THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | AUGUST 8, 2021
25 BUSINESS
McCarthy Building bringing training facility here staff to learn new trade skills in prefabrication, technical training and solar power production. Known as “Builders U,” McCarthy’s training program will soon have access
BY KEVIN REAGAN Arizonan Staff Writer
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cCarthy Building Companies, one of the Valley’s most prominent construction firms, has broken ground on a new training facility that will educate the region’s aspiring carpenters and builders. Located in a 40,000-square-foot building near Kyrene Road and Erie Street, McCarthy’s new workforce center will house the company’s education program that caters to more than 400 local craft workers. Local dignitaries last month met with McCarthy’s leadership team to commemorate the groundbreaking by donning hard hats and breaking down a wall with sledgehammers -- a skill that will likely be learned by the center’s future students. The facility, which is projected to open early next year, includes multiple classrooms and workspaces for McCarthy’s
builders. “I’m really excited for this facility and bringing in the community,” she said. “Not only is it going to support the development of our current workforce but
really excited for this facility and bringing in “theI’mcommunity, not only is it going to support the development of our current workforce but it’s going to support (the) future workforce.
”
– Amber Shepard
McCarthy Building Companies Vice President Antonia Williams addressed the groundbreaking for her company’s new training facility in Chandler. (Pablo Robles/ Staff Photographer)
to newly renovated rooms and more space to partner with local institutions that provide career and technical education classes. Amber Shepard, McCarthy’s self-perform assistant manager, said the workforce center will be a great recruiting tool for attracting the next generation of
it’s going to support (the) future workforce.” Shepard was born into the construction industry and credits her father with introducing her to the many career opportunities that exist in the local market.
see MCCARTHY page 26
Chandler gym Fit Society prepares for 10th anniversary BY DREW SCHOTT Arizonan Staff Writer
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J Reavley describes himself as a “pure-blooded entrepreneur.” He began working in fitness as a personal trainer and eventually rose to vice president of Pure Fitness, which sold in November 2010. During his time at the company, Reavley learned about entrepreneurship and leadership, inspiring him to go out on his own and start a gym. His project, Studio Fit, gradually developed a passionate fitness community. Reavley built up his company to three stores, but has since sold two of them while maintaining the Chandler location
at South Alma School Road. On August 16th, the gym — now named Fit Society — will celebrate its ten year anniversary. “This is my baby,” Reavley said. “I live, work and play in Chandler and this is my first love.” Fit Society offers numerous opportunities for prospective clients. The gym offers both Group and Personal Training, as well as Orientation and Onramp to acclimate new members. With additional services such as Move+Correct — a program with exercises to reduce or remove pain — and fitness challenges, Fit Society’s philosophy of catering to each individual’s specific needs has contributed to its success. The goal of connecting, challenging
and inspiring people through fitness has created a loyal client base. According to Reavley, the average Fit Society client stays with the gym for over four years. He added that three of his employees have worked with him for more than eight years. “It’s like our family over there,” Carol Summersgil, a nine-year client, said. “There’s just such a camaraderie and a friendly vibe and everybody’s there to support each other and help out. It’s a gym that gives back a lot to the community and really promotes the importance of communities.” The tight-knit community plays a key role in the gym’s functionality during the COVID-19 pandemic— a public health
crisis that has led the closing of 25 percent of gyms across the country. Fit Society moved all its operations online during the opening stages of the pandemic and gave each client one-onone sessions with a coach. In addition to working through exercises and discussing equipment, coaches made sure to check in on the physical and mental well-being of their clients. Following three closings last year due to local pandemic directives, Reavley recalled the smiles and “Thank Yous” when he re-opened Fit Society’s doors. “Because we choose to… try and do the right thing at the right time all the time
see FITSOCIETY page 26
