Hidden Gems: Meet Steve Feld of Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce

Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve Feld.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey into this role started long before I had the chance to lead the Chamber. I’ve always been passionate about business growth, community development, and the power of local connections. After years of owning and growing multiple businesses, along with my experience in economic development and regional stakeholder engagement, I found myself drawn to supporting small businesses and fostering environments where they could thrive.

Having been actively involved in various local business organizations, I came to understand the critical role a Chamber of Commerce plays in bringing together business owners, providing them with resources, advocating for them, and creating a sense of community. When the opportunity arose to join the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber, I knew it was a natural next step in my career.

I just sold a major stake of my company, and the same day, a friend of mine told me to look at the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber opportunity. Having been involved in multiple chambers, on multiple chamber boards, been the chair of multiple chamber committees, as well as consulted for a variety of chambers, I knew the position very well. I applied, and 3 hours later, I received a call for an interview for the President/CEO position.

The position allows me to combine my background in business development, operations, and leadership with my passion for the local community. The work we do at the Chamber is about empowering local entrepreneurs, helping them navigate challenges, and creating an ecosystem where businesses can grow and succeed.

It’s been a fulfilling journey so far, one that aligns perfectly with my professional experiences and personal values. And it’s exciting to see the positive impact we continue to have on the business landscape of Carefree and Cave Creek and the Desert Foothills Region.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has definitely had its challenges, though each struggle has provided valuable learning experiences. It wasn’t a smooth, straight path, but those bumps in the road made the journey all the more rewarding.

One of the key challenges early on was understanding the intricate needs of the local business community. Every town and city has its unique dynamics, and Carefree and Cave Creek are no exception. What works in one region might not translate to another, so it took time to listen, learn, and build trust with local business owners. It wasn’t always easy, as some business owners were initially hesitant to embrace change or new ideas, especially when they were accustomed to the way things had always been.

Another struggle came from balancing the operational side of leading a Chamber with the strategic vision of supporting business growth. It’s not just about being a voice for the community; it’s about creating real, measurable impact. And that means managing resources, building partnerships, and sometimes working with limited funding. There were moments where it felt like we were pushing a boulder uphill, trying to secure the right resources for programs and initiatives that would really make a difference.

Additionally, a learning curve in terms of managing a team, refining our Chamber’s strategic direction, and navigating political or regulatory challenges that can sometimes come with being a public-facing organization. But with each challenge, I found opportunities for growth and ways to innovate, which ultimately led to stronger relationships and more successful initiatives.

In hindsight, I realize those struggles weren’t setbacks, but rather stepping stones that helped shape my approach to leadership. They helped me fine-tune the strategies that ultimately made the Chamber a more robust and dynamic force for local businesses. And now, we are in a much stronger position to support the business community and drive real results for our members.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce is more than just a membership organization—it’s a vital part of the local business ecosystem, dedicated to fostering community and driving economic growth in the Carefree and Cave Creek areas and the Desert Foothills Region. Our mission is to advocate for and support small businesses, create networking opportunities, and provide resources that help local entrepreneurs thrive.

What sets us apart is our deep commitment to the unique needs of the businesses in this region. Unlike larger metropolitan areas, Carefree and Cave Creek have a distinct character—small-town charm mixed with a rich history and a strong sense of community. The Chamber reflects that uniqueness in everything we do. We’re not just a one-size-fits-all Chamber; we’re deeply involved in our local culture, and we tailor our programs, services, and partnerships to reflect the values and needs of this special area.

We specialize in creating connections. Whether it’s through our networking events, educational workshops, or advocacy efforts, we help local businesses grow by ensuring they have the tools, relationships, and opportunities they need to succeed. Our Chamber is known for its ability to build strong, lasting partnerships—both among businesses and with local government and community organizations. We pride ourselves on being a trusted voice in the community, offering insights and advocacy on matters that impact the local economy.

What I’m most proud of is the way our Chamber has become a true community hub. When businesses come to the Chamber, they know they’re not just getting access to resources; they’re joining a community of like-minded entrepreneurs who are invested in each other’s success. Our Chamber is a place where businesses can share best practices, collaborate on projects, and find support during challenging times.

In terms of our brand, I’m proud of the reputation we’ve built for being not just a resource but a true advocate for small businesses. The Chamber’s identity is rooted in integrity, service, and community spirit. We’re proud of the trust our members place in us and the role we play in helping them succeed.

Ultimately, what I want our readers to know is that the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce is here to support and empower local businesses in the Desert Foothills Region. Whether you’re a new entrepreneur just starting out or an established business looking to expand, we offer a range of services—from marketing support and advocacy to business education and community engagement opportunities. If you’re looking to connect with a network of local business owners who understand the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, we’d love for you to be a part of our community.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Absolutely. For anyone just starting out—whether you’re launching a business or stepping into a leadership role—my biggest piece of advice is this: build relationships early and often. Your network will become one of your most valuable assets. Don’t try to do it all alone. Connect with others in your community, ask questions, seek guidance, and be willing to listen more than you speak. Collaboration will take you further than competition ever will.

Another key piece of advice is to stay focused on your “why.” It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind or overwhelmed by everything you think you “should” be doing. But when you’re grounded in your purpose—why you started in the first place—it becomes much easier to make decisions and stay the course, even when things get tough.

I also wish I had known the power of adaptability earlier in my journey. It’s great to have a plan, but it’s more important to stay flexible. Markets shift, people change, and unexpected challenges will arise. The ability to pivot, learn, and evolve is what separates those who survive from those who thrive.

And finally, don’t be afraid to be authentically you. Early in my career, I thought I had to wear a polished, overly professional mask to be taken seriously. But once I embraced my true personality—quirks and all—I built stronger, more genuine connections and started attracting the right people to my work.

Starting out can feel overwhelming, but you don’t need to have it all figured out on day one. Just take consistent action, stay curious, surround yourself with the right people, and remember that every step, even the hard ones, is part of the growth.

Pricing:

• Gold Membership-$395/year
• Non-Profit Membership-$195/year
• Nickel Membership-$975/year
• Platinum Membership-$1575/year
• Community Membership-$97/year

Contact Info:

• Website: https://carefreecavecreek.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carefreecavecreekchamber/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarefreeCaveCreekChamberofCommerce
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/carefree-cave-creek-chamber-of-commerce/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@carefreecavecreekchamber
• Other: https://carefreecavecreekchamber.libsyn.com

Image Credits
Photos by the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce