Tempe, AZ April 2026

Personal Injury Attorneys & Commercial Litigation Lawyers

For more than two decades, The Sorenson Law Firm has called Tempe Home. We’re not just lawyers - we’re parents, neighbors, and active supporters of our community. Whether you’re facing devastating losses from and injury accident or other legal challenges, our family-owned firm is here to fight for you and protect what matters most.

Personal Injur y & Wrongful Death Arbitrations, Mediations, and ADR Business & Commercial Litigation Tempe

Investing in What Matters Most

Investment is often measured in numbers: returns, growth, expansion, and outcomes. But the most meaningful investments rarely fit inside a spreadsheet.

They show up in consistency. In discipline. In the quiet choice to keep building when no one is watching.

In this issue, we explore what it really means to build with intention—to invest not just for the moment, but for what lasts.

On our cover, Randy Courtney’s story follows forty years shaped by investment in himself, in the people around him, and in the place he calls home. It is a portrait of legacy built slowly and deliberately, grounded in character, consistency, and the belief that showing up matters.

This issue also features a powerful conversation with Tim Tebow, whose life has defied the standard playbook. Beyond championships and public recognition, his story reveals defining moments of humility, faith, and fatherhood—a reminder that true legacy is shaped as much by purpose as by performance.

And sometimes, investment begins in the smallest details. The ability to breathe clearly. To hear without strain. To move through a day with balance and ease. AOC Physicians reminds us that quality of life is foundational and that tending to our health may be one of the most practical, powerful investments we make.

Whether in business, in faith, in community, or in well-being, the common thread remains: what we give our time to, what we nurture, and what we return to day after day ultimately shapes the life we build. The strongest foundations are not rushed; they are reinforced through intention, patience, and presence.

Here’s to investing in what matters most.

JETT ARREDONDO, EDITOR

April 2026

PUBLISHER

Wendy Bates | wendy.bates@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Jett Arredondo | jett.arredondo@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Skye Wagner | skye.wagner@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Stephanie Slezak

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jett Arredondo, Michelle Talsma, Angela Broockerd

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jett Arredondo, Greg Zehe

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

city scene

Mirabella at ASU Celebrates Five Years 1: The residents make every milestone shine brighter. John, Laurel, Sharon, Dee, and Judy. 2: Where neighbors become friends. The Sanders, Waltons, and Jones. 3: Kaaren, Kit, and Julie are proof that the best part of Mirabella is living together. 4: The only thing better than the party? The food. 5: From ice sculptures to carving boards—every detail mattered thanks to Jones and the whole culinary team! 6: Honoring the residents who helped shape Mirabella from the very beginning. Janet receiving her corsage. 7: Caleb, the artist in residence adds color, creativity, and inspiration to everyday life at Mirabella.

Now Open In Tempe

Adult and Pediatric ENT Care

Hearing Testing/Treatment

Earaches/Ear Infections | Dizziness

Tinnitus/Ear Ringing | Nasal Surgery

Sinusitis | Allergies | Nose Bleeds

Congestion | Sore Throat | Cough

Rio Salado 8th Annual Dash with Rio

April 18th

8TH ANNUAL DASH WITH RIO 10K/5K/1MILE RUN/WALK EVENT

Kiwanis Park / 101 E. Baseline Road (North Soccer Field), Tempe AZ

Join Rio Salado College as we raise funds for students wishing to further their education. With each step, you can support the Jo C. Bennett Student Assistance Fund, which provides students with immediate financial support to prevent situations that may cause them to drop out of classes. All are invited to walk, run, and have fun! www.dashwithrio.com

Cascadia Pizza Co opens it's first Arizona location in Tempe.

A taste of the Pacific Northwest has landed in the East Valley. Cascadia Pizza Co.—a growing pizzeria concept rooted in Northwest flavors—has opened its first Arizona location.  They specialize in wood-fired pizzas with long-fermented dough that bakes up airy with a lightly blistered crust. Traditionalists can stick with Pepperoni, Butcher, or the Cascadia Margherita, while options like the Northwestern (prosciutto, pear, arugula, balsamic) and BBQ-forward Lolo have a more adventurous edge.

Shorehaven at Tempe Town Lake Opens First Phase

Shorehaven, the three tower project, with 1.3 million square feet, opens its first phase this month. The development includes three towers with 724 units and rises along the edge of Tempe Town Lake as a bold new standard for elevated, lakefront  living. This striking collection pairs sweeping water and mountain views with wellness-inspired amenities and thoughtfully crafted residences designed for modern comfort. With easy access to Mill Ave, ASU, Tempe Marketplace and outdoor recreation.

FORTY YEARS INVESTED IN PLACE, PEOPLE, AND THE QUIET DISCIPLINE OF SHOWING UP—THE STORY OF RANDY COURTNEY.

BUILT TO LAST

Long before the tailored suits and polished watches, there was a steel mill in Indiana. Randy Courtney grew up watching his father work long hours with his hands, no shortcuts, no excess. Money was limited, but pride was not.

Summers were spent on his grandfather’s Indiana farm, where discipline was a way of life. His grandfather balanced accounting by profession and farming by necessity. His father worked full-time at the mill and took on whatever else was needed—carpentry, upholstery, demolition, selling firewood. There was always more to do.

Each summer, the family planted a garden large enough to carry them through winter. Vegetables were harvested and preserved. Beef was butchered and carefully portioned to stretch through the year.

Nothing was wasted. Effort was expected. Work was not praised. It was simply how life was lived.

“I come from a family of very hard workers,” Randy says. “Watching my parents and grandparents work that hard to provide a better life for their kids, it rubbed off on me. Success comes through hard work, grit, and determination.”

That belief became foundational.

ANOTHER INFLUENCE, QUIETER BUT JUST AS DEFINING

An uncle who dressed differently. Sharp. Intentional. The kind of man who walked into a room already prepared for it.

One afternoon, he brought Randy into a high-end men’s clothing store. The fabrics felt substantial. The tailoring precise. Every detail served a purpose. It wasn’t about flash. It was about presence.

Randy hadn’t grown up around those things. The essentials were covered, but anything beyond that required effort. Standing there, he understood something clearly: if he wanted more, he would have to earn it.

So he did.

Through middle school, high school, and college, he worked wherever he could. He saved with intention. When he was able, he chose carefully—a tailored jacket, polished shoes, pieces that instilled composure the moment he put them on.

“It’s about respect,” he says. “Respect for the opportunity. Respect for the people I’m meeting. When you show up looking prepared, you act prepared.”

SHOWING UP

“When I first started my career, I had no money,” Randy says. “Success then meant surviving while staying in business and growing it.”

There were many days when showing up felt like the hardest choice. But he showed up anyway. Over time, he learned that presence created opportunity.

Persistence became pattern. Pattern became longevity.

More than four decades later, forty years in real estate, forty years in Tempe, he remains rooted.

At the center of that steadiness is something uncomplicated.

“Integrity is doing what you say you will do,” he says. “Your word is bond. Operate by the Golden Rule. Be a good person in all you do. Don’t burn bridges. It’s a small world.”

That philosophy shaped more than his reputation. It shaped the culture around him.

Randy did not build his business alone. He built a team grounded in both performance and principle. Investing in people meant mentorship, accountability, and leading by example.

“TO PROVIDE FOR MY FAMILY IS THE ULTIMATE GOAL AND SACRIFICE.”

The Golden Rule guides how he lives, leads, and treats others every day.

His daughter, Nicole, now works alongside him and is one of his top-performing agents. The example he once absorbed— work modeled quietly, and integrity lived daily—now moves forward through her.

Success, for Randy, has never been solitary. It has been shared, multiplied, and built to continue beyond him.

“For me, success has evolved,” Randy says. “Today, success means being able to give back, to charitable organizations, with money and time, to help others.”

Providing has always been central. First survival. Then stability. Now generosity.

“To provide for my family is the ultimate goal and sacrifice,” he says. And when asked what brings him the most peace, the answer is immediate: “Quiet time with my wife and kids.”

THE OUTER DETAILS ARE VISIBLE. THE DEEPER INVESTMENTS ARE NOT.

The suits remain tailored. The watches remain intentional.

But they are no longer about aspiration.

They are about stewardship.

Forty years is not measured in transactions. It is measured in trust.

In promises kept.

In family gathered close.

In the quiet decision to keep showing up.

But beneath it all is still the boy from Indiana, formed by work, by faith in the Golden Rule, and by the belief that anything worth having is earned.

Because in the end, the truest investments are not financial. They are personal, generational, and built to endure.

Redefining MVP: TIM TEBOW’S LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL

An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

From championship trophies to global humanitarian impact, Tim Tebow’s journey has defied every standard playbook. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Tebow pulls back the curtain on the moments that truly defined him, from a humbling middle school church retreat to the life-altering shift of fatherhood. This isn’t just a look back at a career; it’s an invitation into the heart of a man driven by purpose. Read the highlights below, then join us for the full, unfiltered experience by scanning the QR code at the end.

Q: WE ALL KNOW YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, BUT TELL US ABOUT THE CURL CONTEST.

A: I was competing for my future high school team (my brother’s team), and I pushed myself way past what was smart. I ended up collapsing and needing medical attention. But what stayed with me wasn’t the pain, it was the lesson. Would I be willing to do something that others aren’t? For much of my life, I strived to bring my best for a game, but I hope that I can say at the end of my life I was willing to do that for things that actually matter.

Q: YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN SPORTS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT NOW?

A: Becoming a dad. Nothing compares. From the moment I knew my wife was pregnant, I felt a new depth of love for our child, but when you bring your baby home, the responsibility hits you like nothing else. Suddenly, everything you see, every decision you make, you’re asking, “Is this corner too sharp? What happens if she reaches that drawer?” It changes how you see the world and how you see other people.

Q: YOU’VE SPOKEN OPENLY ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND FOOTBALL. HOW DID THAT SEASON OF LIFE SHAPE YOU?

A: I talked a lot about that very thing in my book Shaken . We all go through moments where our faith in our abilities and purpose feels rattled, but I believe it’s often in those storms when God can show us who we could become.

Q: YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT COMPARISON CULTURE. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE COMPARISON HAS BECOME SUCH A TRAP TODAY?

A: Because we’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media shows people’s “best day,” often filtered and staged, and then we measure our reality against that. There’s a reason filters are so popular—it’s not real. We end up scrolling through images that don’t tell the full story, and without realizing it, comparison starts to steal our joy and our gratitude.

“We’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel... comparison starts to steal our joy.”

Q: YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON THE “MOST VULNERABLE.” WHERE DID THAT CALLING BEGIN?

A: When I was 15, I met a boy in the Philippines who was treated as a throwaway because he was born with physical differences. That moment changed me. I realized God was calling me to pursue a different kind of MVP, not “Most Valuable Player,” but “Most Vulnerable People.”

Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

A: I have some weird coffee habits, which include protein powder, collagen, and cream all mixed together. I love golf dates with my wife. And every night, I bring snacks to bed to share with our dogs. It brings me more joy than it probably should.

This conversation barely scratches the surface. Tim goes deeper into the moments that rattled him, the joys of fatherhood, and one story he has never shared publicly until now. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

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LIFE-CHANGING CARE

How AOC Physicians helps Tempe residents hear, breathe, and live better

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE TALSMA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG ZEHE

Quality of life is often defined by the smallest, most easily overlooked details: breathing without effort, hearing clearly across a crowded room, moving through the day without dizziness or strain. When those everyday functions falter, the disruption may begin quietly, then steadily grow.

For many Tempe residents, addressing those challenges begins at AOC Physicians.

The Arizona-based ear, nose, and throat practice recently opened a new office in Tempe, expanding access to specialty care for patients across the East Valley. The new location reflects a growing recognition that ENT concerns are quality-of-life issues, shaping how people work, sleep, communicate, and connect.

Led by board-certified otolaryngologist Tracey Knott, DO, FAOCO, AOC Physicians treats a wide range of conditions affecting both adults and children. Dizziness, hearing loss, ear pain, congestion, sinusitis, chronic cough, tonsillitis, nosebleeds, and breathing difficulties are among the most common concerns. The practice also provides hearing aid evaluations and fittings, adult speech pathology services, and care for more complex cases requiring advanced diagnostic testing or surgical treatment.

“ENT issues are often easy to dismiss, but they can affect sleep, focus, and daily comfort in a big way,” Dr. Knott says. “When we improve hearing, breathing, or balance, we are often improving someone’s entire day-to-day experience.”

That perspective shapes how care is delivered. AOC Physicians emphasizes collaboration among providers with subspecialty training in disorders of the ears, nose, throat, head, and neck. This teambased approach allows patients to receive comprehensive care in one setting rather than navigating multiple referrals or fragmented treatment plans.

Equally important is the patient experience. Visits are designed to be thorough and informative, with time dedicated to listening, education, and clear communication. “We want patients to feel cared for from the moment they walk in,” Dr. Knott says. “That starts with making sure people feel heard and supported.”

The Tempe office is one of several locations supporting a growing Valley population seeking specialty care. As the practice continues to expand, its focus remains the same: helping patients move through daily life with greater comfort, confidence, and ease.

The Women Shaping Tempe

The Tempe Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the return of the 2026 Women Leadership Conference, a celebration of the women who lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact in Tempe. This annual event shines a spotlight on those who have gone above and beyond, strengthening our business community and inspiring others through their leadership.

The women listed here have been nominated for the Tempe Chamber Business Woman of the Year Award by their peers and community—a meaningful acknowledgment of the impact they’ve made over the past year. This prestigious honor recognizes exceptional women who lead with excellence and contribute significantly to Tempe’s business landscape. Being nominated is an accomplishment in itself, reflecting leadership, dedication, and influence. The 2026 Business Woman of the Year will be announced live at the Women in Leadership Conference on Friday, April 17, 2026. We congratulate each nominee on this well-deserved recognition.

• Heather Tyler

Dean of Instruction and Workforce Partnerships, Rio Salado College

• Katina Hughes

Founder & Chief Growth Officer, Mulberry Health

• Emily Finch

Owner, Dance 101

• Jann'e Gutierrez

Owner, Always Best Care, Tempe

• Courtney Thompson

CEO & Member at Greenfield Dynamics, LLC, Greenfield Dynamics LLC

• Jade Hwang

Owner, KBX PHX

• Sharon Phillips

Chef, Hilton Garden Inn & Home Suites Tempe

• Ilona Poka

Owner, Living Easy Arizona, Truth Be Told, LLC

• Dr. Katherine Steele

CEO, Pat Tillman Foundation

• Ellen Owens

Owner and Transformation Advisor, Karcsay Consulting Group LLC

• Tomi Farr

Attorney, Praesidium Law

• Jenny Barnett

Owner and Broker, Barnett Realty

• Carly Schorman

Owner, Homecoming Inc / Starlight Memorial Park

• Amy Ross

Owner, DryBar Arizona

• Cecilia Ashe

President & CEO, Landings Credit Union

• Jett Arredondo

Owner & Creative, JDesigns Creative Studio

Celebrating the nominees for the 2026 Tempe Chamber Business Woman of the Year Award.

ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Inquiring Chef

START WITH A VEGETABLE

Jess Smith is the founder of the popular food blog InquiringChef.com, which she started in 2010 after moving to Thailand with her husband. She explored Thai cuisine, took cooking classes, and documented her experiences on the blog. Over time, her passion for cooking grew, leading her to focus on quick, easy meals for families. Today, Inquiring Chef receives over 5 million page views annually and supports a small team. She shares new recipes weekly through email, her blog, and social media, helping home cooks simplify mealtime without sacrificing flavor.

Smith is now an author. Her debut cookbook,  Start with a Vegetable, published in 2025 reimagines meal planning by putting vegetables at the center of the plate.

“Start with a Vegetable was the result of a natural transition in the way I started thinking about preparing dinner for my family. At the end of a busy day, I often didn't have the energy to think about dinner in parts by preparing a separate protein, vegetable, and starch,” says Smith. “I realized that if I put a vegetable at the center of the dish, the rest was easy to fill in.”

The book features 100 flexible recipes proving vegetables aren’t just a side— they’re key to simple, satisfying meals.

As chief recipe developer for the Cook Smarts meal-planning app, Smith worked closely with families struggling to get dinner on the table. She noticed a common challenge: people wanted to eat more vegetables but didn’t know how to build meals around them.

“As I started planning and testing recipes for the book, I just loved how easy it made dinnertime feel. Are there carrots in the fridge? Here are a bunch of ways to turn them into dinner. Nearly all of the 100 recipes are complete meals and include easy swaps to make them vegetarian. The book is truly flexitarian, with vegetable-forward recipes for all types of eaters.”

Unlike most cookbooks,  Start with a Vegetable is organized by ingredient. Each chapter focuses on a different vegetable, offering multiple ways to turn it into a meal.

“The concept is resonating with many readers who tell me they love that the chapters are organized by vegetable, making it easy to use whatever they have on hand.”

Smith went through a rigorous testing process, starting with over 300 ideas before narrowing them down to 100.

“I always have running lists of recipe ideas. I started sorting recipes into categories, making sure there was variety for each vegetable. I wanted different cooking methods and types of dishes, so each chapter might have a soup, a salad, a roasted dish, a stove-top dish, and a sandwich or pasta.”

After perfecting the recipes in her own kitchen, she passed them to a trusted friend, an everyday home cook, to ensure they worked under realworld conditions.

“I want to know how these recipes worked for a home cook who was shopping at regular grocery stores and trying to make dinner for a family on a weeknight. She sends me feedback on any ingredients that are hard to find, anything that is unclear in the recipe, and tracks how long it takes her to make it with real-life interruptions.”

To further refine the book, Smith enlisted 30 volunteer home cooks through Instagram and her email list to test the recipes.

“My goal was to ensure that the recipes in this book are reliable, easy, and adaptable. I wanted this to be a cookbook for real home cooks. I'm so grateful to that team of volunteers for helping to ensure that it is.”

To order a copy of the cookbook visit:  InquiringChef.com

CITRUS, CARROT, AND CHICKPEA COUSCOUS

Sweet carrots and tart cranberries complement each other in every bite of this tangy couscous. It makes a light meal on its own but becomes a showstopper when spread on a platter and topped with braised meat, roasted cauliflower steaks, or seared tofu. If you want to add a little creaminess, serve the couscous with a spoonful of plain yogurt.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound carrots

• one 15½-ounce can chickpeas

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1½ teaspoons ground cumin

• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for boiling

• ½ cup orange juice

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup dry regular or whole wheat couscous

• ⅓ cup sliced almonds

• 1 lemon

• ½ cup dried cranberries

• chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 425°F

Step 2. Peel the carrots and slice them diagonally into 1-inch ovals. Drain and rinse the chickpeas

Step 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the carrots and chickpeas with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, cumin, ginger, dried thyme, and ½ teaspoon of the salt, coating evenly.

Step 4. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the seasoned veggies and chickpeas on it in an even layer.

Step 5. Bake until the carrots become tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Stir halfway through cooking.

Step 6. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan over high heat, combine the orange juice, water, and ½ teaspoon of salt. When the mixture begins to boil, remove it from the heat, stir in the couscous, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes.

Step 7. When the carrots become tender, sprinkle the almonds on them and continue baking until the almonds lightly toast, 4 to 5 more minutes.

Step 8. Juice the lemon for 1 tablespoon fresh juice.

Step 9. In the same mixing bowl used to season the veggies, whisk together the lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and the cranberries.

Step 10. Fluff the couscous with a fork and add it to the carrots, chickpeas, and almonds. Stir well to combine.

Step 11. Serve warm or refrigerate for 30 minutes and serve chilled. Just before serving, stir in the parsley.

APRIL 11TH

Pat’s Run

Mountain America Stadium | 500 E. Veterans Way, Tempe

The Pat Tillman Foundation invites participants to the 22nd Annual Pat’s Run, a 4.2-mile race finishing on the 42-yard line at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe. A standout ASU Sun Devil and Arizona Cardinals player, Pat Tillman left the NFL to serve as an Army Ranger. The event honors his legacy, service, and unwavering commitment to purpose.

APRIL 17TH - 19TH

ASU Pow Wow

ASU Desert Financial Arena | 634 E. Veterans Way

American Indian dancers and singers from across the U.S. and Canada gather at the ASU Pow Wow to celebrate shared bonds, spirituality, and tradition through song and dance. The event fosters cultural understanding and respect while honoring Native beliefs and heritage. It supports ASU’s growing American Indian student community in preserving and sharing culture. Visit: https://asu365communityunion. com/powwow2026 for more details.

APRIL 25TH

Doktor Kaboom!

Tempe Center for the Arts | 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway Tempe

Doktor Kaboom! returns with a high-energy, laugh-out-loud exploration of the scientific method and physical science. Through explosive experiments and comedic flair, he reveals how pressure, force, and chemical reactions impact everyday life. This thrilling, curiosity-driven show proves science is both entertaining and essential. Showings at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Visit: https://www.tempecenterforthearts.com/events/tca-presents/doktor-kaboom for tickets and details.