SanTan Sun; 2-7-15: Business

Let’s Grow Studio offers fitness classes for kids and families

BY ALISON STANTON

Julie Costello began practicing yoga in 2008, shortly after the birth of her second child. Although she enjoyed the classes, she was disappointed she couldn’t find a place that allowed her to practice yoga with her two young children.

To provide parents and kids a fun and welcoming place where they can work out together, Costello opened Let’s Grow Studio last November.

“We offer kids’ yoga classes, adult yoga classes and parent and child classes,” Costello says.

The studio features kid and adult Zumba classes, hip hop, sports classes for kids and a Core Fit circuit training program for adults, too.

“We also offer fun yoga or spa birthday parties for kids, including a Zumba Glow party that is held under neon lights.”

Costello says Let’s Grow Studio also has special events every month that are ideal for adults, including a yoga and wine night for moms. Costello is registering couples for the Couples Yoga event from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13. The evening, which costs $40 per couple, allows people of all abilities and levels to come in and enjoy learning partner poses and acrobatics in a relaxed setting.

In addition to providing a safe and fun place for kids and their parents to work out together, Costello says she strives to offer a noncompetitive and

nonjudgmental atmosphere where everyone— no matter what their shape or size may be—can have fun exercising together.

“It’s a very nonthreatening environment and it’s very homey,” she says. “It’s a fitness center that is geared toward the family and lets kids run around and have a good time and exercise and get excited about fitness.”

Costello, who also owns Grow with Yoga ABC and Watch Me Grow Child Care, says she has enjoyed hearing a lot of positive feedback from parents whose kids are taking yoga classes.

GETTING FIT TOGETHER: Julie Costello, pictured with her 6-year-old son, Declan, and her 10-year-old daughter, Bailey, opened Let’s Grow Studio to give parents and their kids a noncompetitive and welcoming place to exercise together. Submitted photo

She likes seeing moms bring their children with them to exercise. The kids range in age from toddlers to 12and 13-year-old children.

“The kids are just so excited about it, and I keep hearing from their parents that they are going home and doing the different yoga poses at home. It really seems to be making a difference in their lives.”

Alliance Bank opens Chandler branch

Alliance Bank of Arizona, the state’s largest headquartered bank and now fourth largest in Maricopa County, opened a new banking center in Chandler on the southwest corner of Ray Road and Interstate 101 at the Park at San Tan office complex. The opening is a result of the bank’s record growth in 2014.

This marks the 11th location for Alliance Bank and is an extension of the bank’s growth in key business markets, including Chandler, where it already banks a large number of commercial, industrial and professional businesses.

“The Chandler banking center signifies our ongoing commitment to provide our clients direct access to the bank’s decision makers and dayto-day service from some of the most entrepreneurial business bankers in the state,” says Jim Lundy, CEO of Alliance Bank of Arizona. “Our growth is a reflection of the trust we have earned from Arizona’s business community.”

The two-story, 27,017-square-foot office will house commercial and branch banking facilities as well as a number of support functions that will enable the bank to better serve its growing Southeast Valley customer base. The banking center houses more than 50 employees and was designed by Larry Boardman and Simone Stover of Davis Interiors and built by Sun State Builders.

“This is an exciting time to be in business in the East Valley,” says Dee Burton, Alliance Bank’s executive vice president and East Valley Bank Center director.

“This banking center is a tangible investment in the growth of the

Chandler business base; and our optimism for continued economic growth and development in the East Valley.”

A division of Phoenix-based Western Alliance Bank, Alliance Bank offers a full spectrum of deposit, lending, treasury management and online banking products and services, plus personalized service to meet the needs of local businesses. With 11 offices in Greater Phoenix, Tucson, Sedona and Flagstaff, along with Western Alliance’s robust national platform of specialized financial services, the bank is a valued partner for Arizona’s business, real estate, professional, municipal and nonprofit communities. Western Alliance Bank is the primary affiliate of Phoenix-based Western Alliance Bancorporation. With $10 billion in assets, Western Alliance Bancorporation is one of the fastest-growing bank holding companies in the United States. The Chandler branch is located at 3033 W. Ray Rd., Chandler, and can be reached at (480) 609-2912. For more information, visit www. alliancebankofarizona.com.

Let’s Grow Studio is located at 4100 S. Lindsay Rd., Suite 101, in Gilbert. For more information or to register for the Couples Yoga class, call (480) 699-1004, email info@letsgrowstudio.com or visit www.letsgrowstudio.com.

Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at alison@santansun.com.

SEND IN YOUR BUSINESS PROFILE FOR ‘DOING BUSINESS’

The SanTan 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 35,000 homes, racks and boxes on the first and third Saturdays of the 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, email address. Also include an at least 300 dpi photo of the business owner or logo. Email this information to business@ santansun.com or visit www.santansun.com and click on the “Doing Business” form to submit.

Doing Business

AZ State Electric LLC

Owner: Marcy Maloum

How long in business: Three years

Specialty: Electrical contracting

Unique features: Licensed, bonded and insured

Address: 1900 W. Chandler Blvd., Suite 15-179, Chandler

Phone: (480) 264-3320

Email: office@azstateelectric.com

Stay busy with the chamber throughout February

Throughout February and beyond, the Chandler Chamber of Commerce offers a variety of luncheons and meetings for its members and the community. Numerous leads groups are also offered to help business owners network with their community.

Events are held at the Chandler Chamber of Commerce office, 25 S. Arizona Pl., Suite 201, Chandler, unless otherwise noted.

To register, call (480) 963-4571, visit www.chandlerchamber.com or www. meetup.com/ChandlerChamber, or email info@chandlerchamber.com. No refunds are available within 72 hours of an event.

Small Business Counseling offered

Every Monday, Tuesday and Friday, Small Business Counseling is offered at the Chandler Chamber of Commerce. The counseling is free and open to the public. Appointments are available between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Experienced business counselors provide advice, knowledge and insight to help individuals start or grow their business. On Mondays and Tuesdays, Small Business Counseling is available at the chamber office by appointment only through the Maricopa Community Colleges’ Arizona Small Business Development Center network. To schedule an appointment, contact the Chandler Chamber of Commerce.

Chandler Chamber Monday Morning Leads Group

The Chandler Chamber Monday Morning Leads Group, which meets from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Mondays (except holidays), helps business members network and grow their businesses. Members are given the opportunity to give the group information on their company, upcoming events and more. Participants are allowed two free visits. The next meeting will be held Monday, Feb. 9, at Brunchies, 17 E. Boston St., Chandler.

Chandler Chamber Tuesday Morning Leads Group

The Chandler Chamber Tuesday Morning Leads Group meets from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Tuesdays at BLD, 1920 W. Germann Rd., Chandler. The group helps business members network and grow their businesses. Members are given the opportunity to give the group information on their company, upcoming events and more. Participants are allowed two free visits. The next meetings will be

held on Tuesday, Feb. 10, and Tuesday, Feb. 17.

Chandler Chamber Wednesday Lunch Leads Group

The Chandler Chamber Wednesday Lunch Leads Group meets from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays at LaCasa Blanca, 24605 S. McQueen Rd., Chandler. The group helps business members network and grow their businesses. Members are given the opportunity to give the group information on their company, upcoming events and more. Participants are allowed two free visits. The next meetings are Wednesdays Feb. 11 and Feb. 18.

Wake-Up Chandler

Wake-Up Chandler will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, at Aaron’s Sales & Lease, 2670 E. Germann Rd., Suite 1, Chandler. Wake-Up Chandler is a great way to start off the morning by networking with other businesses. Bring business cards and brochures, and be prepared to give a 30-second commercial about your business. Enjoy the food and take advantage of the opportunity to promote your business. Door prizes are welcome. It is $5 for members and $15 for general admission to attend Wake-Up Chandler.

Chandler Chamber Thursday Morning Leads Group

The Chandler Chamber Thursday Morning Leads Group meets 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Thursdays at Rudy’s West

Country Store & Bar-B-Q, 7300 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. The group helps business members network and grow their business. Members are given the opportunity to give the group information on their company, upcoming events and more. Participants are allowed two free visits. The next meetings are Thursdays Feb. 12 and Feb. 19.

Chandler Chamber Thursday Lunch Leads Group

The Chandler Chamber Thursday Lunch Leads Group meets from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays at Nabers Music Bar & Eats, 825 N. 54th St., Chandler. The group helps business members network and grow their business. Members are given the opportunity to give the group information on their company, upcoming events and more. Participants are allowed two free visits. The next meetings are Thursdays Feb. 12 and Feb. 19.

Technology Brown Bag Lunch

Bring your lunch to the Technology Brown Bag Lunch meeting from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12. The meeting will touch on hot topics in the technology industry. The event is free, but preregistration is required.

Chandler Chamber Lunch Club

The Chandler Chamber Lunch Club will meet from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, at Floridino’s Pizza & Pasta, 590 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler. It is $10 for lunch and drinks, and a

tip is included. The lunch club is for anyone who would like to attend and help support member businesses. The goal of the Chandler Chamber Lunch Club is to promote each business while having a great meal at one of Chandler’s hometown restaurants.

Women in Business

Women in Business will meet from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, at SoHo63, 63 E. Boston, Chandler. The Women in Business luncheon features a different program each month. Relationship building, plus networking, plus business showcase opportunities, equals success. The luncheon is $25 for members and $35 for nonmembers. The business showcase table and luncheon is $50.

Chandler Chamber Wednesday Morning Leads Group

The Chandler Chamber Wednesday Morning Leads Group meets from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Wednesdays, except when there is a Wake-Up Chandler event, at SoZo Coffehouse, 1982 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler. The group helps business members network and grow their business. Members are allowed to give the group information on their company, upcoming events and more. Participants are given two free visits. The next meeting will be held Wednesday, Feb. 18.

Business After Business

Business After Business will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, at Nabers Music Bar and Eats, 825 N. 54th St., Chandler. Join others for the monthly evening mixer and meet new chamber

members, make business contacts and get a chance to win the “Chamber Cash Pot.” It is $5 for members and $15 for general admission.

Chandler Chamber Friday Morning Leads Group

The Chandler Chamber Friday Morning Leads Group meets from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Fridays at Chompie’s Delicatessen Restaurant, 3481 W. Frye Rd., Chandler. The group helps business members network and grow their businesses. Members are allowed to give

the group information on their company, upcoming events and more. Participants are allowed two free visits. The next meetings are Fridays Feb. 13 and Feb. 20. Leadership Institute Issue Day

The Leadership Institute Issue Day will be held from 7:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, at the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, 25 S. Arizona Pl., Suite 201, Chandler. It is the monthly issue day for the Leadership Institute.

SERVPRO, a cleanup and restoration franchise company, landed at No. 7 on the list of 2015 Franchise 500 rankings from Entrepreneur magazine. This recognition marks the sixth consecutive year Entrepreneur has included the company in its Top 10 list and the 12th consecutive year SERVPRO has earned the top spot on the magazine’s list in its own industry: restoration services. Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 selection process uses “objective,

quantifiable measures of a franchise operation” to help would-be entrepreneurs identify franchise investment opportunities. Some of the most important factors considered by Entrepreneur in developing the list each year are “financial strength and stability, growth rate and size of the system.” For more information about the company, visit www. servpronorthwestchandler.com.

Rakhman Jewelers features personalized and friendly service

BY ALISON STANTON

Since the day Jane and Lenny Rakhman opened Rakhman Jewelers in 1969, they have strived to offer their customers top-quality products, outstanding customer service and a welcoming atmosphere where people are more than just clients—they are treated like friends.

“We like to treat people how we would like to be treated,” Jane says. She and her husband are grateful for the many customers who come to their family-owned jewelry store to purchase jewelry, have items repaired or redesigned or arrange for a certified professional appraisal or re-appraisal.

Jane says Lenny, who has 45 years of experience in the jewelry industry and learned his trade while living in the Ukrainian capital of Kiev, handles the repairs with an expert eye and dedication to perfection. All of the jewelry work is done on the premises, she says, and their son-in-law works one-on-one with customers, using a professional CAD system to design customized items of jewelry. Rakhman Jewelers specializes in carrying diamond wedding and engagement rings in 14K and 18K yellow and white gold, as well as platinum.

“We also have a laser welder that allows us to do precise work on the jewelry. When Lenny uses it for repairs,

he can weld platinum on platinum, which a regular torch cannot do,” Jane says.

When customers come into the shop looking to have their jewelry repaired, Jane says she or Lenny always take the time to work with them, teaching them as much as possible about the jewelry and answering any questions they may have.

“We talk a lot about design and repair with them, and why their jewelry may need the repair,” she says.

Rather than suggesting to customers which piece of jewelry they should purchase, Jane says she prefers to advise them to buy something that they really like.

“They are the ones who have to wear it, and so I always tell them to see what they like and what suits them the best,” she says. She also advises customers to purchase something that their loved ones would want to wear.

“I ask them a lot of questions, like if their loved one dresses more casually, or if they wear a business suit; this will help them to pick something that is suitable for them,” she says.

“They should give them a gift they will remember forever, for any occasion, or just because.”

Jane says that silver items are especially popular with their customers, including those made by Charles Garnier from Paris. Fashion items constructed with diamonds, colored stones and

mother’s rings made with birth stones are also top sellers, she notes.

Regardless of what her customers select, Jane wants them to know that jewelry is an extremely meaningful gift that can last for generations.

“Jewelry should be something that is given from the heart, and they should enjoy seeing their loved one wear it.”

Rakhman Jewelers is located at 3165 S. Alma School Rd., Suite 21, in Chandler. For more information, call (480) 857-9707 or visit www. rakhmanjewelers.com.

Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at alison@santansun.com.

Shea Homes to open condo development in Chandler

On the heels of closing WestStone’s Vantage Condominiums in Ahwatukee for $3.6 million, Shea Homes Arizona closed on 78 condominium units in Carino Villas in Chandler for $2.7 million.

Only 34 condos were built in 2007 on the northwest side of Queen Creek Road and Arizona Avenue, before it was offered for sale.

The condominium development offers amenities including a swimming pool and spa, barbecue and picnic areas, green landscaping and more. Carino is surrounded by great schools, ample shopping, golf courses and restaurants, and close to venues that host activities and events.

Traditionally a single-family home builder, Shea Homes has recently been diversifying its portfolio. This will be

the first time the Arizona division of Shea Homes will build condos. Shea is re-engineering the existing plans to include new energy efficiency features, as well as to bring the units up to current construction code standards.

The single-story condos range from 1,302 to 1,937 square feet, offering both two- and three-bedroom options, with two baths and one- and two-car garages. Model construction will start in the summer and the community is estimated to open in November. Pricing is estimated to start in the low $230s.

“Entering the condominium market will allow us to provide options for customers who are looking for the quality of a Shea Home, without having the responsibilities for upkeep that come with a single family home,” says Ken Peterson, vice president of sales and marketing for Shea Homes Arizona. “We are looking forward to getting into the condo market and being able to offer our products to a complete new buyer demographic.”

For more information about Shea Homes and its communities across the Valley, call (866) 696-7432 or visit www. sheahomes.com/newhomes/phoenix.

RE/MAX agent earns hall of fame award

Julie Sommerfeld with RE/MAX Infinity was recently presented with the RE/MAX Hall of Fame Award, which honors successful agents who have earned more than $1 million in commissions during their careers with the company. Less than 22 percent of all RE/MAX affiliates have earned this prestigious award.

Sommerfeld has been working in the real estate industry for more than 13 years and has extensive experience in residential real estate sales in the Southeast Valley. Among Sommerfeld’s list of achievements: She has earned Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) and Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) designations and has won the Bronze Circle award from the Southeast Valley Regional Association of Realtors.

“Julie has been an integral member of our team and is more than deserving of this very prestigious award,” says Bill Ryan, owner/broker of RE/MAX Infinity. “Winning this award is a tremendous accomplishment. Julie continues to raise the bar in real estate, making us, and this community, proud.”

In addition, Sommerfeld volunteered in her children’s schools when they were younger and still actively participates on the Site Council Team for Ryan Elementary. As a member of the Amy Jones Group, Sommerfeld actively

participates in a team volunteer project each quarter.

For more information about RE/ MAX, to search home listings or find an agent in your community, visit www.ChandlerInfinity.com. RE/MAX is located at 2450 S. Arizona Ave., Suite 1, Chandler, 85286.