As a community who thrives on our small business, not everyone can afford to break into the business owner world on their own. That’s where franchise ownership helps entrepreneurs find their success as a small business owner. There are many around town from yoga studios, gyms and coffee shops to even my magazine Scottsdale City Lifestyle. A local one that I use often for my kids is Sit Still Kids. A hair salon catered towards kids. Today I have Co-Owner, Amy LecLerc here to talk about the power of franchise ownership and her purpose to help women become business owners.

Seven years ago Dr. Gerd took over as President & CEO of Scottsdale Arts. In that time he has revamped the Civic Center, brought in more festivals, shows and performances. Increased our outdoor art throughout the city and on our side streets. And today he’s going to talk about the importance of art when it comes to a thriving community.

From April 28, 2025:

Veronica Aguilar, an Arizona native and first-generation college student who holds a business degree and an MBA from ASU’s W.P. Carey School of Business. She is the Vice President of Recruitment at Teach For America (TFA) and the founder and chair of Young & Empowered Women (Y&E), a nonprofit uplifting diverse female leaders across Arizona. Veronica’s personal commitment to TFA’s mission to ensure all children receive an excellent education began 13 years ago as a corps member teaching 4th grade. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Veronica launched Young & Empowered Women, which has grown into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving over 200 members—67% women of color and 60% first-generation college graduates. Her leadership has earned honors including Phoenix Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 and the 2022 ATHENA Young Professional Award. Veronica is here to talk about how education can really empower women to achieve their full potential.

E-Bikes and the Unknown Dangers

From April 2025:

We see them around town, you hear them and they can be very dangerous if not ridden properly. The E-bike craze has taken over and Scottsdale Police need your help. As parents we can’t be everywhere at all times. And while we may do our best to keep our kids safe, do we really know all the dangers out there? SPD wants you to know the pros and cons of those e-bikes in your garage. We SGT Tyler Johnson and Officer Devinn Phillips.

SUBSCRIBE on your Favorite podcast listening app. Find us on IG & FB at Scottsdale Vibes Podcast or check us out on scottsdale vibes dot media. And don’t forget that we are now the proud owners of Scottsdale City Lifestyle magazine where you can read about even more of your favorite community.

As a sports fan myself, I think it’s incredible what these athletes can do. We mostly see the most skilled athletes in college and professional sports, these athletes start at a very young age. My 7-yr-old's already being recruited for competitive soccer! Today, I have Riczer Desvaristes, owner and CEO of Hypamark to tell us how the path to success for student athletes is just what happens on the field, but off too. Hypamark was born out of a desire to do business differently in sports—more purpose, more access, and more community. RIczer and his team are building programs that give young athletes exposure, education, and real opportunities.

SUBSCRIBE on your Favorite podcast listening app. Find us on IG & FB at Scottsdale Vibes Podcast or check us out on scottsdale vibes dot media. And don’t forget that we are now the proud owners of Scottsdale City Lifestyle magazine where you can read about even more of your favorite community.

Today we revisit an episode from earlier this year, MotorMia! We spoke with Iisak Bunick during one of the busiest weeks of the year, AZ Car Week.

From January 20, 2025:

Car enthusiasts are taking over the Valley this week with AZ Car Week and Barett-Jackson. But one local company is taking the car lovers' experience to the next level with AI. Isaac Bunick has loved cars since a young age. Buying, selling, tinkering and upgrading them all. After starting many successful tech companies, Issac, or The Wise Owl to many, moved to Scottsdale in 2022 needing a new adventure. As he was working on his cars in the garage, his daughter, Mia would come outside to “help” Being the girly that she is, she asked her dad to make the car pink. That’s when the light bulb went off for Issac, I wondered what the car would be like pink, or with a different body style. Maybe different shocks, lights etc. Born was MotorMia, an AI generator for car enthusiasts to show them what their dream car could look like. https://www.motormia.co/

We all know the Scottsdale food scene is REALLY becoming a must stop on any foodies must eat list. It is the most popular answer when asked one’s favorite “Scottsdale Vibe” And Eric Walters knows all too well as the name, face and creator of A Taste of AZ. You might have heard of them from the big festival they put on each year at Salt River Fields, their weekly podcast, quarterly publication and newly released book. But it was really Eric’s passion for good AZ craft beer that got him to launch Tap that AZ podcast in 2016. Growing from a craft beer podcast to the food scene around AZ and the Valley, Eric is going tell me what’s new and exciting for summer eats.

Downtown Denny Brown, as many of us know him by, has been making a difference in Scottsdale for decades. He’s done it all from acting, sales, SUSD PTO President, SUSD School Board member and board member to just a few organizations around town. One of his board roles is for Scottsdale Community Partners. Here, residents can find services to help them through difficult times.

Calendar of Events

Kierland Commons Free Concert Series
Happening the whole month of May on Friday evenings from 6-8pm. Bring your friends, family and leashed pets along with Lawn chairs and blankets for the most comfortable experience.

Arizona Restaurant Week
Kicks off this weekend, May 16-25. An opportunity to try some of these hot spots around town with a special set menu.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

SUBSCRIBE on your Favorite podcast listening app. Find us on IG & FB at Scottsdale Vibes Podcast or check us out on scottsdale vibes dot media. And don’t forget that we are now the proud owners of Scottsdale City Lifestyle magazine where you can read about even more of your favorite community.