President, Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce Interview by Bea Lueck Renée Louzon-Benn grew up on the southern coast of Rhode Island, a beachcomber at heart. The call of the sea is still strong within her and she returns as often as possible. After moving to Arizona in the early 90s, Renée has been a … Read More…
Founder, Shearer Enterprises Interview by Bea Lueck A few weeks ago, just as the merger between Shearer Enterprises and ROX Home Services was finalized, I had the opportunity to talk at length with Fred Shearer. Fred grew up in Maricopa and along with his wife, Jess, raised their family here in Casa Grande. His business … Read More…
President & CEO, Saint Holdings, LLC Interview by Rock Earle I first met Jackob Andersen sometime in the early 2000s, introduced by a contractor partner, Tim Smith. He and I were in the final stages of our ownership (and redevelopment) of Eloy Industrial Park things were popping and everything was rosy. The purpose of the introduction … Read More…
Matt Lemberg Executive Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Casa Grande Valley Interview by Bea Lueck I have had the pleasure of knowing Matt since he started at the Boys & Girls Club 18 years ago. As the teen and athletic director, at times it was hard to tell Matt from the kids. Truth be … Read More…
Founder, Brutinel Plumbing and Electrical Interview by Bea Lueck Elaine Earle and I had the pleasure to sit down with Bob Brutinel just before the holidays. He was busy planning the 30-plus rum cakes he was going to make as gifts. He hasn’t let his age stand in the way of most anything. As a … Read More…
First President and Co-founder of Make-A-Wish Foundation Interview by Ray Newton Frank Shankwitz’s compassion in 1980 for a 7-year-old boy dying of leukemia lead to what is now the world’s largest charity granting wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. The movie Wish Man about his life was released in June 2019. It started when Shankwitz … Read More…
From Hometown Boy to Eloy City Council Interview by Bea Lueck I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Micah several years. His kind heart and sense of humor set him apart. Micah is an open book. He doesn’t sugar-coat his thoughts, he says what he means. He entered politics to make a difference in his community. … Read More…
Local Artist and Teacher Interview by Bea Lueck ROX Group has several Erica Herman originals hanging in our offices. She has been on our radar to interview long before receiving the Governor’s Award for Educator in the Arts. During our conversation, the direction of the interview took an unexpected turn. Erica shared how art has … Read More…
Brian Kellar, CEO of Banner Casa Grande Medical Center Interview by Bea Lueck Brian Kellar grew up with snow boots and snow blowers in South Dakota and thought about law school. However, a conversation with a business professor steered him toward health-care administration and eventually brought him to Arizona. Since September 2018 he has been … Read More…
Interview by Bea Lueck While money may have been Ricky Horst’s initial motivator for a career in city management, this Florida native learned the nuances of his trade by working his way around the communities of the Sunshine State. Now, as Maricopa’s new City Manager, this father of six and grandfather of 14 is ready … Read More…