19 minute read
Business
Mother-daughter team open Chandler brokerage
Few considered starting their own business in October 2020 as the nation reeled from a third wave of COVID-19 infections, businesses were going bankrupt and 7.4 million Americans were unemployed – way above the pre-pandemic rate.
Seems like a strange time to set up your own shop, but that’s exactly what the mother and daughter team of Laurie and Chelsea McDonnell did. The women opened their own real estate brokerage in Chandler called Locality Real Estate.
“There are some hurdles with it, right, but the real estate market was very strong, and continues to be strong,” Laurie said. “A little hiccup when COVID first happened, where people, you know, a little craziness, with cancellations and a little uncertainty with what the market was going to do. But we were in the real estate market for a long time and we were very confident in our abilities.”
Not only did they survive the pandemic, they thrived during it. A year after they opened, they have hired 33 agents with another hire expected soon.
“We’re not recruiting, we are organically growing based on attracting people to what we’re doing,” Laurie said. “They’re calling us, which is awesome.”
Laurie and Chelsea said they look for agents who share their vision for a real estate company.
“We wanted to build a brokerage of agents that were community focused,” Laurie said. “That are in the trenches, full-time real estate agents. Like minded, and have a sense of paying it forward in the community. And having fun while we’re doing it.”
Chelsea said their agents support giving back to the communities where they work. For example, Locality supports other local businesses, the schools and nonprofits.
“Whatever we can do on a local level, that’s where are hearts are,” Laurie said.
“It’s been neat to see that come together,” Chelsea said.
They encourage their agents to donate a portion of every escrow they do to the Arizona Housing Fund, which is working to end homelessness in the state. Laurie and Chelsea say they are matching those donations through the end of this year.
This is not the first time the mother-daughter team has worked together – which motivated them to do it again.
“I think it was inevitable that it was going to happen,” Chelsea said. “It’s just kind of our thing.”
In addition to working together a few years ago at another brokerage, they had also worked together a family-own restaurant.
“We’re very much alike, but … she has her strengths and I have mine,” Laurie said. “She’s the operations, marketing side of things, and I’m more the compliance, out in the field [person].”
A major reason the McDonnells have built a successful business during a pandemic is because the real estate market has been red hot in Arizona. They said they expect the market to slow a bit, but still remain hot.
“I think the market is going to stabilize here soon, and I think we’re going to see appreciations, just not at the level we’ve been seeing,” Laurie said. “We’re not going to see 40 percent appreciation or some crazy numbers like we’ve seen, but 10 to 15 percent is all right too.”
Information: 133 W. Frye Road, Chandler, 602-758-6007
Mother-daughter team Laurie and Chelsea McDonnell started their own real estate brokerage in Chandler, called Locality, during the height of the pandemic. (Ken Sains/STSN Staff)
Chandler flooring specialist sees uptick in business
SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF
Matt GiIstrap’s business gives him the chance to demonstrate his passion and skill for remodeling and designing.
The Oregon native last year moved to Chandler and also opened Footprints Floors – a business that makes it easy for people to buy flooring and accent walls without ever leaving their home.
“I have always had a passion for remodel and design,” Gilstrap said. “I love learning about the customers’ vision for the project and working together so see it come to life. I was drawn to flooring because there are so many choices and it makes such an impact. It’s the foundation to any great remodel.”
Gilstrap specializes in installing luxury vinyl plank flooring, laminate, tile flooring, tile showers, backsplash and accent walls
Though he has no storefront, he said, “We offer products using our mobile showroom that we bring to you or customers can use our ‘visualizer’ tool on our website to shop from home.
Not surprisingly, he hardly skipped a beat during the worst of the pandemic – particularly as people stayed home and got to pay more attention to their surroundings and where they might spruce things up.
“When the shutdowns first happened, we saw a little slow down but it didn’t last long,” Gilstrap said. “Once customers were confident in our safety precautions and we could go back into homes, business picked back up.
“Between the real estate boom, people relocating, and people spending more time working and learning from home, they began tackling projects and re-investing money back into their homes. We haven’t slowed down since. Year over year, we’ve seen an increase in revenue.”
And one of the areas in their homes that people tend to notice quickly is the condition of their floors, he said.
“As people continue to work and
learn from home, it’s easier to notice the projects you’ve overlooked or improvements you’ve been putting off. Because floors are such an integral part of rooms, floors are one of the first places people start,” Gilstrap said.
Yet, the pandemic-driven supply chain disruptions have taken a toll.
“Right now there is a national shortage of glue, which is affecting some of our installs,” he said, “but we work with great vendors and partners that make sure our customers get their new flooring even if a little delayed.”
While he said “I’m looking forward to expanding my territory, giving back to the Chandler community, and hiring a production manager,” Gilstrap also
saves time for other priorities in his life.
“As many business owners will tell you,” the challenge of running your own shop is “maintaining a good work life balance.”
“The business is obviously a huge priority, but so is making enough time for my family, friends and hobbies.”
Information: footprintsfloors.com/ chandler.
Matt GiIstrap
– Matt GiIstrap
Firm uses gaming to improve employee morale
BY ASHLYN ROBINETTE
Contri butor
KeepWOL (Keep Wondering Out Loud), a developer of immersive learning and development solutions, recently launched a talent development gaming platform designed to maximize workplace cultural intelligence and minimize turnover.
As the fi rst Black woman to graduate from the University of Kansas’ Aerospace Engineering Department, Lauren Fitzpatrick Shanks of Gilbert, founder and CEO of KeepWOL, knows what it’s like to be the only minority and formed her company to help others who feel that way. When she entered corporate America, she thought that things would change – but they didn’t. She still felt like an outsider.
After over a decade of experience working at fi ve diff erent Fortune 500 companies in technology, Shanks witnessed other employees, and even herself at times, suff er and grow complacent at work.
“When you feel unsupported, you provide less than optimal output,” she said, adding that the drive to excel can wither and die.
“Companies had promises about diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, but all of them were more so for vanity metrics purposes,” Shanks said.
“None of the programs were geared around retention or ensuring the success of those diverse hires,” she contineud. “On top of that, managers didn’t receive training on how to manage, lead, motivate and communicate with people of all diff erent walks of life, of diff erent identities that are not of their own.”
Shanks saw what was lacking in the workplace and noticed employees quitting or losing their drive because of it. So, she came up with a solution to keep employees supported, engaged and wanting to stay at a company.
“The lack of resources and support for managers and teams to have those complex and non-combative conversations that provide the context, detail and learning you need to really understand where each individual employee is coming from, what they need to be the most successful, and how you can support them in being the most successful – that’s really what led me to creating KeepWOL,” she said.
KeepWOL’s on-demand SaaS platform off ers a digital library of live multiplayer psychology-based games that cultivate employee development in various areas.
The impact of each session is tracked by data collected within the platform providing accountability and measurable change.
The games are designed to help enterprises build tight-knit inclusive, high-performing teams by embracing diff erences and normalizing interpersonal skills such as communication, empathy and connection at work.
KeepWOL has 10 games available in its current library with six more on the way that the company has been working with Mayo Clinic on, Shanks said. “The games are geared around all diff erent kinds of things that will help you to become the most successful version of you in your personal life and professional life,” she said.
By using KeepWOL with teams on a recurring basis, organizations should see a more engaged workforce, better team dynamics, a boost in collaboration and innovation, and more, Shanks said.
“With all of our games, we’re looking to humanize everyone,” she added. “We want to elevate the human experience to unlock that productivity within people.”
Unlike traditional platforms, KeepWOL doesn’t rely on teaching methods like panels, surveys and pre-recorded videos as these strategies often don’t change employee behavior, mainly because they occur as one-off s and don’t focus on the ins-and-outs of everyday work life.
Instead, KeepWOL enables recurring guided immersive team experiences that are powered by software but driven by humans to revitalize corporate culture.
The goal is to take diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging from passive awareness to an actionable experience for all employees.
“People aren’t leaving companies, they’re leaving environments,” Shanks said. “Putting that human factor fi rst and realizing that if you want to keep employees longer you have to build relationships fi rst.
Relationships are built on trust, they’re built on transparency, they’re built on vulnerability. That’s what KeepWOL enables people to do in an easy way.”
KeepWOL is designed for SMBs with at least 10 employees and enterprise organizations looking to build or shift corporate culture. Monthly subscriptions start at $10 per user, with certifi cation available and required for those employees interested in becoming KeepWOL facilitators.
Information: keepwol.com.
Lauren Fitzpatrick Shanks is the founder and CEO of KeepWOL, which launched a gaming platform to reduce employee
turnover. (Special to SanTan Sun News)
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Holidays gifts are ‘in the cards’ in region
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
Staff Writer
From enjoying extraordinary meals to catching the sunrise from a hot air balloon, this selection of gift card packages showcases the best deals the Valley has to off er.
Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company
Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company was created to celebrate hand-crafted, artisanal beers that are inspired by the beautiful and diverse state.
The deal: Buy $50 worth of gift cards and receive a card a $5 card; buy $100 in gift cards and get a $20 bonus card. Purchases must be made in person. 721 N. Arizona Ave., Gilbert, 480-497-2739; 201 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix, 480-462-1836, azwbeer.com
Bourbon & Bones
The Bourbon & Bones menu features hand-selected wet-aged and dry-aged cuts of prime beef, wagyu beef, elegant options for fresh seafood and an extensive list of bourbons and whiskies. Bourbon & Bones is staff ed with expert mixologists who deliver a robust cocktail program and, of course, certifi ed sommeliers who oversee a signifi cant wine list, including Coravin pours by the glass.
The deal: Purchase $100 in gift cards, receive $25 bonus card; buy $250, get $75. 4200 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480-629-4922; 2150 E. Williams Field Road, Gilbert, 480-597-9459, bourbonandbonesaz.com
Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers:
Can’t go wrong with gifts of beers and burgers. Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers’ 12 locations are dubbed the “ideal neighborhood burger joint.”
The deal: Buy two $25 gift cards, get $20 bonus gift card through Dec. 31. Multiple Valley locations, coldbeers.com
Crust Simply Italian
Michael Merendino grew up a fi rst-generation Italian in the heart of Long Island. He brought his family pizzeria concept to Arizona.
The deal: Get a $25 gift certifi cate with the purchase of $100 gift cards, and buy a $50 gift card, receive a $10 certifi cate. The deal is only valid Dec. 20 to Dec. 24. 10 N. San Marcos Place, Chandler; 8300 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, crustrestaurants.com
Daily Dose Kitchen & Bar
Daily Dose is all about creativity. The entrées are created with the freshest ingredients, but don’t leave out the booze. Specialty cocktails like the spicy watermelon margarita and bacon bloody mary are on the menu, too, as well as craft beers.
The deal: Purchase $25 gift card and get a $5 bonus; buy $100 get $20. Good through Christmas. 4020 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 101, Scottsdale, 480-994-3673; 1928 E. Highland Ave., Phoenix, 602-274-0334; 96 S. Rockford Drive, Tempe, 480-5906937, dailydosegrill.com
Eegee’s
Eegee’s has been a hit in the Valley since it migrated from Tucson. The fastfood and frozen treats restaurants have something special for guests.
The deal: Buy $50, get a $10 bonus card 3535 E. Baseline Road, Gilbert, eegees.com
Famous 48
Famous 48 just unveiled décor that honors Arizona with a palette of colors borrowed from adobe pink sunsets and pale brown dusty road.
The deal: Purchase two $25 gift cards and get a $20 bonus card. 8989 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 608, Scottsdale, 480-361-4933, famous48.com
Flower Child
Flower Child welcomes vegan, paleo, gluten-free or just hungry guests with
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healthy options in Gilbert, Arcadia, Desert Ridge, Uptown Plaza and Scottsdale.
The deal: Buy $50, get a $10 bonus card iamflowerchild.com
Fox Restaurant Concepts
The perfect gift for the foodies in your life, this offer is good for quality time, exceptional experiences, and tasty food and beverages at any Fox Restaurant Concepts location, including The Henry, Blanco, Olive & Ivy and The Arrogant Butcher. (Does not include Flower Child.) Gift cards are available for purchase at participating restaurant locations or online.
The deal: buy $100, get a $20 bonus card foxrcgiftcards.com
Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill Ling’s Wok Shop
Serving modern Asian cuisine with American flair, the chefs at Ling & Louie’s use traditional Asian cooking techniques to create bold, craveable flavors that appeal to all tastes. As for Ling’s Wok Shop, it serves healthy and convenient food that boasts crisp veggies and tender meats.
The deal: Purchase $50 in gift cards get a $5 holiday certificate. Those who buy $100 in gift cards will receive a $15 holiday certificate. Ling’s Wok Shop, 20511 N. Hayden Road, Suite 100, Scottsdale, lingswok.shop; Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill, 9397 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, lingandlouies.com
Los Sombreros
Los Sombreros is an iconic spot to enjoy flavorful bites and refreshing cocktails. With locations in South Scottsdale, Uptown Phoenix and Mesa, Los Sombreros has earned its reputation as the Valley’s ultimate locally owned Mexican food eatery.
The deal: Buy $50 get $10; buy $100 get $25 through Dec. 31. 2534 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480-994-1799; 1976 W. Southern Ave., Mesa, 480-534-6742, lossombreros.com
Macayo’s
Macayo’s strives to use fresh ingredients in its family recipes. Guests can share the taste with their families and themselves.
The deal: Through December 24, gift card purchasers will receive a $10 bonus gift card for every $50 in Macayo’s gift card purchases. Bonus card is valid Saturday, Jan. 1, to Monday, Feb. 28. Multiple Valley locations, macayo.com
Rainbow Ryders
The deal: Give the gift of a Rainbow Ryders’ sunrise hot air balloon ride gift certificate special for the holidays. While prices fluctuate and can soar as high as $225 per person for a 45- to 60-minute, group hot air balloon ride, Rainbow Ryders is offering a fixed rate of $169 per person for a shared basket flight. Blackout dates apply. 715 E. Covey Lane, Suite 100, Phoenix, rainbowryders.com
Someburros
The menu’s dishes tell the Vasquez family’s story and that of their first restaurant, Poncho’s. The tradition carries on to Someburros using their time-tested recipes for authentic Sonoran-style Mexican Food. The fast-casual restaurants are offering two gift card promotions for the holidays. The deals: The “burro bundle,” includes a $25 restaurant gift card redeemable at all Someburros locations and a reusable tumbler for $35. For the second promotion, all guests who buy a $25 gift card will receive a $5 kick back card. 101 E. Baseline Road, Tempe, 480-839-8226; 7501 E. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale, 480-443-8226. Other locations at someburros.com
Taphouse Kitchen
Taphouse Kitchen is getting into the generous spirit of the giving season with a holiday gift card bonus offer. Through December 31, holiday shoppers can get more bang for their buck when they purchase a gift card in restaurant or online.
The deal: For each $100 gift card purchase, guests will receive an additional $25 gift card. 3131 E. Shea Blvd., Phoenix, 602-482-2800; 6137 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480-656-0012, taphousekitchen.com
If inflation continues to accelerate for years
BY HAROLD WONG
Guest Writer
Recent news reports say that inflation is a serious concern to most Americans. What if inflation continues to acceler-
ate for years?
The effects of inflation fall hardest on those with lower incomes and lower assets and the retired on fixed incomes.
It’s projected that the Social Security Administration will boost benefits 5.9 percent in 2022, which would be the biggest increase since 1982. For a single person who received a $1,565 monthly check this year, it would raise $92 to an average $1,657 monthly check in 2022.
In 2019, the median US family household income was $68,703 and $67,521 in 2020. In 2019, about 30.7 percent of households earned over $100,000 in 2020.
If a family spends $75,000/year (after paying all income taxes) and future inflation is 6 percent per year, the family will need $150,915 in 12 years and $303,670 in 25 years. It’s even worse for many baby boomers and Generation Xers, who have most of their savings in IRAs or 401ks.
Example: a couple is spending $75,000 the first year they retire at 66. Their steady income from Social Security is $50,000 and so they need to draw $25,000 from their IRAs or 401ks. However, any withdrawal is taxed. Suppose it’s only a 20 percent combined tax rate between federal and state income tax They would have to withdraw $31,250, pay $6,250 in taxes, in order to net the other $25,000 needed.
In 12 years when they are age 78, inflation requires $150,915 to buy what $75,000 buys today. If Social Security is now $70,000 (with 12 years of costof-living increases), they need to pull $107,887 from their IRAs and 401ks; pay a 25 percent rate of tax ($26,972); and net the additional $80,915 needed to be able to have $150,915 of total income to equal total spending. Even if they have $1 million saved, with most of it in IRAs and 401ks, it won’t last more than about 10 years before all their savings are gone.
How to protect yourself if high inflation continues for years?
Gold hasn’t been a perfect inflation hedge over the last one-20 years. The price of gold on Nov. 17 was $1,862.66 per troy ounce. The 10-year high was $2,067.16 and the 10-year low was $1,049.41. The total increase was only a $120.16 increase over 10 years, which is 6.90 percent increase.
Then there’s real estate. Over the last few years, Phoenix has either led the nation in year-over-year price appreciation or has been one of the highest markets, along with San Diego, Seattle and Austin.
According to Zillow, annual appreciation was the second-fastest in August 2021 in Phoenix (about 31.8 percent). Only Austin, Texas, with 44.8 percent, beat Phoenix. The annual rental growth in Phoenix was 24.8 percent. Typical property values in Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale Metro grew by over 31.9 percent from August 2020 to August 2021, compared to only 10.5 percent the previous year and 5.3 percent from August 2018 to August 2019.
In September, 2021, the typical Phoenix home was worth $376,684 vs. $109,000 in October, 2011. That’s a compound average growth rate of 13.2 percent. An additional benefit is “depreciating debt” – the fact that your mortgage payment is fixed but the same payment is worth less to the lender in the future due to inflation.
Free live seminar and lunch: A seminar at 10 a.m. followed by lunch at 12:15 p.m. will be held Jan. 29 at Hyatt Place, 3535 W. Chandler Blvd. Chandler. Lunch will be catered by La Madeleine French Café. Topic is “Double your Social Security & other retirement income and pay less tax!”
To RSVP for the seminar or schedule a free consultation, contact Dr. Harold Wong at 480-706-0177 or harold_wong@hotmail.com. His website is drharoldwong.com.
Dr. Wong earned his Ph.D. in economics at University of California/ Berkeley and has appeared on over 400 TV/radio programs.
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