SanTan Sun News; 3-7-15: Business

Chandler Ocotillo Group of Berkshire Hathaway makes its debut

Real estate agents Rebecca Hidalgo Rains and Janet Rogers have joined forces to create Chandler Ocotillo Group of Berkshire Hathaway.

The office is located at 4921 S. Alma School Rd., in Chandler.

Combined, their teams sold $30 million in Arizona real estate in 2014 with the help of their husbands, James Rains and Michael Rogers. Collectively, they have 45 years of real estate experience behind them.

The couples have known each other since 2009, when they were both focused on short sales.

Rains was ranked by the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) as the state’s top female Latina real estate agent, and No. 25 in the country in NAHREP’s Top 250 ranking of Latino real estate agents in 2013. She has ranked in the Top 250 for the last three years. Rains has worked in Arizona real estate for more than 20 years and has extensive experience in new home sales and short sales. Rains said Berkshire Hathaway’s brand presence and marketing capabilities will mean success for her group.

“Berkshire Hathaway’s marketing and technological capabilities will bring a new level of sophistication to our group, which will be passed on to benefit clients,” Rains says.

“Our office is a very collaborative office of like-minded producers and we

are all thrilled to grow our businesses through Berkshire Hathaway.”

Rogers, comes from another large local real estate brokerage, where she was ranked in the top 2 percent of her office. Rogers realizes the importance of brand recognition, and it made perfect sense to align with Berkshire Hathaway.

“Branding is a critical element to a successful real estate business,” says Gordon Miles, president of Berkshire

Hathaway HomeServices Arizona Properties.

“Having one of the world’s most respected brands behind you gives your real estate business a distinct advantage. It also gives your clients the peace of mind that their homes are being represented by the very best of the best. We are thrilled to welcome them to the Berkshire Hathaway family.”

Rogers is the chairwoman of the board

and director of the Arizona chapter of House of Heroes, a nonprofit that honors veterans of the military, first responders and surviving spouses with repairs and renovations to their home at no cost to the homeowner.

It is Rogers’ and Rains’ vision to build and donate a home to a local veteran.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arizona Properties is a part of Americana Holdings, which also includes Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Nevada Properties. The firms are leaders in their respective markets with 21 offices and nearly 2,000 agents, comprising the third largest Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices franchise in the world.

Combined, the companies sold $2.7 billion in real estate in 2013. Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffet announced in late 2012 his plans to purchase Prudential Realty and since last year the cabernet and crème-colored signs have been popping up all over the country. In 2014, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices was named Real Estate Agency Brand of the Year by consumers in the 26th annual Harris Poll EquiTrend study of the largest real estate networks.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has 54,000 agents in 1,600 offices nationwide and an international network of 80,000 real estate agents and 2,800 real estate brokerage locations around the world.

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‘Eight’s Check, Please! Arizona Festival’ set for Phoenix

SanTan Brewing Company and Hob Nob are two Chandler businesses that will partake in the “Eight’s Check, Please! Arizona Festival” slated for this month in Phoenix.

While the Emmy Award-winning television hit, “Eight’s Check, Please! Arizona” continues unabated, its culinary cousin “Eight’s Check, Please! Arizona Festival” continues on its own glorious path for a third straight year of pleasing fans of local, independent eateries. The festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 22, at CityScape in downtown Phoenix.

“Check, Please! Arizona” is one of the most popular locally produced program on “Eight, Arizona PBS.” Eight will again transform CityScape into a haven for food adventurists, a one-stop exploration of Arizona’s independent restaurant collective that ranges from every day hamburger haunts to five-star gourmet establishments.

SEE CHECK PLEASE PAGE 21

Chandler company introduces Olé Energy drink

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

Energy drinks have been the rage the last 10 years and a Chandler company co-founded by former NFL quarterback Steve Young has entered the market.

But what sets Olé Energy apart from other companies is its parent company’s commitment to the Valley. For example, in January, Olé Energy held a fundraising campaign for Highland High School in Gilbert.

“One hundred percent of proceeds got to the Highland High School sports program,” says Merlin Corbin, executive vice president of Sudden Impact Partners Inc. that created the Olé Energy drink. The founding members of Sudden Impact Partners include Corbin, Tyde Tanner and Young, the MVP in Super Bowl XXIX.

“There has been funding cut all over the country. This is our way to help these students to experience their personal and team ‘Olé’ moments.”

Corbin explains that an “Olé” moment is when anyone experiences outstanding success.

“Whether it is on the field, on the court or in life and they jump up and yell, ‘Olé.’ On our website we’ll have a gallery of Olé photos and videos that will show those moments of outstanding success.”

If someone shares a photo or video with Olé and the company posts it to its website, that person will receive a free case of Olé Energy.

Corbin says that the product has

healthy aspects to it; it has vitamin B12, electrolytes, a special proprietary blend of herbs called ADX7 and amino acids. Olé Energy contains approximately the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee.

Young was impressed with Olé Energy and saw an opportunity in it.

“I became aware of it when my good friend Tyde Tanner approached me about producing healthier alternatives for people to choose from in an exploding energy category back in the summer of 2002,” Young says.

“We talked for several days on and off and we decided to give it a shot. We had always planned on doing some things together and we felt like this was a good fit.”

Olé Energy has been waiting to get out of the gates for a while, but the product hit the market in January.

“We attempted to come out with it the very week the market crashed in 2008,” Corbin says. “We had a $5 million commitment which would have launched us nationally and internationally.”

The fundraiser for Highland High School was held at the Safeway at Baseline and Higley roads in early February.

“I think we are trying to be a more responsible energy drink company,” Young says. “We sponsor athletes, race car drivers, etc., but we encourage safety, being smart and never taking unnecessary risks.”

Olé Energy has sponsored a NASCAR vehicle in the Xfiniti series and a vehicle in the Ferrari Challenge.

“I have always tried to be aware of community needs and giving back.” Young explains. “I have been very blessed and have always felt the need to be involved where I can. Sudden Impact shares this philosophy and wants to make a difference, particularly with athletics.”

Sudden Impact also has another private label beverage product that it makes for Forever Living Products called FAB-Forever Active Boost.

“They’re the largest privately held company in Arizona,” says Corbin.

For additional information on Olé Energy visit www.oleenergy.com. The product is available on the website or by visiting Amazon.com.

Lynette Carrington is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at lynette@santansun.com.

Quality care, with compassion and concern.

Stay busy with the chamber throughout March

Throughout March, 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.

Chandler Chamber Monday Morning Leads Group

7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Mondays March 9 and March 16

Members are given the opportunity to provide information on their company, upcoming events and more during the Chandler Chamber Leads group, which helps business members network and grow their business. Allowed two free visits. Brunchies, 17 E. Boston St., Chandler.

Chandler Chamber Tuesday Morning Leads Group

7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Tuesdays, March 10 and March 17

Members are given the opportunity to provide information on their company, upcoming events and more during the Chandler Chamber Leads group, which helps business members network and grow their business. Allowed two free visits. BLD, 1920 W. Germann Rd., Chandler.

Wake-Up Chandler

Wake-Up Chandler will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 11, at Academy Mortgage, 1750 E. Northrop Blvd., Suite 240, 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.

Walmart grand opening set for March 11

The grand opening of Walmart, 6480 W. Chandler Blvd., will be held from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 11.

Chandler Chamber Wednesday Lunch Leads Group

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays March 11 and March 18

Members are given the opportunity

to provide information on their company, upcoming events and more during the Chandler Chamber Leads group, which helps business members network and grow their business. Allowed two free visits. La Casa Blanca, 24605 S. McQueen Rd., Chandler.

Chandler Chamber Thursday Morning Leads Group

7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Thursdays, March 12 and March 19

Members are given the opportunity to provide information on their company, upcoming events and more during the Chandler Chamber Leads group, which helps business members network and grow their business. Allowed two free visits. Rudy’s West Country Store & Barbecue, 7300 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler.

Chandler Chamber Thursday

Lunch Leads Group

11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays, March 12 and March 19

Members are given the opportunity to provide information on their company, upcoming events and more during the Chandler Chamber Leads group, which helps business members network and grow their business. Allowed two free visits. Nabers

Music Bar & Eats, 825 N. 54th St., Chandler.

Business After Business Business After Business will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 12, at Thorobred Chevrolet, 2121 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Join the chamber for its monthly evening mixer, meet new members, make business contacts and get a chance to win the “Chamber Cash Pot!”

Chandler Chamber Friday Morning Leads Group

7:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Fridays March 13 and March 20

The Chandler Chamber of Commerce Leads groups have been created to help business members network and grow their business. A leads group is a business referral network that helps businesses interact and network. As a member, individuals will have the opportunity to develop sources and contacts that can help generate sales for business. Allowed two free visits. Chompie’s Delicatessen Restaurant, 3481 W. Frye Rd., Chandler.

Small Business Counseling

Small Business Counseling will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 13, at the Chandler Chamber

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

Chandler Chamber Lunch Club

The Chandler Chamber Lunch Club will meet from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, March 16, at Floridino’s Pizza & Pasta, 590 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler. Join the chamber for some networking over lunch and help support a chamber member restaurant. Exchange business cards and brochures, bring a door prize, a guest and an appetite.

Chandler Chamber Women in Business

The Chandler Chamber Women in Business will meet from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, at SoHo63, 63 E. Boston, Chandler. Women in Business luncheon features a different program each month. Relationship building, plus networking, plus business showcase opportunities, equals success. An added value workshop,

Knowledge is Power, will begin at 10:30 a.m. The Women in Business workshops are opportunities for individuals to gain a powerful edge on their competition. Technology, marketing, sales, accounting and legal issues are just a few topics to be covered at these workshops.

GRAZ Kitchen Fresh ribbon cutting

A ribbon cutting will be held at GRAZ Kitchen Fresh, 1005 S. Arizona Ave., Suite 6, Chandler from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 17. The event will also include food, beverages and prizes.

Chandler Chamber Wednesday Morning Leads Group

7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 18

Members are given the opportunity to provide information on their company, upcoming events and more during the Chandler Chamber Leads group, which helps business members network and grow their business. Allowed two free visits. SoZo Coffeehouse, 1982 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler.

Leadership Institute

The Leadership Institute will be held from 7:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, March 20, at the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, 25 S. Arizona Pl., Suite 201, Chandler.

Doing business

Redemption Market

Owner: Rhonda LaBatt

How long in business: One year

Unique features: Redemption Market is a fair trade boutique based in Chandler that offers gifts that benefit artisans worldwide. It partners with survivors of trafficking and modern-day slavery, as well as offers rural workers alternatives to working in sweatshops. The store carries unique handbags, jewelry and accessories for women, as well as wallets for men. A special feature is organic knitted toys for babies and children. The motto of Redemption Market is “shop for freedom.”

Hours: The online shop, www.redemptionmarket.com, is open 24/7 and Redemption Market can be found every week at the Phoenix Public Market and monthly at Chandler Farmers Market Craft Fair.

Phone: (480) 516-1010

Email: redemptionmarket@gmail.com

Website: www.redemptionmarket.com

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.

Chandler Chamber of Commerce Business and Relocation Guide

We invite you to be a part of the Chandler Chamber Business and Relocation Guide. It’s an excellent way to have your company’s voice be heard through our business profile options, ad space and listing of members in the directory. Our business resource guide represents over 80,000 employees within Chandler Chamber businesses. Not only will this guide be seen by our members and potential members but also the 25,000 plus residents who receive The Arizona Republic in the Chandler area will also receive it in their newspaper.

Publication Date: May 8, 2015

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing named BBB award winner for ethics

Better Business Bureau (BBB) announced the names of 15 Arizona companies selected as finalists for the 2015 BBB Business Ethics Awards sponsored by Wells Fargo. Five of the 15 companies will be named winners in their category during the awards dinner and ceremony on Thursday, April 9, at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa.

“The BBB Business Ethics Awards were established in 2002 to recognize outstanding businesses that maintain a solid commitment to ethics and trust in the marketplace,” says Dory Gosar, BBB Foundation director.

“We are excited to include this year’s finalists in the prestigious circle of over 100 local companies recognized for their business ethics.”

The 2015 Business Ethics Awards finalists are:

Category I (1 – 10 employees)

• Curt’s Auto Repair (Phoenix)

• Smarter Divorce Solutions, LLC (Phoenix)

• SPIES: Single Professional Introductions for the Especially Selective (Phoenix) Category II (11 – 20 employees)

• Salem Boys Auto (Tempe)

• Benjamin Franklin Plumbing (Chandler)

• AZ Carpet and Restoration Co (Phoenix) Category III (21-50 employees)

• Penrose Academy (Scottsdale)

• Wisdom Natural Brands (Gilbert)

• Emergency Air LLC (Mesa)

Category IV (51-150 employees)

• Compass Cleaning Solutions (Phoenix)

• S&S Tire & Auto Service Center (Goodyear)

• Zerorez of Phoenix (Gilbert) Category V (151 + employees)

• Empire Today LLC (Phoenix)

• CNA National Warranty Corporations (Scottsdale)

• George Brazil (Phoenix)

Executive vice president of the O.C. Tanner Institute and New York Times best-selling author of “Great Work: How to Make a Difference People Love,” David Sturt will deliver the keynote address to more than 400 business and community leaders during the April 9 awards dinner. Television and radio personality Pat McMahon will serve as the master of ceremonies for the 10th year in a row.

“In today’s ever-changing marketplace, great work goes beyond successfully operating a business; it also involves caring for its people,” said Matthew Fehling, BBB president/CEO. “We are thrilled for Mr. Sturt’s address on how local companies can make a positive difference in one of their most important assets: their people.”

Visit www.ethics.arizonabbb.org to learn more about the April 9 event. Secure a table sponsorship by Monday, March 16, or purchase tickets by April 1. For additional information, contact BBB Foundation at (602) 264-2864 or bbbfoundation@arizonabbb.org.

Learn about the science of wellness with Inner Vision Yoga

A two-day workshop to build stamina, strength and balance for the body, mind and spirit is being offered by Inner Vision Yoga, which will be held at its Chandler studio, 1949 W. Ray Rd. Attendees will learn to quantify the metrics of fitness through body mass index, body fat, blood pressure, stamina/ aerobic capacity, flexibility and balance. Inner Vision Yoga owner and master level yoga teacher Aaron Goldberg, Fred Goldberg and certified wellness coach Tara Cosentino will present the workshop.

“The Yoga of Wellness and Nutrition” will be offered from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7. Attendees will learn how to set and achieve SMART fitness goals and how to eat mindfully through bio individuality.

“Aerobic Conditioning Yoga” will

be offered from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, March 8 to teach attendees why aerobic capacity theories are crucial to wellness. Post-exercise oxygen consumption, Bell Curve workout verses intermittent exercise and exhaust/rest theory of strengthening techniques will be covered.

It is $65 per class or $119 for the full weekend.

For more information, visit www. InnerVisionYoga.com or call (480) 6327899.

With studios in Chandler and Tempe, Inner Vision Yoga offers more than 100 classes per week to all levels of yoga practitioners. Classes are offered mornings, afternoons and evenings seven days a week.

Indulge in the arts with PAL in March

The Performing Arts League will see “The Magic Flute,” “Anything Goes,” “Carousel” and “Chopin and Grieg” during the month of March.

It is $10 for singles or $15 for couples. A check can be sent to PAL at P.O. Box 13051, Chandler, AZ 85248.

Members board a bus from Cottonwood Country Club in Sun Lakes

for $20 roundtrip to various theaters. For those interested in the opera can call Vera at (480) 895-9679 for more information. If coffee classics and symphony music is of interest, call Lynn at (480) 883-0671. Musical show information can be sought by calling Mary at (480) 802-9354.

New Tai Chi and Qigong classes

flowing Chi in the body is one sign of health and well-being. Attendees can create powerful tools for health and happiness during Kim Kubsch’s new easy and gentle Tai Chi-Qigong class. All ages and abilities are welcome and chairs are offered for those who prefer to enjoy this moving mediation while seated.

Attendees will improve their balance, coordination and reduce stress by attending the new Wednesday afternoon class from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The class is sponsored by Arizona Priority Care’s Senior (AZPC) Advantage Club. The class will be held at Ed Robson Branch-Lecky Room, 9330 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes. There is a $2 drop-in fee and free for AZPC members. RSVP in advance by calling (480) 336-7405.

The intermediate/beginner Tai Chi class will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Fridays, at the Cottonwood Clubhouse Phoenix Room in Sun Lakes. Beginner Tai Chi classes will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., also on Fridays. The beginner class is ideal for those who wish to stand or sit. The drop-in class fee is $5 and free for qualified Silver Sneakers members.

From 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays a beginner class will be held for Renaissance residents only, at Renaissance Luxury Retirement Living in Sun Lakes.

Kubsch is a Tai Chi instructor certified by the American Tai ChiQigong Association, a Silver Sneakers Flex Instructor and is certified to teach

Moves for Parkinson’s and Chair Chi. Using easy and gentle Tai Chi, she teaches how to enhance overall health, increase flexibility, improve balance and coordination, and reduce stress, while building bone strength.

For more information about classes, group or private, workshops and Kubsch’s DVDs, visit www.safemovements.com, email Kim@safemovements.com, or call (480)392-3436.

To learn more about Arizona Priority Care, a physician-led network dedicated to providing a “medical home” for each of its patients, visit www.AZPriority.com.

In its third year, the event is crowned with a gathering of Arizona’s James Beard Foundation award-winners, among them, Emmy Award-winning host of “Eight’s Check, Please! Arizona” Robert McGrath, as well as Christopher Gross, Chris Bianco and Nobuo Fukuda.

In addition, as Arizona’s culinary scene continues to advance in global sophistication, the 2015 version of the event will also showcase overlays by Arizona’s chef talent, including a second panel of top Valley chefs, in addition to a lineup of cooking demonstrations by local chefs on two stages, provided by SubZero/Wolf, and a tour of favorite wines by Chef Gross, including tastings and tips for food pairings.

The festival will also be adding several new restaurants to the lineup this year from “Check, Please! Arizona’s” five seasons on air, as well as featuring many returning favorites. Those include Switch Restaurant & Wine Bar; The Wild Thaiger; Salerno’s; Haus Murphy’s; Frasher’s Steakhouse & Lounge; The Salt Cellar; Flavors of Louisiana; Rancho Pinot; Cowboy Ciao; Jewel of the Crown; Cucina Tagliani; Tarbell’s; SanTan Brewing Company; Three Pitts “Again”; Hob Nob; Phoenix City Grille; Red, White and Brew; Betty’s Nosh; Avanti Restaurant; MacAlpine’s Restaurant & Soda Fountain and TEXAZ Grill.

Tickets are available at www.azpbs. org/checkplease/festival. General

admission in advance is $79; $89 at the door. Tickets include food, wine and beer sampling, as well as panel discussions, cooking demonstrations and guest lecturers.

For more information on sponsorship and participation opportunities with “Eight’s Check, Please! Arizona Festival,” contact Chelsea Fox at R Entertainment Co., (480) 657-7333 ext 15 or email Chelsea@r-entertainment.com.

Eight, Arizona PBS is a trusted community resource. For more than 52 years, the PBS station has focused on educating children, reporting in-depth on public affairs, fostering lifelong learning and celebrating arts and culture. Eight achieves its mission through the power of noncommercial television, the internet, educational outreach and community based initiatives. Its signal reaches 80 percent of the homes in Arizona. With more than 1 million viewers weekly, Eight consistently ranks among the most viewed public television stations per capita in the country. For more information, visit www.azpbs.org. Eight is a member supported community service of Arizona State University and the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Health screenings available at 25th annual Senior Expo

Mayor Jay Tibshraeny’s Committee for the Aging is hosting Chandler’s 25th annual Senior Expo from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, at the Chandler Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave. The Senior Expo is free and open to the public.

More than 60 representatives from a wide variety of health care agencies, leisure services, and senior-related product firms will be in attendance to share their services with senior adults. City departments and other local organizations will also be present.

The event also includes free blood pressure checks and a limited number of free cholesterol and glucose tests for attendees on a first come, first served basis.

The 2015 Senior Expo is presented by the City of Chandler Recreation Division, sponsored by Dignity Health, and cosponsored by Cigna and Prime Times Magazine.

Senior Expo information is available by calling the Chandler Senior Center at (480) 782-2720 or by visiting www. chandleraz.gov/senior-adults.