BUSINESS
THE MESA TRIBUNE | MARCH 13, 2022
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Veteran-owned dance studio growing after pandemic BY JOSH ORTEGA Tribune Staff Writer
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ebruary 2020 probably wasn’t the best time to open any kind of business, much less a dance studio. Two years later, Country Nomads at 835 E. Southern Ave., Mesa, not only lives but continues to expand its reach as military veterans Joel Bartlett and Gabriel Dubois – along with Kacee Crandall – teach country swing through what they call “a simple and easy format. “The Fundamentals we teach are Frame, Connection, and Control (FCC),” they explain on their website. “FCC will not only allow you to dance safely, efficiently, and effectively but you will look stylish and smooth. “With our progressive learning approach, you will always be learning something new and building on your skills from the ground up. Every lesson builds on top of each other until you
reach your desired goal.” The trio teach throughout the country as well as in their studio – hence their name “Country Nomads.” “Dancing saved all of our lives in some way,” Crandall said. They started teaching 20 private lessons a week in their living rooms. Eventually, taking apart Crandall’s apartment living room and shoving the furniture into kitchen became too much for them – and her roommate. In February 2020, the group went to look at a studio and by the end of the day had struck a deal with the previous tenant that cost $6,000 and their name on the lease, Dubois said. Three weeks later, what they considered a dream deal turned to “heartbreaking and stressful” when they had to close due to the pandemic.
see NOMADS page 20
Country Nomads, from left, Joel Bartlett, Gabriel Dubois and Kacee Crandall own Country Nomads dance studio in Mesa but also travel around the country teaching people country swing. (Josh Ortega/Tribune Staff)
Dealership launches ‘Luggage of Love’ drive TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF
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arry H. Miller Dealerships has launched its month-long “Luggage of Love” drive to help hundreds of Arizona children who enter foster care each month transition into a safe home with items of comfort. They are collecting suitcases and other items throughout March to support children statewide who are served by the Arizona Department of Child Safety. “Children who enter foster care, are often removed from their homes in the middle of the night, with little to no time to pack a bag of their belongings,” said Pat Kroneberger, senior vice president of Larry H. Miller Dealerships “Through our partnership with DCS, we’ve learned how traumatic and heartbreaking this experience can be, and we simply want children to have hope for better days ahead. If we can make a posi-
tive impact on their lives through our donations of suitcases and basic items of comfort like pajamas, socks, and pillows, then it’s an honor and privilege to do so.” People can stop at Larry H. Miller Ford Mesa, 460 E. Auto Center Drive or Larry H. Miller Nissan at 2025 Riverview Auto Drive, both Mesa to donate. Donated items can include carry-size roller suitcases, blankets, pillows, pajamas and socks for children up to the age of 18. All donated items must be new and unused. During the inaugural “Luggage of Love” campaign in 2021, Larry H. Miller dealerships across the state collected 320 suitcases, 415 blankets, 296 pillows, 843 pajamas, and 2,477 packages of socks. In total, the estimated value of the donations equaled $94,165.
see LOVE page 20
This vehicle is one of many that Larry Miller Dealerships packed with suitcases and items of comfort for foster kids. (Special to the Tribune)
