Harvard Investments promotes development industry expert, leader Tim Brislin to President

Harvard Investments promotes development industry expert, leader Tim Brislin to President

News & Updates

by | Nov 7, 2023 | News & Updates

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA (Nov. 7, 2023) – Building enduring communities is the driving force behind Harvard Investments; forging a name in the Valley’s development community with key acquisitions and ground-up development.

The real estate investment and development firm is now proud to announce the promotion of Tim Brislin to President. Brislin, a strategic leader and development industry expert for more than 20 years, has been at the forefront of Harvard’s growth.

“I’ve been watching Tim develop, and I felt like it was time for him to continue that growth and be elevated to that (President) level,” said Craig Krumwiede, who previously held the title of President and CEO of Harvard Investments and will continue his role as CEO.

“This has been an evolution. For a number of years Tim and I have discussed that this is an open track for him. He deserves this promotion — he has been taking on more responsibility the past number of years. I am super excited for him. I will remain in the role of CEO, but less involved in the day-to-day operations,” Krumwiede said.

Brislin was promoted from Senior Vice President, a position he has held since 2022. Brislin has been instrumental in several key company initiatives for Harvard Investments including the development of thousands of residential lots in Harvard’s master-planned communities in Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico, the launch of Harvard’s new FirstStreet division, a platform creating build-to-rent communities throughout Arizona and the Southwest, and numerous new acquisitions.

Harvard Investments recently acquired King Ranch in Goodyear, Arizona, a 1,864-acre master plan. King Ranch borders Estrella, one of the Valley’s largest master-planned residential communities and part of the Harvard Investments portfolio. Estrella is owned in a joint venture among Värde Partners, Toll Brothers Homes, and Harvard.

Harvard Investments, in partnership with Lincoln Property Company, is developing Goodyear AirPark, a 7-million-square-foot industrial development on 565 acres adjacent to Phoenix-Goodyear Airport. Harvard is also developing FirstStreet at the Ballpark in Goodyear, a 251-unit BTR community.

“This has been an 8- to 10-year process,” said Brislin, who joined Harvard Investments in 2007. “Craig early on told me there’s a potential here to have a leadership role at Harvard. He really gave me the space and time to get there. You can’t hurry these things up.

“It takes extensive experience working on a variety of different projects to prepare for this role. I still have more learning to do to get to where Craig is now. Craig made a key point; he’s not going anywhere. He’s remaining as CEO and his continued leadership and vision for the company are as critical now as ever,” Brislin said.

As Senior Vice President, Brislin ran Harvard Communities, overseeing the planning and execution for Harvard’s master-planned portfolio. As part of the senior leadership team, Brislin was also engaged with senior management in the execution of the over-arching company business plan. His strategic leadership has made Harvard Investments a “real go-to developer” for landowners in multiple markets.

“It’s definitely been a period of growth for Harvard. We expanded our team, most recently adding our new CFO Kathleen Nidiffer, and now operate two product divisions. The company is focused on expansion through high-quality opportunities that we continue to find and create. In my role as President, I am focused on our operations and ensuring that we are open to growth and effectively execute our communities,” Brislin said.

“Harvard’s mission is building enduring communities where our residents can create lasting, positive experiences.  This can be a large masterplan or an intimate rental home community. We also embrace our role in working to solve Arizona’s key development issues. Craig and I, along with Harvard Senior Vice President Chris Cacheris, are deeply engaged with our peers on multiple fronts helping to find solutions.

“With our build-to-rent division, we have just scratched the surface on our vision for its future expansion. We want to be a national leader in this new housing solution and Harvard has an excellent division leader in Harvard’s VP of FirstStreet, Robert Trujillo, to get there. We are developing in Arizona and Nevada and have growth plans in markets outside the Southwest. There is massive potential there,” Brislin said.

A native of Allentown, Pennsylvania, Brislin moved to Arizona in 2002 and worked at the national brokerage firm Grubb & Ellis. He joined Meritage Homes in 2005 as the director of acquisitions, covering the Southwest market for the active adult division.

Brislin is active within the Valley’s commercial real estate industry. A long-time member of Valley Partnership, he serves on its Board of Directors and was Board Chair in 2020. He is a full member of the Urban Land Institute and serves on a national Community Development Council. Brislin is also a member of the Arizona ULI Community and Residential Development (CaRD) Council serving as Chair in 2021-2023.

Brislin was also involved with the Luke Air Force Base Honorary Commanders Program and is a member of Pinal Partnership. This year he was named a member of the Executive Leadership Team for the inaugural West Valley Heart Walk on Dec. 2, in Goodyear. Tim and his wife, Anne, are active in their support of Brophy College Prep, where their sons attend school.

Krumwiede said Brislin’s philanthropy is exemplary.

“Giving back to the community is an important part of our company culture,” Krumwiede said. “I’m a firm believer in paying if forward. This Valley has been so good to everyone in this company. Tim knows the importance of building and supporting our community.”

Brislin said that culture starts with The Hill Companies, the 120-year-old, family-run business based in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, which owns a diverse portfolio of companies. Harvard Investments operates as the U.S. development arm.

“The Hills have built their legacy through giving back in a variety of ways to their community,” Brislin said. “Craig continues this practice of giving through his involvement in a number of civic groups, and by ingraining it in the Harvard culture.”

Brislin graduated from Villanova University in Philadelphia in 1999 with a bachelor of science degree in biology and completed post-baccalaureate studies at the University of Washington and the University of Arizona. He was a varsity collegiate rower at Villanova and the University of Washington. Brislin was on the USA Under-23 National Rowing Team that competed at the 1999 World Championships in Hamburg, Germany.

Krumwiede said he is confident in having Brislin oversee the overall growth of Harvard Investments.

“We will continue to grow as the opportunities allow us to grow,” Krumwiede said. “That’s a big reason we’ve been blessed with so much success. If there is an opportunity, the team finds a way to get it done. The entire team is supportive of this new transition for Tim and I expect Harvard will find a number of exciting communities in the next five years with Tim leading the way.”

 

About Harvard Investments  

Harvard Investments, Inc. is a real estate investment and development company with real estate holdings throughout the western United States. Harvard combines experience, integrity, and financial stability to create high-quality, environmentally sensitive, profitable communities including both large-scale master-planned communities and build-to-rent neighborhoods. Harvard’s Canadian parent, the Hill Companies, is a privately held diversified company involved in real estate development including construction and leasing of commercial office buildings and retail properties, oil and gas production and distribution, broadcasting, surety bonding, and insurance. The Hill Companies celebrated its 120th year of continuous family ownership and operation in 2023. To learn more visit harvardinvestments.com.

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by Nov 07, 2023
NAI Horizon hires Washington area retail and mixed-use expert Gabe Graumann as VP

NAI Horizon hires Washington area retail and mixed-use expert Gabe Graumann as VP

News & Updates

by | Nov 2, 2023 | News & Updates

     PHOENIX, ARIZONA (Nov. 2, 2023) – NAI Horizon is pleased to announce the addition of Vice President Gabe Graumann, CCIM, who brings more than 20 years of retail and mixed-use commercial real estate experience with firms in the state of Washington.

Graumann will work with his clients – both buyers and landlords – in the acquisition and disposition of retail properties, particularly those with a value-add component. His extensive real estate expertise spans commercial property and asset management, cultivated in the Seattle and Puget Sound regions of Washington.

Graumann joins NAI Horizon after 8 years with KW Commercial in Everett, Washington, and 13 years with Connwill Management and Connwill Inc. in Lynnwood, Washington. Throughout his career, Graumann has completed more than $300 million in real estate transactions in the Washington market. He holds real estate licenses in both Washington and Arizona.

“I am excited to have Gabe join our NAI team,” said NAI Horizon CEO/Designated Broker Terry Martin-Denning. “He brings a high level of experience, professionalism, ethics, and client focus that aligns well with our NAI Horizon culture.”

Graumann worked with his grandfather’s commercial development and property management company, Connwill Inc., in the Seattle and Puget Sound regions. He started in property management and later expanded his skills into brokerage services. He was responsible for the asset management of the family’s portfolio. He worked to position its properties for sale based on market conditions, completing the final sale of the family portfolio in 2007.

A native of Mill Creek, Washington, Graumann holds the prestigious designation of Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM).

In his free time, Graumann enjoys camping, hiking, and golfing with his wife, Joleen, and their four children. Through his numerous connections in the golf industry, he has the opportunity to caddy for members of the LPGA and Epson tours. He performs volunteer work at his church, Red Mountain Community Church.

About NAI Horizon

Exceptional global commercial real estate solutions begin with local market leadership and expertise. Established in 1992, NAI Horizon is a full-service commercial real estate company serving Arizona with offices in Phoenix and Tucson. NAI Horizon is passionate about commercial real estate, providing Brokerage and Property Management Services for local, national, and international clients. NAI Horizon is a member of the NAI Global commercial real estate network providing real estate solutions to more than 325 offices worldwide. For more information, visit www.naihorizon.com.

About NAI Global

 Advisory Services, Leasing, Property Management, Property & Note Sales, and Tenant Representation

NAI Global is a leading global commercial real estate brokerage firm. NAI Global offices are leaders in their local markets and work in unison to provide clients with exceptional solutions to their commercial real estate needs. NAI Global has more than 325 offices strategically located in 65 countries throughout North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific, with over 5,800 local market professionals, managing in excess of 1.1 billion square feet of property and facilities. Annually, NAI Global completes in excess of $20 billion in commercial real estate transactions throughout the world.

NAI Global provides a complete range of corporate and institutional real estate services, including brokerage and leasing, property and facilities management, real estate investment and capital market services, due diligence, global supply chain and logistics consulting and related advisory services. To learn more, visit www.naiglobal.com.

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by Nov 02, 2023
Industry expert Carrie Kelly launches full-service Valley nonprofit, association management firm

Industry expert Carrie Kelly launches full-service Valley nonprofit, association management firm

News & Updates

by | Oct 30, 2023 | News & Updates

     PHOENIX, ARIZ. (Nov. 2, 2023) – Industry expert Carrie Kelly, who serves as the Managing Director of the Site Selectors Guild, has launched a full-service nonprofit and association management firm, Pick It Up! Management & Consulting. Kelly serves as Founder and CEO.

The firm provides administrative and financial management, project management support, fund development, event planning, website management, and interim CEO assistance to associations and nonprofits. Consulting services include strategic planning, board training, and organizational assessment. Branding and marketing services include social media management, graphic design, and content creation.

“Embarking on a journey of launching a full-service association and nonprofit management and consultant firm is not just a venture, it’s a commitment to empowering our clients through innovative strategies and services to assist them in fulfilling their purpose,” Kelly said. “We have built an incredible team with expertise in management, strategic planning, project management, event management, marketing, and financial services that stands ready to assist organizations large to small.”

Kelly was selected as the Managing Director of the Site Selectors Guild in June after more than three years leading the Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED). While with AAED, Kelly completed the organization’s first long-range strategic plan, revamped the organization’s certification for economic developers, debuted new programs including Economic Development for Elected Officials, and won the highest honors from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for its Economic Development Week campaigns in 2020 and 2021.

Kelly came to the AAED from Downtown Santa Barbara (DSB), where she served as Executive Director. During her time at DSB, she spearheaded a public-private partnership to conduct an economic development asset mapping of Santa Barbara and led advocacy efforts. She oversaw the development of the organization’s first strategic plan and led efforts on programming in the downtown. During her time, the city increased funding of DSB for marketing and special events. For her efforts, she was named a 40 Under 40 by the Pacific Coast Business Times.

Prior to joining Downtown Santa Barbara, she was Executive Director of the Mohave Community College Foundation, where she secured the largest donation in the college’s history and established the Kathy Hodel Most Outstanding Student Award – a first-of-its-kind award, gifting $10,000 annually to a Mohave Community College graduate.

A native of Indiana, Kelly worked as Local Government Services Director at McGaughey & Sosbe Law Offices for 11 years, leading economic development efforts and advising local governments on ordinances and policies. She also worked as a nonprofit consultant in Indiana, assisting with fundraising, strategic planning, and rural community development.

Kelly holds a B.A. in art history and Master of Public Administration from Indiana University. She was named a Leader of the Year and was nominated for Association Leader of the Year by the Arizona Capitol Times, named an AZ Business Leader, and was listed among People to Know in Economic Development and the Most Influential Women in Arizona by AZ Big Media.

To learn more about Pick It Up Management & Consulting visit pickitupmc.com. Reach Kelly at carrie@pickitupmc.com.

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by Oct 30, 2023
Phoenix commercial laundry firm Legacy Linen names industry expert to lead its Valley facility

Phoenix commercial laundry firm Legacy Linen names industry expert to lead its Valley facility

News & Updates

by | Oct 30, 2023 | News & Updates

     PHOENIX, ARIZ. (Oct. 31, 2023) – Legacy Linen opened in June dedicated to delivering exceptional laundry services to businesses across various industries. The leading customer-owned goods (COG) commercial laundry firm is proud to announce it has hired industry veteran Joe Rossiello as its General Manager.

Owned and operated by Phoenix-based Susank Capital (Principals Dave Susank and Nick Rawlins), Legacy Linen operates a state-of-the-art facility at 1857 W. Southern Ave., in, Phoenix. Legacy Linen offers commercial laundry services and totals 25 skilled employees.

“Success in this industry hinges on the ability to listen. Listen to your customers to understand their needs and preferences,” said Rossiello, a native of Brooklyn, New York.    “Listen to your employees to foster a collaborative and productive work environment. Listen to the market to stay informed about industry trends. Effective listening can lead to better decision-making, enhanced customer satisfaction, and a more adaptive and successful business.”

Rossiello has served as a production manager in Sacramento, California; El Paso, Texas; and Phoenix. He comes to Legacy Linen after eight years as operations manager of a national commercial firm overseeing eight linen plants producing more than 40 million pounds of linen annually.

In his role as Legacy Linen GM, Rossiello said he plans to develop and implement strategies to achieve the facility’s goals, such as increasing efficiency, improving quality, and expanding the customer base.

“A general manager’s role is to ensure the smooth operation of the facility, including receiving, processing, and delivering linen products to customers,” Rossiello said. “This involves managing production schedules, quality control, and inventory management. It also includes maintaining high-quality standards for linen products and services.”

Rossiello said he is proud of his experience in customer relations.

“I have learned to always build and maintain strong relationships with clients by addressing their inquiries, concerns, and complaints. Identify opportunities to meet customer needs and expectations,” Rossiello said.

Legacy Linen is also dedicated to overseeing the maintenance and repair of its equipment, machinery, and the facility itself. Legacy Linen implements safety protocols and practices to create a safe work environment. It also implements environmentally friendly practices and sustainability initiatives including water and energy conservation, waste reduction, and responsible chemical use.

“When adding a partner to an organization it is important that they share the same values and devotion to customer service that we have at Legacy Linen,” Susank said. “Joe has proven exactly that, and I am thrilled and excited to grow this business with him.”

The Valley’s hospitality and tourism industries have already proven to be a boon to Legacy Linen.

“We’re excited that we have service contracts with several high-profile hotels in the Valley including a premier property whose grand opening is scheduled for later this year,” Rawlins said.

For more information about Legacy Linen visit legacylinen.co.

Joe Rossiello

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by Oct 30, 2023
Larger ranch will enable Horses Help to work with more people, offer more programs and services

Larger ranch will enable Horses Help to work with more people, offer more programs and services

News & Updates

by | Oct 24, 2023 | News & Updates

     CAVE CREEK, ARIZ. (Oct. 24, 2023) – More services. More programs. More horsepower.

Horses Help, which provides adaptive riding and horsemanship services designed to contribute positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well-being of people with disabilities, is proud to announce it has moved into a larger ranch at 6525 E. Dixileta Drive in Cave Creek.

The larger facility means the non-profit can provide more services to more people, extend its ride year with the new infrastructure, thus keeping programs open for a longer period of time each year.

“A lot of great individuals in the community and tremendous leadership within our organization made this possible,” said Horses Help Executive Director Gregg Goodman. “From our corporate sponsors and volunteers and our board of directors to the construction team and the Muscular Moving Men, it has been an incredible collaborative effort. We are thrilled to be able to expand our program services.”

The new Horses Help ranch covers 10 acres and 11 buildings. It includes two covered riding arenas. The former facility at 2601 E. Rose Garden Lane in Phoenix sat on 5 acres and did not have a covered riding arena or infrastructure for the future.

Unique program partnerships continue to drive Horses Help community leadership programming and education. Arizona Family Law Ranch is moving into one of the buildings and will offer some cutting-edge programs dealing with family divorce mediation.

A big part of Horses Help, Goodman said, is engaging with educational partners such as Midwestern University vet school and occupational therapy schools, psychology doctorate students, and social work interns from Northern Arizona University and Arizona State University and exposing them to the healing dynamics of the Horse and Human interaction.

“Our new facility gives us the opportunity to work with these educational and medical partners and also build our network of volunteers to support all we do within our community,” Goodman said. “One of my goals is to have 200 volunteers participating each week in multiple disciplines says Goodman. This new ranch will make that a reality. Being a premier accredited center gives us that added level of professionalism.”

Industry partners that have helped in the move include Sigma Contracting, Muscular Men Moving, Resolute Construction, and Martin Brothers Construction. Muscular Men Moving took over the former Horses Help space and donated a wealth of time and talent moving 35 years of “stuff” to the new ranch, Goodman said.

    Goodman said the new facilities also give Horses Help the ability to extend its program year. The active season is roughly mid-September through the end of June. Horses Help took July and August off at the former facility.

“Sustainability is the key to everyone’s future. Being a good steward in our community is evident with our 35-year history,” Goodman said. “Being a donor’s No. 1 choice is vital.   We had the grandchildren of one of our philanthropic legacies visit us recently. It was wonderful to have them out on the new property getting the tour and a sense of the philanthropic history within their family.”

Horses Help is hosting its Annual Barn Bash fundraiser on Nov. 4 at the new ranch. The theme for this year’s event is “Blazing a New Trail.” The event begins at 5:30 p.m., and ends at 10 p.m.  The event includes a tour of the new facility, cocktail hour, catered dinner, music, a silent auction, and casino games.

The Barn Bash is the largest fundraiser for Horses Help. Proceeds from this year’s event underwrite program expenses for all participants, help pay for food and hay for the organization’s horses. Proceeds also directly impact special needs individuals, military, and first responders, trauma survivors, and at-risk youth in Arizona.

The adaptive riding and horsemanship program promotes strength, increases flexibility, develops balance, improves coordination, and builds self-confidence.

Horses Help also provides equine-assisted learning (EAL), a form of human-equine interaction that provides a personal learning experience. EAL promotes the development of self-awareness, self-esteem and confidence, problem solving skills, emotional regulation, and self-control.

     Other services include therapy with equine movement and equine-facilitated psychotherapy. To learn more about Horses Help, visit horseshelp.org.

For more information or to purchase tickets or sponsorship packages for the Barn Bash, click here.

The new Horses Help ranch covers 10 acres and 11 buildings. It includes two covered riding arenas.

 

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by Oct 24, 2023
Diverse long-term retail leases lead the way in deals closed by NAI Horizon professionals

Diverse long-term retail leases lead the way in deals closed by NAI Horizon professionals

News & Updates

by | Oct 19, 2023 | News & Updates

     PHOENIX, ARIZONA (Oct. 19, 2023) – Retail leases led the way as NAI Horizon professionals represented landlords and tenants in helping businesses such as a hearing aid service, fitness facility, and dollar store open their doors.

Lease Transactions:

Gabe Ortega, Chris Gerow and Shelby Tworek represented the landlord, SIMONCRE CSH II, LLC, in a 120-month retail lease for 8,238 SF at 1142 E. Southern Ave., Mesa, AZ. The tenant, Dollar Tree Stores, Inc., was self-represented.

Matt Harper, CCIM and Thomas Bean, CCIM, represented the tenant, Grusecki Audiology & Hearing Aid Services, LLC, in a 123-month retail lease for 3,000 SF at 12133 W. Bell Road, Surprise, AZ. The landlords, K&L Properties, LLC and KL Alexander Properties, LLC were represented by Sandra Griggs with Realty One Group.

Cole Neville and Lane Neville represented the tenant, Red Star Vapor, in a 120-month retail lease for 1,060 SF at 35 E. Warner Road, Gilbert, AZ. The landlord, Gilbert Warner, LLC, was represented by Brent Mallonee with Cushman & Wakefield.

Chris Gerow, Shelby Tworek and Gabe Ortega represented the landlord Grace Power & McKellips Retail, LLC in a 60-month retail lease at 1909 N. Power Road, Mesa, AZ. The tenant, OHM Fitness, was represented by Courtney Auther Van Loo with Phoenix Commercial Advisors.

Matt Harper, CCIM, represented the landlord, Ed Rapee Living Trust, in a 30-month retail lease for 6,500 SF at 4031 N. 24th St., Phoenix, AZ. The tenant, Collectors Marketplace, LLC was self-represented.

Kevin Higgins, represented the landlord, Bogle Family Realty, in a 60-month office lease for 784 SF at 7227 N. 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ. The tenant, First Appraisal Services was self-represented.

Matt Harper, CCIM, represented the landlord, Allen H. G. Cheung and Diana S.K. Cheung Living Trust, in a 36-month retail lease for 1,200 SF at 8115 N. 19th Ave., Phoenix, AZ. The tenant, Nathan To and Trinh N. Nguyen, were self-represented.

Matt Harper, CCIM and Thomas Bean, CCIM, represented the landlord, California Asset Portfolio, Inc., in a 39-month retail lease for 1,500 SF at 1437 E. Main St., Mesa, AZ. The tenants, Hector R. Ortiz and Veronica P. Ortiz, were self-represented.

Matt Harper, CCIM, represented the landlord, MAZ Northern Plaza, LLC, in a 36-month retail lease for 1,000 SF at 5008 W. Northern Ave., Glendale, AZ. The tenant, Odeta Mbabazi Gaie and Furaha Cetoute, were represented by Mike Lizanich with Silverado Development Inc.

About NAI Horizon

Exceptional global commercial real estate solutions begin with local market leadership and expertise. Established in 1992, NAI Horizon is a full-service commercial real estate company serving Arizona with offices in Phoenix and Tucson. NAI Horizon is passionate about commercial real estate, providing Brokerage and Property Management Services for local, national, and international clients. NAI Horizon is a member of the NAI Global commercial real estate network providing real estate solutions to more than 300 offices worldwide. For more information, visit www.naihorizon.com.

About NAI Global

 Advisory Services, Leasing, Property Management, Property & Note Sales, and Tenant Representation

NAI Global is a leading global commercial real estate brokerage firm. NAI Global offices are leaders in their local markets and work in unison to provide clients with exceptional solutions to their commercial real estate needs. NAI Global has more than 325 offices strategically located in 65 countries throughout North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific, with over 5,800 local market professionals, managing in excess of 1.1 billion square feet of property and facilities. Annually, NAI Global completes in excess of $20 billion in commercial real estate transactions throughout the world.

NAI Global provides a complete range of corporate and institutional real estate services, including brokerage and leasing, property and facilities management, real estate investment and capital market services, due diligence, global supply chain and logistics consulting and related advisory services. To learn more, visit www.naiglobal.com.

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by Oct 19, 2023
NAI Horizon facilitates $7M land sale of historical Arizona landmark Flying E Ranch in Wickenburg

NAI Horizon facilitates $7M land sale of historical Arizona landmark Flying E Ranch in Wickenburg

News & Updates

by | Oct 16, 2023 | News & Updates

     PHOENIX, ARIZONA (October 16, 2023) – NAI Horizon facilitated the sale of 643 acres in Wickenburg, Arizona; this large land sale is part of the Flying E Ranch, an authentic dude ranch that has operated since 1949.

NAI Horizon Executive Vice President Lane Neville and Associate Cole Neville represented the seller, Flying E Ranch Holding, LLC, in the $7.07 million land sale. The property is located west of Vulture Mine Road in Maricopa County on the U.S. 60 Highway.

“It has truly been an honor to be part of this sale, a special and historical Arizona property. Flying E Ranch remains as a living tribute to the cowboy lifestyle, representing the heritage of Arizona’s beginnings,” Lane Neville said. “More than 1,200 acres remain as part of the existing dude ranch. The operational dude ranch is surrounded by more than 17,000 acres of pristine desert under a state land department lease for grazing, allowing guests experiences that include overnight lodging, horseback riding, cattle drives, steak frys, skeet shooting, and 4×4 adventures.”

The Flying E Ranch, as a Western lifestyle venue, hosts large country music events, and professional rodeos and serves as a corporate retreat for Fortune 500 companies from around the U.S.

At an elevation of 2,400 feet, the Ranch is located in the high Sonoran Desert, just 45 minutes northwest of Metro Phoenix. The property has spectacular views of the Bradshaw and Weaver mountains. The property’s signature mountain peak is Vulture Peak, a gold mine discovered in 1863 by Henry Wickenburg. It is the visual backdrop, adjacent to the Flying E Ranch.

“We at the Flying E Ranch could have sold this piece for considerably more money over the past 5 years, but we really believe in the buyer and their planned charitable use,” said Jim Brown, one of the Ranch partners and member of the ownership entity.  “As an operating Ranch, the Flying E looks forward to working with our new neighbor, to help as we can to make their vision a reality.”

The buyer of the 643 acres is Michael C. Emond and Kathryn K. Emond, Trustees of the Emond Family Revocable Trust.

“The Trust purchased the property to co-locate as neighbors to the Ranch. Our intended use is to develop and utilize the 643 acres as secluded natural open space for physical and emotional equine-assisted therapy for economically disadvantaged Wickenburg residents,” said Micheal Emond, Trustee of the buying entity.

For additional information on remaining residential and commercial land sale opportunities, contact Lane Neville at lane.neville@naihorizon.com.

At an elevation of 2,400 feet, the Flying E Ranch is located in the high Sonoran Desert, just 45 minutes northwest of Metro Phoenix. The property has spectacular views of the Bradshaw and Weaver mountains.

About NAI Horizon

Exceptional global commercial real estate solutions begin with local market leadership and expertise. Established in 1992, NAI Horizon is a full-service commercial real estate company serving Arizona with offices in Phoenix and Tucson. NAI Horizon is passionate about commercial real estate, providing Brokerage and Property Management Services for local, national, and international clients. NAI Horizon is a member of the NAI Global commercial real estate network providing real estate solutions to more than 300 offices worldwide. For more information, visit www.naihorizon.com.

About NAI Global

 Advisory Services, Leasing, Property Management, Property & Note Sales, and Tenant Representation

NAI Global is a leading global commercial real estate brokerage firm. NAI Global offices are leaders in their local markets and work in unison to provide clients with exceptional solutions to their commercial real estate needs. NAI Global has more than 325 offices strategically located in 65 countries throughout North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific, with over 5,800 local market professionals, managing in excess of 1.1 billion square feet of property and facilities. Annually, NAI Global completes in excess of $20 billion in commercial real estate transactions throughout the world.

NAI Global provides a complete range of corporate and institutional real estate services, including brokerage and leasing, property and facilities management, real estate investment and capital market services, due diligence, global supply chain and logistics consulting and related advisory services. To learn more, visit www.naiglobal.com.

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by Oct 16, 2023
Celebration to commemorate opening of new neighborhood park in Estrella set for Nov. 4

Celebration to commemorate opening of new neighborhood park in Estrella set for Nov. 4

News & Updates

by | Oct 16, 2023 | News & Updates

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (Oct. 16, 2023) – Estrella is hosting a celebration to commemorate the opening of a new park on Saturday, Nov. 4. The public is invited to the party.

The party in the park is from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at 15602 S. 180th Drive, just west of Estrella Parkway on Willis Road. The celebration will include food trucks, relay races, and games, and the opportunity to meet Estrella home builders and tour new models.

The park features picnic ramadas and BBQ grills, two lush lawns, and a shaded playground with a tot swing, slide, climbing structure, and pebble bridge stepping activity.

The park is in the Solvida neighborhood by Landsea Homes, which features 65 two-story single-family homes with front porches that open up to the park. Estrella’s homebuilders offer 19 models and 39 distinct floorplans. The park is in proximity to the Toll Brothers Beacon neighborhood, which will also be open for tours.

Visitors can tour additional neighborhoods including Beazer Homes Acacia Foothills I and II, William Ryan Homes Harmony at Montecito, and Taylor Morrison Discovery and CantaMia (55+). All will have models open to tour.

Estrella homebuilders will have tables for those wanting more information about the master-planned community.

Games at the party in the park include Giant Jenga, cornhole, sack races, a three-legged race, and egg-on-spoon relay. The sack races kick off the festivities at 1 p.m. A naming of the park announcement is set for 3 p.m.

About Estrella

Estrella is a 20,000-acre mixed-use master-planned community located in the City of Goodyear, approximately 17 miles west of Phoenix. Estrella features more than 500 acres of parks and open space including 50+ miles of paths and trails and 72 acres of lakes for boating and catch and release fishing, Starpointe and Presidio Residents Clubs, hiking trails, and basketball, volleyball, pickleball, and tennis courts. Estrella is also home to a Nicklaus-design championship golf course, The Golf Club of Estrella. For more information about Estrella, please visit estrella.com.

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by Oct 16, 2023
IFMA Greater Phoenix Chapter brings home pair of awards from the World Workplace Conference

IFMA Greater Phoenix Chapter brings home pair of awards from the World Workplace Conference

News & Updates

by | Oct 12, 2023 | News & Updates

     TEMPE, ARIZ. (Oct. 12, 2023) ‒ The Greater Phoenix Chapter of IFMA, the world’s largest and most widely recognized international association for facility management professionals, won two national awards recently at the IFMA World Workplace Conference & Expo held in Denver, Colorado.

IFMA Greater Phoenix won the Chapter Web Communication Award and the Student Chapter of the Year Award.

The Chapter Award of Excellence in Web Communication is presented to the chapter(s) that provide comprehensive web-based communication to their members that informs them of chapter activities, related events, and opportunities. The ability to meet the needs of the viewer, appearance, quality, resources, and continual improvement will be reviewed.

The Student Chapter of the Year Award is presented to the IFMA student chapter which best demonstrates an overall commitment to building a future in the facility management profession. This commitment can be demonstrated through the chapter’s educational activities, programs, and internships. Innovative ideas such as community outreach programs or assisting local companies to better plan, design and change their facilities will be considered.

Within the last year, the Phoenix chapter has established not only a reliable and active LinkedIn profile but also pages of integrity on Facebook and Instagram. Its directive is to reach all current and potential members, no matter their platform of choice, with details of available opportunities, upcoming events and more.

As of June, the chapter’s LinkedIn page reached the PRMC goal of 1,500 followers; a 64 percent increase from June 2021 through organic marketing management methods. Although Facebook and Instagram are not seeing near the activity that LinkedIn does, both are still inching closer towards the goals with Instagram seeing an increase of followers by 88 percent since June 2021.

“Beyond the major milestones for our chapter, there are plenty of other communication initiatives also ongoing,” said Kristy Schlesselman, Social Media Manager, Lead Management Institute and Co-Chair of the chapter PR and Marketing Committee. “They include prior installments such as weekly email campaigns with the goal to improve utilization, and chapter-specific group engagement and digitized member surveys.”

The student chapter initiatives significantly impacted chapter members’ lives and career advancement. Accomplishments include launching successful programs like G.R.O.W. (Get Ready for Opportunities at Work) and the Young Professional Mentorship program, providing hands-on experiences, exposure to industry professionals, and personalized guidance to students.

The chapter’s student membership has seen substantial growth, increasing by 200 percent from the previous year and an impressive 750 percent increase since 2019. The student chapter’s efficient organizational structure, including a constitution, responsibility matrix, and timeline guides, has been instrumental in its success and has served as a model for other student chapters.

“We have received accolades for our outstanding web communication efforts, recognizing our commitment to keeping our members informed and engaged. As someone who has seen our journey firsthand, I can attest to the dedication and hard work put in by our incredible team,” said chapter President Monisa (MJ) Nagarajan Gomathi, CFM, FMP, SFP, FMG, Facilities Project Manager with Terracon. “Additionally, winning Student Chapter of the Year is a testament to the passion, energy, and unwavering commitment of our student members and the leadership that guides them. These awards are not just acknowledgments; they are a heartfelt reflection of our chapter’s tireless pursuit of excellence and innovation.

“We are not only proud of our accomplishments but deeply humbled by the support and trust of our community and members. With immense gratitude, we look forward to continuing to serve our community and our members with the highest standards of professionalism and excellence,” Gomathi said.

Past chapter President Marshall MacFarlane, Facility Services Manager with C3 Engineering, was inducted into the 2023 Class of IFMA Fellows at the World Workplace Conference & Expo.

Rick Corea Scholarship

Student chapter members Sri Nayani Gajji and Sriram Posinasetty are each recipients of the chapter-sponsored Rick Corea Scholarship. The scholarship is in honor of Rick Corea, IFMA Fellow, a retired Director of Global Facilities at ON Semiconductor.

Corea was a member of IFMA and the Greater Phoenix Chapter from 2003 until he retired in 2020. He chaired Phoenix Chapter committees, served on the Board of Directors as Vice President, served as President twice, and was the catalyst behind the creation and success of the Greater Phoenix Student Chapter.

Dean Stanberry, SFP, CFM, Chairman of the IFMA Global Board of Directors (left) presents the Student Chapter of the Year Award to IFMA student chapter members Vinay Sekhar Reddy Karri and Krishna Chaithanya Goud Talla.

About IFMA

 Founded in 1980, IFMA is the world’s largest and most widely recognized international association for facility management professionals, supporting more than 24,000 members in 105 countries. The association’s members, represented in 134 chapters and 17 councils worldwide, manage more than 37 billion square feet of property and annually purchase more than $100 billion in products and services. IFMA certifies facility managers, conducts research, provides educational programs and produces World Workplace, the world’s largest facility management conference and exposition.

The Greater Phoenix Chapter of IFMA, formed in 1985, is one of the top association chapters in the world and winner of IFMA’s Large Chapter of the Year in 2012. It is dedicated to continuous improvement of the facility management profession by providing relevant educational and networking opportunities for its membership while supporting the community as a whole. For more information about the Phoenix chapter ifmaphoenix.org.

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by Oct 12, 2023
Celebrated writer, business innovator Jill Donovan is 2023 AZCREW Woman Icon event speaker

Celebrated writer, business innovator Jill Donovan is 2023 AZCREW Woman Icon event speaker

News & Updates

by | Oct 12, 2023 | News & Updates

    PHOENIX, ARIZ. (Oct. 12, 2023) – Jill Donovan, a celebrated writer, speaker, business innovator, and the creator behind Rustic Cuff, is the 2023 AZCREW Woman Icon speaker.

AZCREW, the commercial real estate organization that exists to transform the industry by advancing women globally, presents its annual signature event, Woman Icon, on Oct. 25 at ASU Kerr Cultural Center, 6110 N. Scottsdale Road, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Donovan was the keynote speaker at the 2022 CREW Network Convention and her impact has been significant. Chapter leaders have expressed high praise for the valuable experience she delivers.

“Jill surprised me in the best way – motivational, funny, emotional, and engaging are just a few words that I would use to describe my experience listening to her speak,” said Jenny Liles, AZCREW president-elect and Director of Market Operations at CRESA. “I took away lots of philosophies to improve both my personal and professional life. I am excited to see her speak again.”

Donovan started her professional life as a practicing attorney and adjunct law professor at the University of Tulsa School of Law. Then her creativity and obsession with cuff bracelets and gift-giving led her in a new and unexpected direction – as the founder of a company called Rustic Cuff.

“Jill is a speaker you don’t want to miss. I had the chance to see her in person years ago, and her message still resonates,” said Heather Skinner, AZCREW past president, and Real Estate Business Partner at McKesson. “I look forward to attending the upcoming event and being inspired again.”

In the years that followed, Rustic Cuff became a nationwide movement based on joyful generosity, with countless women purchasing and spontaneously “regifting” meaningful cuffs to others. Today Rustic Cuff encompasses multiple showroom locations and more than 150 employees.

Donovan is also the author of “The Kindness Effect: Experience the Power of Irrational Giving.” She challenged herself long ago to master a new hobby every year, whether it’s learning a new language, tap dancing, ice skating, or simply setting a goal that seems unreachable.

AZCREW’s October event at ASU Kerr Cultural Center begins at 4:30 p.m. with registration and networking. The presentation begins at 5 p.m. The event wraps up with networking and a reception from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

“This venue is truly unique. Set in the historic home of Louise Lincoln Kerr, ASU Kerr exudes vintage speakeasy vibes in an intimate theater setting,” said Michelle Rutkowski, owner of MOR Studio and AZCREW events director. “It is the perfect venue for an evening of inspiration and connection.”

Registration fee is $100 for members; $570 for a table of six (person booking the table must be a member); and $125 for non-members. Register here.

About AZCREW:

AZCREW is the local affiliate of CREW Network. CREW Network is the premiere business network dedicated to transforming the commercial real estate industry by advancing women globally.  Membership offers unparalleled business development, leadership opportunities and networking both locally and globally with over 12,000 professionals in 75+ markets worldwide, representing all disciplines of commercial real estate. Learn more and apply for membership at arizonacrew.org.

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by Oct 12, 2023