ILoA Awards 2013 Finalists And Winners

BUSINESSES IN FIVE KEY SECTORS RECOGNIZED FOR INNOVATION

Alternative Energy • Distribution And Logistics • Healthcare • Hospitality • Retail

Az Business magazine is proud to present the Industry Leaders of Arizona (ILoA) Awards, which recognize the contributions and impact of Arizona-based companies in five key industries — alternative energy, distribution and logistics, healthcare, hospitality, and retail. The finalists for this year’s ILoA Awards are profiled here. Winners were recognized at the awards dinner held February 7 at The Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix.

View photos from the Industry Leaders of Arizona awards dinner.

Here are the ILoA 2013 Finalists:

American Group

Leadership: Michael Schember, CEO; Daniel Krivickas, president and CFO
Address: 75 W. Baseline Rd., #19, Gilbert
Website: shipag.com
What they do: Simplifies the shipping process for its clients by combining multiple options into a single website — whatever mode the client prefers.
How they lead: The management team at American Group has decades of combined experience on both the carrier and logistics sides. American Group partners with the best providers across multiple modes in order to give its clients unparalleled service. Since it was founded in 2007, American Group has twice landed on Inc.’s list of the 5,000 fastest-growing companies in America.

Angel MedFlight Worldwide Air Ambulance

Leadership: Jeremy T. Freer, CEO; Ashley Sanders, CFO
Address: 8014 E. McClain Dr., #220, Scottsdale
Website: angelmedflight.com
What they do: Provides medical flights for critically ill and injured patients aboard medically configured jets.
How they lead: Unsatisfied with industry standards of having dispatchers, salespeople or answering services fielding medical flight inquiries, Freer changed the air ambulance industry by staffing the flight coordination department with healthcare and case management specialists, viewing these in-office healthcare professionals as a crucial component to patient care.

Amtech Systems

Leadership: Fokko Pentinga, CEO; Brad Anderson, CFO
Address: 131 S. Clark Dr., Tempe
Website: amtechsystems.com
What they do: Manufacturer of capital equipment and related consumables used in fabricating solar cells, LED and semiconductor devices.
How they lead: Amtech Systems is one of the leading capital equipment suppliers to the solar industry. Its customers include some of the largest solar cell and module manufacturers in the world. Amtech Systems is developing a new tool for the solar market — an ion implant system that will improve the conversion efficiency of a solar cell and reduce the overall cost of solar.

Arizona Neurological Institute

Leadership: Dr. Maninder S. Kahlon, CEO; Dr. Jatin B. Shah, CFO
Address: 10474 W. Thunderbird., Blvd., Phoenix
Website: arizonaneurologicalinstitute.com
What they do: Provides neurological, physical and rehabilitative services.
How they lead: The management team at Arizona Neurological Institute believes that the quality of care that they can provide to patients is dependent on recruiting the most skilled and educated people they can find. They continually measure their performance and commit to improve it. Management believes that cost and quality are not on opposite ends of the spectrum, and by implementing a quality program, they will improve the total cost of healthcare to its patients.

Banner Health

Leadership: Peter Fine, CEO; Dennis Dahlen, CFO
Address: 1441 N. 12th St., Phoenix
Website: bannerhealth.com
What they do: Operates 23 hospitals and other related health entities in seven states, including the Banner Health Network and Banner Medical Group.
How they lead: Banner Health is one of the few health systems in the nation to have successfully implemented enhanced electronic medical records into all of its hospitals. Banner’s EMR is an enabling technology that is used by all clinicians that provide patient care in Banner hospitals. The implementation of this suite of tools transformed how care was provided and also improved patient safety through a constant automated review of patient data.

Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Leadership: Dr. Edgar Staren, CEO; Charles E. Ribbe, CFO
Address: 14200 W. Fillmore St., Goodyear
Website: cancercenter.com
What they do: Offers a comprehensive, fully integrated approach to cancer treatment using advanced technology and a patient-centered approach.
How they lead: Known for delivering the Mother Standard of care and Patient Empowerment Medicine, CTCA provides patients with information about cancer and their treatment options so they can control their treatment decisions. In 2012, CTCA was honored as one of the 100 Best Companies of the Future and was also the winner of Az Business magazine’s Healthcare Leadership Award for Hospital of the Year.

Clinical Research Advantage, Inc.

Leadership: Mark S. Hanley, CEO; James Vesely, CFO
Address: 2141 E. Broadway Rd., #110, Tempe
Website: crastudies.com
What they do: Clinical trial site network.
How they lead: While three of its competitors closed their doors over the last two years, CRA experienced 44 percent growth, becoming the country’s largest network with 38 sites in 17 geographic markets. CRA’s team did this by promoting the company’s innovative community-based research model, its level of professionalism and its unparalleled system for compiling operational metrics. This method worked, and in 2011, CRA made company history by securing 257 Phase II – IV clinical trials – a 145 percent increase over 2010.

Dircks Moving Services

Leadership: Chip Dircks, president; Mark Hudson, CFO
Address: 4340 E. Mohave, Phoenix
Website: dircks.com
What they do: Moving, logistics and storage company that specializes in the transportation and storage of household goods, office and industrial equipment, and other commodities.
How they lead: Dircks’ management recognizes that its employees are the face of the company and are the ones that drive the business, so they operate an “open-door policy” business that encourages its staff to come up with better ways of conducting commerce and operations and rewards those employees that do. Dircks’ won Mayflower’s Customer Choice Award in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

EVDI Medical Imaging

Leadership: Dr. James Lyons, CEO; Dr. Edward Hancock, CFO
Address: 1125 E. Southern Ave., #300, Mesa
Website: evdi.com
What they do: Provides comprehensive imaging services – from simple x-rays to complex CT and MRI studies, to complete breast imaging services.
How they lead: EVDI’s experienced radiologists are members of Associated Radiologists, Ltd. – a group of more than 40 professional radiologists who have been providing superior care in the Valley since 1965. Over the years, ARL has established an excellent reputation for high-quality imaging and accurate interpretations. Each radiologist on EVDI’s team has the training, experience and expertise to deliver the best care, every time.

Goodmans Interior Structures

Leadership: Adam Goodman, CEO; Doug Klein, CFO
Address: 1400 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix
Website: goodmans.info
What they do: Office furniture dealership dedicated to creating great lifetime furniture experiences for healthcare, corporate, education and government clients.
How they lead: Goodmans was named the 2012 Business of the Year and Community Champion by the Greater Phoenix Chamber, and they were the first recipient of Office Furniture Dealers Alliance National Dealership Award in 2011. Goodmans is also the only office furniture dealer to receive Certified B Corporation status in the U.S. and Arizona. Goodmans was also named a “Trailblazer” in the commemorative magazine — “100 Best Companies in Arizona.”.

Goodwill of Central Arizona

Leadership: Jim Teter, CEO; Tanya Perry, CFO
Address: 2626 W. Beryl Ave., Phoenix
Website: goodwillaz.org
What they do: Turns donations from the community into dollars that fund programs that help individuals prepare for and find work.
How they lead: In 1992, Goodwill stores were remodeled to reflect a new emphasis on productivity, efficiency and respect for the community’s donations. That environmental shift has helped Goodwill eliminate negative views of “thrifting” and increase revenue from $2 million in 1992 to more than $80 million in 2011. Because of that boost, Goodwill of Central Arizona ranks No. 1 nationally in job placement among Goodwills.

Video by Cory Bergquist

Green Choice Solar LLC

Leadership: Herbert Abel, CEO; Randy Buter, CFO
Address: 15344 N. 83rd Way, Scottsdale
Website: greenchoicesolar.com
What they do: Solar integrator that provides a one-stop shop for solar systems, with in-house design, financing, installation, maintenance and monitoring.
How they lead: Green Choice has renewable industry veterans with more than 50 years of experience in the renewable market. Its design team has designed and installed more than 550 solar projects worldwide. Its in-house engineers have P.E. and NABCEP certifications, and they are a SRP and APS qualified installer. Green Choice has strong financial rapport from Morgan Stanley, the Biltmore Bank of Arizona and Key Equipment community.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria

Leadership: Joseph Ciolli, CEO; Eric Greenwald, CFO
Address: 15005 N. Northsight Blvd., Scottsdale
Website: grimaldispizzeria.com
What they do: Serves traditional pizza, cooked in a signature coal brick oven, in an upscale yet casual, family-oriented pizzeria.
How they lead: Grimaldi’s is an institution that has garnered more awards than any other pizzeria in the country with more celebrity sightings than most 5-star restaurants. Using only the freshest ingredients, a “secret recipe” pizza sauce, handmade mozzarella cheese and dough, Grimaldi’s serves traditional pizza — as it began in Naples, Italy.

Harmon Electric, Inc.

Leadership: Julie King, CEO; Dan King, CFO
Address: 945 W. Deer Valley Rd., Phoenix
Website: harmonelectriccorp.com
What they do: Specializes in residential and commercial energy audits, lighting upgrades, new construction, repairs, and solar installation.
How they lead: Family-owned Harmon has evolved during its 37 years in business, remaining one of the few electrical contracting firms in business for this length of time. The company has expanded and evolved to serve the needs of the growing city and added services to accommodate demand for energy efficiency and alternative energy. Harmon Electric was part of the first group of solar installers to achieve the designation of Qualified Solar Installer by APS.

Video by Cory Bergquist

Macayo’s Mexican Restaurants

Leadership: Sharisse Johnson, CEO; Bob Myers, CFO
Address: 1480 E. Bethany Home Rd., #130, Phoenix
Website: macayo.com
What they do: Family owned and locally operated Mexican restaurant for 66 years.
How they lead: Beyond growing its own chilies at its farm near Douglas, Macayo’s set out to find a way to get employees to think like owners. The first step was to open the books and share Macayo’s balance sheet with every employee. This accounting savvy has motivated employees to take ownership of cost savings and inspired them to continually find creative solutions to bringing down costs.

Mach 1 Global Services

Leadership: Jamie Fletcher, CEO; Debbie Wilcox, CFO
Address: 1530 W. Broadway Rd., Tempe
Website: mach1global.com
What they do: Global freight forwarder offering a full portfolio of international and domestic transportation, supply chain management and logistics services to worldwide destinations.
How they lead: For more than two decades, Mach 1 has delivered industry-leading on-time service performance and one of the lowest claims ratios in the industry. Mach 1 measures its performance at every opportunity and openly shares key performance indicators with clients. Mach 1 boasts an industry-leading 98.15% “raw” on-time delivery rate and 99.9962% rate on intact, damage-free deliveries.

Massage Envy

Leadership: Dave Crisalli, president and CEO; Greg Esgar, CFO
Address: 14350 N. 87th St., #200, Scottsdale
Website: massageenvy.com
What they do: Professional, affordable and convenient massage and spa services.
How they lead: Founded just a decade ago with the goal of bringing professional, convenient and affordable therapeutic massage to consumers, Massage Envy has built an unprecedented wellness platform with more than 800 clinics in 45 states with more than 24,000 employees. Massage Envy’s leadership also strives to educate the consumer and has ultimately changed the public’s perception of massage. Massage Envy contributes to massage research and education and is an active partner with massage therapy schools throughout the U.S.

Neonatology Associates LTD

Leadership: Dr. Ravi Gunawardene, CEO; Dr. Mahesh Kotwal, CFO
Address: 300 W. Clarendon, #375, Phoenix
Website: nalweb.com
What they do: An integrated private practice of 30 neonatologists, 42 neonatal nurse practitioners, 2 physician assistants, a pediatrician and a clinical geneticist who provide multi-leveled service.
How they lead: For more than 42 years, NAL has cared for sick newborns throughout Arizona. Arizona’s original newborn consultation/transport system was set up by NAL neonatologists. When you call NAL’s consultation/transport number, a neonatologist personally answers the phone because they know time is of the utmost importance when you make this call.

Video by Cory Bergquist

NextCare Urgent Care

Leadership: John Julian, CEO; Ken Walsh, CFO
Address: 2550 N. Thunderbird Circle, #303, Mesa
Website: nextcare.com
What they do: Offers walk-in medical clinics with licensed medical providers 365 days a year.
How they lead: On top of saving patients money and contributing to the health of the communities it serves, NextCare provides an exceptional alternative to costly emergency rooms, saving the government and commercial health plans tens of millions of dollars each year. That cost efficiency allows commercial health plans to lower their costs and government programs to invest in more meaningful programs to keep Arizonans healthy and safe.

PCA Skin

Leadership: Richard Linder, CEO; Chris McCrory, COO
Address: 6710 E. Camelback Rd., #230, Scottsdale
Website: pcaskin.com
What they do: Skin healthcare company that produces and distributes a clinical grade skin care line and supporting daily use products.
How they lead: PCA Skin was the first cosmeceutical company to provide scientifically researched daily care products and professional treatments to the medical and clinical aesthetics markets and is acknowledged in medical textbooks as the originator of advanced blended chemical peel formulations. PCA Skin uses rigorous research and science to develop safe, highly effective products that deliver healthy, beautiful skin.

Phoenix Children’s Hospital

Leadership: Robert Meyer, president and CEO; Craig McKnight, executive vice president, finance and CFO
Address: 1919 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix
Website: phoenixchildrens.com
What they do: Offers Arizona’s most comprehensive pediatric medical care in an environment that’s 100 percent for children.
How they lead: PCH demonstrates its leadership by responding to community health needs with a commitment to world-class clinical care, research, education and advocacy. With a medical staff of nearly 1,000 specialists, PCH provides the most comprehensive pediatric care in the state with access to more than 55 subspecialties. PCH is the only Arizona facility to be named among the Best Children’s Hospitals by US News & World Report.

Video by Cory Bergquist

SuperShuttle International

Leadership: Brian Wier, CEO; Tom Lavoy, CFO
Address: 14500 N. Northsight Blvd., #329, Scottsdale
Website: supershuttle.com
What they do: Airport shuttle business providing 24-hour-a-day door-to-door rides to and from your home, office or hotel and 35 U.S. airports.
How they lead: SuperShuttle pioneered the shared ride concept nearly 30 years ago and today is the largest, most recognized airport shuttle business in the country, providing rides for more than 8 million passengers each year. To minimize stops and maximize efficiency, SuperShuttle’s state-of-the-art dispatch system groups passengers by geographic area.

Wildflower Bread Company

Leadership: Louis J. Basile Jr., CEO; Cheryl Campbell, CFO
Address: 7755 E. Gray Rd., Scottsdale
Website: wildflowerbread.com
What they do: Wildflower Bread Company serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and also caters event. Artisan hearth-baked bread is the soul of its success.
How they lead: When it comes to bread-making, Wildflower’s commitment is not simply to excellence, but to the preservation of a true art form. The finest natural ingredients are mixed, hand-shaped, slowly fermented and baked daily in European ovens. Using time-honored traditions, each loaf of bread takes 72 hours to create. The result is fresh, hard-crusted bread ranging from airy and light to dense and delectable.

Video by Cory Bergquist

Wist Office Products

Leadership: Ian Wist, CEO; Peter Drozdowicz, CFO
Address: 107 W. Julie Dr., Tempe
Website: wist.com
What they do: Award-winning customer service and a selection of more than 50,000 products ranging from office supplies and office furniture, to janitorial products and printing supplies.
How they lead: Wist experienced growth throughout the Recession, something that its industry peers cannot claim — and a hallmark of industry leadership. Wist’s success comes from a combination of a long-tenured staff who embody a higher class of service that drives the company’s success, and a leadership team focused on implementing progressive practices that maintain the company’s relevance in a crowded marketplace.

Video by Cory Bergquist

Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill

Leadership: Steven A. Micheletti, CEO; Allen Arroyo, CFO
Address: 6909 E. Greenway Pkwy., #295, Scottsdale
Website: ztejas.com
What they do: Southwestern-style restaurant that takes traditional ingredients, spices and cooking techniques from across the South to create a taste without borders.
How they lead: Open communication with its customers is vital to Z’Tejas’ success. It was one of the first restaurants to utilize Facebook and Twitter, and was one of the first restaurants on fast-growing social media platform Pinterest. For Z’Tejas social media isn’t just about offering specials, it’s about engaging guests in their brand.

Arizona Business Magazine January/February 2013