For over the past 20 years, we’ve celebrated the Valley’s best. From the top businesses and professionals to the people who make it all happen, Arizona Foothills Magazine’s annual Best of Our Valley contest recognizes Arizona’s crème de la crème across more than 400 categories. From the best doctors and best resort down to the best cup of coffee you can find around town, each Best of titleholder is chosen by those who know the city best – our readers.
Each week, we’ll be highlighting individual winners from Best of Our Valley 2019, who share their advice, insights and thoughts on what it means to be a part of this exclusive list. Winners will be featured in the April 2019 issue of Arizona Foothills Magazine, a tell-all guide to the best people and places in the Valley of the Sun, as chosen by its residents.
The Best of spotlight is on Mama’s Dogs who claimed Best Hot Dog. Congrats, Mama’s Dogs!
AFM: What does it mean to you to be a Best of Our Valley winner?
Carissa Gould (CG), owner of Mama’s Dogs: It’s an honor to be a BOOV winner. I’m so grateful for all of my wonderful fans, customers, friends, and family who made this possible. Also, a huge thank you goes out to the person who nominated me. It’s so awesome to be a part of such a wonderful group of the Valley’s best.
AFM: What’s your favorite part about being the Best of Our Valley’s Best Hot Dog?
CG: My favorite part about being BOOV’s best hot dog is getting to share a piece of my story with all of you, my love for the yummiest hot dogs, and the art of taking something so simple and classic as a good ole American Vienna Beef hot dogs and Polish dogs, and serving it in style with a smile.
AFM: Have you seen any benefits as a result of being a BOOV winner?
CG: The benefits continually show up. If you work hard, love what you do, do what you love, treat people right, keep smiling, and keep on trucking the doors will always open and new opportunities will be presented. The key is being passionate and happy with what you do, and most importantly, have fun!
AFM: How does the Inflight Creations team put its “best” foot forward every day?
CG: I’m a one woman show and single mother of 4 lively young boys. Every single day as a business owner and mother you do your best. Some days go smoother than others. It’s important to wake up with a positive mindset, be open to new chances/opportunities, give it all you got, take time to do something good for yourself on a regular basis, and don’t let small bumps in the road hold you back from reaching your goals. I always take time to say “thank you”, be grateful, and stay humble. Also, always be true to who you are.
