west valley
Volume 32 Issue 42 Goodyear, AZ
September 1, 2021
Business Briefcase
BY LAUREN SERRATO
West Valley View Staff Writer
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ello and welcome back to Business Briefcase! This week we’re going to take a look at a popular corporation opening two locations in Goodyear, as well as a small business that debuted this month. Have questions about a development or a building under construction? As always, feel free to ask us. Email lserrato@timespublications.com.
Starbucks
Waffletto Location: 406 N. Litchfield Road, Suite 208 As large corporations and small businesses continue to open in the West Valley, Goodyear is welcoming another family-owned business, Waffletto. Owner Brenda Lugo wants to provide a memorable and exceptional dining experience. She does so with the help of her dedicated employees, who serve made-from-scratch meals. With a menu filled with sweet and
IN THE BIZ
savory waffle options, Waffletto also offers customers a smoothie made with natural products, a coffee-based drink created with fresh coffee beans, or a variety of espressos, iced coffees, frappes or iced tea. Waffles are its forte, but there’s nothing traditional about its offerings. Customers can add a variety of toppings and sides to pair with their waffle, including berries, ham, egg and cheese, or Nutella. Waffletto can also satisfy that hunger craving for lunch or dinner with the chicken and pesto waffle, or an apple cranberry or strawberry pecan salad. Of course, don’t forget to treat yourself to a sweet treat for dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or Waffletto’s classic ice cream parfait. For more information or a look at the full menu, visit waffletto.com.
Public Notices ............... page 3 © Copyright, 2021 West Valley View, Inc.
Locations: Southeast corner of Litchfield Road and I-10 Southeast corner of Estrella Parkway and Roosevelt Street With nearly 15,000 locations throughout the country, and over 110 locations in Phoenix alone, Starbucks has opened two new coffee shops in Goodyear. On Aug. 11, it opened its doors to the West Valley, just in time for pumpkin spice lattes. The next time you’re looking for a (USPS 004-616) is published weekly
Mailing Address: 250 Litchfield Rd., #130 Goodyear, AZ 85338 (623) 535-VIEW • 535-8439
Steven Strickbine, publisher Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Executive Editor
coffee or a quick snack on the go, make sure to check out these two new Starbucks locations in Goodyear. Question from reader: I saw the Babbo sign added to the building going up next to the Harley-Davidson store. Do you know when that is supposed to open? Answer: Although construction on Babbo Italian Eatery was delayed in 2019, Goodyear residents can expect to see the restaurant open by the end of summer. According to a press release, the Goodyear location will seat 230 people. The restaurant will feature a full bar, modern décor, chandeliers, artwork and dark blue booths. The Goodyear location will resemble the store in Scottsdale. Be sure to keep an eye out for Babbo’s opening day and take advantage of the popular $6.99 spaghetti and meatballs special on Mondays and Tuesdays. The menu will feature appetizers, protein bowls, pizza, pasta, calzones, salads, sandwiches and desserts. For more information or a look at all the menu items and locations throughout the Valley, visit babboitalian.com.
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Please email your business news and tips to Lauren Serrato at lserrato@timespublications.com Subscriptions are $26 for 2 years, $14 for one year. Periodicals postage paid at Phoenix, AZ 85026.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: West Valley View, 250 Litchfield Rd., #130 Goodyear, AZ 85338
Avondale’s StaffNow deemed a fast-growing company BY LAUREN SERRATO
West Valley View Staff Writer
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vondale-headquartered StaffNow has ranked No. 475 on the 2021 Inc. Magazine’s 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. The list represents the most successful independent small businesses. Intuit, Zappos, Under Armour, Microsoft, Patagonia and many other well-known names had their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000. “I was blown away,” said Greg Johnson, StaffNow’s chief executive officer. “We were happy just to be in the 5000, but to get into the top 500, which from a legacy perspective is a pretty big deal, I was shocked but really greatly humbled and appreciative for my team, because I’ve got a great group of folks and they’re working really hard; so it’s awesome to see that effort being acknowledged.” StaffNow is a full-service agency created to unite people with workplaces. Johnson refers to the business as a “recruiting team.” “Especially for small businesses who don’t have a dedicated HR or recruiting staff, we’re that replacement because talent matters. And in this world, it really matters,” Johnson said. “As these businesses grow, that No. 1 issue to have right now is talent, and us being that recruiter to help them attract talent has really been pretty positive for us and for them.” With over 30 years of leadership experience, StaffNow services clients all over the country, including branch offices in Tempe and Davenport, Iowa, as well as satellite locations in California, Texas, Ohio and Illinois. StaffNow’s three-year revenue growth is 1,012%, almost double the average rate of the 5,000 businesses on the list. Johnson said the secret behind StaffNow’s success isn’t rocket science, as he acknowledges a strong and passionate team is the key.
As CEO of StaffNow, Greg Johnson credits his team for its dedication and commitment. StaffNow is a certified Minority Business Enterprise by the National Minority Supplier Development Council. (Photo courtesy of StaffNow)
“We care about people,” he said. “We’re passionate about our internal employees, our external people, all those typical things. But we also are strategic about our business. We started focusing on supply chain and e-commerce about two and a half years ago, and I think that pivot to that has been huge for us.” Additionally, Johnson said his business is successful because of the area’s growth. “Arizona, especially the West Valley, has continued to grow, and we’ve taken those relationships and grown with our clients throughout the country. And so just having that mindset obtained in the commitment, following in a marketplace that’s growing, it’s just a good combination,” he said. A Litchfield Park resident, Johnson said the pandemic threw his business a curveball, but he used it as an opportunity to continue to grow. “We planned for an opportunity for the last two years. We kept cash very low. We kept overhead very low. And then when COVID happened, we were in that essential footprint and I knew it was just time to grow,” he said. Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc., emphasized the feat of making the list, ac-
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knowledging businesses’ ability to do so during a pandemic is even more impressive. “The 2021 Inc. 5000 list feels like one of the most important rosters of companies ever compiled,” Omelianuk said. “Building one of the fastest-growing companies in America in any year is a remarkable achievement. Building one in the crisis we’ve lived through is just plain amazing. This kind of accomplishment comes with hard work, smart pivots, great leadership and the help of a whole lot of people.” Moving forward, Johnson said he and his team do not intend to slow down. He’s looking forward to seeing his revenue and client numbers increase. “The future is infinite in regard to how we can grow,” he said. “We’ll stay headquartered in Avondale, but now we’re going to expand geographically, so we’re looking for similar models that Phoenix metro bears and we’re leveraging our relationships, and so we’ll grow. Texas is coming up in January. We’re already in Davenport, Iowa. We’re looking at Atlanta, so we’ll just mirror what we’ve done but just expand our footprint.” For more information on StaffNow, visit staffnowjobs.com.
SEPTEMBER 1, 2021
Entrepreneurs hope to raise customers’ self-esteem L BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI West Valley View Executive Editor
orenzo Carson was working as a plumber when he met Taqee Zareef on a job in the Bay Area. Carson, of Avondale, wished he could spend more time at home with his family, as plumbing is a 24/7 job. He found Zareef felt he same. In February, the duo took a leap of faith and invested in CG Essentials, a self-care company that they say improves self-confidence. It launched in April. “We’re big on family,” Carson said. “Back when we were working as plumbers, it was so time consuming. We want to do well and make money and be comfortable, but not at the expense of spending time with our kids and families. “We have always been clean-cut men, and putting these grooming kits together is right up our alley.” Zareef said CG Essentials’ products are rare in that men do not usually see grooming kits just for them. Products range from a $4.49 Dip’N Du-Rag to a $90 Boss Bundle, a collection of men’s grooming products on CG Essentials’ website. Perfume, edge control, beauty blenders and cuticle oil are among the popular products for women. Their products are even named after their children to show their commitment to building a more splendid future — not only for their children but also for the Black community. For instance, some of their products are named Iyana’s Edge Control, Love Aliya Perfume, Layla’s
Public Notice Request For Bids – Construction Project Drilling and Installation of the Pulte Rio Caballo Well No.1 (PW-1)
Lorenzo Carson and Taqee Zareef founded CG Essentials so they could spend more time with their children. (Photo courtesy of CG Essentials)
Luxury Lip Balm and Carson Cuticle Oil. “The edge control is our top seller, to be honest,” Carson said. “It allows them to tame and style their edges.” The now-former plumbers — or “house doctors,” as Carson said — enjoy the creativity and the opportunities that come with CG Essentials. “It’s the same rush I used to get when I was plumbing,” Zareef said. Zareef and Carson would love to expand their business, but they’re happy with the success they’ve had so far. They are working on having CG Essentials products in Walmart, Target and beauty salons. “People are telling us how much they love it,” Carson added. “We do it all at
Surprise, Arizona To request bid documents and specifications, please contact Geno Mammini of Clear Creek Associates at: (480) 659-7131 (office)
WEST VALLEY BUSINESS
home, which allows us to spend time with our family and kids. We’re going to their basketball games and practices. It opened a whole new world for us.” Zareef added, “It takes people years to be able to do it, to experience some of this stuff. In a couple months’ time, it’s been amazing. We’re still really humble about it.” Zareef and Carson are in CG Essentials for the long haul. “This is definitely not a get-rich-quick scheme,” Carson said. “It’s more for our families. It we were really worried about the money, we would have stayed in plumbing. It’s a fruitful job. But with time, you can’t get it back with your kids. That is our No. 1 priority.”
(602) 762-1175 (cell) or via email at gmammini@ geo-logic.com Site Pre-bid Meeting to be held on September 8th, 2021 at 11:00 AM
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Proposals are due no later than September 14th, 2021 at 5:00 PM Published: West Valley View/ Busi-ness Aug. 25, Sept. 1, 2021 / 40789
SEPTEMBER 1, 2021
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