< PreviousMOST INFLUENTIAL WOMAN IN THE VALLEYJAMIE HORMELAs the owner of the widely adored historic landmark Wrigley Mansion, Jamie Hormel has given locals and their guests the perfect spot for making memories for years—with some seriously good eats and drinks, to boot. “In 2019, my goal is to continue to be involved in this amazing state we have the privilege to live in,” says Hormel. “I never want to take it for granted. Also, we have a lot of exciting projects to unveil at Wrigley Mansion in both 2019 and 2020.” (Check out P. 70 to learn about what Wrigley Mansion has in store for the coming year!) But even above her work with Wrigley Mansion, Hormel believes her influence locally is to, simply put, spread kindness. “We are all in this life together, and it is important to be generous with kindness and patience. Give back to the world in any way you can. Your time is more valuable than your money! Volunteer! Smile!”44April Mocks 2 Backup corrupt.indd 904/11/19 12:32 PM488Fast Faves2018 Winnerost Infl uential in alley Education SISTER JOAN FITZGERALD, BVM, SISTER JOANIE NUCKOLS, BVM, AND SISTER LYNN WINSOR, BVM, XAVIER COLLEGE PREPARATORY @XCPGators1ost Infl uential in alley Politics DOUG DUCEY, GOVERNOR OF ARIZONA @dougducey2018 Winnerost Infl uential in alley Tourism DEBBIE JOHNSON, DIRECTOR OF ARIZONA OFFICE OF TOURISM @DebJohnsonAzost Infl uential alley itness Personality RYAN READ, THRIVE SPECIALIZED TRAINING @ryanreadthrive2018 Winnerost Philanthropic ountry lub ommunity THE COUNTRY CLUB AT DC RANCH @thecountryclubatdcranch45// 20,000// 10,000 MOMSApril Mocks 2 Backup corrupt.indd 914/9/19 4:33 PM4946BY KYLEY WARRENBEST OF OUR VALLEY 2019arts & entertainmentApril Mocks 2 Backup corrupt.indd 604/9/19 4:21 PM50BEST ACTING STUDIODEARING ACTING STUDIOearing Acting Studio was founded by notable local actors Matthew and Leeann Dearing and, now, after being in operation for more than a decade, the studio continues to serve the needs of aspiring actors and entertainers from as young as 5 years old all the way through adulthood. The studio emphasizes the teaching of hyper listening through ever evolving techniques that allow actors to live their truth while in front of the camera, on-stage and in their daily lives.deari ngstudio.com.BEST ANNUAL CHARITY EVENTPHOENIX TOOLS 4 SCHOOLThe hoeni Tools School provides basic schoolreadiness supplies for students whose families cannot aff ord the necessary items to start off the school year. The initiative provides students with book bags, notebooks, writing utensils, college-readiness workshops and other necessary supplies. In ust si years, the hoeni Tools School annual event has impacted more than 30,000 students and family members by providing them with a free meal and the supplies needed to ensure the investment of every student getting to cross the nish line. checkeredfl agrunfoundation.org/programs/phoenix-tools-4-school.47BEST ANNUAL VALLEY EVENT: LARGE SCALEScottsdale Culinary FestivalThe Scottsdale Culinary Festival is a weekend-long event comprised of food tasting, unique epicurean e periences, a beer garden, cooing demonstrations and live music that welcomes nearly 30,000 guests each April. The event is hosted by the Scottsdale eague for the Arts, which is a nonpro t volunteer organization of accomplished members who support the arts through social and educational opportunities. scottsdalefest.org.BEST ANNUAL GALAEVENING TO PAWSArizona Animal elfare eague, a noill shelter that rehabilitates and rescues more than 4,000 animals every year, raises between 300,000 and 30,000 at the long-adored Evening to Paws Gala every year. This event, which has been held for nearly two decades, has outgrown several venues and is now being hosted at mni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia, with attendance between 400 and 450 people. The gala boasts entertainment and fun galore, with live music, tasty food and even fun themes to help create and diversify the event each year. aawl.org.arts & entertainmentApril Mocks 2 Backup corrupt.indd 614/9/19 4:21 PM5148BEST ANNUAL VALLEY EVENTCHRISTMAS AT THE PRINCESSWhile you might not peg Arizona as being a particular hub for holiday celebrations, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess proves why you probably should. Each year, the AAA Five-Diamond award-winning resort transforms into a winter wonderland, complemented by ice skating rinks, hot cocoa stands, a beloved tree lighting and so many more activities and events throughout the season that are truly fun for the entire family. scottsdalepri ncess.com.BEST CHILDREN’S THEATERGREASEPAINT YOUTHEATREGreasepaint Youtheatre will be entering its 35th season this coming fall. The company is committed to educating young actors in the skills they need to reach their highest potential; this is a goal they achieve thanks in part to their committed directors and artistic sta who are notable professionals within their respective fi eld. reasepaint produces seven MainStage musicals per year, plus 10 weeks of summer, spring and fall camps that cater to children ages 6 to 18. greasepaint.org.BEST CIVIC ORGANIZATIONVALLEY OF THE SUN ACTIVE 20-30 CLUBValley of the Sun Active 20-30 Club is a philanthropic organization made up of 68 professional women, ages 21 to 39, who are committed to fundraising for and participating in organized hands-on BEST TATTOO ARTISTJASON ANTHONY, GOLDEN RULE TATTOO highly-acclaimed tattoo artist, beloved by hundreds of loyal locals who fl oc to Golden Rule Tattoo for a chance at receiving one of his eclectic and artistic designs, Jason Anthony is a master at his craft. His career in the Valley began in , while olden ule Tattoo didn t offi cially open to the public until , after having been a private studio with its beginnings dating back to 2008. Beyond his undeniable creative talents and fl awless vision for fresh designs, at the heart of his career, Anthony is just a really good guy who truly cares about his clients. His unparalleled transparency and desire to cultivate a tattoo shop built around authenticity even served as the guiding force for how he chose to name Golden Rule, as he believes that people walking into a tattoo shop should be shown the same amount of respect that tattoo artists expect from their clients. “It’s a working relationship with a common goal of a good tattoo.” goldenruletattoo.com. who are committed to fundraising for and participating in organized hands-on April Mocks 2 Backup corrupt.indd 624/10/19 9:46 AM52 BEST AUTOMOBILE AUCTIONBarrett-Jackson Collector Car AuctionArizona car enthusiasts rejoice at the return of the iconic Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction to Scottsdale each and every year. 2019’s event was the largest auction in Barrett-Jackson history with more bidders, sponsors, exhibitors and cars than ever before and more than $131 million in sales (and nearly $10 million for deserving charities). Barrett-Jackson is the leader in collector car auctions and automotive lifestyle events, and beyond their impact in the world of gearhead entertainment, the company has garnered philanthropic legacy as well, as they have helped raise nearly $115 million for charity to date.barrett-jackson.com.49activities with local children's charities through its Valley Kids Foundation. Since the club’s inception, more than $2 million has been raised for charities, including Florence Crittenton and Phoenix Children's Hospital Foundation. vos2030.com.BEST CONCERT VENUETHE PRESSROOMLocated in the heart of the Downtown Phoenix Warehouse District on the corners of 5th Avenue and Madison Street, The Pressroom was built in the 1920’s and the historic 14,000-sq.-ft. red brick building is what once housed the city’s most modern printing press—hence, its name. The venue features an indoor 1,000-plus-person capacity, a full bar, two VIP viewing platforms, in-house intelligent sound, lighting and video wall, spacious outdoor patio and extended premise event space. thepressroomaz.com.BEST DANCE STUDIOCHANDLER DANCE CENTERChandler Dance Center was founded in 2014 under the artistic vision of Megan Gomez. Presenting a new dance studio model, Chandler Dance enter focuses on family, a ordability, positive teachers, integrity and trust. Families can choose a dance program that is right for their schedule and budget. The beloved studio o ers preschool classes, recreational classes and elite classes. chandlerdancecenter.com.BEST IMPROV GROUPCHAOS COMEDYWe have Dearing Acting Studio to thank for Chaos Comedy, the studio’s own improv comedy troupe that has garnered a favored reputation for their comical yet refreshingly clean performances. The group incites laughter that is enjoyable for the whole family. If you fi nd yourself particularly inspired by their acts, earing cting tudio even o ers weekly adult improv classes, which serve as the perfect starting-point to sharpen your performance skills and perfect your comedic timing. deari ngstudio.com.BEST LOCAL ART STUDIOGALLERY ANDREAGallery Andrea opened in 2004 and is named after the mother-daughter duo of Andrea de Kerpely-Zak and Andrea Zakrzewski. De Kerpely-Zak is internationally known for painting “Healing Flowers,” and two of her works were commissioned for Pope John Paul II. The gallery also displays works by her daughter Andrea and local, national and international artwor s lie fl orals, landscapes, fi gurative, abstract and custom-made fl oral fashion.artandrea.com; andreazfl oralfashion.com.BEST LOCAL ARTISTAPRIL HOWLANDApril Howland, owner of Howland Studios, was born and raised in Sedona. She has worked as a professional artist for the last 15 years. Among her artistic accolades and achievements, Howland is a member of the Phoenix Artlink and COMEDYApril Mocks 2 Backup corrupt.indd 634/9/19 9:40 PM5350Sonoran Art eague. She is a teacher at Southwest ildlife Conservation and donates to its cause via auctionedoff artwor . Additionally, she is one of the program creators and curators for the hoeni oo s Art on the ild Side biannual art e hibit.howlandstudios.com.BEST LOCALBAND/MUSICIANSOSCO DUOFounded in 201 by Ale Mac (guitar) and Laura Strickland ( ute, SoSco uo is nown for their sensitive interpretations and polished presentation, and the duo has rapidly distinguished itself as one of the preeminent small ensembles in Arizona. n the time since SoSco s inception, they have performed more than 30 times around the alley, in Tucson and in Sedona. soscoduo.com.BEST PHOTO BOOTHMISGIFFounded in 2017 by Jessie hit eld, MSF off ers e periential photo and GIF marketing services for events and conferences locally and nationwide as well as long-term leases in hotels and restaurants aimed at increasing brand awareness, online engagement, social media marketing reach, lead generation and consumer loyalty. Among the company s long list of partners and co-creators, MISGIF has worked with notable names like umble, elp and lululemon. themisgif.com.BEST LOCAL FILMMAKER/VIDEOGRAPHERDANNY RAUSTADT, BIGGER PICTURE BEST PHOTO BOOTHSNAPBOOTHnstagram lters, oomerang FS, stop-motion and slow-motion assets, social media sharing and moreoh my All of this is the wor Snapbooth Entertainment, a photo booth company that has developed a reputation for being the highest and most reviewed photo booth company within the .S. ith more than 2,000 hosted events under their belt, Snapbooth is working to change the landscape of weddings and parties by eliminating the mundane stress of event photography. hether you want to eep it simple and off er photo strips for guests to take home as eepsaes, or you re dying to share prom and homecoming photos with attering lters to your nstagram immediately, Snapbooth can do it all. snapbooth.com.BEST MUSEUMChildren’s Museum of PhoenixActing on the principle that learning is a oy, the Children s Museum of hoeni s mission is to engage the minds, muscles and imaginations of children and the grownups who care about them. ith handson, interactive e hibits designed for children ages birth to 10, the museum focuses on learning through play, with emphasis on early childhood education and school-readiness. childrensmuseumofphoenix.org. April Mocks 2 Backup corrupt.indd 644/9/19 4:21 PM5451IMAGESDanny Raustadt is a professional fi lmmaer and videographer with a nac for capturing some of life s most unusual and beautiful moments. austadt recently produced an interesting video for the . . Polo ssociation about ri ona polo. dditionally, he s developed several social media videos for the hospitality industry he is currently wor ing on another for a renowned food photographer as well as producing videos for an upscale home-improvement contractor. fter photographing professionally for decades, he notes that he still craves the challenge of producing the fi nest still and moving images. biggerpictureimages.com.BEST ROOFTOP FOR EVENTSHOTEL VALLEY HOExclusivity, charm and vibrant vibes come together at the otel alley o, a retro hotel based in ld Town that oo es glity nostalgia and unparalleled fun. The hotel is drenched in a certain upscale taste that entices some of ri ona s most elite to stop by for an afternoon at spa, or to even venture out for a late-night soiree atop the y ine ooftop, which o ers the perfect bacdrop of amelbac ountain and unforgettable sunsets eclipsing over the surrounding area. hotelvalleyho.com. BEST THEATERHERBERGER THEATERThe erberger Theater enter is a nonprofi t organiation and was conceived as a pivotal piece in the redevelopment and revitaliation of owntown Phoenix. uilt in to support and to foster the growth of performing arts in Phoenix, the erberger Theater enter has contributed to the cultural and educational development of the alley, with more than . million patrons, including , school-aged children who have shared the uniue experience of live performing arts. herbergertheater.org.BEST WORSHIP TEAMTHE ROCK CHURCHt The oc hurch, a illsong amily hurch, the values are simple reach the lost, create an environment on unity, incite positive ible-based communication and lead an expressive worship. s they note, worship is a consistent and expressive theme all throughout the bible. nyone who attends one of the services can expect the same, with an engaging and heartfelt live performance session that has the ability to connect people on a spiritual and human level. therockaz.org.Fast Favesest nnual ashion Event SCOTTSDALE FASHION WEEK, scottsdalefashionweek.com.est nnual alley usic Event RELEASE POOL PARTY SERIES, releasevip.com. innerest utomobile uction RUSSO AND STEELE, russoandsteele.com. innerest aunted ouse CRYPT HAUNTED ATTRACTIONS, hauntedaz.com.est ecord tore THE RECORD ROOM, facebook.com/therecordroom.BEST SPECIAL EVENT VENUEWarehouse 215 @ Bentley Projectsarehouse entley Proects is a full-service, ,-s.-ft. event venue that plays host for hundreds of parties, weddings and any special life moments that deserve to be celebrated. ith chic dcor, a modern ambience, a ,-s.-ft. patio and a close proximity to the ever-growing owntown Phoenix area, arehouse is the perfect, premier space for all of your party needs. warehouse215.com.the ability to connect people on a spiritual and human level. April Mocks 2 Backup corrupt.indd 654/9/19 9:41 PM5552companiies & professionalsBY MELISSA LARSENBEST OF OUR VALLEY 2019April Mocks 2 Backup corrupt.indd 924/9/19 9:59 PM56BEST MODELING AGENCY53FORD/Robert Black AgencyThe Valley’s own FORD/Robert Black Agency is one of the most prominent modeling and talent agencies in the Southwest, boasting more than 50 years of combined management in the industry. The company recently moved into a new offi ce in orth cottsdale and doubled its si e. In addition to its modeling services with models wor ing in every maor mar et including ew or , , iami, ondon, ong ong, rail, ydney, reece and ilan, to name a few, it has the most-coveted artist division in town representing hair/makeup artists, wardrobe stylists and photographers. fordrba.com. Want to join the FORD/Robert Black Agency client list? There are weekly open calls for potential future faces held every Thursday from 3 to 4 p.m. at the agency’s offi ce.companiies & professionalsTOP-PRODUCING REALTORJASON MITCHELL, THE JASON MITCHELL GROUP BY MY HOME GROUPason itchell, founder of Theason itchell roup by y ome roup, has been raned as ri ona s o. -producing individual real estate agent in ri ona in with a sales volume of million. e holds this distinction for the past three consecutive years. dditionally, itchell s team was ranked the top-producing team in the state with a collective volume of million it was recogni ed as the o. team in ri ona by Forbes. The team’s projection for , closings nationwide for more than $500 million in production and spearheading national expansion.jasonmitchellgroup.com.BEST FLORISTWHITE HOUSE DESIGN STUDIOocated near the iltmore area, hite ouse esign tudio is nown for providing excellence in fresh fl oral arrangements and home décor. For inspiration for your next event and some fun fi nds, visit its bright showroom with exclusive custom-designed fresh fl owers, home accessories and unique gifts, luxury soft furnishings, statement pieces and more. whitehousefl owers.com.April Mocks 2 Backup corrupt.indd 934/10/19 5:09 PM57Next >