Quad Cities Business News

Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, & Dewey/Humboldt

You are here: Home / Archives for community profile

community profile

Grand Canyon Railway General Manager: A Man in Motion

By Leave a Comment

A sign posted on the wall of the Grand Canyon Railway locomotive shop states, “Expect movement on any tracks from any direction…at any time.”

Though a good reminder for engineers and mechanics working on the trains, the advice spells out sage wisdom for Bob Baker’s position as general manager of train operations as well.

With responsibilities ranging from maintenance of the trains to ticketing, Baker has a lot of motion in his job. “I oversee the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel maintenance, safety, security and sustainability and I’m responsible for all aspects of the trains,” he explained in his gentle, polished English accent.

Born in London, Baker has lived in the United States since December 24, 1989, and became a U.S. citizen in 2005. “I was a service brat and every time my dad was relocated, so was the family. I attended 11 schools growing up.”

His career in transportation began with the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P & O Lines). He then graduated from college in the northeast of England in 1977 and headed out to the “wild blue yonder.” He has a son, Kieran, who works in New York City and a daughter, Kinzi, who serves as an animal handler at Bearizona.

“I started working for Fred Harvey Company [later, Amfac, and now, Xanterra] in 1991 as director of engineering at the Grand Canyon. During my time there, I managed three renovations of El Tovar, built the day care, recreation center and a number of employee apartments.”

In 2007, Baker transferred to run the Grand Canyon Railway train operations in Williams and later, became general manager.

A highlight of his life was during a hike from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon to the South Rim. “My wife, Sherry, was a mule wrangler and had taken a group to Phantom Ranch. It turned out she needed a water heater on her trailer, so I installed one for her. We were married at Yaki Point in 2002.” Sherry kept her “dream job” as a wrangler for 10 years.

“Bob and I have worked closely for 11 years developing a close friendship and dynamic business relationship,” said General Manager of Resort Operations Jeff D’Arpa. “We have collaborated on countless construction projects, business initiatives and the daily operation of running the hotel and train operations at Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel. I couldn’t have asked for a better business partner and person to take on the last decade of challenges and opportunities. “

According to Baker, in 2018, approximately 184,357 passengers rode the train to the Grand Canyon from Williams. This equates to 72,000 fewer cars on Highway 64, which can get busy during peak seasons.

The apex of the year for the Grand Canyon Railway is the Polar Express Train Ride where families arrive in matching pajamas with “smiling faces.”

“You cannot put a price on seeing the joy of the children and parents’ faces when they see the North Pole and Santa Claus,” said Baker. “Approximately 96,000 rode the Polar Express Train in 2018, which runs from November to early January.

May 10 marked the 30th anniversary of the re-inauguration of the Grand Canyon Railway. The day was commemorated with a double header using both steam engines (the other steam locomotive is #2960, built in 1923).  

What are the character qualities you appreciate most in business associates? 

“Honesty and integrity, what they do when no one is looking.  I will go to great lengths to help if you tell me the truth, but I cannot help you if I do not know what really happened.”

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

“Learn to type. My father gave me a software program called SageSoft and with that program I learned to type. This was back in the 1980s when I was still at sea and got teased about being a secretary! This was invaluable advice as I moved from manual work to office work.”

What is your favorite dish? 

“I love Thai food, but I’m particularly partial to a good curry!”

What hobby would you like to pursue? 

“I love fixing things. I have rebuilt a number of cars – older British sports cars – over the years and enjoy that. I have a 1950 Chevy pickup in need of rebuilding. Hopefully, I will get to work on that one day.”

When the movie is made about your life, who will play you?

“Pretty sure no one would be silly enough to make a movie about me, but I would like to play me. God has brought me on an amazing journey, matched me to the most amazing woman in my wife, Sherry, and given me two great children, now 30 and 26 years old, and even carried me through some tough medical times, including cancer in 2013.” QCBN

By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN

Hospitality from Kabul to the Grand Canyon

By Leave a Comment

Traveling almost 8,000 miles to fill his new position as food and beverage director for Xanterra at the Grand Canyon South Rim Lodges was an “easy” decision, says Todd Rodemyer, who left Kabul, Afghanistan, for the Grand Canyon. “It was the best move I’ve made yet and I really like it here.” 

While in Kabul, Rodemyer worked as a government contractor for the U.S. Embassy, managing the food service for the entire state department operation, which includes six dining facilities and catering from the ground up. “It was an amazing experience and I had a great relationship with the ambassador and state department commanders.” 

Although he was in a war zone, he says he always felt safe at the compound in Kabul, because it was guarded by Gurkha Guard Force. “They are some of the greatest and most dedicated soldiers I’ve ever been around.” 

He adds that it was intense at times. “I was there when … a military hospital [was attacked] a few blocks down from the embassy. Another time, a bomb exploded in front of the German embassy.”    

It would seem that Kabul would be quite different from the Grand Canyon, but Rodemyer says there are some similarities. “We lived on the compound near the embassy, much like here at the Grand Canyon Village where we work and live nearby and have a close relationship with work associates.”  

Rodemyer’s management style has remained similar, focused on communicating with the team and leading by example. “I was an infantry platoon leader so I think it’s applicable in food and beverage to lead from the front. At the end of the day, a manager needs to be on the floor leading the team.” 

“Todd brings a diverse background in food and beverage including high volume operations that leave him undaunted with his task here at the South Rim,” said Xanterra Grand Canyon South Rim Lodges General Manager Mia Bell. “His leadership and commitment to high levels of customer service will be a major contribution to our food and beverage outlets. We’re very excited to have him join our team.” 

Along with the administration of the food and beverage at the legendary El Tovar Restaurant, Rodemyer will also be in charge of the Harvey House at the Bright Angel Lodge, Maswik Cafeteria and the Arizona Steakhouse (formally named the Arizona Room). He will also oversee the food service trucks and food carts, which will be stationed at the Grand Canyon Visitors Center and along the rim. 

Rodemyer was born in Chicago but attended high school in Pittsburgh, which he considers his home. “This is my first time living in the West and first time working at a National Park. It’s a new adventure and I look forward to exploring the Western United States.”   

Though Rodemyer has not had a chance to hike the Grand Canyon yet, he says he is looking forward to it. 

   

What is your favorite activity on your days off?   

“Skiing and spending time with my girlfriend, Cara, and my rescue dogs.” 

 

If you could change one component of your job, what would it be?  

“Honestly, more hours in the day and I would clone myself.”  

 

What is the greatest feat you’ve ever tackled? 

“Taking over the food and beverage in Afghanistan. We were running 8,000 meals per day in a war zone.” 

 

What makes you smile?   

“My rescue dogs. They are very near and dear to my heart. I wish I could do more, as there are so many dogs that need a home. I own three, a pit-bull mix, Labrador mix and a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix.” 

  

What animal would you compare yourself to and why?  

“The horse. According to an online quiz, the horse-type personality is a bit of a busy body, can’t sit still for long, travels a lot with plans all over the place, considers family a top priority and a great person but sometimes needs to slow down. Yep, that would be me.” QCBN 

 

By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN 

 

Women Wranglers Managing Mules, Rugged Terrain, Treacherous Weather  

By Leave a Comment

The bravado of the women wranglers at the Grand Canyon is a fascinating account of courage, strength and travails, sometimes under severe climatic conditions that can develop in the famous canyon.

Chelsea Plumb and Kricket Scheerer are two of the eight female wranglers employed by Xanterra Grand Canyon South Rim Mule Operations. “We get up around 3 a.m., head to the barn, clock in, load up the mules with panniers [bags] and pack supplies for Phantom Ranch,” said Plumb, who has worked at the Grand Canyon for two years. “Those supplies include toiletry items, groceries, hiker’s duffels and anything needed at the ranch.”

The women saddle up their mules around 4:30 a.m., depending on the season, for their 7.2-mile trek down the rugged South Kaibab Trail.

Their destination is Phantom Ranch, a historic campsite that borders Bright Angel Creek. It is about a 20-minute walk from the Colorado River and is situated in the path of the rim-to-rim and other trails. 

The rustic cabins and family-style restaurant and store were built by the Fred Harvey Company in the 1920s and designed by Mary Coulter. These are the only accommodations in the Grand Canyon and a frequent stopover by river runners and hikers. Xanterra Travel Collection currently manages it and reservations are limited.

“One aspect I love about my job is the people I meet on the trail. They come from all around the world,” said Plumb. “I also love working with the mules. It’s cool to see what you can train them to do; they are so much fun.” Plumb works as a packer about 60 percent of the time. Thirty percent she spends as a mule guide and 10 percent of her job is trail work. An average day for her is 10 to 12 hours long and days can be unpredictable. 

Last monsoon season, a huge rainstorm developed as Plumb was packing out. “We had just passed the Saddle, which is below Cedar Ridge and a lighting bolt hit the Saddle. It was too close for comfort.”

Working as the only full-time female packer, Scheerer says she prefers mules to horses because of their intelligence, strength and character. “You want your mules to behave and stay in order, so you need to know the mules’ individual personalities for a good trip. Some are better in the back instead of the front. They have a pecking order and some just won’t tolerate another so they’ll bite or kick each other. The placement of each mule in the string considers the individual strengths and weaknesses.”

Sheerer has been packing at the Grand Canyon for only five weeks, but two years before moving she rode a mule from the South Rim to the North Rim. “I knew it would be exciting work so I came back and applied for a position.” Her favorite part of the day is riding back up the trail to the rim. “It’s a good feeling to know everything’s been delivered and I’ve had a successful day and can relax.”

“Chelsea and Kricket make a great team,” said Xanterra South Rim Mule Operations Livery Manager John Berry. “It’s a tough job, especially in heavy snow and windy conditions. It’s good to know your riding partner has your back and will get you out of a bad situation, if one should occur.”

What is your Super Power? 

Chelsea Plumb: “My easy-going or go-with-the-flow attitude.”

Kricket Scheerer: “My family has always said that I am a kicking horse; a determined wanderer in need of big landscapes and an open horizon.”

What is the most valuable advice you’ve ever received?

Chelsea Plumb: “When I was younger, I used to compare myself to everyone around me and I always felt down or like I didn’t measure up. Then one of my good friends told me, ‘nobody is perfect, everyone is having problems and when you compare yourself to others you are comparing your lows to their highs. How is that fair?’”

Kricket Scheerer: “Trust in the Lord, Proverbs 3:5.”

What is your guilty pleasure?

Chelsea Plumb: “Sweet Hawaiian Rolls.”

Kricket Scheerer: “Popcorn with real butter and Coke.” 

Where do you hope to travel someday?

Chelsea Plumb: “I would really love to see Ireland and old castles there.”

Kricket Scheerer: “I’d like to ride a motorcycle over the world’s most dangerous road in Peru. I’ve already ridden a Royal Enfield motorcycle over the world’s highest dirt road in the Himalayas at 17,500 feet.”

What’s your favorite meal at the El Tovar Lodge Dining Room?

Chelsea Plumb: “El Tovar’s chocolate tacos are amazing.”

Kricket Scheerer: “I’ve never been, but I hear that they have great chocolate tacos!” QCBN

  

Photo Caption: 

  

Kricket in snow: 

Kricket Scheerer was one of the first 100 women to spend a full year at the South Pole. She worked on fuel systems in Antarctica for nine years, solo hiked 500 miles in Colorado wilderness and was a wrangler at Keystone Ranch. She says she had no problem coming up South Kaibab Trail in what was the worst snowstorm of the season at the Grand Canyon. “The ride wasn’t too bad, just a little chilly for the last hour.” 

  Photos by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography 

  

 

Karen Fann is Poised to Lead the State Senate  

By Leave a Comment

For more than 25 years, Yavapai County resident Karen Fann has been in the public eye. 

That visibility will continue. Fann was elected to another term as a state senator for District 1, which covers more than 8,000 square miles of Yavapai County and portions of Maricopa County. She beat out opponent Jo Craycroft, 54,952 to 23079 votes. 

 

To add to her victory, Fann was selected by her peers to serve as president of the Arizona Senate in the coming year. That powerful role allows her to control legislation introduced and the selection of committee chairs. 

Fann is well prepared for her influential role. A lifelong Republican, she had been a powerful member of the Arizona House of Representatives, where she was first elected in 2011 and served until she became a senator in 2016.  

Fann told the Quad Cities Business News, “My primary legislative obligation will be to represent not only the people who elected me, but also the greater population of Arizona. We’ve some major issues to be faced at the Capitol. We can’t let partisan politics get in the way of what is best for Arizona.” 

She cites three big concerns ahead. 

One is the prolonged drought and potential water shortages. She says water policy must be revisited and revised to reflect realities of domestic, commercial, industrial and agricultural growth and expansion in Arizona.  

Another is identifying sources and improving sustainable funding for state-supported public education from preschool through the university level. She believes education must become a major priority and the diversion of funds designated for education must be eliminated. 

And, she says, school safety and public safety must be given more attention with students, school personnel, law enforcement and first responders receiving conspicuous support at all levels of government.  

“We’ve got to stop letting politics get in the way of working together and cooperating to create good policy, not partisanship,” she said. “We’ve also got to move forward to assure that rural Arizona is not bypassed in critical legislative action. There’s no reason rural communities can’t cooperate and make sure they are represented respectfully in the legislature.” 

Fann is firm about sticking to her principles in her role at the Senate. “I have two rules I will follow. First, I will respect everyone. Second, I will never blindside someone. I will be honest, ethical and forthright – and I will listen, not ignore.”  

When parents Jim and Sylvia Fann arrived in Prescott in 1958 to raise their four children, the Fanns became prominent in Prescott. Jim Fann is gone, but Sylvia remains in Prescott. Karen’s brother, Mike, is owner and CEO of Fann Contracting. Sister, Sarah Fann Bird, earned a graduate degree, lives in Peoria with her husband and works for a national telemedicine firm.  Her other sister, Gail Fann Thomas, has a doctorate degree, and lives in Monterey, California with her husband. All family members routinely convene in Prescott and contribute in one way or another to their hometown. 

For a short period, the Fann family lived in El Cajon, Calif. While there, Karen completed high school, where she was a musician, athlete and student council member. She also was president of Y-Teens.   

When her family returned to Prescott, she moved to Hawaii as an airline executive. She returned to the mainland to become operations manager for Scenic Airlines in Las Vegas, but soon decided she wanted to return to Prescott. She gained experience as a legal assistant for Yavapai County.  

With just $500, she launched her own business in 1984, Arizona Highway Safety Specialists. In the 34 years since, it has grown into Arizona’s largest installer of roadway guardrails and signage. 

Fann has been married to Jim McKown for 11 years. “Jim and I had met at the Palace Saloon in Prescott and really got along. But when we decided to get married, we went to Hawaii. My immediate family also decided to go to Hawaii for a big family Christmas vacation. It was then Jim and I surprised them by getting married in Kona. What a great time.”  

Among her public contributions:   

  • 1992-95Prescott City Council and Mayor Pro Tem; also Northern Arizona Council of Governments; 
  • 2002-2009Town of Chino Valley Council and Mayor;  
  • 2011-2016Arizona House of Representatives, District 1, where she served on major legislative committees. 

Fann’s dedication to her responsibilities is legendary. In 1992, she broke her pelvis in five places while in Telluride, Colorado, and was hospitalized in Montrose until she was transported to Yavapai Regional Medical Center. Just days later, she attended a Prescott City Council meeting on crutches. 

She has received more than 35 awards while a state legislator, including Legislator of the Year, Leader in Public Policy of the Year, Woman of the Year, Best Elected Republican Representative and Senator of the Year.  

 

What the best advice you ever received? 

“Brad Newman, longtime executive director for Yavapai Exceptional Industries, looked me straight in the eye when I first ran for office. He said, ‘Always be true to yourself.’  I’ve always tried to follow it.” 

Where’s your favorite place to vacation? 

“No doubt about that – Kona, Hawaii, where Jim and I got married. And great golf.” 

What’s your favorite form of entertainment? 

“Reading a good book – like some of John Grisham’s – or watching a good movie. I just enjoy escaping to another world.” 

When’s your best time of day? 

“Anytime I am with friends. They are what really count.” 

What character trait do you admire the most? 

“Honesty. I can have differences and disagreements with people, but I hate being lied to. Just tell me the truth.” QCBN 

 By Ray Newton, QCBN 

Photo captions: 

Arizona District 1 Senator Karen Fann was re-elected to the Arizona legislature by a more than two-to-one margin in the Nov. 5 election. Fann has been named president of the Arizona Senate for the coming year.   

Courtesy photo 

 

 

 

Executive Chef Jose Martinez Cooking Up Culinary Delights 

By Leave a Comment

Before dedicating himself to the culinary arts, Executive Chef Jose Martinez thought about leaving his native Puerto Rico to set up a business devoted to distributing one of the simplest but irreplaceable foodstuffs. “This business had nothing to do with cooking,” Martinez said, sitting in a booth at Che Ah Chi, one of the foodservice entities he now helps oversee at Sedona’s Enchantment Resort.  

“I wanted to sell ice on a small island because anytime I went there to camp, I could never find ice.” However, his plan ran aground due to a justified parental veto. “My dad said, ‘You’re not gonna do that. I just got the keys to a restaurant and signed the lease,’” Martinez recounted. “I said, ‘Okay, let’s go!’ I was 19. It was a small place, very tiny, but I’ll tell you, the minute we started cranking food out of the kitchen, I just fell in love with it. And the rest is history.” 

Born into a family that included restaurateurs, “Chef Jose” points to his mother’s baking as an initial engine for his gastronomical passion. “From early on, I was on a pastry adventure.” While attending culinary school in Puerto Rico, he was recruited by a culinary school in Florida and was stateside three months later.  

“The idea was to go to the United States and come back, [but] I never left. This is the best nation in the world.” Though his career path has crisscrossed the country – with top gigs at luxury resorts such as The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, The Roosevelt New Orleans, and Phoenix’s Arizona Biltmore – Martinez connected most with the Grand Canyon State. “I never felt as good as when I was here. To me, this is like I’m home,” he said. “Obviously, it’s a different town, smaller than Phoenix, but the scenery makes up for all of that. I’ve adjusted well.”  

After last year’s “IrMaria” devastation, which included landfall by both hurricanes near his hometown of Fajardo on the east end of Puerto Rico, the father of three asked his family to join him in his adopted hometown until living conditions returned to normal. “But living there is all they know, even though it’s not what it should be at this point. But they find a way to make it happen. All is well. They’re doing okay, but they’re stubborn!” 

Easter Sunday was Chef Jose’s second day on the job at the Enchantment and he found the brunch “incredible” because of its quality and variety of offerings (approximately 100 items). He has been busy orchestrating meals for summer visitors and team-building with the food and beverage staff. “I love food, but you can’t get to the point of good food and you won’t be able to put your best foot forward until you build a team where you’ve earned their trust and they’ll do everything they can for you,” said Martinez. “Building a team is the most gratifying time in a resort, in a work environment.” 

What’s your favorite dish to prepare? To eat? 

“I like a lot of things, as you might expect. I like the fancy stuff, the foie gras and all of this. But to be completely honest with you, the dish that really hits the spot for me is nachos! If you break it down and think about the perfect dish, you need great flavor, a contrast of textures – crispy, soft – and I think that nachos encompass all of that. It’s not fancy, it’s not something you see in a Michelin three-star restaurant, but whenever I need something that’s going to hit the spot and get me going, it’s the dish for me. To prepare, I would say I enjoy Hispanic cuisine in general because of the bold flavors and creating that perfect dish. One of the greatest dishes that I like to prepare is from back home. It’s a plantain mash with shrimp creole and pork rinds [or mofongo with shrimp creole]. Oh my! That dish to me is enjoyable to prepare and eat.” 

Is there any place you would love to visit? 

“I’ve never been to Europe, so I would like to visit one day. France, Italy and Spain, those three. The cuisine there is something that I admire and I would like to see the real thing.” 

Who do you admire the most in the culinary world? 

“I admire [famed chef and restaurateur] Thomas Keller. I really do, just because of what he’s been able to do. He’s an inspiration for me when it comes to food and wine.” 

What do you do to relax? 

“Golf! Aside from family time, golf. I do three things in life: I’m either working, with my family or golfing. I haven’t yet gotten out on the course here but I’ve heard that Seven Canyons is an amazing golf course so I’m looking forward to that. So, that’s essentially my triangle, the balance of my life. Golf started for me in Florida. A friend kept inviting me to play and I thought it was a sport for boring people. The first time I played, I left the course and spent about a thousand bucks on golf clubs and gear because I was hooked!”  

When was the last you laughed really hard? 

“I was laughing hard the other day at something my kids said. I can’t remember what it was exactly but I was laughing!” QCBN 

 

By Tom Vitron, QCBN 

Photo by Tom Vitron 

Helping Prescott Airport Reach Higher Levels

By Leave a Comment

Robin Sobotta has been chosen to serve as director of Prescott Municipal Airport. On loan from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, she will serve until the fall of 2019, when she is expected to return from this sabbatical to the school.

“Prescott is such a lovely community and lovely airport,” Sobotta said.

During this time, she hopes to help complete an airport master plan, oversee economic development, determine how to increase air service and take part in the day-to-day operation of the airport.

“Prescott is growing fast. We need to see where the airport has room to grow. It is one of the busiest in the nation. It has three runways and a lot of infrastructure,” she said.

Sobotta says many communities depend on the airport because it is within a 60-minute drive from their homes. The next step for growth, in her view, is to lengthen one of the runways to accommodate larger aircraft, not large commercial aircraft, but smaller regional aircraft.

She said there is strong political and community support for airport improvements.

Sobotta, the founding chair and professor of the ERAU School of Business, has 17 years of experience in airport and aviation experience, including administration, operations and public relations at three commercial and two general aviation airports. She is an accredited airport executive and is considered an expert on not only airports, but unmanned aircraft systems and is a principle investigator on several projects including bioterrorism, defense, explosive and biohazard detection systems.

Sobotta formerly served as a business technical consultant to NASA at the Armstrong Flight Research Center, and she has served on several transportation research board panels.

Sobotta has a doctorate degree in public administration from Arizona State University and an MBA in Aviation from ERAU.

“I love serving the community,” she said. “I just love what I do. To me, the fact I get to work in aviation and academia – I have the best of both worlds. Airports are my passion and I get to bring the next generation on board.”

She believes one of the best ways to become an excellent teacher is to stay connected with the industry and bring back to the classroom current experience about how things are done.

It was not until 1983 that she knew what she wanted to do with her life. “I did an internship at Muskegon County Airport [in Michigan]. I went in as a public information intern. When I left, I had become enamored with the industry.”

Joe Lex worked directly for her for 10 years, but has known her longer than that. He graduated from Embry-Riddle in 1996 and now works for United Airlines. “In any walk of life, there are personal or professional people you admire for their work ethic and dogged pursuit and who want the best for other people. She epitomizes that.”

Lex serves on the industry advisory board. He says one of the major concerns is faculty burnout. “She is always there for the students. It is really rare to be that dialed in and engaged with the students with an open-door policy. She leads by example. She is indefatigable.”

Kathleen Sommer has known Sobotta for 33 years and considers her a good friend. “We worked together for several years and we’ve kept in contact. Our careers went into different places. Robin went into academia and I went to Maricopa County. We served together on the transportation board and the National Academy of Sciences on airport projects.”

Sobotta served on several commissions for the governor of Arizona. One focused on the non-traditional employment for women. “She has also been a good ally and good confidant,” said Sommer. “She has done so much and remains in contact with her former students and personal associates throughout the aerospace industry and different airports.”

Sobotta is married to Tom Roush, a telecommunications engineer. They have two grown children.

 

What do you do for fun?

“My husband and I play golf. We like to hike and I just love jigsaw puzzles, spending time with my grandchildren and seeing things through their perspective.”

 

Who do you admire and why?

“I have a strong relationship with my mom and I admire her and the women in my industry who broke the glass ceiling.”

 

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

“When I was in high school, I played on the golf team. At the time, I thought I would be a professional golfer. The traveling of golf and going to college was too much.”

 

Where do you like to travel?

“My husband and I like to cruise. We have had 11 cruises.”

 

When was the last time you were star struck?

“It was kind of incredible working at NASA.” QCBN

By Patty McCormac, QCBN

 

 

More Than A Broker

By Leave a Comment

When Kyle Karstens’s name comes up, typical responses sound something like this: “She’s got the biggest grin, happiest smile and the best sense of humor. She makes even the toughest real estate decisions understandable.”

Kyle Karstens is one half of the Karstens and Associates Realty team in Prescott. She and her husband of 35 years, Steve, have been handling real estate in Prescott for 22 of those years.

Those involved in the real estate business may say it is often a frustrating, annoying and disheartening profession that requires 24/7 attention and sometimes long periods of time without a paycheck.

But that is not the case for Karstens. In fact, she describes what she does as “…one of the most rewarding and satisfying careers possible. I get to meet the neatest people from all over the country, and I get to help people find just what they’re looking for.”

The Louisiana native has not always been in real estate. In fact, she has had a truly diverse career path, ranging from being a bartender in Tacoma, Washington, to driving an 18-wheeler Freightliner truck for a major commercial company, Conway Trucking. She also worked for a mortuary.

But she is adamant that the most fulfilling career she has had is being a real estate broker. “For 22 years, all of them in Prescott, my husband, Steve, and I have been lucky enough to live and work in what I think is one of the most charming communities in America,” she said.

 

Invested in the Process

Two of her clients have known Karstens for years. Dave and Brenda Favier, Prescott homeowners since the mid-1990s, used Karstens to sell their house a few years ago, at a time when the market was not as robust as it is currently.

“Kyle had such vast knowledge of real estate in the area that she and her husband made what could have been a stressful time into a pleasant experience,” said Dave.

When the Faviers decided to purchase another property slightly more than two years ago, they turned to Karstens. “Kyle doesn’t just want to sell a house or help you purchase one. She truly is invested in the process,” said Brenda. “We felt we had a good friend at our side.”

Recently, an out-of-state couple, Richard and Marlene Glasgow, sold their home in Redmond, Oregon and decided to move to Prescott. Marlene tells of her experience with Karstens. “We contacted her in mid-July and told her what we were interested in. Not long after, we got our first phone call from her. She had answers to our questions and some recommendations for us to consider. She helped us at every step of the way, finding just the right place for us to ultimately purchase.”

Glasgow continued, “Kyle was a joy to work with – a real ‘ray of sunshine’ in what sometimes can be a distressing time. Because of her, we bought our home and were able to move in mid-October – far sooner than what we ever thought we could. And guess what. She showed up when we moved in with wine and cheese.”

Karstens says buying and selling property through Karstens and Associates is a team effort. “My husband and I have loved this town and the people in it since we first rode through it years ago on motorcycles. Having earlier been in the cold, wet and gray Pacific Northwest, we decided immediately to move to Prescott. We’ve no regrets, and we’re here to stay.”

 

The Decision to Drive a Big Rig

When the real estate market crashed in 2008, Kyle and Steve wondered how they were going to survive economically.

“Our two girls, Chorissa and Caleena, were then grown and out of the house. Steve and I both liked to travel so we said, ‘What the heck? Let’s become truck drivers.’ So, we did. We went to school, got our Commercial Driver’s Licenses, and hit the road for 14 months.”

The Karstens were hired by Conway Trucking, also known as CFI, headquartered in Joplin, Missouri. CFI hired and assigned them to a brand new Freightliner with a Cascadia cab and berth. “It was big enough to stand up in and to sleep in quite comfortably,” Karstens said. “We called it ‘Frances the Freightliner’ and it was our home.”

For the next 14 months, the Karstens criss-crossed the U.S., coast to coast and north to south, in all kinds of weather and road conditions.

“We got to see a lot of country we’d otherwise never have seen – and somebody else was paying for the gas!” Karstens said they had long hours and were often exhausted, but as a team, they could take turns sleeping and keeping the wheels rolling.

“God was taking care of us, too. We never had an accident or serious problem, and we made a lot of friends across the country.”

But when the economy began recovering, the Karstens decided to return to their “real home,” Prescott. “We’re not going to leave again, unless it’s on our motorcycles for short vacations,” she said.

Karstens serves on the Arizona Association of Realtors Education Committee and was president of the Prescott Area Association of Realtors. She also is on the Prescott Preservation Commission and supports the Prescott Area Habitat for Humanity.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

“Many years ago, one of my supervisors told me this, and I didn’t forget. Remember you are part of the community. Find a way to give back and make the community stronger.”

If you could travel anywhere you wanted to go, where would it be?

“Any place I can go on a motorcycle.”

What’s your biggest family tradition?

“Thanksgiving, and it doesn’t have to happen in just November. We take time to sit together at the table, share our gratitude, count our blessings and eat all kinds of things that may not be good for us.”

What character trait do you value the most and why?

“The ability to listen. People who are connected and hear what others say are a pleasure to be around. They can re-energize or defuse a room.”

What actress is going to play your role when they make a movie or TV show about you?

“Oh, Myrna Loy, the ‘Nora Charles” from the Think Man movies. But if not her, then Audrey Hepburn. She’s absolutely wonderful.”

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Photo caption:

Kyle Karsten, one-half of the two-member team of Karstens Brokers, is emphatic that the Prescott area is their first choice for a permanent preferred place to live. “And, we’ve seen almost every city and town in America,” she says.

Photo by Ray Newton

 

Teller Continues Looking Up

By Leave a Comment

As a youngster, Arlando Teller stood in the yard of his Chinle home on the Navajo Reservation and looked up at an azure sky pebbled with popcorn clouds and jet contrails. He wondered where those white streaks crisscrossing the wild blue yonder were headed.

When he graduated from Chinle High School in 1991, his continuing curiosity prompted him to find out. He wanted to become a part of that high-flying adventure. He enrolled at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – home of the Eagles – in Prescott and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Business Administration in 1995.

The success Teller had because of following his childhood ambition resulted in his being honored as one of two ERAU Chancellor’s Alumni Hall of Fame recipients during Homecoming activities on Oct. 6.

Teller is the first Navajo to graduate from the nation’s No. 1 rated aerospace and aviation university.

“I was blessed by the community of Chinle, the Navajo Nation and ERAU,” he said. “They worked together and provided me with scholarships so I could attend the university. I had opportunities from several other universities like Dartmouth and the University of Rochester. But the admissions counselor from ERAU persuaded me that it could give me the education I needed to pursue the career I wanted. She was right.”

Teller’s career indeed has been high-flying. Though not a pilot, he has years of experience working with airport and transportation management. He began in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he was Native American liaison and Transportation Planner for the California Department of Transportation.

He later returned to Arizona, where he worked with airport planning for Sky Harbor Airport, City of Phoenix; and Falcon Field, City of Mesa.

Since September 2009, Teller has worked for the Navajo Nation Department of Transportation. Initially, he administered for four years the seven airstrips on the reservation with the Department of Airport Management. “I have been dedicated to improving the airport system in all aspects on the Navajo Nation,” he said.

He is now the deputy division director for the Navajo Department of Transportation. In that role, he works with a budget of $60 million to $65 million annually and is tasked with maintaining service, maintenance, safety and planning for all aspects of transportation with the Navajo Nation in Coconino, Navajo, and Apache Counties in Arizona, and with adjacent counties in Utah and New Mexico.

His office is in Window Rock, but his work routinely takes him throughout Central and Northern Arizona and into other nearby states.

Last February, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey appointed Teller to be one of the seven-member State Transportation Board, where he represents all of Northern Arizona and its rural communities.

 

Teller Retains His Traditional Navajo Cultural and Spiritual Values
Teller was raised by his single mother, Clara Tah-Nunn, in the remote northeastern community of Chinle. In Navajo, the world Chinle means “water flowing out,” in this case, into scenic Canyon de Chelly.

“Mine was a traditional youth,” Teller explained. “My grandfather was a World War II veteran, one of the fabled Code Talkers. One of my roles as a youngster was to help take care of him as he aged. He learned to trust me. He told me stories of being a Code Talker and what he did. But he pledged me to secrecy. I will never reveal what he said. He also taught me the time-honored values that Navajos have had for centuries. I still honor those.”

Teller smiled as he explained the spiritual symbolism of the Eagle, which happens to be the mascot for ERAU. “In Navajo, the eagle is a sacred bird, along with the hummingbird and the blue bird – and sometimes the crow and owl. So, to have attended Embry-Riddle and to be called an ‘Eagle’ – that’s a very special thing for me.”

Teller said he is encouraging other Navajo students to consider attending ERAU. To support that ambition, he initiated a partnership with ERAU, the Navajo Nation and Armstrong Consultants. Through that program, select students from the Navajo Nation, usually two to four annually –are sponsored to attend ERAU summer camps to learn more about aviation, aerospace and other aeronautical-related opportunities that have exceptional career potential.

“I am passionate about introducing Navajo students to these opportunities,” Teller said. He cited one example of a Navajo high school student, Shannon Spencer, who participated in an ERAU Helicopter Exploration camp and logged time practicing flying, hovering and landing.

All the while, he also was taking academic classes.

Teller is urging Native American students to apply for the ERAU summer camp. “If they will contact me at ateller@navajodot.org., I’ll provide all the details they need,” he said.

In sum, Teller hopes to see more Eagles in the Arizona sky.

 

  1. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

“After I graduated from Embry-Riddle, I was working for CALTRANS in the Bay Area of Northern California. I received a call from my grandmother – just before she passed.   She asked me to come home – to return to Navajo land – and to bring my basket filled with all the good things I had learned, things like knowledge and experience and wisdom that I could bring home to share with Navajos on the reservation. She said I needed to pack up, bring all the good that I had gained home in that basket and then turn the basket upside down and share it with my people – the Dineh. I did – in 2009. I have no regrets.”

  1. Where’s your favorite place to travel for vacation?

“No hesitation, Spain and Italy. I love the people, the culture, the food, the history, the architecture. I’ve been there five times – extended trips – and I am going back again.”

  1. What’s your favorite food?

“Anything that’s home-cooked. And anything that’s with family. Because I’m gone so much, I really value sitting down at the table with fresh-cooked veggies and potatoes and gravy and beef or mutton or lamb, and homemade dessert that didn’t come out of a box or plastic bag.”

  1. If you had a million dollars to give away, where would it go?

“I struggle with this, for I see so many needs among my people on the Navajo Reservation. But first, I would give money to schools so they create advanced programs for the youngsters, give them life skills and genuine job training. Second, I dedicate money to fund programs for the elderly – things like providing better transportation, improved health care and facilities, and enhanced educational opportunities that fit their interests and needs.”

  1. What’s your favorite family tradition?

“My real favorite, when I was a kid, was Easter. We’d have Easter egg hunts, and then family get-togethers where we would tell stories and enjoy huge family meals and laugh a lot. But other favorites were Christmas and Thanksgiving, where we’d eat too much and then play board games and card games. But I also have to include the Navajo ceremonials like the Beauty Way, where we are taught never to harm another human being. Or the Blessing Way, where we try to restore equilibrium to the universe. Those are an important part of my internal spiritual beliefs.”

Photo by Ray Newton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Craftsman Builds Business From Salvaged Wood

By Leave a Comment

Woodworking master craftsman Dan Arterburn is upfront about the furniture he makes. “It’s not for everyone. I try to create something that will become a family keepsake, a valued heirloom.”

The former Nebraskan can be found in a Prescott gallery and workshop at 108 E. Hillside, Suite B. He has more than 31 years of experience, envisioning design concepts and then finding ways to make those visions become reality.

He takes great pride in the fact that no two pieces of furniture are ever the same, but even greater pride that he uses lumber that is salvaged, reclaimed or sustainably harvested. Through the years, he has built a circle of suppliers who know that he wants only wood that meets those requirements. He buys wood from a wide range of tree species, including pine, cedar, juniper, elm, aspen, Russian olive and walnut.

Arterburn opened his Prescott custom furniture business, IDEA Custom Furniture, in July 2015. Since then, he has been busy filling orders from a variety of customers from Arizona and beyond.

The name – IDEA – incorporates Arterburn’s first name, Dan, with initials from his daughters, Ellisa and Ande. Both are heavily involved in the business and are advocates of having customers work closely with their father in to find the furniture in the wood.

“I use only solid wood. Some of us grew up with disposable furniture made of particle board that lasted only a few years. I want to make furniture that will last forever,” he said. “The real artist in woodworking is Mother Nature. My job is to help Mother Nature turn the piece into something of lasting beauty, quality and functionality.”

For example, he used an eight-foot slab of walnut three inches thick for a headboard. That raw slab has live edges (wood not cleaned or shaved smooth) on each side.

“I labored for hours building the bedposts so they would ‘fit’ the edges of the slab as it was inserted into them. I spent dozens of hours hand-finishing the wood with natural oils so that the depth and the intensity of the grain would show through. It is unique, and the lady that ordered it was thrilled.”

Arterburn has not always been a furniture maker. He worked for contractors and built homes for several years, until 1985, when he moved to Phoenix. He then built custom homes in Phoenix, Tempe, Gilbert and other cites until he went back to Nebraska. He also had a cabinet shop, where he began creating his custom furniture.

“I think that’s when I discovered my passion for building really quality furniture. My daughters encouraged me to devote myself full-time to it. We discovered Prescott and liked the kind of ‘high end’ market that we discovered in the area. Of course, I liked the slower lifestyle and the quality of life in Prescott, too, after having been in Phoenix.”

Emphasizing that he prefers when clients are involved in the creation and design of the pieces, Arterburn said, “I want buyers to be fully engaged in the process so that I can personalize an order to their interests. Do they want to follow a design motif that they already like, or do they want to start their own family tradition? We’ll work together in looking at the raw wood and then use our imaginations to design and work with the wood, not at it.”

The largest piece Arterburn has created was an $8,000 conference table for a Houston client. The most complex – a $5,200 dresser with many drawers and dozens of hand-crafted box joints and wooden drawer guides. His most distant client lives in India. He built a wine rack and shipped it to him.

“I want to build furniture with a craftsmanship that will make it last forever.” QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

To view a photo gallery of Arterburn’s furniture, visit ideacustomfurniture.com.

 Photo by Ray Newton

 

Chamber of Commerce President Mike Fann Predicts Solid, Stable Growth

By Leave a Comment

fannFor hometown boy and successful businessman Mike Fann, moving up the line to becoming president of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce this past winter just seems part of the natural progression of things.

Long active in supporting community and regional programs and projects, and widely recognized for his leadership in philanthropic activities, Fann anticipates that during his tenure as the lead officer for the C of C, business and economic growth will remain solid and stable. “I envision a lot of effort on sustaining positive growth for the entire Quad Cities area,” he said.

Fann emphasizes that he and the Chamber team will work with Prescott city leaders and officials to cooperate in building a strong quality of life experience for residents. “I am meeting regularly with Mayor Harry Oberg. We’ve agreed that we need to improve financial opportunities and increase revenues for the good of all involved.”

Fann says that he and Chamber members also are working with other groups such as the Greater Prescott Regional Economic Partnership to seek solutions and opportunities for a vibrant economic climate.

“Of course, we want to increase our membership. But we also want to provide more opportunities for sponsorships of programs and activities within the overall community,” he said.

Prescott Chamber of Commerce CEO David Maurer praises Fann for his efforts. “Mike has a forceful, yet unassuming, leadership approach. He often uses humor and wit to make his points in a positive way. I know this, too: Mike is well-respected by all who come in contact with him.”

Perhaps evidence of the esteem with which Fann is viewed by the greater community is evidenced in his having been named a co-winner of the prestigious Man of the Year Award given annually by the Prescott Area Leadership organizers. Fann and his co-recipient, Harvey Skoog, mayor of the Town of Prescott Valley, were given the awards on April 13 during a program at the Prescott Resort.

 

Community Involvement Part of Fann’s DNA

As a youngster, Fann was a leader in student groups and athletics. Later, after attending Arizona State University, he returned to Prescott. He immediately resumed his community involvement, supporting schools and civic organizations.

Fann has been a member of the board of directors for the Arizona Community Foundation-Yavapai County. He is past president of the Central Arizona Partnership and is an active member of Prescott Kiwanis Club.

Committed to “…giving back to the community that treated me so well as I was growing up,” Fann and his contracting team, in cooperation with the City of Prescott and the Yavapai Tribe, built the award-winning Michael Fann Skateboard Park near Gurley Street in downtown Prescott in 2005. The park’s challenging design is likely to test anyone on a skateboard or anything else with wheels.

Another example of Fann’s commitment to the community occurred when the Yavapai Food Bank parking lot needed extensive upgrading, including paving. The initial estimate was more than $100,000, but through Fann’s influence and the company’s contribution, the project was completed for three quarters of that amount in 2008.

Fann initiated yet another philanthropic project when he and his colleagues founded FEMAD – “Fann Employees – Making a Difference.” This organization within the company has contributed more than $340,000 to local charities and non-profit groups in the last 10 years.

 

Major Player in Region’s Economy

Fann Contracting is one of Arizona’s largest heavy construction contractors. It also is a major private employer in Yavapai County, with more than 250 fulltime employees and a multimillion payroll.

“Right now, today, we have more than a dozen major projects going on, and I’m reviewing proposals for still others. For example, on Interstate 40 in Northern Arizona, I’ve got three jobs west of Flagstaff, and two over toward Holbrook. A lot of people are going to see the Fann Contracting logos on a lot of equipment for the next several months,” Fann said with a grin, pointing at the dozens of piece of heavy equipment with the bright red Fann logo that can be seen out his office window.

Such projects are a far cry from 1960, when Fann’s parents, Jim and Sylvia Fann, founded the business with a backhoe. The firm grew slowly but solidly. Mike bought the business after he completed a bachelor’s degree in engineering construction at ASU in 1980.

Since then, it has been up and onward expansion for Fann. He delegates some of the administrative work to his son, Jason, who earned a degree at ASU in 2002.

“My hope is, of course, that we’ll continue our growth, but we’ll keep it moderate and modest. We’re deeply involved in the Granite Dells Estates, but we anticipate it will take several years until we have ‘build out.’”

Located on the northeast edge of Prescott, the subdivision is approved for slightly more than 900 homes. Fann is emphatic: “Our development will be environmentally sensitive and sustainable.”

C of C CEO Maurer said, “One thing is clear with Mike, no matter what the venue, he truly wants what is best for Prescott’s future.

 

What’s the best advice you ever received? 

When I was a teenager, just getting ready to graduate from high school and wondering what to do with my future, my dad sat me down. He told me, ‘Just make sure you pick a career you’re going to enjoy. Don’t pick it for just money or fame. Make it something you’ll want to do every day you’re alive.’ Know what? I’ve no regrets about what I am doing.

 

Who do you admire and why?

There’s a guy here in town named Brad Newman. He’s been the executive director of Yavapai Exceptional Industries for 40 years. Brad dedicated his life to helping those who had disabilities or were less fortunate than most of us. Of all the people I know, I truly admire him for his selflessness.

 

How do you unwind and get rid of stress?

I do a couple of things. I really enjoy watching old movies – the really old movies. Or sometimes, I’ll meet the boys for beverages.

 

What’s your favorite place to travel to, take a vacation?

No doubt about that – Mexico and the beaches. I’ll bet I’ve been there 100 times or more, just to go fishing, sit on the sand and watch the sunset, with no cares in the world.

 

What’s your favorite food, something you could eat every day?

Whenever possible, I’ll eat Italian food, any kind of pasta. Any time of day or night.

By Ray Newton

 

Photo by Ray Newton