Across from the Xanterra South Rim is a mule barn sitting on an inconspicuous lot at the Grand Canyon Village. The historic building was a blacksmith’s shop. Inside, the old wooden floors show their age, while the aroma of worked leather and mules give away its purpose. This is Joe Marshall’s territory: the Saddle Maker’s shop. Neatly arranged are leather straps and scraps, saddles, tools, machinery, a bottle of soda and a bag of chips. Like a Western Santa in his workshop, Marshall … [Read more...] about Grand Canyon Saddle Maker Enjoying the Ride
Spotlight
Former Trial Lawyer Shares Gentle Side in ‘Birding Arizona’
Charles Babbitt grew up in Flagstaff. “It was a very different city then,” he recalled, “about 15,000 people. We had a father who was interested in the outdoors, and he encouraged us to take a deeper look at the natural world. We spent a lot of time driving, hiking and exploring Northern Arizona.” That deep appreciation and love for the natural world, scenic beauty and science have always been important to Charles as well. The grandson of C.J. Babbitt, one of the original Babbitt brothers who … [Read more...] about Former Trial Lawyer Shares Gentle Side in ‘Birding Arizona’
Tusayan Hotelier Carrying on Family Tradition
Cleaning hotel rooms, working at the front desk and serving as a hostess and cashier is not typical for most nine-year old girls, but for Ann Serna, it was a way of life and perhaps the boost that landed her in the role she has today as owner and general manager of the Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel. “My father, Franz Rutter, worked for Fred Harvey in Chicago and was responsible for turning six restaurants around so they were profitable,” said Serna. “They were impressed with his work and in 1968, … [Read more...] about Tusayan Hotelier Carrying on Family Tradition
A Legacy of Giving Back
Learning that Jim and Linda Lee had been named the 2019 Philanthropists of the Year by the Arizona Community Foundation of Yavapai County was not a big surprise to those who have lived in the Quad Cities area for any length of time. For decades, the Lees have been major contributors to a diverse number of groups, organizations and individuals who benefit the greater region and, in some cases, the state. At the same time, the Lees have never sought honors or recognition for what they do as … [Read more...] about A Legacy of Giving Back
Flying High
Leonardo Da Vinci was quoted as saying, “Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the Earth with your eyes turned skywards.” Holding one of the highest pilot certifications, Craig Sanderson spread his wings upward to serve as director of operations for Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines and mayor of the small but bustling town of Tusayan. Sanderson acquired the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certification at 28 years old. It is one of the most advanced certifications a pilot can obtain and … [Read more...] about Flying High
Grand Canyon Railway General Manager: A Man in Motion
A sign posted on the wall of the Grand Canyon Railway locomotive shop states, “Expect movement on any tracks from any direction…at any time.” Though a good reminder for engineers and mechanics working on the trains, the advice spells out sage wisdom for Bob Baker’s position as general manager of train operations as well. With responsibilities ranging from maintenance of the trains to ticketing, Baker has a lot of motion in his job. “I oversee the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel maintenance, safety, … [Read more...] about Grand Canyon Railway General Manager: A Man in Motion
Locally Sourced; Regionally Recognized
When all the other boys and girls wanted to grow up to be firefighters and police officers, John Panza wanted to be a chef. “I always kind of gravitated to the kitchen as a kid. If there was a family gathering or party, I was in the kitchen helping out mom or dad, whoever was cooking.” Panza’s parents are Italian and Lebanese, so he said celebrations were always centered around food. Now, he is the owner of BiGA, a restaurant that focuses on modern and local food. He shops at the Prescott … [Read more...] about Locally Sourced; Regionally Recognized
Hospitality from Kabul to the Grand Canyon
Traveling almost 8,000 miles to fill his new position as food and beverage director for Xanterra at the Grand Canyon South Rim Lodges was an “easy” decision, says Todd Rodemyer, who left Kabul, Afghanistan, for the Grand Canyon. “It was the best move I’ve made yet and I really like it here.” While in Kabul, Rodemyer worked as a government contractor for the U.S. Embassy, managing the food service for the entire state department operation, which includes six dining facilities and catering … [Read more...] about Hospitality from Kabul to the Grand Canyon
Melissa Cripps Composing a Life of Business, Service, Music
Managing a rewarding career is as much how a person approaches living as what transpires during business hours. That reality was poignantly reinforced in 2018 for Flagstaff’s Melissa Collins Cripps, agent/owner of Melissa Cripps Insurance Agency, Inc. “My life changed last year when both my parents died within 12 days of each other,” Cripps said. “My mother died of leukemia and my father died of a broken heart 12 days later.” Characterizing her “world as a very different place now,” Cripps … [Read more...] about Melissa Cripps Composing a Life of Business, Service, Music
El Gato Azul Owner Committed to Community Service, Philanthropy
If you ask Barry Barbe, popular Prescott philanthropist and restaurant owner, he will tell you the best way to raise money for a charitable cause is to go dancing. That is what Barbe is planning to do on April 13, when local celebrities team up with professional dance instructors for a night of “Dancing for the Stars” to raise money for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Arizona. Barbe says the singular purpose for what has become a popular community event is to generate income to support … [Read more...] about El Gato Azul Owner Committed to Community Service, Philanthropy