Laura Witte, PA-C, Ph.D., has led an impressive career in health care and academia; she’s worked as a physician assistant and as faculty and a program director at A.T. Still University in Mesa. However, even though she was teaching allopathic (Western) medicine, she wanted to find a way to help people in a more natural way. This path led her on a one-of-a-kind journey to opening a floatation therapy spa.
“It was a really great career but, in my heart, I wanted to do something with holistic medicine,” Witte said.
Around the time she started contemplating a career change, her husband, Alden, bought a Groupon for the Tempe location of True REST Float Spa and Witte said he fell in love with the unique therapy—so much so that the couple became friends with the spa owners and Alden begin to sell the pods used in the therapy.
So what is floatation therapy? Witte explained: “Imagine floating in a big egg-shaped pod filled with 10 inches of water and approximately 1,200 pounds of pharmaceutical grade magnesium sulfate [Epsom salts]. The Epsom salts get absorbed into the body through the skin while you float for an hour, gravity free.”
She added that benefits of floatation therapy include pain relief, stress relief and detoxifying the body. It can also help with injury recovery and dermatological issues, Witte said. She
also added that the therapy is gaining traction among top artists, celebrities and athletes.
“Artists are floating because floating tends to increase creativity. We like to say that we ‘go into the pod as humans and come out as poets,’” Witte explained. “Athletes are floating before their big games and matches to help with mental clarity and performance— and afterward to aid in recovery.”
Once Witte learned more about the therapy and befriended the other spa owners, she was given the chance to franchise—and at first she said no.
“I had a steady paycheck, a 1-yearold baby and another [baby] on the way,” she said. “But, as time went on, we talked about it, found all of the resources we could, and decided to go for it.”
In 2014, Witte and her husband decided to “go all in”—he would maintain his full-time job while she quit hers to open and manage the new True REST Float Spa in Gilbert. The decision to move forward might have been the easiest part though.
“Once we got the ball rolling there was challenge after challenge,” Witte said. “The building was delayed almost a year; we officially opened in November 2015.”
Since opening Witte said the reception to the new True REST Float Spa location has been good. “So much now is about education; letting the public know what floatation therapy is
about,” she noted.
The business has three pod rooms but has room for five pods, so they hope to add two more within the next few months. Her long-term goal is to see floatation therapy embraced by locals as a staple in their lives as part of overall wellness, such as getting a massage.
“We have a membership-based pay system, which is really the best way to get the full effects of the therapy,” Witte said. “The second float is always better than the first.”
“It’s been amazing to see first-hand other people experience the therapy,” she continued. “We had one client
walk in with a migraine and walk out without one; same with another client who had trouble walking that day due to pain.”
In addition, Witte would like to partner with local businesses to network. She said she appreciates the sense of community there is among local businesses and hopes to be a part of building that.
Alcohol service delivers the ‘proof’ to Chandler, Gilbert
BY TIM J. RANDALL
It is 4 p.m. and there are 10 people arriving at your house for a 6 p.m. party. All is set from the food to the music to the cocktails and wine and you realize you forgot the beer. Not to worry, because a new ondemand alcohol delivery service, Minibar, entered the Valley, including Chandler, on Jan. 11.
The company, which was cofounded by Lindsey Andrews and Lara Crystal in New York City, provides an Uber-like experience for customers by linking patrons with vendors via the company’s website or app.
“We provide a convenient way for the customer who may be too busy to run an errand to purchase alcohol,” Crystal said.
Delivery for a customer’s first month of service is waived, with each subsequent delivery $5 and a delivery minimum of $25. Launched in February 2014, the company has grown rapidly across the country.
“We’re thrilled to be expanding to Phoenix, our 20th Minibar market, and are excited to provide its residents with an easier way to shop for wine, spirits, beer and more,” said Andrews.
Minibar works like this: Enter the delivery address and then, with a few mouse clicks or taps of a finger, choose wine, beer and spirits.
Chandler and Gilbert residents are in close proximity to Minibar’s store partners Chandler Liquors and Liquor Wheel 2, 554 N. Arizona Ave., and Liquor Wheel 2 at 3445 E. McDowell Rd. in Phoenix. In addition
to Chandler and Gilbert, downtown and North Phoenix customers can access Minibar.
“We have plans to expand across the Phoenix metro,” said Crystal.
“We are really excited about Phoenix and think we are going to be very successful.”
Expansion plans include Scottsdale and Tempe. The duo hopes to eventually move into the West Valley and beyond.
“We look forward to continuing to grow our footprint throughout sunny Arizona,” said Andrews.
In addition to one-time orders, Minibar offers an auto-refill option for delivery at intervals from one to four weeks. Its platform also includes a party planning tool, tasting notes, pairing recommendations, cocktail recipes and gift delivery.
For more information, visit: https://minibardelivery.com/store.
True REST Float Spa in Gilbert features pods that contain water saturated with Epson salt. Users float in the pods for an hour; the practice, known as floatation therapy, is said to have many health benefits. Submitted photo
True REST Float Spa’s new Gilbert location is located at 1525 N. Gilbert Rd. Learn more at www.TrueREST.com.
Chamber awards honor community-minded individuals
BY SRIANTHI PERERA
Gilbert Chamber of Commerce
selected Kevin DeRosa of Advance Paper & Maintenance Supplies and Barbara Starley, who founded Toolbox 4 Entrepreneurs, as Businessman and Businesswoman of the Year.
During an awards ceremony held at the SanTan Elegante Conference & Reception Center in Gilbert in January, the Chamber highlighted the 10 nominees as well as their accomplishments and commitment to the community.
“I’m humbled because there are so many leaders in this community that I look up to and I admire what they do and I’m so blessed,” said DeRosa, who works in sales and marketing in his family business.
As the eldest son of the owner, DeRosa said, “there are no titles in our business.”
“I have a passion for helping others. I believe that givers gain and that if I truly wish to help others that good things will eventually come back to me,” he stated in a bio description of himself to the Chamber.
“It’s so unexpected and I’m so humbled at this gesture,” said Starley, who began her small business in 1994 “to plan, protect, promote and profit” in their line of work.
Starley rebranded it in 2007 under the current name, Toolbox 4 Entrepreneurs.
“My entire business was construed on a foundation of mentorship, partnership and development of my clients and their employees,” she wrote to the Chamber.
“I believe small business owners are the backbone to our economy and their success will ultimately benefit generations to come,” she further stated.
One factor common to all of the nominees was their outstanding community involvement.
and educates them on the challenges facing the town.
DeRosa served on the Chamber’s board of directors from 2008-2014, which enabled him to offer input into the growth of the chamber.
Most are graduates of the Chamber’s Gilbert Leadership program, which selects a diverse group of people and engages
Starley began a Meetup group called “Shop, Sip & Share” that has 400 members, and also helps school entities raise funds for scholarships.
Other nominees for Businessman of the Year were Tad Peelen of Joe’s Real BBQ, who helped create Gilbert Talks; Rustyn Sherer of APS, who has designed and implemented a strategic plan for community affairs in the southeast Valley; and Ralph Willett of Willett CPA, who has served on the Gilbert Education Foundation among other entities.
Nominees for the Businesswoman of the Year were Emily Evans of Aflac, who, while being the district sales coordinator with the
company, has also contributed to schools and local businesses; and Tracey Groy of Willow Massage + Spa, who opened her business last year and still finds time to volunteer in various nonprofits.
Nominated also were Christina Kishimoto, superintendent of Gilbert Public Schools, who has, among other accomplishments, created a strategic operating plan to make the school district nationally competitive; Debbie Newport of Sunrise Senior Living of Gilbert, who helps families learn about senior living options and solutions; and Alice Woodard of Printwex, who created her business in 2003 and is known to build partnerships with other professionals to promote their success.
To be recognized for the awards, businessmen and businesswomen are nominated by their peers. Once nominated, they must submit a written questionnaire and participate in a personal interview. The questionnaire is reviewed and the nominees are interviewed by a panel of business professionals. This panel submits their recommendations for each award and the Chamber’s board of directors give the final approval.
PUBLIC AUCTION – GILBERT REAL ESTATE
Live Auction on Thursday, February 18, 2016 at 11:00 AM MST
PROPERTY AND AUCTION LOCATION: 3573 S. 158th Place in Gilbert, Arizona 85297
INCLUDES:
Home and Guest House: 1.18 Acres
Main House:
2,585 square feet
Guest House: 1,200 square feet (approx.)
Irrigated land, dozens of fruit trees
PROPERTY PREVIEW: Saturday, February 13, 2016 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Call Kimberli Baker, Designated Real Estate
or Jason
Country living in the high-demand area of Gilbert, near dozens of brand-new shopping, dining, entertainment and employment centers. Easy freeway access. Bright, open floor plan with extensive storage. Clean air, country quiet. Small community. Gilbert Schools.
Savanna House planned at Higley and Baseline roads
A new 119,000-square-foot Savanna House
Assisted Living and Memory Care community in Gilbert is expected to open in fall 2016 on the southeast corner of the intersection of Higley and Baseline roads.
Developed by Prevarian Senior Living, Savanna House will offer private residences with private baths—a choice of 74 alcove, one-bedroom or two-bedroom floor plans for assisted living and 42 suites for memory care residents.
Community amenities will include a restaurant-style dining room and private dining
room for family gatherings, a cafe/bistro, several activity areas such as a card and game room, movie theatre, beauty salon, music room and library/computer center.
Additionally, there will be a wellness/fitness room which will include a physician office and exam space. The community will place a special emphasis on Memory Care, offering three distinct memory care neighborhoods, each catering to residents who are living with different stages of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Channel Master adds Sling TV to DVR+
Consumers who have “cut the cable cord” now have another option.
Channel Master, a Gilbert-based provider of alternative TV solutions, has integrated Sling TV into its DVR+ platform. The move allows customers to access the live and ondemand Internet TV service from Sling TV directly within the channel guide.
The DVR+ is a subscription-free DVR that allows customers to pause and record live TV, as well as access streaming services and live Internet channels. Sling TV is a streaming service that provides access to live and on-demand programming from the most popular cable channels, such as ESPN, AMC, HGTV, TNT, A&E and Disney Channel on TVs, tablets, phones, computers and game consoles. DVR functionality from Channel Master is not available for any Sling TV content.
DVR+ owners should have received an automatic software update earlier this month, which included the addition of a Sling TV app.
Channel Master, also a TV antenna
manufacturer, announced the Internet TV service change at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
“Consumers reject the traditional pay-TV model for more reasons than just saving money, it’s also about having choices and not being locked into exorbitant contracts,” said Coty Youtsey, CEO of Channel Master, in a prepared statement. “Sling TV’s business model, in addition to its top-rated programming options, makes it a perfect fit for our customers and we’re very excited to launch the service today.”
Channel Master spokeswoman Shelley O’Connell told the Phoenix Business Journal that Sling TV was one of the most popular requests from customers since launching DVR+. “It’s really popular from cord cutters. This one felt really, really good to add.
According to its website, Sling TV service starts at $20 a month with no set-up fees and easy online cancellation.
Offering professional services for customers who demand perfection
Doing business
V’s Barbershop Gilbert
Owners: Ed and Kimberley Hash
How long in business: One month Specialty: Barbershop
Unique features: Old fashioned, sportsthemed barbershop that features cuts, straight-edges shaves, beard and moustache trims and facials for men. Hot towels and shoulder massages with every service.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday Address: 1464 E. Williams Field Rd., Suite 107, Gilbert
Phone: (480) 4046933
Email: vsgilbertaz@gmail.com
Send in your business profile for ‘Doing business’
The Gilbert Sun News would like to welcome new area businesses or existing ones that may be new to our readers.
Submit information about your business for a “Doing Business” mini-business profile in an upcoming issue of our publication, which is distributed to 25,000 homes, racks and boxes the fifth of each month.
Please include all of the following items: Name of business, name of owner(s), how long the business has existed, unique features, hours of operation, address, telephone number, website and email address. Also include an at least 300 dpi photo of the business owner or logo.
Email this information to info@gilbertsunnews.com or visit www. gilbertsunnews.com and click on the “Doing Business” form at the top of the page to submit.
Core Connection moves to bigger space
Core Connection has expanded to a larger studio near downtown Gilbert and is offering semi-private and small group Pilates sessions, in addition to private Pilates training, physical therapy and myofascial release treatment.
Core Connection is focused on creating health through movement. Owner Jennifer Wilson is a licensed physical therapist and PMA Certified Pilates Instructor.
Her expertise is in assessing faulty biomechanics, correcting postural and muscular imbalances and providing lasting pain relief for all types of conditions. She
finds Pilates and manual physical therapy to be the perfect combination for achieving real results in rehabilitation and pain reduction, as well as for improving overall fitness and sports performance.
Pilates is a mind-body method of exercise that places an importance on the connection between breathing, core control, mental focus, coordination and fluid motion. Together, these elements develop a strong, flexible and resilient body from the inside out. With an emphasis on quality of movement and core control, the deep muscles essential for supporting the spine and creating
stability are strengthened. Myofascial Release therapy is ideal for those who have limited mobility, tissue restrictions, injuries or chronic pain. This unique manual therapy technique is highly effective for reducing pain and improving suppleness through the
layers of fascia and muscle within the entire body. A balanced and harmonious environment is created throughout the body, movement becomes easier and inefficient patterns are eliminated. For more information, call (602) 3634633 or visit www.coreconnectionpt.com.
Chamber hosts series of events through February, March
Throughout the year, the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce offers a variety of luncheons and meetings for its members and the community. Events are held throughout the town.
The chamber office is at 119 N. Gilbert Rd., Suite 101. For more information about events or to register, call (480) 892-0056 or visit www.gilbertaz.com.
Chamber Chat Morning
Presented by Aire Serv Heating & Air Conditioning
7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3
Chick-fil-A at Gilbert Gateway Towne Center, 4908 S. Power Rd., Gilbert
Meet up with other Chamber members for breakfast. This informal gathering is a fun way to share conversation with other professionals and learn more about businesses in our community. There is no agenda, no script-just good food, great company and friendly conversation. There is no charge for admission, but attendees are responsible for the purchase of food, beverage, tax and gratuity.
Chinese Auction Benefit Dinner
6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18
Val Vista Lakes Events, 1600 E. Lakeside Drive, Gilbert
Join us for the third annual Chinese Auction Benefit Dinner. This special event will feature more than 100 raffle items, raising funds with a lively and fast-paced Chinese auction benefiting the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce. Admission is $35 including dinner, one drink ticket and one auction paddle per guest. Catering provided by BRIO Tuscan Grille.
Member Commercial Filming
Presented by 4th Wall Productions
9 a.m. to 2 p.m., by appointment only, Wednesday, Feb. 24
Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, 119 N. Gilbert Rd., Suite 101, Gilbert
The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and 4th Wall Productions have teamed up to produce high-quality commercials on behalf of our members. We are grateful to Anthony Miles for this continued partnership and look forward to providing this opportunity to our members. Base price is $50. Enhancements are available, including logo placement, teleprompter use and more.
Good Government Roundtable: District 12 Presented by SRP
7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 26
Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, 119 N. Gilbert Rd., Suite 101, Gilbert
This roundtable meeting will bring members of the business community
together with District 12 legislators for a mid-session update on bills and budget talks at the Capitol. Join us for this meet-and-greet event, ask questions and provide feedback that will contribute to a vibrant business community. Members can network with legislators including Sen. Andy Biggs and Reps. Warren Petersen and Eddie Farnsworth. Member admission is $20, non-member admission is $35 with catering provided by Paradise Bakery.
Chamber Chat Midday
Presented by Silver Fox Plumbing, AC, Heating
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, March 2
Famous Dave’s Legendary Pit Bar-B-Que, 2206 E. Williams Field Rd., Suite 101, Gilbert
Meet up with other Chamber members for lunch. This informal gathering is a fun way to share conversation with other professionals and learn more about businesses in our community. There is no agenda, no script-just good food, great company, and friendly conversation. Admission is $10 per person, pay at the door, includes lunch buffet, beverage and tax. Additional gratuity is requested.
The 411
Presented by Printwerx
7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 9
Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, 119 N. Gilbert Rd., Suite 101, Gilbert
The 411 is a comprehensive membership orientation to learn how to maximize the benefits of your Chamber investment. Gain an insider’s view of our programs and services, ask questions of our staff, and develop an action plan for Chamber engagement and success. The event is free for current and prospective members of the Gilbert Chamber. Breakfast provided by Costco.
Chamber Chat After Hours
Presented by AAA Arizona—Jän Simon
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, MJaye’s Pub & Eatery, 323 S. Gilbert Rd., Suite 111, Gilbert
Meet up with other Chamber members. This informal gathering is a fun way to share conversation with other professionals and learn more about businesses in the community. There is no agenda, no script-just good food, great company, and friendly conversation. Admission is $10 per person, which includes appetizer buffet, non-alcoholic beverage and tax. Additional gratuity is requested.
What a healthy mouth looks like.
Now getting great family dental care is as easy as it is important. A healthy mouth is essential to overall good health. That’s why we make it easy to keep yours in peak condition, by providing convenient, high quality dental care with offi ce hours to accommodate your busy life.
