LEADER PROFILE
Steven Bales Jr. SHAKERS A fifth generation Native Arizonian, Steven Bales Jr. is President of Bales Hay Sales in Buckeye. He farms alfalfa hay, cotton and small grains on approximately 2,500 acres in the area of Buckeye and Rainbow Valley, including his original family homestead on Beloat Road, named for his greatgreat-grandfather. He was also apart of the Cotton Growers Association as a chairman of the board and a past president, Arizona farm Bureau Federation past board member, Past President of the Maricopa County Farm Bureau, past board member of the Buckeye Valley Chamber Commerce, Liberty Cemetery Association President, Buckeye Valley Centennial Commission board member, and Way of Grave Church as an Elder and Sunday school teacher.
W.R. Beloat is presumed to be the first pioneer to drive a herd of cattle to the Buckeye Valley. He drove a herd from the Prescott area in 1886 and filed a homestead that same year in the Liberty area. Working with livestock using the Lazy SL brand continues to be a part of the W. R. Beloat family heritage.
An interesting family fact is that the footprints of daughter, Mildred Beloat Biddulph, can be seen on the front steps. Some of his successful leader ship positions include organizing the construction and design team as well as raising the funds to build a fence and signs for the Liberty Cemetery. He also is a founding member of the WV National Bank and is currently the Chairman of the Board. The founding group raised over 14 million dollars during our failing economy. West Valley National Bank is the West Valley’s first locally owned and operated community bank, founded by local business leaders. The West Valley was served only by large institutions led by out of state ownership and management. They wanted to help local businesses control their own destiny by providing exceptional financial services delivered by local residents.
Years in the West Valley: I’m a Native Arizonian, 50 years.
their equipment on the old proving grounds that is now home to Verrado.
Family: My wife of 27 years Sidney, 3 grown children Ian, Trevor, Mackenzie, and my Granddaugher Ryann age 6.
Most coveted: right now? Two consecutive weeks of vacation.
Over the next three years, the West Valley National Bank will focus on growing assets to $100,000,000 by providing exceptional service and products to the rapidly expanding population of the West Valley. But the one who Bales Jr. feels inspired him to do what he did in his life? “My father, Steve Bales Sr., Working for my dad can be both a tremendous opportunity as well as a huge challenge. I tested my father’s patience daily for the first 10 years of my career, but he exercised great leadership and humility that really made me the man I am today. I am very grateful.”
[Q&A]
Who are and have been some of your mentors? Chuck Younger and Rick Ladra. Favorite quote: “It is better to be silent and thought a fool then to open your mouth and remove all doubt.” Attributed to Abe Lincoln and Mark Twain.
What is your favorite cause? Americans Taking Care of Americans, a charity that helps our service men and women, headed up by a WV family. What keeps you up at night? The economy. One phrase you wish people wouldn’t say: “I can’t”
Who in history would you most like to have dinner with? Ronald Reagan
A phrase you wish people would say more: “You are doing a great job!”
What is your favorite book? Bonhoeffer by Eric Metaxas
What is your favorite food? My wife, Sidney’s latest new recipe.
What do you miss most? The kinds of days like when I was a kid, we didn’t have a pool so we swam in the irrigation ditch.
What is your biggest pet peeve? Non-courteous acts.
What is your biggest inspiration and why? My three children and granddaughter, they are the future and encourage me daily. What do you know about life that you wish you had known 10 to 20 years ago? That change is inevitable and most things come in cycles. What is your favorite place/ feature in the West Valley? There is a scar along the south face of the White Tank Mountains made by the Caterpillar Co. as they tested
What would you choose to do, career wise, if you weren’t in your current career? Possibly politics... It would be fun to spend everybody else’s money for a change. (laughs jokingly) What would you do if you won the lottery? Pay off debts and keep on farming. What do you do during lunch time? Catch up on what I didn’t finish that morning!
How did you get into your current career field? I grew up on the farm and only left for school and returned after a one year stint working on the world’s largest drip-irrigation project. What drives you? The idea of taking something and leaving it better that I found it. Making our west valley and state an even better place for our children. What are your goals (career, personal, or for the West Valley)? To see more state and national leadership come from the west valley, to see the Gila river regarded for the resource that it is and not a last resort for dumping ground, see the WV become a home for centers of higher education, and to see the WV foster job creators. What is the secret to your success? No secrets: patience, listening, hard work, and faith in God. How do you feel the West Valley has affected you and how to you feel you’ve affected the West Valley? This truly is one of the greatest place in all of Arizona, especially for establishing a career and raising a family. Our family has been blessed by this valley and I hope that we have been faithful in returning back to our community some of what we have received. What is the biggest challenge when facing you in your work? U.S. Agriculture will be challenged in finding a work force to continue to feed and clothe the nation. Water, and the energy needed to provide it economically and efficiently, is a huge challenge.
Greatest Extravagance: Sleeping in late.
westvalleymagazine.com • September • October 2011 | 23
long established change agent/builder
The Beloat name can be traced in Arizona to William Robert (W.R.) Beloat, who lived in a two-story
The Founders believe it is their responsibility to provide opportunities for our shareholders, the customers, their employees and the communities they serve. They also believe that no one recognizes or has the ability to execute those opportunities better than local decision makers. West Valley National Bank provides exceptional financial services and products to businesses, business owners, and professionals; delivers value to customers, employees, and
shareholders; and invests in the communities we serve enriching their quality of life.
shak•er [shey-ker] v.
A graduate of the University of Arizona (Agricultural Economics), Mr. Bales has been extensively involved in organizations relating to agriculture. He has served as a community director of Farm Services Agency Board and on the Board of the Arizona Cotton Growers Association.
house built in Liberty in 1911 and raised 14 children there. W.R. and his wife, Mary, homesteaded in 1886 and were married under an elderberry tree near the road designated as Beloat Road in the early 1950s. the house was built with bricks made on-site for $5,000.