SanTan Sun News: Business - April 16, 2016

When Asha Wadher stepped away as president of atmosol in 2014 to pursue her passions and fulfill her soul’s stirrings, many didn’t understand.

After all, she was leaving behind a burgeoning eCommerce business—one that provided powerful software solutions and services to manage the online retail presence of big marquee clients like Samsonite, Viacom, Red Bull, Taylor Swift, Miramax and others—during the pinnacle of a successful career.

After leaving atmosol, Wadher could have chosen the comfort of becoming an executive at any company she wanted. In fact, she was urged to do so by her friends and advisers. Instead, in harmony with her true entrepreneurial spirit, she proceeded with passion, conviction and trust.

Wadher was born in India, raised in Oman and lived in London before settling in the United States. Those global experiences led her to form Twizted Myrtle, a multipronged platform for her to tell compelling and thought-provoking stories through art and conversation.

The impetus for leaving the traditional business world for a less conventional occupation was personal. She found herself in the throes of depression and new depths of loneliness. She was acutely

aware her “success” was empty. Like many do, she had lost her soul in the daily grind of chasing unhappiness. She stumbled upon photography while trying to get through each day during her depression. Unbeknownst to her, photography was becoming her guiding light.

Photography as therapy

The “Empowering Scars” photography project was intended to challenge the cultural taboo, judgment, shame and guilt associated with pain.

She invites others to share their scars to help others come to terms with their own pain, heartache and fears. People who wish to become involved and share their scars, not only as a means to heal, but also be an inspiration to others, can do so by visiting http://artist.twiztedmyrtle.com/scars.html.

“Asha has the gift of being able to understand and relate to emotions of people from all cultures and walks of life,” said Paul S. Mulligan, president and CEO of Catholic Charities.

“This is evident not only in her socially

challenging and transformative ‘Scars’ project, but in her travels to places from Asia to Europe, where she gives rich or poor, educated or uneducated, young or old, religious or nonreligious a voice through her art.”

Bold radio host emerges

As a budding social entrepreneur, Wadher not only explores photography, but the art of human conversation prompted without judgment. In January, she launched Twizted Myrtle Radio program on Star Worldwide

Networks’ website. It uses her world travels as the backdrop to challenge the status quo. She communicates with unfiltered honesty on a host of issues where most would fear to tread.

“My purpose is to challenge our thoughts, values, beliefs, judgments, stereotypes and prejudices, including my own,” she said. “Why? Because this is about helping ourselves make conscious choices in our lives rather than doing things just because we’ve accepted them without question. I don’t want people to think like me. I just want people to think.”

Her show brings messages of tolerance, compassion, understanding, nonjudgment, critical thinking, inspiration, selfempowerment, happiness and freedom.

“Everyone wants to be happy and free. And yet, not many are able to attain this elusive state of being. This is my calling,“ she said.

Her radio show guests have included a sexual abuse victim who resorted to self-harm to deal with her depression and shame, a heart attack victim who used the experience to challenge his life’s calling, and other people who share their lessons of discovery. In the next few months, she is interviewing Vince Kelvin, infamous as a pick-up artist and seduction coach, and recently featured on Lisa Ling’s “This is Life”

show on CNN; Rick Ross, national expert on cults, and Academy Award-winning director, Louie Psihoyos (“The Cove” and “Racing Extinction”). To listen to Twizted Myrtle Radio and also hear past shows, visit http:// artist.twiztedmyrtle.com/blog.html.

“I’ve been in the broadcast industry for over 35 years, and frankly, Asha is one of the bright and bold new voices in media,” said Dave Pratt, Phoenix radio veteran and founder of Star Worldwide Networks.

“Always intriguing and at times uncomfortable, she genuinely wants to solve problems, change the world and make a difference in people’s lives. Asha is the ultimate free spirit and is truly fearless. I guarantee you won’t find content like this anywhere else.”

Twizted Myrtle photography exhibit

Wadher’s photography is on exhibit at the private Gallery at the Univision Arizona TV Station. The Twizted Myrtle Limited Edition Photography Collection includes photos from Iceland, Thailand, India and the Redwoods. Eleven pieces are on exclusive display and for sale at the gallery through the end of April. Future exhibit showings are planned at various Valley venues. Her work is also available online at www.twiztedmyrtle.com.

Shredathon set for Aquila Ocotillo Business Park

Business owners who need documents shredded can visit the Aquila Ocotillo Business Park between 3115 and 3125 S. Price Rd. for a Shredathon from 9 a.m. to noon Friday, April 22.

With the tax time ending, some business owners may want to shred old

documents they no longer need. Officials at the business park decided to sponsor a shredding truck for business owners and their employees who live in Chandler.

The business park is located on the southeast corner of Price and Queen Creek roads.

Amy Jones Group honored for business performance

The Amy Jones Group with RE/ MAX Infinity has been awarded the prestigious RE/MAX Titan Club Award. The Titan Club Award was presented to less than 1 % of all active RE/MAX agents worldwide.

“The Amy Jones Group’s tireless dedication to serving their clients, consumers and community has allowed them to achieve this prestigious and elite honor,” said Bill Ryan, broker/owner of RE/MAX Infinity. “Being recognized as a Titan’s Club member is a significant accomplishment and we’re extremely proud that Amy and her team continue to raise the bar in real estate.”

The Amy Jones Group has been serving Chandler and the surrounding East Valley since 2001 and has been recognized as

Allstate agency owner celebrates 20 years in city

Tom Lane, an Allstate agency owner, is celebrating 20 years in Chandler.

Lane said he’s enjoyed the 20 years of helping Chandler residents protect what matters most to them—their families, their homes, their automobiles and their lives.

“It feels like just yesterday when we opened our doors,” said Lane, who has owned and operated the Allstate agency since April 1996. “This milestone with Allstate is very important to me. I enjoy getting to know so many families in Chandler and thank each and every one

for supporting my business.”

Lane provides auto, home, life and commercial insurance, and various financial products.

“Life can be unpredictable,” Lane said. “You never know what the future may hold. We are proud to help Chandler families protect their futures and look forward to many more years in the community.”

The office is located at 1835 W. Chandler Blvd., Suite 201, and the telephone number is (480) 857-1384.

Upscale, intimate community of only 15 homes on villa sized lots, located in the highly sought after Ocotillo area of Chandler

Square footage range from 1,970 – 2,300 Prices from $334,700. 1 and 2 story homes available

(480) 372-8211 1850 S. Dobson Rd., Chandler keystonehomesaz.com

Chamber events feature lunches, meetings for members

Throughout the year, the Chandler Chamber of Commerce offers a variety of luncheons and meetings for its members and the community.

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

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

Lunch Club

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, April 18 Network and promote business while having a great meal at one of our hometown restaurants. Sponsors are Bell Mortgage and Auto Pro Collision Center.

Singing Pandas, 757 E Chandler Blvd.

Women in Business Luncheon

Tuesday, April 19

Mentoring circle 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., lunch and keynote speaker, noon. to 1:30 p.m.

“What Does Your Work Environment Look Like” featuring guest panel discussing how companies are changing work environments to encompass generational and multicultural differences and create a comfortable and productive workplace for employees. Panelists are Koran D. Hardimon, Intel, community and channels program manager global diversity and inclusion organization; Brett Gilliland, Infusionsoft, senior vice president of product strategy, and Cameron Robb, ASU, assistant director of strategic employer development. SoHo63, 63 E Boston St.

Business Golf

6:45 a.m. to 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 20 Network, build relationships, and meet new friends. Each outing is held at a Chamber member golf course on a rotating basis. Sponsored by Air Products. Bear Creek, 500 E. Riggs Rd.

Ribbon Cutting

4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 20

Ribbon Cutting for Firebird Housing, sponsored by Laser Creations. Firebird Housing, 2141 E. Pecos Rd., Suite A

Business After Business

5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 21

Meet new Chamber members and make business contacts at monthly evening mixer. Explore downtown Chandler in a scavenger hunt starting at First Credit Union and end at the Crowne Plaza San Marcos. Sponsored by Arizona Pest Prevention and Thorobred Chevrolet.

First Credit Union, 25 S. Arizona Place

Public Policy Committee Meeting

8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Friday, April 22

Education funding with speakers Chuck Essigs, Arizona School Board Association and Joel Wirth, Chandler Unified School District CFO.

Coffee with The Mayor

8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 26

Sit down with Mayor Jay Tibshraeny and discuss all things business.

Economic Update Series Luncheon

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 27

In the desert, water can mean life or death. SRP takes the group into its world and allows guest speakers to discuss what the future holds for Arizona. Speakers include: Leah Harrison, historic analyst on the history of water in the Valley; Christa McJunkin, analyst/engineer principal of water planning in the East Valley; Rebecca Davidson, senior analyst water rights and contracts for North Arizona Forest Fund; Warren Tenney, executive director, Arizona Municipal Water Users Association and Anthony Canecchia, SanTan Brewing Co.

SoHo 63, 63 E. Boston St.

Young Executive Series

6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 5

The Young Executives will enjoy corned beef and cabbage tacos, tequila tastings and more.

Murphy’s Law, 58 S. San Marcos Pl.

Design Dreams Made Easy...

Cartus names director of business development

Jana Smith, a relocation industry executive with more than 20 years of experience, was named director of business development for the Southeast Region for Cartus Corp.

Smith, a Chandler resident, will focus on domestic and international business development in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Florida for Cartus, a provider of global relocation services.

“Jana’s work at Cartus during the past decade positions her very strongly for her new role, allowing her to hit the ground running in the Southeast region,” said Kathi Feczko, Cartus senior vice president of global business development.

A Cartus employee for 11 years, Smith previously directed client services. In this role, she was responsible for domestic U.S. and international account management, managing the delivery of Cartus services and implementing and maintaining tri-regional accounts with a focus on process improvement.

Her relocation industry experience goes back two decades and includes roles in business development, client services, and real estate services.

Smith has bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Communication Studies from California State University, Sacramento, California. Her professional designations include: Certified Relocation Professional (CRP) and Global Mobility Specialist (GMS).

The Fairways sold for $47 million

The Fairways, a 352-unit apartment community at 777 W. Chandler Blvd., was sold for $47 million to Virtú Investments LLC, of Larkspur, California, a privately held investment company.

Colliers International in Greater Phoenix completed the sale of Class A apartment community. The seller was BAZV Fairways LLC, of Scottsdale, a company formed by The Bascom Group of Irvine, California. Cindy Cooke, senior executive vice president; and Brad Cooke, senior vice president, of Colliers’ Phoenix office, represented the seller.

“The Fairways provided an opportunity for Virtú to purchase a stable Class A asset with 95 percent occupancy in a thriving submarket with strong economic drivers,” Cooke said. “The property is well-positioned for the new owner to realize significant revenue upside and increased value by continuing renovations that were

started by the seller.”

A golf course property, The Fairways overlooks the historic San Marcos Golf Resort, which opened in 1913. With its location in the heart of downtown Chandler, The Fairways is minutes from the Chandler Fashion Center, Chandler Center for the Arts, and several major employments centers.

Built in two phases in 1986 and 1996, the community consists of 36 gardenstyle two-story buildings and a leasing center on approximately 17.67 acres. With 339,720 net rental square feet, The Fairways offers a mix of 76 one-bedroom, 232 two-bedroom and 44 three-bedroom units, ranging from 684 square feet to 1,388 square feet.

Community amenities include a fitness center, two swimming pools, spa, clubhouse, business center, cyber café and coffee bar, covered playground and 635 parking spaces, including 192 garages.

Roofing contractor’s work displayed at San Marcos

BY TIM J. RANDALL

Sunvek Roofing’s work can be seen on the tiled and flat roofs that pepper the Valley. Co-owner Eric Skoog and his team stress professionalism and a good work ethic.

“The focus has always been on installing quality materials and providing the best possible service to our clients,” he said.

But it was one special project in Chandler that allowed the 30-plus-yearold company to make its mark.

The company repaired and renovated the roof on the venerated San Marcos Resort, a 100-year-old building that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Resort officials were not available for comment.

The restoration of the hotel and golf course updated the resort’s offerings for guests, but the owners, Interwest Capital Corp., wanted to ensure that the infrastructure of the centennial design was up to 21st century levels.

its own challenges. Sunvek and resort officials had to decide if they wanted to completely replace the components and start from scratch, or restore and recoat the surface.

“We informed management that replacing the roof would cost between $350,000 and $400,000, where instead we could work with what was there and extend the life of the roofing by ten tears,” Skoog said. “In the end the total project costs came in between $75,000 and $100,000, which saved them a considerable amount of money.”

For his part, Skoog said that working on the San Marcos rehabilitation “was one of the most interesting commercial projects I have been involved with. It really is a neat, historic building.”

Phoenix-based Sunvek was founded in 1984, however, Skoog’s story begins in 2001, when he and his three brothers founded Skytop Inc. It focused on higherend custom homes.

FedEx Ground opens local distribution hub

FedEx Ground recently celebrated the ribbon cutting of its newest distribution facility, located at 2650 E. Queen Creek Rd., Chandler. The Chandler FedEx Ground facility employs 170 people and is part of FedEx Ground’s nationwide network of distribution hubs.

This state-of-the-art, automated facility exhibits FedEx Ground’s commitment to technological innovation that drives its quality service. The 307,000-square-foot distribution facility processes approximately 15,000 packages per hour and services customers in Apache Junction, Casa Grande, Chandler, Eloy, Gilbert, Globe, Gold Canyon, Maricopa, Mesa, Phoenix, Queen Creek and San Tan Valley.

network expansion plan that has thus far included a network of more than 560 distribution hubs and local pickupand-delivery stations around the country. FedEx Ground has invested $1.6 billion in network expansion projects this fiscal year alone.

That investment has resulted in the ability for FedEx Ground to get packages to its customers faster than its primary competitor. FedEx Ground volume—or the number of packages that are picked up, transported and delivered every business day—has more than doubled in the past 10 years.

“The Chandler Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome FedEx into the Chandler community,” said Terri Kimble, president and CEO of the Chandler Chamber.

“We wanted to align our work to promote the historic look and integrity of the structures,” Skoog said.

“The flat and tile roofs comprising the structure had been leaking for over 50 years, and since our work was completed there have been no water issues,” he said.

Skoog’s team had two issues to deal with: the flat roof sections had deteriorated and needed attention, while the tile roof areas needed new replacement tiles. Critical to that end was ensuring that the tile roofing remained consistent with the original materials.

“We had to source the tiles and it is unusual to find tiles that old,” Skoog said. “We had to search a few boneyards, because the tiles are not made anymore, but the good news was we did not break any of the existing roof tiles during the process, so we could reuse them.”

Skoog also had to contend with rotted beams and decking associated with the tile roofs. “We needed to replace quite a bit of the wood under the tile,” he said. The flat roof presented

“We had a variety of skills to offer— one was a foam roofing applicator, the second a production manager, the third a roofing salesman, and the fourth a consultant and CPA, with a background in troubled company restructuring,” said Skoog.

That job diversity proved critical as the company expanded rapidly to 75 employees amidst the housing boom, and then grinded out the travails of the recession by restructuring and acquiring the Sunvek company in 2008.

“Since the acquisition, the company has continued to expand into commercial and residential re-roofing and maintenance, even while maintaining a presence in the custom home market,” Skoog said.

Since 1984, the combined entities have installed about 30,000 roofs in the Valley. Approximately, 15,000 have been installed since the start of Skytop in 2001.

Moving forward, Skoog wants to expand Sunvek’s reach. “Our goal continues to be to provide the best service possible to our clients.”

“The construction of this new facility represents the strong partnership between the local community and FedEx Ground, job opportunities for the great workforce in the area and the continued growth of FedEx Ground,” said Darin Bartholomew, senior manager of the Chandler FedEx Ground facility.

The development of this facility is part of FedEx Ground’s nationwide

“Their foresight is part of the reason Chandler is growing in number of residents and job opportunities. The new FedEx Ground distribution hub is a vital piece of the infrastructure that will take us into the future.”

FedEx continues to strategically invest in its network to boost daily package volume capacity and further enhance the speed and service capabilities of the FedEx Ground network.

East Valley woman thrives in male-dominated car care industry

Aimee Andrews has an outgoing personality and a smile that warms a room. When customers enter Desert Car Care of Chandler’s reception area, she makes them feel at ease. After all, car repairs can be stressful.

“I consider myself a people person, and I create a good relationship with people coming in the door and I make it a fun experience,” Andrews said. She had been happily greeting customers since 2014, when Desert Car Care of Chandler COO Frank Leutz hired her as customer service manager in January 2015.

Aimee fell in love with this new business challenge and this summer she is scheduled to attend Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) classes to become a certified service adviser.

Women still represent less than 1% of the total ASE-certified service advisers. Industry experts suggest that women often do not consider auto service careers because of the industry’s gritty, male-dominated image, according to the Automotive News

To enhance women’s knowledge of cars, Desert Car Care of Chandler is hosting a free Ladies Car Care Clinic on Wednesday, April 27. The event kicks off with a live remote of “Wrench Nation,” Leutz’s new radio show with co-host Steve Grosz on East Valley Institute of Technology’s Pulse 88.7 FM. The clinic features food, refreshments, shopping with exhibitors from locally owned businesses and Leutz’s educational session on car tips. To register or for more information visit www.desertcarcare.com

or call (480) 726-6400.

Helping the public

A native Arizonan, Andrews sought out career choices with customer service as a priority. Her time as a medical secretary, a pharmacy technician, selling timeshares in Sedona and real estate in the Valley were all about helping the public. She was ambitious, but not for herself. By 32, she was a single mom raising four children. Andrews was grateful to have the support of her family, including her brother, Ian. He frequented her home, along with his high school friend, Zach Andrews. Zach and Aimee became good friends and over the years their friendship blossomed into love. In 2014, the couple married.

her customer service skills and vibrant personality took care of the rest.

desk, the face of the company, and Andrews filled in.

Zach worked as an automotive service technician at Desert Car Care for several years, working in the team environment that Leutz created.

In October 2014, Leutz was looking for someone to assist with outside marketing efforts. Andrews shared her interest in joining the company and was hired as a part-timer.

Leutz trained her on the specifics of the automotive service business and

“Frank is a great teacher and brought it down to a level of understanding instead of the ‘industry” speak,’” she said. “I work in a fun, friendly atmosphere where it is clean, it smells good and the lobby is nicely decorated. It is a place you can grab a cup of coffee or tea, sit down on the couch with your laptop and hang out while waiting for your car.”

She built new relationships within the community and reignited Desert Car Care’s connection with the Chandler Chamber of Commerce.

Several months later, Leutz had to make a change at the customer service

A quick study, she learned the business from the service technicians in the shop, creating great relationships between them and the customers. Within a few weeks, Leutz offered Andrews the fulltime position as Desert Car Care of Chandler’s customer service technician. Andrews, who recently gave birth to Harper Ashley Andrews, will return to work for the Ladies Car Care Clinic.

“Aimee is a tenacious spirit that truly identifies with people, bringing warmth, professionalism and value not only to the consumer, yet to our team and culture,” Leutz said.

course and Mountain views at Trilogy at Encanterra. This stunning Shea home is model sharp and has upgrades that are endless. This 2 bedroom, den, 2 bath, offers a spacious patio with rolling wall of glass, outdoor fireplace and it has a 4KW Solar System.

Offered at $509,000

Text ENC 002 to 79564 for more details.

Gorgeous home in the private enclave of Mountain Bridge. Attention to detail is everywhere! This home offers 4 bedrooms, den, 4.5 baths with 6-car garage! Stunning backyard that you would only see in magazines. Pool, spa and BBQ grill makes this home perfect!.

Offered at $859,000

Text E2E5508 to 79564 for more details.

Brand new to the market! Sun Lakes beauty that shows owners’ pride in every way. The home is located on an oversized corner homesite with turf grass, built in BBQ and mature landscaping. Spacious kitchen that is perfect for entertaining.

Offered at $375,000

Text sp003 to 79564 for more details. In any market, experience matters.

Kelley is a top performer. She has helped hundreds of buyers and sellers over her ten year Real Estate career. She prides herself on giving execeptional service to each client.

Convention honors four local FASTSIGNS centers

Four Valley FASTSIGNS centers— including one in Chandler—received national recognition out of more than 600 locations worldwide at the 2016 FASTSIGNS International Convention, which was recently held in Orlando, Florida.

The four independently owned and operated centers each received the Pinnacle Club Award, which is given to the centers ranked 26 to 125 in the United States and Canada for sales volume— FASTSIGNS of Chandler, owned by Tom Calvert; FASTSIGNS of Goodyear, owned by Jerry Hoyler; FASTSIGNS of Phoenix–Central/East, owned by Dorena Mello and Ross Meagher; and FASTSIGNS of Phoenix–Central/Downtown, owned by Scott Koehler.

“It’s an honor to recognize our outstanding franchisees for their achievements,” said Catherine Monson,

CEO of FASTSIGNS International Inc. “These prestigious awards celebrate excellence and recognize the hard work, positive contributions and innovation that FASTSIGNS center teams provide in their communities.”

FASTSIGNS is an independently owned and operated sign, graphics and visual communications company that provides comprehensive visual marketing solutions to customers of all sizes—across all industries—to help them attract more attention, communicate their message, sell more products, help visitors find their way and extend their branding across all of their customer touch points including décor, events, wearables and marketing materials. To learn more, visit FASTSIGNS of Chandler, www.fastsigns.com/357 or (480) 782-8800.