From amusement parks to national parks, Xanterra Travel Collection’s Regional Director of Sales and Marketing Jim Stellmack’s career has taken him all over the nation, sometimes living in remote areas surrounded by nature where most people only get to visit. “My first job was working for Knott’s Berry Farm where I worked a variety of positions in human resources, health services, security and risk management, sales specialist, several management positions and was the operations manager,” he … [Read more...] about From Roller Coasters to Canyon Rails
FBN Spotlight
Arizona Snowbowl Reports a Deep Start to Winter
Arizona Snowbowl was scheduled to open for the winter season Friday, Nov. 21, but Mother Nature had other plans. A storm system that began Sunday, Nov. 16, delivered nearly four feet of new snow and by Thursday morning, Nov. 20, ski resort officials decided to open a day ahead of schedule. Word quickly spread and by afternoon, skiers and boarders were joyfully swooshing in the season. The next day, hundreds of winter sports enthusiasts joined in the formal opening celebration at the base of the … [Read more...] about Arizona Snowbowl Reports a Deep Start to Winter
Wild Moments in Focus
Carol DiQuilio has only lived in Clarkdale a little over a year, but the word is out on her nature photography, as the subjects in the captivating photos seem to jump out at passersby in local shops. The nature photographer has been perfecting her craft for 60 years. With the decision to downsize, she moved from Texas to Clarkdale. Her Arizona adventures have included camping at Deadhorse State Park in Cottonwood while searching for her new home and traveling to Patagonia in Southern Arizona to … [Read more...] about Wild Moments in Focus
Commercial Builder Mike Loven Retires, Imprinting His Values and Craftsmanship on Arizona
In a career that started with Sonic Drive-Ins and most recently includes advanced medical facilities and one of the top projects in the Southwest, Mike Loven is retiring. Loven Contracting’s succession plan began eight years ago. Two years ago, Loven stepped out of the lead role after 40 years guiding the company’s direction and growth. With a new vision of time spent with grandchildren and his Yuma farm, he leaves behind a legacy of high ethical standards, quality construction, valued … [Read more...] about Commercial Builder Mike Loven Retires, Imprinting His Values and Craftsmanship on Arizona
Blending Two Worlds: Darold Joseph Champions Culture and Education for Native Students
Native American students should not feel that they live in an “either or” world, says Northern Arizona University educator Darold Joseph, Ph.D. Instead, he believes they can thrive by drawing from the best of two realms. “Native Americans face the challenge of using more modernity and more technology to sustain who we are,” he said. “Students can learn to meet state and federal educational requirements while still retaining and using their culture.” Joseph is the director of the Institute for … [Read more...] about Blending Two Worlds: Darold Joseph Champions Culture and Education for Native Students
From England to Arizona, Reuben Hawkins Blends Global Experience with Local Western Flair
Some may find it surprising to find a high-impact video production and marketing business like Bright Spark Media in the humble town of Camp Verde, but for owner Reuben Hawkins, it’s the perfect fit. Helping seven- and eight- figure businesses grow with high-impact video production and marketing, Bright Spark Media works with clients nationwide, transforming YouTube channels into revenue machines for growth and retention. His credentials include certifications from the University of Arizona … [Read more...] about From England to Arizona, Reuben Hawkins Blends Global Experience with Local Western Flair
Matt Tantau Continues his Steady Influence on Northern Arizona Education
His name might not sound familiar, but you can bet Matt Tantau has had an impact on thousands of lives. For more than two decades, he’s been quietly championing for access, equity and student success in higher education while working at Northern Arizona University. Tantau first came to NAU around 2000 to attend college. He fell in love with the campus and the community and never looked back. Originally from Exeter, California, a small town south of Fresno in the Central Valley, you can see why … [Read more...] about Matt Tantau Continues his Steady Influence on Northern Arizona Education
A Real ‘Gneiss’ Guy
Northern Arizona holds epic opportunity for outdoor adventure – hiking, biking, camping, rafting, skiing and more – it’s all possible here and all impossibly good. Born and raised in Flagstaff, Santo Manone spends his share of time out there. From family exploits to his current summer gig as a river guide for Grand Canyon Youth, Manone is usually either on or planning the next adventure. Yet, something else is on his mind, too. “I always had some sort of bag I used to carry all of my things,” … [Read more...] about A Real ‘Gneiss’ Guy
Sean Openshaw Lives Life in Focus
Some might say the photography and cinematography of Sean Openshaw is an extension of his winsome personality. “My family is my inspiration,” he said. In his 35 years of professional photography, Openshaw’s resume reads like a novel of accomplishments. It’s an exhaustive list of serving in the military and working for newspapers and magazines – beginning as chief photographer for The State Press (Arizona State University newspaper) and moving on to chief staff photographer for Arizona Daily … [Read more...] about Sean Openshaw Lives Life in Focus
Lauren Hall Builds Stable Foundations for Children and Young Adults
What began as a vision for a unique therapy experience has grown into one of Northern Arizona’s most specialized pediatric therapy clinics. Dr. Lauren Hall, OTD, OTR/L, a Flagstaff-based occupational therapist, is the founder and owner of Stable Foundations Therapy, a business that merges her clinical training with her lifelong love of animals – especially horses. Established in 2020, SFT offers occupational and speech therapy services in East Flagstaff, operating with a distinct approach: the … [Read more...] about Lauren Hall Builds Stable Foundations for Children and Young Adults
