Arizona Good Business

Connecting with the Compost Crowd E53 In this episode of Arizona Good Business Radio, Thomas Barr chats with Kathleen Ventura, founder of Compost Crowd, about her journey from seeing compost pickup services in Columbus, Ohio, to launching a similar service in Northern Arizona in 2018. She shares how she and her husband started with just […]

Preserving Arizona’s Future through the Verde River E52 In this episode of “Arizona Good Business” with host, Thomas Barr welcomes David Gressly and Isaac Dudley with Friends of the Verde River, discussing their work to protect and preserve the Verde River in Arizona. They shared how their organization employs a scientific approach, such as implementing […]

Leadership in the Hospitality Industry E51 In this episode of Arizona Good Business, host Thomas Barr sits down with Christin Marvin, the founder of Solutions by Christin, to discuss her inspiring journey from the restaurant industry to entrepreneurship. Christin shares her story, starting as a line cook at 15 years old and rising to managing […]

Opportunity for All: Building Opportunities for Entrepreneurs E50 In this episode of AZ Good Business, Thomas Barr is joined by Whitney Yang, and Andrew Wong, co-founders of the Bambi Fund. They discuss the nonprofit’s mission to support historically excluded communities, including LGBTQ individuals and the formerly incarcerated, by providing them with opportunities and resources to […]

People First to Build Great Businesses E49 In this episode of “Arizona Good Business Radio,” host Thomas Barr introduces Niki Ramirez, the founder of HR Answers.org, highlighting her deep-rooted connection with Local First Arizona. Her passion for fostering positive work environments and supporting small businesses through tailored HR solutions is evident as she discusses common […]

In the latest Arizona Good Business Radio episode, Thomas Barr explores Arizona’s craft beer scene with Cale Aylsworth with OHSO Brewery + Distillery, Andrew Bauman from the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild, and Brad Miles from Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company. Despite being 43rd nationally in breweries per capita, Arizona’s craft beer industry is booming. Six new […]

Your Business Can Grow with Local SEO! E47 Join host Thomas Barr on an inspiring episode of Arizona Good Business as he sits down with Isaac and Kim from LocalFi, a cutting-edge digital marketing company specializing in SEO. Dive into their discussion on the power of enhancing opportunities for local businesses to thrive online! In […]

Fund Your Business for the Future E46 In this episode of Arizona Good Business, Jason Lowry, with Local First Arizona, and Melissa Harlan, owner of Drink Me Tea Room in Tempe discuss opportunities for local businesses to access the Green Loan Fund. Melissa shares her journey becoming a small business owner. Despite the challenges of […]

A Unique Approach To Hospitality E45 In the latest episode of Arizona Good Business, host Thomas Barr sets the stage for a lively conversation centered around community-centric business stories. He kicks things off by introducing the show’s focus and welcoming David DeLorenzo, a seasoned entrepreneur with a diverse background that includes a stint in the […]

Working Toward Solutions for Tribal Communities E44 In this podcast episode of “Arizona Good Business” host, Thomas Barr discusses the challenges of accessing capital and fostering economic development in tribal communities, emphasizing the importance of understanding their unique historical and systemic barriers with Rafael Tapia, Director of Tribal Community Connections. Rafael’s background and experience with […]

Commitment to Community E43 In this episode of Arizona Good Business, host, Thomas Barr discusses with Andy Shirk, CEO of Educational Services, Inc., their mission to address staffing challenges in schools amidst teacher pay issues and shifts in teaching perception. They emphasize the need for more educators and ESI’s role in supporting HR managers. Shirk […]

Growing Botanical Wellness with the Community E42 In this episode of Arizona Good Business, Thomas Barr engages in a comprehensive discussion with Cathleen Mitchell, the founder of Kaya Holistic. Explored are the store’s evolution from a focus on CBD products to a holistic botanical wellness approach, emphasizing education, sustainability, and advocacy for the entire hemp […]

Small Businesses and the Arizona Childcare Crisis: What’s at Stake E41 In this episode, host Thomas Barr discusses Arizona’s childcare crisis, exploring its impact on small businesses and the local economy through an interview with Patrick Contrades and Ofelia Gonzalez from First Things First. Established in 2006 through a tobacco tax initiative, First Things First […]

Community Focused Cuisine, Conceptually Social E40 In this episode, Thomas Barr interviews Kyu and Brianna, founder and CEO of Conceptually Social, delving into their journey, philosophy, and community involvement in the Phoenix-based restaurant and catering company. The conversation highlights the company’s roots in downtown Phoenix, Brianna’s transition from corporate America, and the challenges of operating […]

Growing a Green Business in Arizona E39 In this episode of the Arizona Good Business Podcast, host Thomas Barr, Vice President of Business Development at Local First Arizona, welcomes two distinguished guests, John Mittman, CEO of Obodo Energy Partners, and Kyler Colin, Operations Director at Phoenix Water Solutions. John Mittman, with a background in mechanical […]

Steven Harris with Journey Payroll, PHX and Erik Verryden with NexGen Partner Strategies E38 Local First Arizona returns for the Arizona Good Business Podcast! Our VP of Business Development, Thomas Barr, joins Erik Verryden of NexGen Partner Strategies and Stephen Harris of Journey Payroll to talk business, community and building relationships. As two long time […]

Lloyd Hopkins with Million Dollar Teacher Project E37 Local First AZ is back with another epsiode of Arizona Good Business with nonprofit leader and Executive Director of Million Dollar Teacher Project, Lloyd Hopkins. Thomas and Lloyd discuss their passion and care for teachers, why businesses who care about the well-being of our teachers, and how […]

Kendall Taylor with Valley Schools Management Group E36 VSMG is a leading employee benefits consultant dedicated exclusively to serving the needs of Arizona’s school districts, municipalities, and other public entities for over 17 years. With offices in Phoenix and Tucson, we are committed to delivering expert advice, forward-thinking strategies, and cost-effective solutions to help clients […]

 Gregg Edgar with Arizona Lottery E35 Since 1981, the Arizona Lottery and its retail partners have generated nearly $5 billion in support of programs that help to improve the quality of life for the people of Arizona. Proceeds from Lottery ticket sales fund programs in higher education, economic development, environmental conservation and health and human […]

Stephanie Morales with Persevere E34 Persevere is a national 501(c)3 non-profit organization committed to end mass incarceration, reduce recidivism, and empower incarcerated, formerly incarcerated, and other justice-involved men and women to succeed. We influence this by providing full stack coding education inside of state prisons, career readiness classes, job placement and a full year of […]