are usually scarce and unpredictable and instead focus a much greater emphasis on the professionals that know what they are doing and stand to benefit greatly,” said Senseman. The Commerce Authority will also be a great benefit to businesses new to Arizona, he added. In reference to the economy and the role of business, Jan Brewer is optimistic. Senseman said, “The governor believes we have laid the foundation and we are going to see the benefits of that.” Back in the White Mountains, David Schlatter thinks the new Arizona Commerce Authority could bring good things to the state, as long as the agency follows through on its mandates. He also thinks area Chambers of Commerce can help in the effort by supporting businesses whose doors are already open. WMBN
6 White Mountain Business News | February 2011 | www.whitemountainbusinessnews.com
| Dollars & Cents | More Time, Less Pain For Business Owners By Allan W. Carlson, CPA, P.C.
E
very year, I get a client who gives me a single sheet of paper listing his income and expenses for the year and asks if I can do his taxes. I ask to see where the numbers came from and they tell me that they keep track of them. Business owners are required to maintain an adequate accounting of all records. Adequate means a balance sheet and an income statement. Adequate means a general ledger detailing all of the annual transactions. Verifying the balance sheet accounts by reconciling bank, credit card, and loan statements to the books, taking physical inventories at the end of the year and confirming accounts receivable and payable is necessary to have an adequate set of records. In 1981, Fram oil filters did a commercial with the message: “You can pay a little now (for maintenance) or a lot later (for an engine overhaul).” I use this analogy often when I speak with clients. Most of my small business clients pay me a monthly
fee of $200 to $400 to have their accounting records maintained. For that fee, all of their accounts are reconciled, financial statements are provided and sales tax reports are prepared.
gathers the information, and analyzing that information makes you more profitable. However, there are those who think that it is too much to pay. Usually, I hear back from them after they have received some
“
In 1981, Fram oil filters did a commercial with the message: ‘You can pay a little now (for maintenance) or a lot later (for an engine overhaul).’ I use this analogy often when I speak with clients.
Along with that monthly maintenance comes free consulting and TIMELY information they can analyze and use to help them make decisions and be more efficient. When I started my practice, I created a slogan, “Helping small business to greater profitability.” The bookkeeping
notice from some tax jurisdiction. The records are not in order and reconstruction begins. You can think of it as rebuilding an engine if you like. By then, the client has penalties and interest to go along with their stress and lost time. What small business owner has time to
deal with the various tax agencies? Is their time not better spent managing their business? Hey, I don’t make the rules; I just try to help you navigate them. I wonder if dentists think about that Fram commercial. Hmm, if a patient comes in for periodic cleaning, it will be much cheaper than the deep cleanings, fillings, root canals, extractions, etc. Oh, and it will cost the patient less time and be less painful. Isn’t that the brass ring: more time and less pain? WMBN Allan W. Carlson is a CPA specializing in accounting, bookkeeping, consulting and tax preparation. For a free consultation, contact Carlson at 520-465-8494 or http:// allancarlsoncpa.com.
www.whitemountainbusinessnews.com | February 2011 | White Mountain Business News 7
| Your Health | Obesity, Arthritis and Exercise By Celeste Hebets, physical therapist
W
hen your joints hurt, your natural inclination is to stop moving. This is exactly what you should NOT do, especially if you have arthritis. Arthritis is the most common disease among America’s adult population, and for those who are obese or overweight, the chances of getting arthritis is much greater, especially in the knees. It is estimated that a force of nearly three to six times a person’s body weight is exerted across the knee while walking. So, someone
reduced pain and fatigue and also improved joint function. Arthritis stiffens the joints and can even immobilize the joint, but exercise keeps the joints moving by increasing flexibility. Exercise also strengthens the muscles that help support the joint. Exercise reduces joint pain because the joints are not as stressed when they have stronger muscles supporting them, allowing the joint to have more flexibility and movement. Exercise also maintains bone strength by helping to preserve and even increase bone density.
“
Many people are under the assumption that exercise will cause further pain or damage to achy and stiff joints. The exact opposite is true: a recent study showed that one hour of low-impact exercise, twice a week, actually reduced pain and fatigue and also improved joint function.
who weighs 200 pounds is exerting 600-1200 pounds of force on their knees when they walk. Because of the extreme force placed on the knees, studies have shown obese women are four times more likely to get arthritis of the knees and obese men are five times more likely to get arthritis of the knees. In women whose body mass index is greater than 25 (which is considered overweight), losing just 11 pounds reduced the risk of knee arthritis by more than 50 percent. Unfortunately, it also goes the other direction – gaining 11 pounds can increase the risk of arthritis by more than 50 percent. Many people are under the assumption that exercise will cause further pain or damage to achy and stiff joints. The exact opposite is true: a recent study showed that one hour of low-impact exercise, twice a week, actually
Additionally, exercise has so many benefits, including increased overall energy throughout the day and it helps to control weight. In fact, exercise can offset the genetic predisposition for obesity. Researchers have found that being genetically predisposed to obesity “had no effect on those with above average physical activity scores.” So, in addition to helping keep the joints strong and flexible, exercise fends off obesity, even if obesity is genetic and runs in the family! The American Heart Association recommendation on exercise is at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a day. This can be as simple as a brisk 30-minute walk around the block or on a treadmill. Other simple activities include swimming, riding a stationary bike, walking laps around the school track, lifting light weights or doing yoga at
Advertise in the three most comprehensive business publications in Northern Arizona. With an audience of more than 45,000, your message will be heard. For more information about advertising, call Troy Bix at 928-864-7440
home or in a class. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines moderate exercise as increasing your heart rate to between 50 to 70 percent of your maximum heart rate. The heart rate range for moderate activity would be calculated like this: · 220 minus your age times 0.5 = low end of the maximum heart rate · 220 minus your age times 0.7 = upper end of the maximum heart rate Exercise can even help make you look and feel younger. Forget the expensive anti-wrinkle creams; save your money and exercise. Studies have shown that regular exercise can shave 10-12 years off of your chronological age! In summary, exercise reduces weight and the risk of developing arthritis in the joints. Not only will you have less pain in your joints, you will have more energy to do the things you love. WMBN If these tips don’t help or you feel a better alternative is out there, then bariatric surgery might be the answer for you. If you are considering weight-loss surgery, Flagstaff Medical
Center’s Bariatric Surgical Weight Loss Center offers free information sessions the second Tuesday of every month from 6:00–7:00 p.m. These sessions include a presentation by our surgical staff on the causes of and complications related to morbid obesity, as well as the types of surgeries available. To register to attend a free information session, call 928-2143737. To learn more about the program, visit FMCBariatrics.com. The Bariatric Surgical Weight Loss Center at Flagstaff Medical Center is nationally recognized with a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence® designation by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. This designation acknowledges the excellence of FMC’s Bariatric Surgical Weight Loss Center and bariatric surgeons Andrew Aldridge, M.D. and Robert Berger, M.D., medical director of the center, who are dedicated to providing high quality care and excellent services. Celeste Hebets, P.T., is a physical therapist and coordinator of FMC’s Bariatric Surgical Weight Loss Center.
8 White Mountain Business News | February 2011 | www.whitemountainbusinessnews.com
For the Love of Home-Crafted Fragrance By Debe Campbell White Mountain Business News
I
love to walk my dogs past White Mountain Soap & Bath’s home-based business. When there are fragrant aromas drifting out of the studio, I know there’s dreamy and creamy work afoot. The dogs pause to sniff along the ground while I savor the air like a scent hound. This is one good neighbor! White Mountain Soap & Bath is a homebased business success story, despite the economic squeeze and the surprising way it developed. It all started on a whim in 2002 to make soap for Christmas presents. The success of that first batch of soap yielded more bars than Dave Fischer and Don Hotz could give away. Light bulb! The idea for a new business was born. Dave and Don have been in the White Mountains for more than three decades. Both were nearing retirement from respected education professions, and finding some busy work to keep them active and alive was the goal. Little did they know they were opening the door to a little bubbling goldmine. After retiring, Don pursued a Master of Business Administration degree on top of his education credentials, so that he could
take the reins of the business’ financial end. Dave, ever the crafter, polished up his college chemistry skills and creativity to become the experimenter, designer and packaging guru. They credit extra courses at the local Northland Pioneer Community College – in everything from aromatherapy to accounting – with helping them round out their needed product and business knowledge. They started selling their wares at craft shows in 2003. They moved into the retail market at the Art Barn for a summer, before consigning sales at local outlets, including Wings of Light, Liberty Marketplace, Embellish, White Mountain Cottage and the White Chair. Their goal was to evoke a country general store apothecary aura with their products. Attention to handcrafting and consistency were paramount. Today, from too many bars of soap for Christmas, WMSB has up to 80 fragrances of soaps and an extensive line of body products, from butters and lotions, to scent infusers and bath salts, fizzy bath bombs and scent rollers, salt and sugar scrubs to essential oils and shampoo. The objective is to develop anything that “smells good and feels great” for therapy and relaxation. That being said, WMSB already has
absorbed two similar local companies that expanded too quickly or took money out of the business early. Those purchases showed the pair “what not to do” in the business and provided an infusion of low cost inventory. Meanwhile, Dave and Don adhere to the premise of making varieties
Upcoming new products include expanding the shampoo line and adding potpourri, incense and hemp body butter cream. “We listen carefully to customers,” said Dave, and they often introduce frequently requested scents and products. Beyond special blends for holidays, most scents
“
WMSB recently won first place nationally in soap fragrancing with its Strawberry Bliss soap, containing fresh fruit. The fragrance smells scrumptious enough to eat.
out of simple bases and not producing a large product back stock, which does have a limited shelf life. Growing the business from the laundry room “lab” and living room “warehouse,” they built a 288-square-foot stand-alone studio in 2009 onto the garage and now wish they’d doubled the space. To answer this crunch and to expand from their consignment location at The White Chair in Pinetop, WMSB will expand into a 7,500-square-foot facility to accommodate not only The White Chair, but also Red Geranium Boutique and Snowflake Coffee Company, with openings for another retailer and a commercial kitchen operator. Advent of their website in 2008 raised sales and gave WMSB a virtual retail outlet. Web sale events are infrequent and an e-newsletter was recently introduced. Orders over $50 are shipped free in one to two days. Pricing is reasonable, from $5 to $20 for any product. Web sales continue to constitute an important part of business, with one-third of local retail outlet sales coming from local sources and two-thirds from the local visitor market between May and October. “Between October and Christmas, the local market really supported our products,” said Dave, “which we really appreciated.” They use the slow first quarter of the year to restock inventory and develop product. While 80 varieties of soap – from herbs, fruit, seasonal scents, foods and floral – sounds excessive, the soap base recipe remains the same. Small batches are brewed as needed, and that applies across the board for all products. The duo discovered that scent trends follow an “economic” cycle. “Florals and herbals are for a fair economy. In 2009, those went out and comfort fragrances of citrus and foods were in demand,” said Dave. Overall, White Gardenia, Lavender and Oatmeal & Honey remain consumer favorites, said Don. They say 95 percent of sales come from professional or retired women who value quality, natural skin care products.
are distinctive, single note fragrances. “Customers seem to appreciate identifiable and understandable scents,” explained Dave. WMSB is an eco-conscious company. Recyclable packaging is used and Don said that customers can return their bottles for refilling at the studio factory. Minimal packaging, paper and labeling is used and packing peanuts are recycled. From a self-built database system to incorporating fruits and herbs grown in their own garden behind the production studio, WMSB makes every effort to put a personal, homemade touch on every single product. All ingredients are revealed in packaging and sales materials. Member of the national Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild, Inc., WMSB recently won first place nationally in soap fragrancing with its Strawberry Bliss soap, containing fresh fruit. The fragrance smells scrumptious enough to eat. WMSB has donated custom labeled products to Cancer Centers Healthcare of Northern Arizona and to troops abroad. When asked about retirement, Dave and Don simultaneously respond with beaming smiles -- “What’s that?” They say their full-time retirement commitment is lots of fun and keeps them active. “When it’s not fun, we’ll think about it,” said Dave. Meanwhile, if capacity begins to outstrip the product they can produce, WMSB will hire and train staff to take over aspects of the business, “and teach them to do business our way,” said Dave with an arched eyebrow. WMBN
White Mountain Soap & Bath 1466 S. Julia Lane Lakeside, AZ 85929 928-367-2442 www.whitemountainsoapandbath.com
www.whitemountainbusinessnews.com | February 2011 | White Mountain Business News 9
Home-Based Businesses Flourish By Debe Campbell White Mountain Business News
T
hinking outside the box is essential for businesses today. Entrepreneurship is increasingly rewarded with gains. The advantages to home-based businesses typically are low overhead and setting your own hours. Entrepreneurs in our community who have done home start-ups have done so for a variety of reasons and find rewards in different places. But given a “do over,” they would do it again. Carol Roberts retired to Arizona five years ago and knew no one. She started a home business to supplement her pension and to meet new people. The gregarious entrepreneur started her PartyLite independent consultancy in 2007. PartyLite features at home parties that sell candles, spa products and fragrant décor. Roberts has worked hard at it and noticed only marginal change during the economic downturn. “Me time” is important to her, so she can put the business on the back burner when she wants. “It’s a good way to be more independent financially and socially,” she said. “I would encourage others to give it a try.” This time of year, she has to plan her business around the weather and finds it difficult
“
Entrepreneurs in our community who have done home start-ups have done so for a variety of reasons and find rewards in different places. But given a “do over,” they would do it again.
to do more than three parties a week, but continues to maintain her ranking among the top five consultants in her unit each year. PartyLite has stepped up to help its consultants in the downturn with coupons, online discounts and cyber sales. “The company is very supportive in that regard,” she said. Chris Stevens, another local entrepreneur, restarted a carpet cleaning business he had let grow dormant. Originally, he invested $25,000 in it as a low-overhead, sideline business to his radio career. “I’m a
From left: Chris Stevens, Mie Miketta. Not pictured, Richie Rosales
real people person and enjoy working with folks and making them feel good about their purchase,” said Stevens. “New to the community, the first thing I did was join the Pinetop-Lakeside Chamber of Commerce, probably the smartest thing I did! The Chamber gave my company the boost it needed to get started... I had built up a pretty good
clientele from Heber to Snowflake, Round Valley to Show Low and Pinetop. But, radio is really my field. When I went to purchase some radio advertising, the radio bug bit me and I took a position with a local station doing more production and less carpet cleaning. I finally closed the business and was Continued on page 11
10 White Mountain Business News | February 2011 | www.whitemountainbusinessnews.com
CANDY continued from page 1
high,” said Gaskill. “The goals and objectives for 2010 were met, including sales and financial targets.” “It’s also a way to make people feel better and send some inspiration,” she said. The creations, now turned out by job coach Tavis Campfield and part-timer Kathie Pundt, with
the newspaper and on the radio and spread the news by word of mouth. “National Bank has been particularly good to us,” said Gaskill, explaining that candy roses are passed out on Business Friday events. Orders are taken over the phone or via the website for local delivery or shipping across
“
No order is too big or too small, starting with a single stem Hershey’s chocolate rose for $2.99. Custom orders can include special requests or items the buyer brings in, such as champagne glasses. Special packages are created for special occasions, such as “Rose & Toes” or “Rose & Shows” for Valentine’s Day, combining either a pedicure or movie tickets with a bouquet or candy roses.
help from Gaskill and Snitzer, are cheerful, creative and colorful arrangements suitable for anyone, regardless of age or gender. They will bring a smile to even the grumpiest faces. Using chocolates, jawbreakers or other candies, cellophane, ribbons and seasonal trinkets are combined into decorative cups, vases, jars, bottles, cardboard containers, popcorn cups – the variety is limited only by their imagination. Snitzer started networking and spreading the program’s presence. They have donated bouquets to many fundraisers, advertised in
the United States. The showroom at Northland Therapy is not the ideal retail space, they admit, but they are working to boost recognition with more obvious signage. The goal is for the staff to take over operations and hire more staff as demand grows. A new line of greeting cards is being added, employing artwork from a local autistic artist. No order is too big or too small, starting with a single stem Hershey’s chocolate rose for $2.99. Custom orders can include special requests or items the buyer brings in, such
Land for Sale 30 Miles South of Telluride In-town, residential building lot in Rico, Colorado. Great investment opportunity in cozy mountain town close to the millionaire’s playground of Telluride. Outdoorsman’s paradise: short drive to world-class skiing as well as hunting, fishing, mountain biking and hiking nearby. Walking distance to natural hot springs.
7,500-sq.-ft. flat lot in great location with Aspen trees and 360-degree unobstructed views of surrounding peaks. Cleared and ready to build.
$90,000 For more information, contact Lisa at 602-319-5982
as champagne glasses. Special packages are created for special occasions, such as “Rose & Toes” or “Rose & Shows” for Valentine’s Day, combining either a pedicure or movie tickets with a bouquet or candy roses. Wedding bouquets and prom corsages and boutonnières are novel. Candy bouquets make great thank you gifts from businesses to clients. Party favors, hostess gifts, centerpieces, shower arrangements – whatever the occasion, You’re Wonderful can create it. And, for the health conscious – bouquets with nuts and healthy snacks are available. “Starting out during a slow or sluggish economy is the perfect time to start a new venture,” said Gaskill. “We’ve been able to start out slow and steady. Our mistakes or ‘learning opportunities’ have had minimal impact. There are some great deals on advertising right now and there is no better time to find talented staff. “You’re Wonderful began in a lean and efficient manner and is focused on product, service and price structure that all make sense in today’s market. By starting now, we will be in a good, strong position when the economy does rebound.” WMBN
Advertise in the three most comprehensive business publications in Northern Arizona. With an audience of more than 45,000, your message will be heard. For more information about advertising, call Troy Bix at 928-864-7440
You’re Wonderful 1294 Fawnbrook Dr Show Low, AZ 85901 928-537-GIFT (4438) info@yourewonderful.com www.yourewonderful.com
P.O. Box 2918 Show Low, AZ 85902-2918 Phone 928.205.9626 Fax 928.532.5916 mel@whitemountainbusinessnews.com troy@whitemountainbusinessnews.com tom@whitemountainbusinessnews.com Web www.whitemountainbusinessnews.com February 2011 Publishers Mel Holsinger Tom Brecke
Contributing Writers Debe Campbell Courtney Leigh
Director of Business Development Troy Bix 928.864.7440
Design & Production Rob Ghosh Rob Ghosh Designs www.robghosh.com
Account Executive. Julia Foster Jmfoster@frontiernet.net 928-358-3571 Editor Tom Brecke Copy Editor Carolyn Wendell
The White Mountain Business News is a publication of White Mountain Business News, LLC and distributed free each month to residents of Northeastern Arizona, including Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, Snowflake and Taylor, among others. Reproduction of any portion of the publication is strictly prohibited without expressed permission. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisements submitted to the newspaper and is not responsible for the claims of its advertisers.
www.whitemountainbusinessnews.com | February 2011 | White Mountain Business News 11
HOME-BASED BUSINESS continued from page 9
doing radio full-time and cleaning friends’ carpets on the side.” When friends approached him last year about the lack of employment, they talked
“I’m kicking myself for not keeping the business open even when I got back into radio,” said Stevens. “But, I have a great crew now, motivated to give great service,
“
Above All Carpet Cleaners was back in business in October. Now, with two full-time and one part-time employee, the company on wheels has landed contracts with Greer Lodge, Molly Butler and Greer’s Tin Star, partnered with some real estate companies and serviced homes.
about the dormant carpet cleaning equipment and a revival of services. With some dusting off, training and revving up the motors, Above All Carpet Cleaners was back in business in October. Now, with two full-time and one part-time employee, the company on wheels has landed contracts with Greer Lodge, Molly Butler and Greer’s Tin Star, partnered with some real estate companies and serviced homes. While winter has been slow, the team has used the downtime to brainstorm ways to pick up business in the slump. Services are expanding to include snow removal, janitorial, pine needle clean up and windows. “In the very near future, you will see a name shift to Above All Cleaners….One Call Does it All.”
dedicated to learning more about being a professional carpet cleaner and now very excited about adding services.” WMBN
Carol Roberts PartyLite, Independent Consultant 718-644-2407 my3kids@yahoo.com www.partylite.biz/robertslite
Above All Carpet Cleaners 928-368-7538 aboveallcarpetcleaners@gmai.com
White Mountain Commercial Real Estate News By Don Anderson Cosgrove
O
ne can feel the recovery in our area! The commercial market, as a whole, is picking up. From developers, investors, and entrepreneurs, interest is rising. The timing for new projects in Navajo/Apache Counties and city/towns is perfect. The planning, zoning, and building departments are looking to help guide developments from the grand idea to planning and zoning, building permitting and the formality of a new enterprise for our region. Whether it is local, state or national, our recovery will always be geared to those with the faith of a mustard seed. Real AZ Corridor, our new economic engine for Apache and Navajo Counties, is becoming a viable and driving force in our region. On Jan. 7, 2011, a proposal was submitted for the ACA Rural Economic Development Grant Program, with the purpose of Comprehensive Job Recruitment and Retention Strategy. The planned use of the grant is a detailed marketing plan: visibility, outreach, prospecting and continued expansion of the website. The Real AZ Development Council (RADC) meets monthly and welcomes the real world perspective of the private business sector. WMBN
Commercial Real Estate Group welcomes your input or comments. Don Anderson Cosgrove, WMH Realty 928-369-6494
12 White Mountain Business News | February 2011 | www.whitemountainbusinessnews.com