Flying solo preferred for some local entrepreneurs

Being able to recognize and fill a specific need, using one’s personal experience, knowledge and specific skills to find a niche in the market — these are the traits that drive the entrepreneurial spirit. In a rural, somewhat isolated community like Maricopa, there are many needs to be filled and no shortage of skill and expertise among the residents.

Along with the larger companies and franchises are the individuals, the “one-woman” and “one-man bands” so to speak, who go it alone. Kristen Carr, owner of Well Minded in-your-home pet sitting / services, is one of those businesses. “Starting a business in a small community was perfect,” explained Carr. “I started with just a few clients and was able to get a good idea of what works and what doesn’t before my business really picked up.”

Carr, a Rancho El Dorado resident and recent Maricopa transplant, began her business in July 2005, anticipating the move here from Chandler with her husband and stepson. An unpredictable build time kept Carr commuting into Maricopa until March 2006. Caring for all types of domestic animals, Carr says her business keeps her busy all hours of the day.

Maricopa is a long way from Honduras, where Dr. Philip M. Wazny spent two years in the Peace Corps, working as a volunteer in the local health center. “That’s where I really became interested in naturopathy,” states Wazny. “The doctors there, without the convenience of western medicines, knew enough about wild plants that they were able to go out into the fields behind the center and pick plants to treat the specific ailments of their patients.”

Wazny, also a Rancho El Dorado resident, says he provides “safe, effective, natural alternatives” for his patients before utilizing conventional medications. Offering a family practice and a focus on pain management, diabetes and gastrointestinal disorders, he is currently making house calls and plans to have office space as early as August.

In January of this year, Joe Estes opened Maricopa’s first law firm, Estes and Associates. A former “Air Force brat,” Estes spent his life moving from place to place. When he and his family visited Arizona in May 2004, they “fell in love with it,” and by August 2004 they were residents of Cobblestone Farms in Maricopa. Estes, who is also a city councilman, says the family, tired of relocating, plans to stay.

About opening a business in Maricopa, Estes says the challenge was “finding available and affordable office space,” but he has had the benefit of being the first and only law firm in town working in his favor. Specializing in construction law, he notes, “People in town will come to me because I’m local, and I am available for ‘house calls’ so I can see the site and problems first hand.” “Still,” he adds “my approach to law is to always give my clients the best value for their money.”

The demand for local, cost-effective and friendly computer repair is what prompted local techie Eddie Garcia to start his business, PC347.com. Garcia, who owns a home in Acacia Crossings and hopes to purchase a second home here in Maricopa, says he “doesn’t like seeing people get ripped off by larger, big-name computer repair places.” What makes him different? “I’m really good at what I do,” he says. “I offer better quality, better customer service and better rates.”

Garcia hopes that his experience, knowledge and personality will help him overcome the challenge of competing with the “brand name” companies. Along with all the other entrepreneurs in the community, he is hoping he has found his niche.

There are many other businesses in Maricopa that fit this category, including:
Complete Home Culinary Service
Cookie Lee Fine Fashion Jewelry
Larrabee Consulting, LLC
Linda’s Custom Needlework
Studio “P” Interiors, LLC

For more information about these or other small business owners in Maricopa, see the July issue of 85239 The Magazine at www.85239TheMagazine.com or in your mailbox later this week.