Merry Christmas with Designer & Writer Patricia McMillan

Today's podcast episode features the incredibly talented interior designer and famed writer, Patricia Hart McMillan from San Antonio, Texas.  We are proud to have three of our Candelaria Design homes featured in her recent book Christmas By Design  which is available on our website at candelariadesign.com/candelaria-collection/christmas-by-design

In this episode we follow Patricia from her early years on the farm to her blossoming interior design career in New York City and then her transition to becoming a renowned writer. She has now written 22 books and has more in the works. Patricia is so knowledgable and in this episode she shares some of her insights and wisdom she has learned from the lessons collected throughout her career. 

Patricia is now working with me and mentoring me through the book writing process. Together with her publisher, we have at least two books we are now working on featuring our Candelaria Design homes from the last twenty years along with recipes connected to each home! 

https://coffeetablebooksandmore.com/san-antonio-book

facebook.com/patricia.h.mcmillan

amazon.com/Christmas-Design-Private-Decorated-Designers/dp/0764356542

Energy Unlimited with Danny Sharaby

Danny with his wife and three daughters

This episode of Inspiring Living I speak with Founder & Owner of Tickets Unlimited, Danny Sharaby. Danny created this business while trying to support himself through Law School, well, he was so successful that when he graduated he never pursued Law and went on to found his company that now handles the buying and selling of premium tickets for local, national and international sporting, concerts, and theater events!

We chat about the events industry and how the pandemic has affected the business and him personally and the lessons he’s learned from the many twists and turns his life has presented. We wrap up by hearing about some of the amazing events and people he has met throughout the years and what events are on the horizon for 2021.

Danny with Steven Tyler

Danny with Charles Barkley at Tiger Woods v. Phil Mickelson in Las Vegas 2018

Danny & Mark recording the podcast

Danny & wife with Jim Courier & Lindsay Davenport, Wimbledon 2019

https://ticketsunlimited.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ticketsunlimitedinc

https://www.instagram.com/tixsunlimited/

Following the American Dream with Vernon & Lisa Parker

Vernon Parker & wife Lisa podcasting with Mark

In this episode, I got to sit down with my friend and former Mayor of Paradise Valley, Vernon Parker. Vernon served as first ever Assistant of Civil Rights for the Dept. of Agriculture and was a part of the settlement team for the largest civil rights claim ever won against the US, served as General Console of the US Office of Personal Management in D.C., and served as Special Assistant to President George HW Bush.

Vernon shares his story growing up in Long Beach, CA living with his Grandma in a poor neighborhood on welfare, being frequently robbed, watching his uncle shoot up heroin, yet Vernon was determined to lead a better life and make his grandmother, who meant so much to him, proud. Where he went to high school was actually the school the movie Freedom Writers is based around. He overcame so many setbacks and obstacles in life and went on to eventually graduate from Cal State-Long Beach with a degree in Finance and then went on to Law School at Georgetown University at age 25 with the financial help of his mother and grandmother. It was at University where Vernon met his lovely wife and the two graduated together and later got married!

In 1997 the happy couple moved to Paradise Valley, and by 2008 Vernon was elected Mayor due to his drive and vision! Listen to this inspiring story and how Vernon rose through the ranks and his perspective on social justice, racism and politics in America.

A Look at a Masterful Career with Architect Brent Kendle

This episode features a fellow acclaimed Arizona architect, Brent Kendle. Brent grew up in Chicago and was inspired by the work of Frank Lloyd Wright to become an architect and attend ASU’s Architecture Program. The Passive Solar program they were promoting to students was very pragmatic and eco-friendly, which appealed to Brent's preferred style of design and prompted him to move West. Mark met Brent back in the early 80’s while attending ASU’s Architecture school together, and they briefly reminisce on their college classes.

Fast forward, after 10 years as a partner at Cornoyer Hedrick in Arizona, Brent ventured on his own to found Kendle Design Collaborative, located in Scottsdale, in 2002. Today, they are an internationally acclaimed residential architectural firm specializing in regionally inspired modern design. KDC’s projects have been featured in luxury magazines, national brand advertisements, international design exhibits, books on modern and eco design, and design publications from more than 30 countries.

Connect with Kendle Design Collaborative:

https://www.kendledesign.com/

https://www.instagram.com/kendledesign/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/

https://www.facebook.com/kendledesigncollaborative/

Meet a True Warrior - The Inspiring Story of Patrick McLaughlin

This episode features a man who truly embodies overcoming major life challenges with both physical and mental strength and grace. This incredibly inspiring man is Patrick McLaughlin, husband, father, business owner, survivor of a major car accident that led to over 38 surgeries, and later battled brain cancer! If he isn't a testament to the strength of the human spirit, I don't know what is! 

Patrick says, "It is because of my Faith and amazing friends and family that I manage to get through all these trials." Patrick has a true love for life and even though he is fighting against the odds, he certainly hasn't given up. Instead, he works to spread the feelings of love and happiness to anyone that will listen. So, do yourself and Patrick a favor by listening to his incredible life story, his insights and perspective to overcoming obstacles and how he manages to live his best life, while helping others do the same. 

Patrick was born in Los Angeles and was adopted by the most amazing parents any child could ask for. He attended ASU and received a degree in Communications and minor in Business. A few years after college he met his future bride Holly and were married at the Enchantment Resort in Sedona in Dec of 1999. Patrick happily took on the role of being a parent to Holly’s son Austin and helped raise him. Soon after they were married, they found out they were pregnant with a boy who they named Jack and later had a daughter named Marley.

Given his passion for finance, he then decided to create his own firm, Strategic Benefit Group, which has now grown to be a nationally recognized Consulting and Enrollment firm. The company helps thousands of employees in Middle America gain access to some value-added insurance and investment options that they would not otherwise be privy to. In 2014 Patrick was recognized as “America’s Top Planner” out of 30k Advisors, CPA’s, and Estate Planning Attorneys.

In 2013, Holly and Patrick were hit by a drunk driver which resulted in all of Patrick’s blood sources to his stomach being severed. Patrick had a 14-hour surgery and he now has two stomachs and lives with a feeding tube. He has had over 38 surgeries and procedures that they had to use anesthesia for to try and fix him. Then in Dec 2019, Patrick was diagnosed with brain cancer.

Pat, wife Holly & 2 of their 3 kids.

Pat’s 2 boys.

Unsuccessful brain surgery, then 9 months of intense chemotherapy.

Connect with Patrick:

Website: www.strategicbenefitgroup.com

LinkedIn": https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-mclaughlin-58127513/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrick.mclaughlin.716

Taking Action with Russell & Erika Dickey

Russ & Erika podcasting with Mark & Isabel

Today's episode Isabel and I chat with our friends Russell and Erika Dickey. We talk a bit about the state of the world, which segues into their incredible grassroots effort in helping the Navajo Nation battle Covid-19, and how with the help of friends, connections and a passion to make a difference, anyone truly can. Lastly, we end up reminiscing over our past Tours to Italy together in 2014 and Spain in 2016. 

Russell earned his undergraduate degree in Accounting, then attended the Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law in Phoenix, graduating in 1987, and became a member of the Arizona bar in 1988. In 2006, he became the Executive Director of the Greater Arizona Christian Community Foundation, supporting Christian philanthropic ventures locally.  He then returned to Verco Manufacturing (now VMI) as Legal Counsel and works there currently.

Russell’s charitable endeavors include PPE for Navajo Nation First Responders (Co-Founder), ASU Game Changer Legacy (Co-Founder), Arizona Urban Youth Ministries (Board), and Elevate Phoenix (former Development Board).  He and his wife support a wide range of charities in the areas of medicine, urban youth, theater, sports, and many others.

Follow Russell and his foundations here:

www.gofundme.com/f/PPE-for-Navajo-First-Responders

sundevilclub.com/game-changer-legacyscholar-baller-initiative

elevatephoenix.org/

Exploring Career Opportunities in Arizona with Jessica Pierce of Career Connectors

Today’s podcast episode features Founder and CEO of Career Connectors, Jessica Pierce. Jessica founded Career Connectors in 2009 after the economy had a personal impact on her family. Originally started as a small volunteer group to help write resumes, it quickly turned into a larger organization helping people get back to work. She is now the Executive Director of Career Connectors as well as a known speaker, trainer and career transition expert.

Jessica speaks with Mark on networking, how covid has affected the unemployment rate and unemployment benefits, best practices for finding employment or switching careers and the benefits of volunteering. They also discuss the large influx of people moving to Arizona over the past few years and increasingly now with the “remote workplace”, and how that has affected our job market and the big industries here that need more workers.

Jessica brings a strong background in organizational development techniques, career coaching, DISC behavioral assessment, training and development, pre-employment assessments, outplacement services and hiring. Jessica has spoke at The White House in the Forum on Job Clubs in United States, has been featured in the Arizona Republic, on NBC Channel 12, ABC Channel 15, SimplyHired and multiple other radio and newspaper outlets.

Connect with Career Connectors:

Website: https://careerconnectors.org/ 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicampierce/

Facebook: facebook.com/careerconnectors

 Instagram: instagram.com/careerconnectors/

 YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCHrSQjOsYVkW0k0h5ff_Mhg

Things are Always Cooking with Chef Angelo Brunson

Chef Angelo at his restaurant with Mark

This podcast episode features Chef, restaurant owner and friend, Angelo Brunson of Angelo’s Ristorante. Mark met Angelo during a dinner at his restaurant back in 2004 while Mark was up in Idaho working on a luxury log home on Lake Coeur d’ Alene. Mark and his clients were very impressed with this newly opened, authentic Italian restaurant and of course Mark wanted to meet the chef behind this great food. Over a decade later, Mark continues to take his friends and family to dine at Angelo’s during their trips to Cd’A as the food and staff are still as marvelous as ever.

This year, Mark was in town for a long weekend to visit his daughter Bella during her summer job. They enjoyed a great dinner at Angelo’s and found out he was going to be harvesting and crushing grapes for a small wine label he has the next morning with the famous winemaker Pasquale from Paso Robles, CA! This definitely sounded like something they wanted to check out and decided to join him the next morning and have him as a guest on our podcast!

In this episode Angelo talks about learning to cook, opening his first restaurant in Seattle, what led him to the small resort town of Cd'A, his faith, his family, his restaurant and the wine he makes!

At the vineyard in Northern Idaho Angelo shares with the famous winemaker Pasquale from Paso Robles, CA!

Angelo’s Ristorante has featured an extensive menu of homemade, authentic Italian dishes since it opened in the resort town of Coeur d’ Alene in 2004. The food is prepared from scratch daily, using recipes passed down from generation to generation, with the freshest and local ingredients ensuring his patrons the taste and flavors of Italy in every dish. Listen to the podcast to hear all about how Angelo learned to cook and run a restaurant and his journey navigating the ups and downs of life!

A few dishes at Angelo’s Ristorante

https://www.angelosristorante.net/

Taking that Perfect Shot with Photographer Carrie Evans

Carrie Evans is a talented photographer here in the Valley and Scottsdale-native, specializing in fashion, lifestyle, bridal and corporate photography. Her range, charisma and talent have landed her work in a multitude of local and international magazines such as Institute Magazine UK, Phoenix Magazine, Phoenix Home & Garden, Obscurae Magazine, and Veux Magazine in Toronto. 

I met Carrie many years ago on a photo shoot for a "Modern Man" article in Luxe Magazine. Carrie has done many shoots of my design partner's and I for various magazines over the years and I hired her for a very special shoot of my wife Isabel and I while she was going through chemo a few years back. 

We discuss her journey graduating from UofA to working at a TV and print Ad Agency in Las Vegas, to moving back to Scottsdale to pursue her photography career. She talks about her extensive travels, some memorable shoots and her determination and unwavering belief in herself and her passion. 

Connect with Carrie here:

carrieevansphoto.com/ & carrieevansstudios.com/

facebook.com/CarrieEvansPhotography

instagram.com/carrieevansphotography

linkedin.com/in/carrie-evans-2844936

youtube.com/channel/UCMNI07u74x8PnbedfQbWlyA

Jeff Kramer presents our 2020 "Jeff Kramer MVP Award" to Winner Mathew Grove

Mark recording with Mat Grove & Jeff Kramer

This episode of Inspiring Living features two amazing individuals and members of our Candelaria Design Team. First, we welcome Architect, Jeffrey Kramer, AIA, who has been a member of our team for nearly 20 years. Over the course of that time Jeff and i have collaborated on a number of amazing projects including a true legacy project, El Chorro in Paradise Valley, AZ.

In this podcast we will delve into Jeff Kramer's beginnings as a youth in New Jersey to his college days at Tulane University in Louisiana, to eventually ending up here in Arizona. Along the way, without even looking at Jeff's work, you will come to understand why Jeff established the MVP standard in our company and culture. 

Then, we actually present the Jeff Kramer 2020 MVP award to this year's recipient, Mathew Grove! Mat has been with the firm approximately 5 years and from his time just starting as an intern while completing his studies at the University of Arizona he has become a force and highly respected member of our Candelaria Design Team working on a number of marquis residences. 

Jeff with his wife and two kids.

Jeff joined Candelaria Design as a Project Director in September 2000. After graduating with a Bachelor of Architecture from Tulane University, he spent the next 15 years with a local Phoenix firm as a Project Architect where he developed his skills on a wide variety of commercial and residential projects. Jeff joined CDA because of his enjoyment of working on quality residential architecture exclusively. He states, "Residential architecture provides an unmatched opportunity for personalized service and collaboration with clients in the creation of an inspiring and uniquely customized home. Jeff has retired from Candelaria Design to spend more time with his family and pursuing personal interests. He does however, continue to consult with Candelaria Design on several projects and provides quality control and back-checking of our projects.

Mathew joined Candelaria Design in February of 2014 as an intern and joined the firm full-time as Job Captain following his graduation from University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Architecture degree. Mathew’s passion for architecture was evident at an early age and led him to intern in high school with the San Diego firm of Carrier Johnson Architects for two consecutive summers. His travels through Europe have influenced and inspired his architecture perspective. Mathew is committed to a high level of client service and looks forward to opportunities to contribute his creativity and attention to detail as a Candelaria design team member. In his spare time, Mathew enjoys biking, traveling, sports and spending time with family and friends.

You can follow Mat here:
https://instagram.com/mgr760

"Be Different & Be Kind" with Maria Hansen-Quine

In this episode Mark speaks with the passionately loving parent of 9, Maria Hansen-Quine. Can we just say, we were absolutely blown away by Maria & husband Sam’s compassion, strength and deep desire to make the world a more loving and understanding place.

Along with parenting, Maria has always been passionate about diversity. Twelve years ago, while a school counselor in Washington state she created a diversity unit which she taught regularly for 10+ years. Today, she has two children’s books which are a culmination of this curriculum and her experiences as a school counselor and a mom. "Be Different & Be Kind: A Story About Diversity" tells the courageous story of a character named Mariah and what it really means to be different from the other kids. Things improve for her when the school counselor comes in to class and teaches a new lesson. This book is a great resource to teach children about the beauty of diversity! 

Maria has devoted the past 22 years to working with children, has worked in three different states, six different schools, two group homes, an outpatient therapy children's programs, homeless shelters, and has provided court mandated therapeutic in-home support to families. Maria’s passion for kids began in college during two summers spent running day camps in Camden New Jersey.

Maria currently works as a school counselor in a beautiful inner city community and her and her husband Sam have nine beautiful and diverse “precious jewels”, seven through adoption and two born biologically. ​Maria is passionate about many things including diversity, kindness, adoption, special needs, parenting, and God.

You do not want to miss this moving and motivational episode!

Connect with Maria Hansen-Quine

Website/Blog: preciousjewelsmamma.weebly.com/

Books: mariahansen-quine.weebly.com

Facebook: facebook.com/PreciousJewelsMamma/

The video interview at Hillsong: www.facebook.com/watch/?v=707698456459812

Video sharing a bit about Maria’s family and heart for adoption: vimeo.com/139302421

Top 7 Episodes from Season One

In this third podcast episode of Season Two, we look back and highlight the seven most-downloaded episodes from our podcast series thus far. We didn't want to stop short at the top five, once you hear the guests and topics on the top seven most downloaded episodes you'll understand why! This highlight episode features clips from each of the seven most downloaded episodes and offers some discussion on why Mark thinks these were the most listened to episodes. 

7. “The Story Behind Fashionista & Designer Oscar de las Salas”

6. “No Reserve on Balance with Auction-tainer Letitia Frye”

5. “Power Couple Elliot Barkan & Corinne Hale - They Launch Real Estate”

4. “Niki Woehler - The Art of Living with Art!”.

3. “Building a Builder Brand with Brad Leavitt”,

2. “Getting Real with Real Estate Agent Frank Aazami“

The top most-downloaded episode was our very first episode, “Making of an Interior Design Career & Battling Cancer” with Mark’s wife Isabel Candelaria who will join in and reflect back on that personal first episode.

Listen to this highlight episode by clicking the button above and subscribe on your listening app to easily access all of our Inspiring Living episodes! All of our episodes can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio and Buzzsprout. Click the platform you prefer and the link will take you there! 

Wine Making in the Heart of Oregon with Bruno Corneaux

Our podcast today features someone special in the Willamette Wine community, being one of the first winemakers in the Ribbon Hill region/small sub-AVA, Bruno Corneaux. Today, Bruno is the director of winemaking at NW Wine Company in Dundee and owner and winemaker at Domaine Divio Winery in Newberg, Oregon. We visited their stunning winery in Newberg, the first time just by chance, and boy was it a lucky find as there are a hundred wineries in the area! Pair stunning views with incredible Rose’, Chardonnay, Pino Grigio and Pinot Noirs and friendly staff and we were in wine country heaven! While wine tasting we learned about Bruno and his childhood in Burgundy, France and then working in wineries around the world, and then starting Domaine Divio in 2014 . . . we just knew we had to come back and have him as a guest on our podcast!

Bruno with oldest son working on their vineyard.

Bruno in the vineyard

Bruno & wife Isabelle relaxing at their Domaine Divio Tasting House

Tiffany Candelaria enjoying a tasting at Domaine Divio

Follow Bruno & Domaine Divio here:

nwwineco.com/

domainedivio.com/

instagram.com/domainedivio/

facebook.com/DomaineDivioVineyards/

tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g51991-d9718416-Reviews-Domaine_Divio-Newberg_Oregon.html

Welcome to Season Two with Mark & Isabel Candelaria

Welcome to our first episode of Season 2 of our podcast, Inspiring Living!

My wife, Isabel, joins me today as we take a quick look back on Season 1 and share some thoughts on our upcoming Season 2. Our podcast is about Inspiring Living and in each podcast we share the stories behind the people we live, work, and collaborate with in our daily lives.

I encourage you to go back and listen to as many of our first 50 podcast episodes from Season 1 as you can and stay tuned for a plethora of interesting and inspiring guests we have coming in Season 2! For a good recap of the first half of Season 1, check out episode 34 “Best of the First 25 Podcasts” where I play inspirational clips from every one of our first 25 guests, and add some commentary of my own on each. And coming up, I will be recounting the top 7 most-downloaded episodes from Season One and give a nice overview of those top episodes and their inspiring messages.

Please give us a rating and a review, we may just select your review as a winner of one of our Candelaria Collection Pasta Makers! Thanks again for all of your continued support of our podcast and I wish you all love, laughter, wisdom and good health in your future.

Meet The Principals: Evelyn Jung

Our second featured partner and principal of Candelaria Design is Evelyn Jung. Evelyn has been with our firm for 15 years and became a partner because of her unique role with our company - Evelyn is basically our Chief Executive Officer and is the person who runs the business. 

Evelyn was born and raised in Seattle, Washington, but lived and traveled all over the world as her parents served in the Air Force for over 20 years. Traveling at a very young age gave Evelyn a great appreciation of different cultures, religions and styles. 

She started off working in management pretty early in life and then decided to join a Temp Agency to focus on school full time. From there, Evelyn got a temp job at Candelaria Design as a receptionist but soon became a a full-time employee in 2005 and became Mark’s Executive Assistant. Three years later, as we all endured the great recession, she became the Director of Finance and HR and in 2018, we were proud to make Evelyn a partner.

When Evelyn is not managing the business aspect of the firm, she loves to spend time with her family and stay active. She and husband Scott Jung celebrated their 10th Wedding Anniversary in June (2020) and have two wonderful boys, Nathan and Evan. Her pursuit for a degree at ASU was sidelined during this time, but slowly and surely she plans to graduate with a Bachelors Degree of Science in Economics in 2021 – for her kids at the very least!

Follow Evelyn:

instagram.com/ebhattan/

facebook.com/evelyn.bhattanjung

linkedin.com/in/evelyn-jung-27788113

Meet the Principals: Meredith Thomson, AIA

Meredith Thomson, AIA, joined Candelaria Design in 2013 and officially became a partner and principal of the firm in December of 2018.

Meredith grew up in Phoenix, then attended the University of Notre Dame and graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor Degree in Architecture. Her Senior year she traveled throughout Italy and Europe, fueling her passion for traditional design. She was also fortunate to spend a summer in Chicago interning with Liederbach and Graham Architects, where she discovered her calling to be a residential architect.

After graduation, she went to work with Fairfax and Sammons Architects in New York City, where she spent three years working on projects in and outside of the city; including a townhouse in the West Village and a summer home in Long Island. Missing family on the West Coast, Meredith decided to make her way back and landed a position at Peter Pennoyer Architects; a New York based firm that has a sister office in San Francisco. From there she transitioned into the interior design world, working for Tucker and Marks Interior Design as an interior architect.

She made the final jump back to Phoenix in Spring of 2013 and joined the Candelaria Design team! Meredith oversees the design and production of Candelaria Design and has leant a tremendous amount of talent to this firm! She truly embodies the Inspiring Living spirit with her designs, cooking and lifestyle!

Follow Meredith on Instagram: instagram.com/mmt_architect/

It's All in the Details with Anna & Scott Sadler of Surface Refinements

This week we have a two part series with artist Anna Sadler of Scottsdale-based business Surface Refinements. In Part 1, Anna delves into her work, her craft and the various projects she’s worked on. In Part 2, her and husband Scott talk about their personal life and how they started their business. Anna shares all the amazing places she’s lived and visited and all the stories, people and projects that came with those places. Anna’s life and craft have so many incredible details, we couldn’t limit her to just one hour!

Encouraged from a young age to enjoy and explore her artistic side, Anna has “passionately spent most of my life in one creative endeavor or another.” In the early ’90s, she owned and operated two art galleries in Monte Carlo, France where she was able to spend time with their mostly- international clientele and met many world-renowned artists. “I will never forget these experiences as they were life changing!” she recounts.

Years later, Anna moved to Canada to be near family where she met and married her second husband, Scott Sadler who joins us in Part 2. In 2005, the happy couple moved to Arizona, and today they own and operate Surface Refinements in Scottsdale, AZ. They are a decorative painting company that specialize in creating artistic finishes for walls, ceilings and furniture. They also create custom large scale art on canvas, and do highly realistic antiquing of mirrors, far more authentic in nature than commercially “antiqued” mirrors. “We have an endless array of products that we employ in creating a finish, everything from actual mica flakes, glass beads, glitters, patterned foils, metallic and various other unique plasters, Italian Venetian plasters, Swarovski crystals, gold and silver leaf, pigmented mica powders, etc.”

Follow Anna & Surface Refinements:

http://voyagephoenix.com/interview/check-anna-sadlers-artwork/

Email: info@surfacerefinements.com

Facebook: facebook.com/SurfaceRefinements/

Instagram: instagram.com/surfacerefinements/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anna-and-scott-sadler-4a406a19

Tapping your Soul with Abstract Artist Cody Hooper

Today’s podcast episode we talk with Abstract Artist out of Austin, Texas, Cody Hooper. He describes his process for helping clients find that special piece or pieces and how he approaches outfitting a home with his work, matching the feelings that a client wants in their home. We also dive deep, discussing how after loosing his father and grandmother to a murder-suicide he conquered depression, anxiety and broke the confines of medications to function through painting. This is apparent in his work and the play of light and dark in his art, as he says “needing one to illuminate the other. Art is therapy.” Being true to himself and allowing his audience to see through his paintings and creations is very important to him.

Hooper studied under Southwest watercolor artist Barbara Hughes for several years, establishing his foundation as an artist and led him to focus primarily on realistic watercolors in the beginning. When he began experimenting with abstracts in various mediums, he enjoyed the freedom and personal expression and it was then he really began to flourish. He is deeply interested in the effects of color, texture and the emotional response to strong composition and design. Removing the representational and creating something that told a story without observational subject matter excited Cody.

Today, his work is a bold mix of styles, ranging from sleek and contemporary to weathered and organic. He brings a subtle and sophisticated feel to his paintings through a unique balance of color, composition and texture. His work is exhibited in prestigious galleries and featured in private and public collections worldwide.

Although Cody doesn’t live in Arizona, it holds a special place and like a magnet, it keeps pulling him back. In 2018 he did a large installation for Bob and Renee Parson's PXG private golf course in Scottsdale (pictured below) and has pieces featured in the Andre Kohn Fine Art Gallery in Old Town Scottsdale.

www.codyhooperart.com

facebook.com/CodyHooperArtist/

Checking in with our Friends in Italy

Today's podcast features a collage of friends and contacts all with ties to Italy. A few of them are actually in Italy and all will share their insights and experiences relating to how Covid-19 has been affecting them. 

From my friend Elizabeth Wholey in Umbria who runs the farmhouse we stay at during our Tour to Italy, AltaBella, as she just returned from the US and now is in quarantine in her home in Umbria. (Pictured above)

To my friend here in Scottsdale, Marco Felicioli, of Artitalia Group, a leading manufacturer of custom retail displays & fixtures, hospitality & restaurant furniture & flooring & more. He supplies many of us here in Arizona with fabulous products and materials from Italy. He will share his experiences of not only what is happening in Italy through his contacts but what he experienced the night of rioting as he sat and defended his showroom in Old Town Scottsdale. 

Then we go to London, England and check in with my friend Flavio Casagrande, who is an Italian window rep for Ital windows and is in lockdown in London while he waits to return to Italy and/or the US. He shares his insights on what he sees both in London and hears from Italy. 

Finally, we will touch base with another great friend from over 20 years, Gabriele Belli, from Porte del Passato in Central Italy. We have worked with Gabriele for many years including recently on a fabulous home in Desert Mountain built by Manship Builders. 

Elizabeth Whoely has led our cooking class at the Umbrian farmhouse we stay in during our Tours to Italy for the past 10 years and has become a good friend.

Today, she still coordinates and leads cooking classes and tours, is a member of Slow Food Alta Umbria, the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP), the Mediterranean Garden Society and is the author of Sustenance: Food Traditions in Italy’s Heartland.

Flavio Casagrande sells fabulous windows manufactured in Italy! He is currently in lockdown in London and will give us his views both from England and his contacts and family in Italy.

You will enjoy hearing their perspective on what they have been experiencing in Italy, which was particularly hard hit. Elizabeth will share the details of her flight from San Francisco to Rome from just a few days ago and Marco will tell you about his wild night defending his showroom the night of the riots in Old Town Scottsdale. 

Elizabeth Wholey:

Farmhouses in Umbria: https://www.altabella.com

Book: https://sustenanceinitalysheartland.wordpress.com/

Instagram @elizabethwholey

Flavio Casagrande:

http://italwindows.com

Instagram @casaflavio

Marco Felicioli:

https://www.artitaliagroup.com/

Facebook facebook.com/ArtitaliaGroup/

Gabriele Belli:

https://www.portedelpassato.com/attivita/

Instagram @portedelpassato  

Facebook Facebook.com/gabriele.belli.37

Building a Monument to Compassion with Charles Keller

Sketch of The Colten Cowell Bat Cave

Today's episode is about goodness, kindness, charity, and compassion, as my guest today is a person who genuinely epitomizes all of these traits and does so in an energetic yet graceful manner. This person is Charles Keller, Founder of the Colten Cowell Foundation and the Monument to Compassion. The Colten Cowell Foundation is a non-profit that gives children with a disability or a terminal condition, and their families, one-of-a-kind experiences that are both a lot of fun and deeply meaningful. 

We designed the Superhero Experience to benefit the entire family. For the children, they get to forget that they are sick and simply enjoy being a kid. For the parents, this is an evening to momentarily let go of their worries and share a moment of pure joy with their children. By watching the Batmobile inspire wonder and joy Charles knew it was more than just a great set of wheels. Charles could see that sharing the Batmobile was a great experience not just for others, but for himself too. The Batmobile is now at the heart of a one-of-a-kind experience that transforms children into Superheroes, creating unforgettable memories for families.

After an imaginative, unforgettable “Crime Fighting Cave” experience, kids become real-life Super Heroes when they are empowered to give. In the process, they learn how rewarding it can be to help others — regardless of the amount. In the end, memories are all we have, and the best are the ones that we get to share with the people that we love.

Candelaria Design & Charles Keller designing The Bat Cave

A native of Portland, Oregon, Charles moved to the Valley to attend Arizona State University. Before becoming Arizona’s most outside-of-the-box philanthropist, Charles worked in government (President George HW Bush administration), Finance (Charles Schwab) and Technology (Apple, Inc.).

All of these assignments are, of course, cakewalks when compared to working for Mr. Wayne at the Bat Cave - a taskmaster if ever there was one.

Follow the Colten Cowell Foundation here:

www.coltencowellfoundation.org

facebook.com/ColtenCowellFoundation

instagram.com/coltencowellfdn/

twitter.com/coltencowellfdn

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