For 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