Gilbert Sun News; July 2015: Business

Pottery studio builds creative memories

BY KEN ABRAMCZYK

For Lori Neff, As You Wish Pottery isn’t just about painting pottery.

The company she owns with her husband, Scott, is about creating memories with loved ones and friends.

“We really like the connection between people,” Lori Neff said. “They can reconnect and build memories with each other.”

The studio, with eight locations throughout the Phoenix area, including Chandler and Mesa, will be celebrating its 20th anniversary in September as the state’s first “paint your own pottery studio.”

piece is fired and glazed, and within a few days, it can be picked up.

It isn’t just parents and grandparents with children or other adults who participate in classes, though the daughter date nights are popular for family members, Neff said. The pottery “creates special memories for those who mean so much to you,” Neff said. While the studio specializes in “paint your own” pottery, a canvas is available for special events.

The studio is a great place for social gatherings, Neff said.

As You Wish Pottery was founded 20 years ago with a location in Scottsdale.

The Neffs purchased the company eight years ago when four Arizona locations were open and now, the Neffs have nearly doubled that number. “We now have seven,” Neff said. “We have a fantastic staff which has allowed us to expand.” As You Wish Pottery employs 85 workers.

She said she believes the company has grown because of word of mouth from patrons.

donated more than $100,000 in funds, goods and services to enhance the lives of children and their families in 2014, regularly raising money for the Arizona branch of the Make a Wish Foundation and involved with the Girl Scout community.

There are seven locations of As You Wish Pottery studios, including Chandler and Mesa. Submitted photo

Patrons can create a piece of pottery, a plate, mug or dish, with loved ones, and that piece is part of the memory of that loved one. The process is simple: choose a piece of pottery, design and decorate it, then the

“We offer birthday parties and team building for companies to come in, too,” she said. Scout troops, bridal showers and field trips are also welcome. Young and old can let their creative juices flow and strengthen connections, whether those connections are personal or professional.

“People will move and they will see a new location and say, ‘I remember going there,’ and ‘I want to come back.’”

Neff said the studio has “created a name for ourselves.”

Customers are drawn to the pottery piece itself when they make it with a loved one. “They are drawn by their emotions and excited because it will be with someone who they care about,” Neff said.

As a local business, As You Wish is involved in community causes and

As You Wish will offer special deals and discounts to celebrate the 20th anniversary from Sept. 18 to Sept. 20, including $20 Gift Card raffles and discounted studio times. It is also offering special deals for $25 on summer classes that begin up until July 24.

For companies, the activity “creates a camaraderie with co-workers,” Neff said.

Neff said time with loved ones is limited, so it is important to enjoy good times with them.

“We don’t have much quantity time, so quality time is a must,” Neff said.

As You Wish Pottery is located at 1649 S. Stapley, Suite 101, Mesa. For more information, call (480) 539-8400 or visit www.asyouwishpottery.com.

Refurbished laptops available

Replacing outdated computer equipment can be an expensive proposition. One Chandler-based company is helping out area businesses and families by offering certified used laptops at steep discounts.

Ironman Refurbished Business Computers (IRBC) is owned by Ken Chan, his sister, Linda, and her husband, Andy Ip. Their unique business model allows customers to simply call or text for information on available units and pricing.

Pickup is available by appointment at the Chandler warehouse and free delivery is available at convenient locations throughout the Valley.

Since they started the business two years ago they have sold business-grade Dell laptops and Lenovo ThinkPads throughout Phoenix and abroad.

“I believe we have been so successful due to the reliability of our laptops and because we focus on providing prompt and courteous service to our customers,” said Ken Chan.

Each laptop purchase includes a comprehensive tutorial to explain the features of the unit, a one-month warranty, and lifetime technical support. Prices range from $199 to $599 depending on the specifications of the model and bulk sales are available.

Chan also owns the FutureKiddie

franchise which offers classes that teach computer skills to boys and girls ages 3 through 7 at locations throughout Phoenix.

He came up with the company name, Ironman, based on the ruggedness of the business-grade models they refurbish. He adds that their laptops are even used in schools and by many mechanics for diagnostic work due to their durability in the toughest of environments.

Interested parties can call or text (480) 550-9078, email info@ironmancomputers. com or visit www.ironmancomputers. com, for available inventory and more information. Pickup is available at their Chandler warehouse by appointment and at convenient locations throughout Phoenix.

Kandas’ financial advice music to clients’ ears

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

Wayne Kandas of the Kandas Financial Group, an office of MetLife in Tempe, is the first one to gush about how much he loves the financial planning industry.

Springing forth from his love of financial planning, Kandas is excited to pass on his knowledge to others so they can make informed financial decisions. He has the chance to do that several times a month via seminars and his popular radio program on Independent Talk 1100 KFNX radio. Kandas was attracted to the financial industry early on. While in his late teens, he saw commercials about saving small sums of money and how that would grow into large sums by retirement age.

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maybe longer when I decided to retire,” said Kandas, who lives with his wife and four children in Gilbert.

“I remembered that and I would waltz into my CPA and buy different stocks and IRAs.

Wayne Kandas of Kandas Financial Group, an office of MetLife in Tempe, loves the financial planning industry and shares his knowledge through seminars and a radio show.

I would put money aside from an IRA right out of the gate, so I’ve always practiced and ‘eating my own cooking,’ so to speak.”

The financial planner said he believes U.S. residents are addicted to spending and thinks there is a solution.

“I just saw those and it seems like just a little bit of pain today to have a huge amount of gain down the road, in 30 years,

“We get accused as an economy that spends more than we make,” Kandas explained. “But the opposite is true. If we start a love for saving and watch the effect of saving money in 401(k)s or IRAs, over a period of time, that becomes just as addictive and a little better for you.”

Monthly, Kandas hosts financial seminars