In just seven years, True Course Simulations (TCS) grew from a small garage business in Prescott into one that now is manufacturing virtual reality flight simulators for the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) in Colorado Springs. Or, as TCS Director of Sales AJ Smith says, “Our business really took off when we got that USAFA contact in 2018.” Even better, the USAFA has just issued a contract to TCS for units to support the operation of 40 simulators. Company owner Ray Bedard said … [Read more...] about True Course Creates Virtual Realty Flight Training Programs for Air Force Academy
Business
Espire Sports Offering Indoor Complex
With diverse indoor sports and fitness opportunities ranging from pickleball to basketball and golf to ping-pong, Espire Sports Multi-Sport Complex has opened at the Prescott Gateway Mall in the more than 100,000-square-foot space previously occupied by Sears. CEO and founder Jim Thomas, his brother, Randy Thomas, General Manager Rita Kavanaugh and Membership Director Peg Travers recently led a media tour. “I conceived of this concept four years ago when I realized that pickleball was soon … [Read more...] about Espire Sports Offering Indoor Complex
New Chef Helps Barley Hound Survive Pandemic
I had the opportunity to create a totally new and different culinary experience for diners and I think we’ve done it. But it was challenging.” That’s how Tony Burris described accepting the role of executive chef at The Barley Hound last October. The newly remodeled restaurant, located at 234 South Cortez, is in an eye-catching Victorian-style home with roots dating back to the early 1900s. Burris said owner Skyler Reeves recently had spent a “substantial amount of money” remodeling both … [Read more...] about New Chef Helps Barley Hound Survive Pandemic
Army Veteran Creating Jobs for Those Who Served
Grant Quezada has created what is known locally as the Founding Fathers Collective (FFC). After four tours of duty in Afghanistan and two in Iraq, he said when he returned to Prescott with his wife, Veronica, and two small sons and a daughter, he wanted to create a business environment to benefit his fellow veterans while simultaneously creating a unique signature experience for the community. When he opened the John Hancock Barbershop in fall 2014, he began what has become an award-winning … [Read more...] about Army Veteran Creating Jobs for Those Who Served
Brenda Clouston Serves Up Southern Hospitality at Colt Grill
Grandmothers are famous for touching our lives in significant ways and sometimes even helping us chart a path to our dreams. For Colt Grill BBQ & Spirits owner Brenda Clouston, her Grandma Helen was the fuel that fired Clouston’s four smokehouse restaurants. With locations in Cottonwood, Prescott, Prescott Valley and Sedona, Clouston is quick to credit her grandmother. “Grandma Helen was a ranch woman who cooked huge meals for our family, always had a beautiful garden and cared for us … [Read more...] about Brenda Clouston Serves Up Southern Hospitality at Colt Grill
Last of the Large Flagstaff Loggers Retires
When forest restoration giant Wally Covington drives by the Ribelin Logging Co. sort yard on East Huntington in Flagstaff and sees the equipment up for sale, it makes him sad. “They are very good operators in the forest and had a huge impact on the community.” With decades of experience, millions of dollars invested in logging equipment and a deep love for the forest, Ribelin Logging Co. President Ken Ribelin says the family-owned and operated business – a thriving logging company that at one … [Read more...] about Last of the Large Flagstaff Loggers Retires
Leave a Legacy through Leadership
We have all heard the phrase “Take a leap of faith,” but what does that really mean in the big scheme of life? Does it mean that we take careless risks, or lead our lives blindly into the unknown because we have faith in the “Leap?” No, it does not! I have applied the meaning of what “leaping” means to me in the acronym L.E.A.P. In my world, L.E.A.P. means to Lead with an Enhanced Acceleration to reach your Peak Performance. You might have caught a glimpse of the cover of the famous book, … [Read more...] about Leave a Legacy through Leadership
Making a Great Commotion
Miss Anna Durkee made history when, acting on a tip, she purchased gold mining property near Oatman in 1914. Two years later, the Wichita Daily Eagle reported that it was for “an insignificant sum.” The headline read, “Tip Gave Her a Fortune.” Miss Anna, who had become one of the world’s foremost women mine owners, was not flattered by the attention. In fact, she seemed annoyed. “I can’t see why a woman cannot run a gold mine just as well as a man,” she told the reporter. “If a man were … [Read more...] about Making a Great Commotion
Guinness World Record Holder Encourages Kids to Jump Up
Demonstrating how quick the legendary Arizona Rangers are on their feet, jump-roping Guinness World Record Holder Mark Rothstein provided an inspirational program and demonstration to Winslow youth through a J.U.M.P event (Jump Up for our Military and Police), June 19, at the Route 66 Plaza. Rothstein claimed the world record by jumping rope for 36 hours. He delivers messages around the state about keeping fit, showing integrity and reminding children that police officers and military … [Read more...] about Guinness World Record Holder Encourages Kids to Jump Up
Leadership Skills Refined in Pandemic
In a breakout session titled “Native Women Lead: Women Innovating in Business and Beyond,” conducted during the 2022 Reservation Economic Summit (RES), Tsé Bii’ Ndzisgai Community Center (TBNCC) Director Shandiin Herrera said she developed leadership skills by showing up for her community during the pandemic. At the time, Herrera was a Hometown Fellow with Lead for America and was working with the Navajo Nation Oljato Chapter Government. “Right then, the pandemic started and I saw anxiety … [Read more...] about Leadership Skills Refined in Pandemic