People

At The Outlets at Anthem presented their Eleventh Annual Lighting of America's Tallest Fresh-Cut Christmas Tree this winter, AZFoothills.com got to know the most recent “American Idol” winner, Phillip Phillips.

For 18 years, Brandel Chamblee made his career out on the course as a pro golfer. Now, the Golf Channel commentator is sharing his experiences, tips and love of local courses as Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau’s newly named official golf ambassador. (Check out Chamblee’s golf “rules” at www.ilovescottsdalegolf.com.) Here, the golf great shares how he got into the game and names a few of his gold-star greens.

AFM: Was golf always your passion?
BC: No. Football, baseball, track and horses came first, in that order. Perhaps girls somewhere in there as well.
AFM: So, what piqued your interest in the sport?
BC: When I was 13 and I realized that horses fall on you and football players were as big as horses.
AFM: Was it an easy transition to
move from player to commentator?
BC: No, not at all. Golf is the most selfish endeavor I can think of. TV is the team game to end all team games. Took me a while to find my voice.
AFM: Tell me about your new role with Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau?
BC: [I’m] helping promote the
greatest golf destination in the world. The nightlife isn’t bad either.
AFM: What is your overall impression
of the Valley golf scene?
BC: Undervalued. There is no better place in the world to do business
and have lifelong memories created.
AFM: Why have you chosen
to make Scottsdale your home?
BC: Because it’s gorgeous
in the off season.
AFM: Do you have a favorite local course? What about worldwide?
BC: My only local favorite is the course I happen to be playing that
day. Oak Hill in San Antonio is
my favorite worldwide.
AFM: What is your advice for a youngster who wants to get into the game?
BC: Study the fundamentals hard—never abandon them. Avoid fads.
AFM: What do you like to do in
your off time? Where can we see
you around the Valley?
BC: I like to hike, bike and read. You can find me in the mountains, on the bike trails, at Starbucks, Barnes & Noble and Zinc Bistro.

With a background in aviation and extensive travel experiences, Tommy Constantine, retired pro auto racer and successful business owner, desired a way to bridge the gap between commercial and private air travel. In 2004, such a concept was born—Set Jet—and, as of this year, it is now ready to spread its wings. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Set Jet is a member-based service that provides all the bells and whistles of a private aircraft (think an exclusive terminal, high-end food and drink and more) at an affordable price. In 2011, pilot and TASER International co-founder, Thomas P. Smith, joined the Set Jet team. Here, Smith discusses how the innovative start-up makes customers feel as if they’re on top of the world. 

With his first two seasons as the Arizona Cardinals quarterback behind him, Kevin Kolb and his family are fully settling into the Valley. AFM caught up with the Texas-born athlete on his new charity, Kevin Kolb’s Pass It 4ward Foundation, which provides support for seriously ill and physically challenged children in the state, and how his ribs are faring after his damaging hit early in the 2012 season.