CruiseOne honors local travel agent with OPAL award
Karen Coleman-Ostrov has been given the OPAL Award for Women by CruiseOne. The Gilbert resident is a CruiseOne vacation specialist and franchise owner.
The OPAL Award recognizes a female franchise owner who demonstrates outstanding performance and leadership. The honoree is active in community and civic organizations, is among CruiseOne’s top selling agents and has exhibited strong business skills. Coleman-Ostrov will receive three months of waived fees and a $100 gift certificate.
“We are pleased to recognize Karen with this year’s OPAL Award because of her passion for travel and for helping others, both in her local community and within the CruiseOne franchise system,” said Tim Courtney, vice president of franchise development at CruiseOne. “Karen is a role model who loves inspiring others and believes in the importance of making a positive impact in all aspects of her life.”
Coleman-Ostrov has been a CruiseOne franchise owner for five years and embodies the spirit of the OPAL Award and Women’s History Month through her involvement with the women-only networking groups Women’s Success Referral Group and Female Empowered Networking, both of which work to empower and support local businesswomen, as well as partners with regional charities to improve the community. In addition, she has aligned herself with CruiseOne’s signature charity Make-A-Wish, by donating her previous car to the organization’s Wheels for Wishes initiative.
CruiseOne is committed to being “Rich in Diversity” and empowers all owners,
Governor, Orbital ATK announce expansion of Aerospace Engineering Operations
highest potential by leveraging their broad range of talent, experiences, personalities, viewpoints and ideas to generate business growth.
In operation since 1992, the home-based travel franchise CruiseOne is ranked in the top 3 percent of all franchises worldwide and is a member of the International Franchise Association. As part of World Travel Holdings, the world’s largest cruise agency and award-winning leisure travel company, CruiseOne franchisees are able to offer their customers the lowest possible pricing on vacations with its 100 percent “Best Price and Satisfaction Guarantee.”
For more information, visit www. CruiseOneFranchise.com or www.cruiseone.
Local Businesses Add to the Culture and Flavor of Our Community
Gov. Doug Ducey and Orbital ATK, an aerospace and defense technology firm, announced the expansion of the company’s engineering operations in Gilbert.
The expansion will add 60,000 square feet to the site that includes Orbital ATK’s Satellite Manufacturing Facility, one of the largest and most advanced spacecraft assembly and test facilities in the United States. With additional facilities in Chandler and Mesa, Orbital ATK’s total footprint in the state is almost 800,000 square feet, contributing to over 1,750 hightech and high-paying aerospace and defense jobs.
The project will create a projected 155 full-time, high-wage jobs over a five-year period. Orbital ATK’s heritage satellite business began in Gilbert in 1989 and has 261 employees working at the existing site.
The expansion plans complement Arizona’s robust aerospace and defense sector that contributes $38 billion annually to the Arizona economy and employs more than 52,000 workers.
“I am thrilled that one of the largest aerospace and defense companies in the world once again has selected Arizona for its expansion plans, and to support its critical operations,” Ducey said. “Arizona is a major player globally when it comes to aerospace, defense and avionics—and we continue to grow. This is a great partnership.”
Orbital ATK’s Gilbert Site Director Rick Kettner said his company has been developing satellites in the Gilbert area for more than 25 years through its heritage business.
“Today, our facility in Gilbert
produces cutting-edge satellites for a variety of customers both domestic and international. This cooperative agreement with the state of Arizona and Gilbert helps ensure we will continue to do so for years to come,” Kettner said.
This project will add to the growing landscape of high-wage science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) jobs in Gilbert and the state.
“Orbital ATK’s expansion in Arizona is further evidence that Arizona has a leadership position in the aerospace and defense industry,” said Sandra Watson, Arizona Commerce Authority president and CEO.
“Our state’s highly skilled workforce, pro-business climate, strategic location, and excellent quality of life combined with a rich aviation history provide the ideal location for aerospace and defense companies to grow their businesses. We thank Orbital ATK for their continued commitment to Arizona.”
Mayor John Lewis said he appreciates Orbital ATK staying in Gilbert.
“A company like Orbital ATK could have expanded its operations elsewhere in the country,” Lewis said.
“The fact that they plan to continue to invest in our great community is a testament to our mutually beneficial relationship and Gilbert’s focus on growing STEM occupations in aerospace and manufacturing sectors. These are some of the best jobs in Arizona and I’m proud they are happening in Gilbert.”
Gilbert resident Karen Coleman-Ostrov is active in community and civic organizations, is among CruiseOne’s top selling agents and has exhibited strong business skills. Submitted photo
Orbital ATK is planning to add 60,000 square feet to its site. Submitted photo by Orbital ATK
SweetLeaf executives inducted into
Hall of Legends at Expo West Chamber hosts series of events through December
James A. May and his wife, Carol, founder and president of SweetLeaf, respectively, were inducted into the Hall of Legends at the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, California, on March 11.
This honor celebrates the contributions of influential players who have helped shape the natural products industry and continue to march forward, leading it into the future. The Mays join other inspirational leaders, ranging from retail to research professionals, whose wisdom, perspective and contributions have guided the evolution and growth of the natural products industry.
The couple has led the parent company, Wisdom Natural Brands, for more than 30 years. In that time, it has grown from a small Arizona business based out of their home garage warehouse to an international company that was honored with the President’s “E” Award for its significant contributions to the increase of U.S. exports. SweetLeaf Stevia Sweetener products are the only stevia products consistently winning awards for taste and innovation, having secured more than 21.
The Mays have also been recognized individually for their contributions to business and the natural sweetener industry.
James A. May, known as the “Father of Stevia,” has been recognized by the president of Paraguay and the American Stevia Foundation for a lifetime of transformational work in that country.
He was also awarded Specialty Food Association’s 2015 Leadership Award in the Vision category, and presented with the Visionary Award from the American Herbal Products Association. Carol has received multiple international Stevie Awards for her innovation and business acumen, including the Lifetime Achievement in Business and Female Executive of the Year. In 2015 Carol received an Arizona’s Most Influential Women in Business Award. These pioneers of the stevia industry have revolutionized the sweetener market.
“The entire team at Wisdom Natural Brands is so proud to congratulate James and Carol May on their induction into the Natural Products Expo West Hall of Legends,” said Dr. Michael P. May, COO of Wisdom Natural Brands.
“They have worked tirelessly for decades to bring stevia to the U.S. and other markets around the world. They have made the health and well-being of consumers the number one priority of the company, and their dedication to SweetLeaf and its mission to make the world a sweeter place is tireless and remarkable.
“My parents carefully crafted the foundation that inspires all we do here at Wisdom and we look forward to their continued guidance and inspiration.”
SweetLeaf is sold in boxes containing 35 or 70 packets, as well as in SweetLeaf Stevia Shaker jars for easy home use and SweetLeaf SteviaTabs Dissolvable Tablets for on-the-go use. SweetLeaf Stevia Sweetener is available in natural and QAI certified organic.
For more information about SweetLeaf products, recipes, the new SweetLeaf cookbook, Cooking with SweetLeaf Stevia, and more, visit www.ShopSweetLeaf.com.
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
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. No agenda, no script—just good food, great company and friendly conversation. No charge. Attendees are responsible for the purchase of food, beverage, tax see CHAMBER page 38
Carol May. Submitted photo
James A. May. Submitted photo
GilbertNow joins Show Appeal Realty
GilbertNow partners Frank Gerola and Kevin McKiernan have joined Show Appeal Realty brokerage firm at 500 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. Show Appeal has more than 100 real estate agents and its services range from buying and selling real estate to relocation services, leasing and property management.
In the last 12 months, Gerola and McKiernan focused on home buying and selling in Gilbert at GilbertNow, and had a combined production of 56 transactions valued at $14.1 million.
“We are pleased to welcome Frank Gerola and Kevin McKiernan to our brokerage. “Their thorough knowledge of
the Gilbert market will serve as a valuable addition to the local and clientcentric focus here,” said Show Appeal owner Brandon Hunt. Info: www.showappeal.com and www.gilbertnow.com.
Advice is free at Career Connections
Anyone in career transition is invited to the next local meeting of Career Connectors from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday, April 26, at Central Christian Church, 965 E. Germann Rd., Gilbert. A nonprofit organization, Career Connectors holds free events three times a month, offering professional
career speakers with presentations on relevant job search topics, three to four featured hiring companies, networking, resume help, career coaches, LinkedIn coaches and business portraits. Info: www.careerconnectors.org, contact@careerconnectors.org or (480) 442-5806.
7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 6
Tacos ‘N More Mexican Grill
4622 S. Higley Rd., Suite 101 Gilbert 85297
Seventh Annual Golf Tournament
Presented by San Tan Ford
The seventh annual Golf Tournament, presented by San Tan Ford, is the Chamber’s signature event. Early bird pricing: $160 per person; foursome plus tee box sponsorship: $840.
Registration – 11:30 a.m.
Shotgun Start – 1 p.m.
Thursday, April 7
Seville Golf and Country Club
6683 S. Clubhouse Dr. Gilbert 85298
Small Business Workshop: Referral
Marketing
Presented by 910 West
Join the group for this Small Business Workshop where special guest speaker, Victoria Trafton, owner of Victoria Trafton Presents, and founder of The Sisterhood of Happiness, will show how she can help service professionals and small business owners increase revenues by effectively selling themselves and getting more referrals. She is an
expert on self-marketing and referrals and speaks nationally on those topics. From prospecting to closing the sale, every aspect of sales and marketing can be completed through referral relationships enabling you to grow your business significantly year-over-year without working harder or spending more money. Admission is $25 per session for members; $40 per session for nonmembers.
9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday, April 8
Saint Xavier University 92 W. Vaughn Ave. Gilbert 85233
iRun4Good Kick-Off Breakfast
Chamber for Good and For Our City invite Chamber members to the kickoff breakfast for the iRun4Good 5K race. This free breakfast will include presentations from Mayor John Lewis, Chief Tim Dorn, the newly established Family Violence Unit, race organizers and sponsors. Free admission.
7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 12
Gilbert Police Department
75 E. Civic Center Dr. Gilbert 85296
Chamber Chat—Midday
Presented by Silver Fox Plumbing, AC,
Heating
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 the community. No agenda, no script—just good food, great company and friendly conversation. No charge; attendees responsible for the purchase of food, beverage, tax and gratuity.
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 4 Firehouse Subs
2894 S. Santan Village Pkwy., Suite 101 Gilbert 85295
Leadercast Live 2016: Architects of Tomorrow
This simulcast event will focus on what it means to be a visionary leader. Visionary leaders have the ability to see a preferred future, operate in the present, and utilize the resources around them to architect a clear path to a new destination. They work tirelessly to empower those around them to bring a vision to life. Admission is $99.
The 411 is a comprehensive membership orientation at which you will learn how to maximize the benefits of your Chamber investment. Gain an insider’s view of our programs and services, ask questions of the staff, and develop an action
Commercial Filming for Members
Presented by 4th Wall Productions LLC
The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and 4th Wall Productions LLC have once again teamed up to produce highquality commercials on behalf of our members. The chamber is grateful to Anthony Miles for this continued partnership and look forward to providing this opportunity to our members. To participate, you must hold a Chamber membership at or above the Business level and your account must be in good standing. Admission is $50.
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 25 Gilbert Chamber of Commerce
119 N. Gilbert Rd., Suite 101 Gilbert 85234
Mortgage banking team says it’s
a good time to get a home loan
BY KENNETH LAFAVE
Ten years ago, anybody could get a home loan.
In the aftermath of the 2008 mortgage crisis, nobody could get a loan. And today?
“Today, people who should be able to get a loan can get a loan.”
So said Justin Oliver, and he and his longtime business partner Ryan Whalen ought to know. Oliver, 38, and Whalen, 40, have worked in the world of finance since they graduated ASU. They knew each other as undergrads, and in fact have been friends since they both attended Tempe High School.
Today, they run the new Gilbert office of Nova Loans as branch managers.
Nova Loans, which began in Tucson and expanded to Maricopa County eight years ago, has offices in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler (two locations) and, as of March, Gilbert. The growth signals better days ahead for the home loan industry and its clients.
Whalen and Oliver have been with Nova for five years, and are the company’s
No. 1 “origination team,” specializing in generating home loans.
“Last year we did over 520 transactions for over $100 million in home loans,” Whalen noted.
There was a moment when the team almost got out of the business.
“In 2008, when the mortgage meltdown happened, most of the banks we worked with froze their credit lines. It was suddenly a lot harder to get loans,” Whalen recalled.
“We were like those loan officers in ‘The Big Short’ who were killing it one moment, and then it all stopped,” Oliver added.
“We saw the whole industry diminish and go get other jobs. We weren’t sure we wanted to continue.”
Unlike a lot of people—including the characters in the film—Oliver and Whalen didn’t give up. Sticking it out, though, took a lot of endurance.
“It’s really only in the last 12 months that it’s finally gotten easier to do loans,” Whalen said.
Still, some new government policies
have slowed the process from what it used to be.
“The major change is called a TRID, a disclosure process that adds a three-day waiting period,” Whalen said.
“TRID was made law in October. Our company has done a really good job of implementing it, but it’s been an expensive process.”
Nova’s Gilbert office represents a “real opportunity” for the company, Oliver said.
“There’s not a lot of presence of the mortgage banker here. I’d say we’re the second biggest in Gilbert.”
So, who qualifies for a home loan now?
“As long as the borrower has the ability to document their income, the loan process is just as easy as it’s ever been,” Whalen said.
Down payments are often hard to come up with for first-time buyers, and to that end Nova has created a number of down-payment assist programs. Nova also offer a free credit analysis for all its customers.
“We can put a credit plan into action that can bring the client’s score up in as little as a few days or as long as a year.” There’s hope, too, for people who were hit hard by the events of 2008, noted Whalen:
“There’s a lot of opportunity now for people who lost their houses to get back in.”
For more information, call Nova Home Loans at (480) 821-2577 or visit www.novahomeloans.com. It is located at 1528 E. Williams Field Rd., Building C, Suite 201, Gilbert.
A Mug You Can Trust…to make the floor sparkle
BY KENNETH LAFAVE
To start with, please don’t call Alan Mandel and order customized coffee mugs.
“We get at least a call a month asking us to fill an order of mugs,” said Mandel about his business, A Mug You Can Trust.
It’s not that kind of a mug.
It’s Mandel’s face.
“People throughout my career have always said I have a very trusting way about me. My wife came up with the idea of using that as a marketing slogan and calling the company, ‘A Mug You Can Trust.’”
The company’s official name is JM Maintenance Corp. The initials belong to Mandel’s business partner and partner in life, his wife (and perpetrator of the business nickname), Judy Moldovan. So, just what can you trust Mandel’s trustworthy visage to do?
Clean your floor. Any floor.
“We have jobs that are 30,000-square-feet commercial jobs, and jobs that are 700-square-feet condominiums,” he said.
A Mug You Can Trust cleans carpet, tile and grout, using a “very intense” cleaning process. For tile and grout, for example, Mandel uses 230-degree steam under 1,000 PSI pressure. When he cleans carpets, he guarantees no residue: no chemicals or soaps are left in carpets cleaned by A Mug You Can Trust.
Mandel has been in the floor-care industry for some 40 years, first on Long Island, New York, and more recently, in Los Angeles. He and Moldovan moved to Gilbert 11 years ago to make sure Moldovan’s daughter would receive the best possible public education.
“Gilbert has always had a great reputation for its schools, and I was ready for a change. We needed to get out of Los Angeles,” Mandel said.
After doing some work in real estate, Mandel rebooted his floor-care company at a Gilbert location. He and Moldovan started out small, and today have grown the business to three trucks and six employees.
“We serve the whole Valley, but we are very involved in the Gilbert community,” Mandel noted. He has served on the boards of directors for the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and the Gilbert Education Foundation.
When not doing floor care, Mandel can be found practicing the tenor sax, an instrument he played in high school that he hopes to master once more. The question he is asked most frequently, other than “Can you make me some mugs?” is “Are you related to Howie Mandel?”
Answer: “No. But one of my best friends is his next door neighbor.”
Mandel’s business philosophy?
“I have found that if you charge a fair price, provide a good service and treat people with respect, your business grows.”
In addition to those things, Mandel promises a perk if you employ his services:
A coffee mug emblazoned with Mandel’s photo and the words, “A Mug You Can Trust.”
A Mug You Can Trust does private and commercial floor care.
For more information, call (480) 626-3492 or visit www.amugyoucantrust.com.
