How many of us have thought about chucking it all and doing what we love instead of what we think we must do? How many of us have actually done it? Meet Max Goldberg. He gave up a successful law career in Florida, moved to Flagstaff and began teaching jiu jitsu. “After practicing [law] for 10 years and working many, many hours, with some great legal accomplishments, many fulfilling and not so fulfilling days, I knew I had a deeper calling in life,” he said. “The more stress I was under, … [Read more...] about Attorney Leaves Law for Jiu Jitsu
FBN Spotlight
Grand Canyon Woman Teaches Backpacking Skills
Denise Traver lives in St. David near Tombstone. Her husband, Brad, is the superintendent of the Petrified Forest National Park. They moved to St. David in 2010 when they felt that the Verde Valley was becoming “too busy.” They enjoy the solitude of the area. She has been an avid backpacker for ages. “I am a desert lover and there is something about looking out over the desert that opens me up,” she said. She has not strayed far from her passion for the past 30-plus years. In fact, she … [Read more...] about Grand Canyon Woman Teaches Backpacking Skills
Retired Attorney’s Influence Continuing to Benefit Thousands
A prominent former Flagstaff attorney and community leader, Doug Wall, is still widely known in the greater Flagstaff area even though he retired and now lives in Prescott Valley. Wall is also one of the most honored people who has roots in Flagstaff. Most recently, he was recognized by Northern Arizona University President Rita Cheng for “…many years of service to NAU and later, as a member of the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) for his unwavering support of and contributions to higher … [Read more...] about Retired Attorney’s Influence Continuing to Benefit Thousands
Faith Fueling Auto Rehab
To say that opening a car repair shop in the middle of an economic downturn was a leap of faith is an understatement. True, established auto repair shops were closing all around Derek Tungmala. True, his automotive vendors told him he must be out of his mind because they were losing customers right and left. True, Tungmala had absolutely no experience running a business. Still, it was faith that made him move forward and open Auto Rehab in Flagstaff. Now, nearly five years later, he has … [Read more...] about Faith Fueling Auto Rehab
Caribbean Vacation Launches Sweethearts on New Voyage
Lounging in an infinity-edge pool, entranced by the sun, sea and sailboats, leadership consultants Raquel Romero and Mike Wood realized they had unintentionally sent themselves on their own personal and professional visioning retreat last summer in Antigua. Much like the passing catamarans on the aquamarine eastern Caribbean, the couple, married eight years, acknowledged they were each cruising through life, often traveling around the United States separately, coaching others to … [Read more...] about Caribbean Vacation Launches Sweethearts on New Voyage
Ande Burke Launching Marketing Firm
Ande Burke knows Northern Arizona. During her 12 years in Flagstaff, the graduate of the Flagstaff Leadership Program Class of 2007 has earned the prestigious Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce ATHENA Young Professional award for service to the community and volunteer work for more than a dozen local non-profits. Burke recently left the position of marketing director at Mountain Heart Cardiovascular and Sleep Facility to start her own marketing firm, A.B. Marketing Solutions. “I am a … [Read more...] about Ande Burke Launching Marketing Firm
Monster Fit Training Champions
When 16 year-old Alejandra Cardoza started boxing, she was not looking for medals or trophies, just a fun way to keep fit and manage her weight. After one year of training in the art of Thai kickboxing called Muay (pronounced moo-ee) Thai, she not only mastered control over her weight, in February, she was named World Title Champion at Siam Fight Productions in Tempe. But what really adds kick to her saga is Alejandra’s 15-year-old sister, Valeria Cardoza, also holds a title in Muay Thai and … [Read more...] about Monster Fit Training Champions
Young Caterer Gaining Customers with a Grill and a Wil
Every now and then, John Christ and his dad start comparing battle scars. One would think they got their injuries on some far away battlefield. Not true. Their scars come from the kitchen. John, 22, the owner of Wil’s Grill, has been involved in cooking since he was about two and has the scars to prove it. “When I was six or seven, I almost cut my finger off cutting an avocado. I have scars and burns,” His dad is a veteran cook and has a few of his own. “We were showing each other our … [Read more...] about Young Caterer Gaining Customers with a Grill and a Wil
Bold, Genuine: NACET Leader’s Approach to Entrepreneurship
When Annette Zinky was in her early 20s, she got in trouble. She does not remember for what, and she does not remember with whom, but she does remember the epiphany that followed: “Getting in trouble was no big deal. You’re always going to upset somebody, but if you don’t, maybe you’re not trying hard enough,” Zinky said. “I stopped caring if people get mad at me, and incidentally, very few people get mad at me.” Zinky’s independent ways belie the fact that she is also completely … [Read more...] about Bold, Genuine: NACET Leader’s Approach to Entrepreneurship
Tulllis Enjoying Role as ‘Zoo’ Keeper
When Brandyn Tullis bought the Museum Club nightclub, he was too young to have a drink in his own establishment. He was also going to college and worked hard to keep his studies and his business in balance. “To serve alcohol and to work the floor, you only have to be 19,” he said. “I really didn’t have issues with that so I was able to do all my duties. As far as ordering a drink, that was a different story.” Now, Tullis is celebrating the 10th anniversary of owning this iconic Flagstaff … [Read more...] about Tulllis Enjoying Role as ‘Zoo’ Keeper
