Rising Stars: Meet Manny Gonzales of Anthem Arizona

Today we’d like to introduce you to Manny Gonzales.

Manny, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Building Community, One Market at a Time

When Manny Gonzales, a licensed mortician and lifelong volunteer, moved from California to Anthem, Arizona in 2018, he brought with him a passion for helping others and a heart for community. A proud supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and global volunteer, Manny has always believed in turning compassion into action.
In 2019, he opened a local tanning salon that quickly grew into a full-service med spa — boasting over 20 suites and nearly 10,000 square feet of wellness space. But when the COVID-19 pandemic struck and small businesses across Arizona faced uncertainty, Manny saw an opportunity to uplift others. He transformed some of his space into a boutique marketplace that allowed more than 100 local artisans and entrepreneurs to sell their goods when traditional retail and farmers markets were shut down.
From that grassroots effort, the Anthem Farmers Market was born. Nearly six years later, it has become a cornerstone of the community, proudly located at the heart of our community, The Anthem School — where it continues to thrive every Saturday year-round. Beyond providing a platform for local small businesses, the market gives back nearly $2,000 each month to the local school district and PTSA, strengthening the connection between families, students, and small-business owners.
While continuing his full-time work in the funeral industry, Manny remains deeply committed to growing his vision. His goal is to expand with a network of farmers markets across the Phoenix Valley — building community, supporting local, and celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit that makes Arizona shine.

“Our markets are more than just a place to shop,” Manny says. “They’re a place to connect, to support one another, and to see how powerful local can really

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Owning businesses are never a smooth road. A lot of late nights, and uncertainty while others try to steal your dream or take credit for your achievements. I persevered and kept going even when times got tough. It has been a long road one that I’m not ready to give up on because the struggles is what helps me grow.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Licensed Funeral Director, Licensed embalmer and licensed cremationist in the death care industry where I work full time helping families with one of the most difficult challenges that we have to go through as humans. It’s never easy in this field you take home the emotions and stress that the families are going through, you have to be the tough one for these families it’s hard something most cannot comprehend.

What matters most to you?
My 2 kids Emma and Nico Hayes Gonzales. Helping others and growing our community of awesome small businesses and the community

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Themarketon41st.com
• Instagram: @themarketon41st
• Facebook: The Market on 41st, A Farmers Market company