Highlighting Local Gems

Over the past decade we have had the chance to learn about so many incredible folks from a wide range of industries and backgrounds and our highlighter series is designed to give us an opportunity to go deeper into their stories with to goal of understanding them, their thought process, how their values formed and the foundations of their stories.  Check out some incredible folks below – many of whom you may have read about already and a few new names as well.

Mark West

Don’t hold on so tightly to things. Try things without attachment, and know that failures are really just teaching moments, that also help you be true to yourself. Be creative, but first and foremost, do it for YOU. Ultimately, audience comes last, and you should be less concerned about what others think, and more concerned about how YOU feel inside. If you feel excited… Read more>>

Lisa Mitts

My love for my husband, children and grandkids; a handful of true lifelong friends and hopefully the difference I made in the lives of others to inspire them that each of us makes a difference and together we can do great things especially to bring more healing and love in this world. Read more>>

Savannah Visser

Fairly recently, I was starting a project for a new start-up that I was stoked about. I was jazzed all the way through research, ideation, and creation of directional draft stages for the look of this new brand. And right when I turned in my first presentation proposal, I immediately started regretting every choice I had made. Read more>>

Victoria Jane Sarver

My business challenges the fast-fashion myth that staying stylish means constantly chasing new trends. Instead, I help clients build timeless, versatile wardrobes that reflect who they are while being sustainable. By curating vintage and consignment pieces—often the originals behind today’s “new” trends—I show people how to stay fashion-forward in authentic ways. Read more>>

Jalila Jones

The defining wounds of my life have been the loss of my parents, who were not only my greatest supporters but also my most honest critics. Their absence left me with a profound emptiness and the challenge of moving forward without their guidance. Read more>>

Sasha Reyes

I live my life by the Golden rule; treat others the way that you would like to be treated. In my mind, it comes down to one simple word, respect. I think that having a foundation of respect in any and all relationships would facilitate a much better more unified society. Read more>>

JoAnn Ridge

Building and running a successful speech-language private practice takes considerable planning, soul-searching, effort, and persistence. Your behavior speaks volumes about who you are. I live my truths in everything I do, and I believe it shows. Caring about your clients and employees as individuals is paramount, and honest self-reflection is critical. Read more>>

Amber Neubauer

I will never regret choosing to invest in people—whether that’s families we serve, children in their earliest years, or the team members I work alongside. Supporting someone’s growth, empowering them through challenges, or simply being present in a meaningful moment is always worth the effort. I also won’t regret choosing integrity, even when it meant taking the more difficult path. Read more>>

Tisha Marie Pelletier

Hands down, they’d say community. I am always the person organizing the get together happy hours and community outreach events. From blood drives, hosting Friendsgiving and business mixers, to pulling volunteers to assist me at the senior community, I very much have a servant heart. It drives everything I do. Read more>>

Jacqueline Fulcher

I believe that kindness is a choice that must be made over and over again every day. We are given multiple chances to either choose kindness or to promote negativity. Every interaction we have in our daily life allows us to take a step back and see things from another’s perspective in order to choose calm and patience. Read more>>

Susan McCall

When I first got my real estate license, I sold houses for a year before I decided that I was more comfortable in the commercial (business) arena. A man named Hercel Spears, mentored me when I was just starting out at a ReMax Alliance Group in Gilbert as a residential agent. Read more>>