< Previous106 @azfoothills #azfoothills Favorite Couple in the Valley Samuel Anthony Harwit and Erik Velasquez Come May, the Valley’s Samuel Anthony Harwit and Erik Velasquez will celebrate six years together after a chance meeting in an elevator in Las Vegas. Harwit, a content creator, and Velasquez, a photographer, credit the desire to be happy—instead of right—as the key to a successful relationship and count the failsafe combo of carbs and a full-bodied red wine as their favorite date night. @samuelanthony, @caualfridaze51 Harwit was named Most Fashionable Valley Man! AZFOOTHILLS.COM’S BEST OF OUR VALLEY 2020 PEOPLE BOOV 3.indd 106BOOV 3.indd 1064/14/20 12:26 PM4/14/20 12:26 PM@bestofourvalley #bestofourvalley 107 PEOPLE / By Melissa Larsen FAST FAVES Best Worship Leader Ashley Wooldridge, Christ’s Church of the Valley, ccv.church. Most Infl uential in Valley Education Dr. Dennis Tyner, Ottawa University-Arizona, ottawa.edu. Most Infl uential in Valley Food Mark Tarbell, Tarbell’s, tarbells.com. Best Female PR Robyn Moore Robyn Moore is a savvy and experienced public relations professional who has devoted her career to fi rst-class representation, building reliable media relationships and helping clients gain results that will have an impact on their business. As founder of Mack Media Relations, she has been instrumental in building innovative brand awareness campaigns for local and national companies. Her strong work ethic, integrity and outgoing personality are what drive Mack Media Relations to be successful and ensure happy clientele. Outside of the offi ce, she serves on the Associate Board for Future For Kids and the Advisory Board for the W Source Scottsdale. @mackmediarelations, mackmediarelations.com. Most Infl uential Woman in the Valley Tess Loo As the chief fashion offi cer and co-owner My Sister’s Closet (which has 15 locations between Arizona and California), Tess Loo is a name that many fashionistas know and love. “The most rewarding part of my career is to help make the world a more beautiful place,” says Loo. “At our company, we’ve been practicing sustainability for almost three decades. My job includes creating fashion and art that infl uences how people see things.” Another way Loo is beautifying the world? Via her philanthropic work with Fresh Start Women’s Organization, The Phoenix Art Museum and The Arizona Humane Society. “I’m a big believer that in order to move forward, one must give back. I get so much joy from using my creativity and art to create a unique twist to everything I do.” @lovetessloo, mysisterscloset.com. Most Infl uential in Valley Politics Senator Kyrsten Sinema, sinema.senate.gov. Most Philanthropic Country Club Community Country Club at DC Ranch, ccdcranch.com. BOOV 3.indd 107BOOV 3.indd 1074/14/20 12:26 PM4/14/20 12:26 PM108 @azfoothills #azfootthills AZFOOTHILLS.COM’S BEST OF OUR VALLEY 2020 Top Dog Holliday Winner of AZFoothills.com’s annual Dog Days of Summer contest, Holliday is a precious one-year-old rescue pup who was saved in China alongside his mom and an entire litter of puppies. “He loves anything water-related, treats, traveling and tormenting his brothers—one human, one dog,” says Paulina Mclean of her adorable half-Golden Retriever, half- Samoyed. @hollidayandchanceplz Most Infl uential in Valley Nonprofi t Meghan Pearce Alfonso The Pearce Family Foundation (PFF) was founded six years ago by CEO Meghan Pearce Alfonso. The foundation pays for needed bills at the home of families who have a child suffering from a chronic or life-threatening illness. Two other initiatives have even been created under the PFF umbrella; Angel Pups assists with providing service dogs for children who would benefi t from one while Community Angels aids with home repairs or furniture donations. PFF hosts a variety of events throughout the year, one being a sporting clay tournament, Clays for a Cause, which raises $50,000 a year. @pffarizona, pearcefamilyfoundation.com. BOOV 3.indd 108BOOV 3.indd 1084/14/20 12:26 PM4/14/20 12:26 PMMost Influential in Valley Business AND Most Influential Man in the Valley Harrison Rogers As the CEO and founder of HJR Global, it is impossible to talk business in the Valley without mentioning Harrison Rogers. “2019 had many awesome successes that we are grateful for,” he says. “The greatest success would definitely be the unification of our companies.” (HJR Global now includes Lexington, LCI Realty, HYBRYD and HJR Properties.) “We unified around a common slogan, goal and vision that has really strengthened not only the company as a whole, but each individual business themselves.” And Rogers doesn’t plan to slow down any time soon, as he opens the first Family Entertainment Center this year; the center will comprise a luxury movie theater, bowling alley, arcade and laser tag areas. @hjrglobal, hjrglobal.com. PEOPLE / By Melissa Larsen BOOV 3.indd 109BOOV 3.indd 1094/14/20 12:26 PM4/14/20 12:26 PM110 @azfoothills #azfoothills Most Fashionable Valley Woman Julie Xander Julie Xander, infl uencer and brand promoter, calls her sense of style “sexy classy with a little bit of edge,” with Amy Atelier and Mae & Marie being her favorite retailers. Nearly 39,000 followers pop by Xander’s Instagram account for fi tness, fashion and beauty inspo. @lifestylejules AZFOOTHILLS.COM’S BEST OF OUR VALLEY 2020 Favorite ASU It Girl Jenna Vanderhave In many ways, Jenna Vanderhave’s days read like that of any other college student: getting to class, studying, fi nishing up assignments, spending time in the research lab, watching vlogs, hitting the gym. But with Vanderhave’s nearly 5,000 Instagram followers, she defi nitely earns the title of It Girl. She is a Psychology major with a Biological Sciences minor on the Pre- Physician’s Assistant Track with a goal to one day work as a PA in a pediatric primary care offi ce. What’s next for Vanderhave? “I am looking forward to gaining more health care experience working as an EMT in the meantime and continuing to teach and choreograph dance as my creative outlet.” @jennavanderhave Best Marketing Professional Jay Bouche As the chief marketing offi cer for Trapp Technology, Jay Bouche says that no two days are ever the same—and he wouldn’t have it any other way. “We’re working to build a powerhouse, national brand and it takes a lot of hard work to do that and that is what goes into every day,” says Bouche, who is also a father of two. He has worked in the IT services space for 12 years, and he remains on a constant quest to be better at any and everything he does. “Time defi nitely fl ies when you are learning new things and applying them daily, which is a goal I always have in the back of my mind while I’ve been on my personal career journey.” @Trapptechnology, trapptechnology.com. Trapp Technology was named Best National Valley-Based Company! Best Male PR John Glynn John Glynn is the director of public relations at the much-adored Fairmont Scottsdale Princes, boasting more than a decade in the PR profession. Since taking the position in 2018, he has been instrumental in making resort events like Christmas at the Princess and Freedom Fest roaring successes. @fairmontscotsdl, scottsdaleprincess.com. Favorite Local Lifestyle Blogger Jenny Donnell “While fashion is the core of The Sensible Shopaholic, I am a mom of two who spends my days driving my kids around town, loves to work out, eats out way too often, plans crazy last- minute trips and is doing her best to survive a home remodel,” says Jenny Donnell of TheSensibleShopaholic.com. “The Sensible Shopaholic encompasses everything from fashion trends to home design, mom life, travel, beauty and more.” Donnell launched the successful blog about fi ve years ago as a hobby; today, the blogger boasts a following of nearly 59,000 on Instagram. @thesensibleshopaholic Favorite Valley Mom Cara Dumaplin Cara Dumaplin isn’t just a mom to her own four kiddos—she is a cherished resource to many parents in the Valley and beyond. Dumaplin is neonatal nurse, a baby sleep expert and founder of Taking Cara Babies. With online classes, a content-rich blog and her presence on social media, Dumaplin’s goal is to help restore the joy of parenthood by using the science of a nurse and the heart of a mama. “Lack of sleep often prevents us from being the moms we know we are capable of being. Through education, I believe I can hand parents the tools to get their little ones sleeping and set the entire family up to truly thrive,” Dumaplin says. @takingcarababies, takingcarababies.com. Most Infl uential Valley Fitness Personality Evan Fertig It is safe to say that Evan Fertig wears many hats: a certifi ed nutritional consultant, a high school health and physical education teacher, a Lifetime Professional Men’s Physique competitor and the CEO and founder of Dialed In Physiques and ALL Natural. “Fitness and nutrition are my passions,” he says. “I try to inspire and challenge those around me to do their best and take pride in their accomplishments in everything they do on a day-to-day basis.” This year, Fertig aims to make Dialed In Physiques a household name and hopes to open his own fi tness studio in Scottsdale. @diphysique, diphysique.com. Fertig was also named Best Trainer! BOOV 3.indd 110BOOV 3.indd 1104/14/20 12:26 PM4/14/20 12:26 PM@bestofourvalley #bestofourvalley 111 Best Worship Leader Travis Hearn Travis Hearn is the senior pastor of Impact Church, a church in North Scottsdale that has experienced explosive growth and was named one of the fastest-growing churches in the nation. To accommodate its growing population, Impact announced a new space that will double the size of the existing church, with more than 900 parking spaces (a big uptick from the current 45). With this fresh location, Hearn will continue his top priority: to reach people for Jesus. Hearn also serves as the team chaplain to the Phoenix Suns and has served as chaplain for Major League Baseball for over a decade. The father and husband is the author of three books. @ImpactChurchAZ PEOPLE / By Melissa Larsen BOOV 3.indd 111BOOV 3.indd 1114/14/20 12:26 PM4/14/20 12:26 PM112 @azfoothills #azfoothills AZFOOTHILLS.COM’S BEST OF OUR VALLEY 2020 Most Influential in Valley Residential Real Estate Jason Mitchell, The Jason Mitchell Group With more than 1,500 units sold, $780,000,000 in volume and an estimated $20-plus million in commissions earned, Jason Mitchell of the The Jason Mitchell Group ranked No. 1 of the top 100 real estate professionals in the state. With Mitchell at the helm, The Jason Mitchell Group has proved to be the most trusted Valley real estate company since 2006. @jasonmitchellgroup, thejasonmitchellgroup.com. Photo: Hillary Bruubaker. Styled by Diane Aiello. Best Matchmaker Jill Kelleher Since 1986, Jill Kelleher has been on a quest to make love happen in the Valley and beyond. As the founder of Kelleher International, she led the company to be the largest privately owned matchmaking firm in the country with locations that span Scottsdale, San Francisco, New York, London, Vancouver and more, offering an impressive, exclusive client list. Not surprisingly, Kelleher boasts a remarkable success rate at finding her clients “the one.” “I’m constantly being rewarded with news and photos of engagements, marriages and babies!” she says. @kellehermatch, kelleher-international.com. Most Influential in Valley Tourism Marc Garcia In addition to promoting the Mesa area as a year-round business and leisure travel destination, Marc Garcia, president and CEO of Visit Mesa, led the town to became the first-ever destination marketing organization designated as a “Certified Autism Center” in 2019. In the fall, this top tourism pro was named one of AZ Foothills’ “Most Influential Phoenicians.” @MarcJGarcia, visitmesa.com. BOOV 3.indd 112BOOV 3.indd 1124/14/20 12:26 PM4/14/20 12:26 PM@bestofourvalley #bestofourvalley 113 2019 WINNER! Favorite Valley Dad Johnjay Van Es Johnjay Van Es is well-known locally as half of the adored Johnjay & Rich morning radio show, co-founder of The #LovePup Foundation (along with his wife, Blake) and, most importantly, as one heckuva dad. “I love watching my babies become young men,” he says, referring to sons Jake, 17, Kemp, 16, and Dutch, 13. “I love seeing my boys love their mom. I love it when their choices and opinions teach me a new way to think. I learn from all three every day.” @johnjayvanes Photo by David H. Smith. PEOPLE / By Melissa Larsen BOOV 3.indd 113BOOV 3.indd 1134/14/20 12:26 PM4/14/20 12:26 PMBOOV 3.indd 114BOOV 3.indd 1144/14/20 12:26 PM4/14/20 12:26 PMjuicy BRIGHT AND COLORFUL SUITS, JEWELS AND LIPS? FACE OF FOOTHILLS WINNER AVA CASHMAN. SHOT BY BRAD OLSON. CREATIVE DIRECTION BY CLAIRE PERKINS. HAIR AND MAKEUP STYLING BY ALLISON PYNN. WARDOBE STYLING BY MELODY SANCHEZ. HOME LISTED BY JASON MITCHELL REAL ESTATE. MADAGASCAR GLAM TRIANGLE TOP, $145, MADAGASCAR GLAM TIE-SIDE BOTTOM, $198, AND BEACH BALL, BEACHBUNNYSWIMWEAR.COM. LONDON GOLD JEWELRY, LONDONGOLD.COM. BOOV 3.indd 115BOOV 3.indd 1154/14/20 12:26 PM4/14/20 12:26 PMNext >