14 minute read
PHOENIX
KARI ZURN YOUR LOAN GAL
Kari Zurn is a Senior Loan Officer, and has been in the mortgage industry for seven years. Former public school teacher, she holds a Master’s Degree in Education as a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Northern Arizona University, and uses her background in education to apply a hand holding approach in her business model. Her relationships in the industry and community have helped her expand her brand YourLoanGal.com, and has turned her business into an overwhelming success. Kari is committed to helping others, and loves seeing families achieve their dream of homeownership. From the first time home buyer, to the seasoned investor, she is there to walk you through the process every step of the way. Kari is also a founding member of Arizona’s Heroes Home Team, a program which offers discounts to police officers, firefighters, first responders, educators, health care professionals, and military, active or retired. Her caring spirit continues into the community where she is a huge proponent of small businesses, and heavily involved in local charities and giving back.
© 2018, ACADEMY MORTGAGE CORPORATION, 1750 E. NORTHROP BLVD., SUITE 230, CHANDLER, AZ 85286. THIS IS NOT A COMMITMENT TO LEND. ALL PROGRAMS SUBJECT TO CREDIT APPROVAL. LICENSED BY THE DEPT. OF BUSINESS OVERSIGHT UNDER THE CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LENDING ACT. LIC BK-0904081, NMLS 3113, CA LIC 4170013 KARI ZURN: AZ LIC 0923400, CA LIC CA-DB0941783 KARI NMLS 941783
PHOTO CREDIT: IT’S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
HOME BUILT BY: WALL & SONS CUSTOM HOMES WALLANDSONSCUSTOMHOMES.COM
Stephanie (Bray) Greenfield is a Realtor ® and the team leader at The Bray Team at Berkshire Hathaway. As a native Arizonan who grew up in a family of real estate entrepreneurs, it was only natural for her to get her real estate license at age 18. Stephanie was named one of the Scottsdale Area Association of Realtors ® “40 Under 40” for 2017 and 2018. This award recognizes Realtors® under 40 years old who demonstrate business success, leadership, and community and industry involvement. Stephanie is a graduate of Arizona State University, where she attained her Bachelor of Science in Management and Bachelor of Science in Marketing. She also graduated summa cum laude from Barrett, the Honors College. She volunteers for the Government Affairs Committee for Scottsdale Area Association of Realtors® and the Tempe City Council Neighborhood Advisory Commission. In her spare time, she likes to hike Arizona’s beautiful trails with her husband, Kiel, and their two Australian Shepherds.
PHOTO CREDIT: IT'S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
STEPHANIE GREENFIELD Associate Broker at The Bray Team at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arizona Properties
As a proud resident of Arcadia, Debbie Pontikas, who is a successful real estate agent at The Brokery, has created a unique approach to educating the community about the benefits of living in her neighborhood. As co-host and co-creator of Arcadia Life TV, Debbie highlights and supports local businesses that are the heart and soul of Arcadia. Her approach to real estate is based on a belief that you should choose a neighborhood before a home. When it comes to serving her clients, she is a knowledgeable, professional, results oriented agent, that makes the real estate buying and/or selling experience a productive and pleasant one.
PHOTO CREDIT: IT'S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
DEBBIE J. PONTIKAS REALTOR®, MBA, ABR, SRS, Co-Host, Arcadia Life TV, The Brokery
ANALISE ZAREMBA BROWN & BROWN INSURANCE Analise Zaremba is Vice President, Senior Private Client Advisor of Brown & Brown Insurance, the 6th largest Independent Insurance Agency providing Commercial, Employee Benefits, and Personal Lines Insurance. She attended The University of New Mexico, as a student athlete for her Undergraduate degree, and later earned her MBA with an emphasis in Leadership from Grand Canyon University. Analise specializes in the High Net Worth personal market segment, tailoring personal insurance for multimillion dollar estates,
PHOTO CREDIT: IT'S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
luxury automobiles, and rare collections. Utilizing premier insurance companies such as CHUBB Insurance, she provides peace of mind as she creates personalized solutions protecting her clients growing assets and future earnings. She is an Arizona native and prides herself on giving back to her community and focuses on the Empowerment of Women, Education, and the Arts. She currently serves on the Board of YWCA, active member of Suns Charities 88, 5 Arts Circle, Contemporary Forum and AZ Costume Institute with the Phoenix Art Museum.
PHOTO CREDIT: IT’S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
KRISTINA CUTILLO & SARAH MCKAY COMMONWEALTH LAND TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY
Kristina is an Account Manager at Commonwealth Land Title. An Arizona State University alum with a double major in Business and Public Relations, her favorite part of her job is connecting and building solid relationships with prospective clients. Always excited to learn more, Kristina believes having the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances is key to being successful.
Sarah prides herself on providing her clients and customers with the VIP service, class, and attention that they all deserve. With a combined 20+ years of experience in Escrow, Mortgage Underwriting and Operations, she has accumulated a wealth of knowledge bringing a level of awareness & understanding to the industry that is unparalleled. Although she grew up in San Diego, California, Sarah is a Scottsdale native and loves spending time traveling and being outdoors.
Closings. Connections. Community… Discover the difference of a boutique Title & Escrow closing experience with Kristina & Sarah.
ANDI LAWRENCE HALLIER LAWRENCE PLC
Andi Lawrence leads her clients to a new beginning. Unapologetically straightforward, her winning approach helps clients understand what is possible and probable, in dissolving their marriage so they can make informed, smart decisions. Andi reviews the continuum of possible outcomes with clients to help negotiate the best possible settlement or be fully prepared for court if that becomes necessary. She has practiced family law exclusively in Illinois since 1997 and Arizona since 2005, Andi is a 1997 graduate of DePaul University College of Law in Chicago. Andi has extensive litigation and appellate experience in both custody and financial-related matters. Andi also serves as a Judge Pro Tem volunteering services to the court for settlement conferences and coverage of court calendars. Andi has been named a Super Lawyer by Superlawyers.com and a Top 100 Matrimonial and Family Lawyer by the National Advocates. Andi loves to spend her out-of-the-office energy with her teenagers. She enjoys scuba, skiing and travel.
MATIANA MITCHELL DANG! FINE RENTALS Matiana Mitchell is the brilliant mind behind Dang! Fine Rentals and Designs. If you’ve gone to a corporate event, wedding or showcase in Phoenix in the last 4 years chances are you’ve sat in one of her beautifully curated lounges, taken a photo by one of her extravagant and one of kind installations and been in awe of her design prowess. Matiana is an event production and corporate branding genius; creating “wow moment” installations for big brands like Burberry, Jeep, Macy’s and various local hotels and restaurants. In the coming year, she will be combining her ingenuity and passion with a few other creative virtuosos to establish THE BANG CREATIVE, a full event production and design company that can do it all. If you’re looking for someone who will go the above and beyond your wildest design dreams then Matiana is the DANG! Fine Choice!
PHOTO CREDIT: IT’S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
Elizabeth Marie is passionate about telling a person or brand’s story through visuals. The Arizona native graduated from the University of Arizona, fueled by her exploration of the creative arts – especially photography. Since then, Elizabeth has evolved her career into branding photography, where she specializes in highlighting products and services while also showcasing the faces behind them. As a photographer, Elizabeth understands that brand awareness is vital to a thriving business and that high-quality photos are an essential piece of the branding puzzle. With a keen eye for making brands shine, Elizabeth does a variety of photography for influencers, websites, entrepreneurs, companies and products. She is also an experienced portrait photographer – including doing the portraits for the 2019 KNOW Phoenix Book. Elizabeth’s interest and expertise in food and restaurant photography has led her to capture the heart of hospitality for commercial and editorial work, including for such publications as So Scottsdale, Phoenix magazine, Modern Luxury and Edible Phoenix.
www.itselizabethmarie.com
ELIZABETH MARIE It’s Elizabeth Marie Photography
ALLISON KIERMAN KIERMAN LAW
Allison L. Kierman is the managing partner of Kierman Law, PLC, a boutique estate planning and probate litigation firm in North Scottsdale. Allison works with families, small business owners, and individuals of all ages on their wills, trusts, financial powers of attorney, medical directives, and business planning. Allison also helps those who have lost a family member or other loved one navigate the probate process and sort through the various obligations of a personal representative and successor trustee.
PHOTO CREDIT: IT'S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO CREDIT: IT’S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
LISA FONTAINE LISA FONTAINE DESIGN STUDIO, LLC
Lisa Fontaine is a creative and innovative Interior Designer. She has over 16 years of industry experience and has been self-employed for the last six. Entrepreneurship came after accumulating a local design portfolio and as her projects, brand and market knowledge expanded. Her work can best be described as a flowing conversation of connecting colors, pattern, texture & light that creates a story for each client’s unique space. Fontaine’s Phoenix-based firm focuses on high-end residential projects that span the valley including Central Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale and Cave Creek. Lisa prides herself on serving the customer’s ideas and turning them into reality. She loves meeting interesting people and enjoys the variety of experiences a design career provides. Along with the design development of interior design, Lisa offers services such as room space planning, tile design, custom furniture & drapery and interior architectural detail design.
From teacher to academic coach to administrator, these two leading ladies have had an impact on the education of thousands of students. Alana Ragland and Erika Twohy have invested a combined 45 years in education in low socioeconomic schools. They have worked with students in the highest crimeridden populations of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Alana and Erika have also welcomed hundreds of refugees from war torn countries to an American Education.
In addition to Alana’s current position of Principal, In 2008 she was selected as one of the first cohort members of Aspiring Administrators by the RODEL Foundation. Alana also serves as Co-pastor for a spiritual community in Tucson.
Currently, Erika serves as an Assistant Principal where she has created clubs for empowering Jr. High girls to lead our future. Families say that her relentless passion for the community and families is evident in her caring approach to everyone.
PHOTO CREDIT: IT’S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
ektwohy@hotmail.com
ALANA RAGLAND AND ERIKA TWOHY R.E. Simpson School
lanaragland@gmail.com 623-210-9749
SHARLA J. SCHWARTZ REGIONAL MANAGER, TALENT ACQUISITION Sharla Schwartz could not have imagined when she started with Southwest Airlines 24 years ago that one day she would become the manager of Talent Acquisition, leading the Western Region of hiring for Southwest Airlines. Sharla transitioned from airport operations into the People Department, where she launched her career into Talent Acquisition working her way up as regional manager. Sharla forecasts strategy for operational recruiting where she leads human resource professionals, responsible for recruiting, attracting and retaining the BEST talent for 28 cities. Sharla is responsible for implementing company goals, coaching, and developing her Teams. She is passionate about hiring the right people to ensure Southwest Airlines continued success. She is an Alumni of the Southwest Airlines Diversity Council and is a member of the Phoenix Servant Leadership Learning Community. She is an industry veteran with a LUV for people. One thing for certain, Sharla continually strives to learn and follows the Golden Rule!
PHOTO CREDIT: IT’S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
JERI MCGWIN
Jeri McGwin is the proud co-owner of Sonoran Classic Builders, a custom home builder and remodeler. A passionate communicator who has called Phoenix home for more than 20 years, Jeri loves helping Valley residents realize their dreams and find “home at last.” Along with her husband, she started Sonoran Classic Builders in 2002 when two couples approached them for help with their homes. Since then, Phoenix Business Journal has named Sonoran Classic Builders to its top Custom Builders and Remodelers list, and Phoenix Home & Garden featured one of their custom homes in a 10-page article. Together, Jeri and her husband bring more than 45 years of experience in construction to Sonoran Classic Builders. Jeri is honored and humbled to be included in the Know Tribe community and she looks forward to supporting other women leaders across the Valley!
PHOTO CREDIT: IT’S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
TRACI AHLSTROM BEAGLEY SUNLAND HOME CARE
Traci Ahlstrom Beagley is following in the family legacy of working with seniors for over 60 years, that her great grandfather and grandpa, Joe and Ross Farnsworth, built in the East Valley in 1958, and currently, her dad, Craig Ahlstrom, continues. Today, Traci’s entrepreneurial spirit has led her in working with seniors in her business, Sunland Home Care. Sunland Home Care provides qualified caregivers to assist people as they age in the comfort of their home. She has been actively involved in all aspects of the business.
Community service is an important conviction to Traci. She was a founding member of the Arizona Family Council. Traci has served in her legislative district and has, also, enjoyed her membership in the Mesa Rotary.
In 2018, Traci was diagnosed with breast cancer. Although it has been difficult to fight the cancer, she feels grateful for the life lessons she is learning from it. Traci and her husband, Paul, have 3 children.
ABIGAIL SHIRVINSKI & RACHEL TARMAN V.I.P. MORTGAGE
Abigail found her home at V.I.P Mortgage following an impressive journey through the residential lending industry. Wanting to fully understand and master each facet of the process, Abigail has excelled in numerous roles of mortgage, from business development, marketing, and now a highly sought-after Director of Sales. When she is not handing over the keys to a new home, Abigail is a relentless champion for numerous charities both locally and overseas in Haiti. In addition to providing financial support to her charities with each loan she closes, Abigail puts her boots on the ground every year by organizing and participating in medical mission trips in Haiti. Born and raised in Georgia, this Southern woman champions for women’s empowerment and is currently composing her first book, She’s Money.
Rachel joined the Bates Team at VIP Mortgage following an impressive endeavor in the title industry where she began her journey to becoming a proven and respected leader in the real estate community. In addition to working in title and escrow, Rachel paved the way for her family’s construction company to be recognized as one of the top small businesses in Scottsdale. Rachel herself has received recognition both for her business practices and volunteerism including the 2018 Humanitarian Award for Women’s Council of Realtors, as well as nominations for 2018 Title Rep of the Year and 2018 Young Professional Athena Award for the City of Phoenix. Rachel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, as well as a Master’s degree in Education from Arizona State University. In her spare time, Rachel enjoys traveling (especially to her home state of Wisconsin), cheering on her Texas Rangers and spoiling her rescued Boxer, Olive!
480.495.6690 rtarman@vipmtginc.com IG: @rltarman
DANIELLE BRYANT // THRIVE CONSTRUCTION
I founded THRIVE Construction with the intent to provide clients with a dynamic partner who will work personally with them to achieve timely results. We are a One Stop boutique firm that offers full service design and construction services in both commercial and residential markets. We intentionally restrict our workload to consist of no more than two concurrent projects at any given time in order to allow us to provide our clients with our focused attention. Our mission is to deliver purposeful building solutions that THRIVE upon integrity through a uniquely energetic, passionate, committed and collaborative process. Construction is my first love and allows me to DO and BE more in this life! Another reason for starting my own firm was to give back to the community in a purposeful way. Proceeds from each THRIVE project go toward the MAKE IT COUNT 4 DANI Foundation which promotes MOVEMENT all over the world for those living with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Want to know more, visit www. makeitcount4dani.com.
PHOTO CREDIT: IT’S ELIZABETH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
