2023 October Issue of InMaricopa Magazine

2023 October Issue of InMaricopa Magazine InMaricopa.com InMaricopa is Maricopa's premier local news source InMaricopa is your go-to source for hyper-local news and information about Maricopa, Arizona. Stay informed with the latest community updates, events, and stories that matter to our city. InMaricopa is the only dedicated news outlet focusing exclusively on the city of Maricopa, ensuring residents are always in the know.

October 2023

www.InMaricopa.com

20 years young City enters new era of ’prosperous future‘

EDUCATION • BUSINESS • COMMUNITY • HOME

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CONTENTS

LEADING OFF Editor’s letter 4 Contributors 4 HISTORY View from the water tower 6 This month in history 6

Hey Maricopa!

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS One community united for the future 8 Councilmembers reflect 12 A sweet treat 13 The road to El Dorado 14 Establishing the building blocks for Maricopa 18 Titans of Industry 20 Maricopa and the Great Recession 22 Multi-generational family wouldn’t live anywhere else 28 Global Water key player 30 Orbitel took chance on city 32 Photographic look at Maricopa then and now 34 A ‘taxing’ history 35 Bringing a taste of the Arctic Circle to Maricopa 36 Maricopa’s newest generation 38 Modeling the future 39 Putting politics aside for public safety 40 Faces of Maricopa 46 COMMUNITY Farmageddon: Maricopa’s goth community 50 Maricopa Wellness spooktacular sales event 54

Plumbing

Electrical

Insulation

Cooling & Heating

HOME Growing garlic in the desert 74 Most, least expensive homes sold 75 Taking notice when a tenant wants to leave 76 Water’s affect on real estate 77 EVENTS Calendar 79 TRENDING A look at what’s hot on InMaricopa.com 87 PARTING SHOT An evening’s perfect end 88

• Hard Water Treatment • Clogged/ Slow Drains • Sewer Line Replacement

• Panel Replacement • Lighting and Fan Install • Electric Car Chargers

• Eliminate Hot/Cold Spots • Save money on EnergyBills • All year comfort

• AC/Heat Repair • Annual Maintenance • HVAC Replacement

SPORTS Pickleball takes over Copper Sky 62 MHS girls flag football kicks off 66 A homecoming first 68 BUSINESS Death and taxes 69 InBrief 70 Restaurant inspections 71 Permitting 72

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A new journey 55 EDUCATION The worlds of artificial and human intelligence merge 56

ON THE COVER Bryan Mordt captures this commanding shot of Nathan Mangum (photo illustration), a sharp-dressed 7-year-old who lives in The Lakes at Rancho El Dorado. This young Maricopan, pictured in front of the iconic rusted metal sculpture welcoming southbound drivers to town, could be a future leader in the city. See more future Maricopa leaders on page 39.

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InMaricopa.com | October 2023

FROM THE EDITOR

F Fine china has long symbolized the 20th anniversary, a milestone the great city of Maricopa celebrates this month. Brimming with captivating intricacies, the gift of fine china demands our careful attention — much like the city itself. It cannot be tossed casually into a dishwasher; instead, it requires deliberate handwashing and tender drying. Just as it has taken steadfast leadership to nurture Maricopa's profound growth by hand, as exemplified by Arizona state Rep. Teresa Martinez’s tireless efforts to make our roads safe and accessible as recounted by Justin Griffin in this edition of InMaricopa . Traditionally exchanged among royalty, U.S. presidents and married couples, fine china is a timeless symbol of wealth. A fitting analogy for Maricopa, whose wealth soared like a phoenix from the ashes of the Great Recession, an epic comeback story awaiting your discovery in this magazine. Chinese porcelain also symbolizes respect and mutual understanding. Likewise, Maricopa has grown to accept those of all ilks, like the city’s burgeoning gothic community and their curious collections of eerie porcelain dolls. I’ve stepped out of the sunlight and into this dark and mysterious world in this issue. Remember your parents’ fine china cabinet growing up? Those delicate porcelain treasures rarely left their wooden confines, only gracing the table during special occasions, signaling the arrival of guests. In much the same way, Maricopa has welcomed countless newcomers since 2003, often Like fine china

from worlds away. Come with me as I follow one such adventurous soul on her Viking pilgrimage from the Arctic to the desert as you navigate these glossy pages. When we dare to break out the fine china, people get uptight, agonizing over whether it'll break or not, and that can overshadow the togetherness and

Publisher SCOTT BARTLE

Managing Editor ELIAS WEISS

Advertising Director VINCENT MANFREDI

celebration it's meant to represent. With Maricopa's exponential growth comes anxiety for some over shattering the city's quiet retreat from cosmopolitan sprawl. Prosperity has no concerns with such trepidations. Sure, the fine china makes an appearance during special occasions, namely a 20th anniversary. But what it

Advertising MICHELLE SORENSEN ASHLEY WALLACE Writers KRISTINA DONNAY TRUDY FULLER JUSTIN GRIFFIN RICK HORST CAMERON JOBSON DAYV MORGAN TOM SCHUMAN CHRIS J. SCOGGIN MONICA D. SPENCER ALEX M. STEWART JAY TAYLOR EUPHEMIA WEEKES SHERMAN WEEKES

misses, holed up in that dusty kitchen cabinet, are all the moments in between. The memories, triumphs and accomplishments that we as Maricopans achieve each and every day in our bustling little city. I invite you to celebrate this milestone in whichever way you feel most appropriate, be it with familiar loved ones or newfound neighbors. Let us usher in this era of growth with a touch of elegance, raising a toast in fine china vessels. Oh, and when you see the goths out hunting for ghosts in Maricopa later this month, remember our city's rural tradition isn't a specter but the heart of an ever-evolving place. I, for one, can't wait to see what the next evolution brings. And as always, thank you for reading InMaricopa .

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Photographers BRYAN MORDT JENECE MORDT VICTOR MORENO

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Volume 18, Issue 10 InMaricopa 44400 W. Honeycutt Road, Suite 101 Maricopa, AZ 85138

520-568-0040 Tel 520-568-0050 Fax News@InMaricopa.com Advertising@InMaricopa.com

RICK HORST The city manager offers a look at the past, present and future as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Maricopa’s incorporation.

TRUDY FULLER Trudy informs on the ins and outs of growing garlic in the desert. Hint, don't expect the same product you get in a grocery store.

TOM SCHUMAN Tom delves into the emerging world of pickleball. This new sport is taking over the world — and Maricopa is no different.

CELEBRATING

Maricopa’s 20 th Anniversary!

Published advertisements are not an endorsement of products or advertising claims by InMaricopa . No part of this magazine may be reproduced by any means without the prior written permission of InMaricopa . Copyright 2023.

Available in Orbitel service areas only.. Maximum download speed 940 Mbps when hardwired via Ethernet. Many factors affect speed. Actual speed may vary. Equipment, taxes, installation, and other fees not included. Taxes, equipment, franchise, and other fees not included. Other restrictions may apply. Call office for details.

InMaricopa.com | October 2023

OUTDOOR

SAVE WATER OUTDOORS

HISTORY

Up to 70% of residential drinking water is used fo landscaping

All along the water tower

The old water tower is a familiar landmark that highlights the city’s history as a hub for trains. This old tower has seen it all. The bottom photo was taken after a flood hit the town in 1949. The Maricopa dirt road heading north runs along the bed for the former Maricopa & Phoenix Railroad line that stopped running in the mid-1930s. Maricopa Market is the upper-right, white building. The recent photo shows North John Wayne Parkway where the dirt road once was. Today, the road is John Wayne Parkway, and many local businesses can be seen. In the top right corner, you can see The Villages at Rancho El Dorado.

Spending more time at home? Why not build a personal oasis that saves both money and water? Fall is just around the corner, which means it is a great time to design and select plants for your landscape. Up to 70% of residential drinking water is used for landscaping Fall is just around the corner, which means it is a great time to design and select plants for your landscape.

Tips to get you start  Make a plan, even if it's simple - ha for plant groupings, plant locations water use plants to use before you s money

TIPS TO GET YOU STARTED

 Mix it up - the general rule for succ plant groupings is something tall, s triangular and something round

ü Make a plan, even if it’s simple — have a plan for plant groupings, plant locations, and low water use plants to use before you spend any money ü Mix it up — the general rule for successful plant groupings is something tall, something triangular and something round ü Group plants by water requirements — this makes installing irrigation easy and reduces the chances of over or under watering ü Use color — desert plants are extremely diverse offering color in the form of flowers, leaves, bark, and even thorns, take advantage! ü Select the right plant for the right place — whether it is a tree, shrub, cactus, or succulent consider the size of the fully grown plant when selecting location

 Group plants by water requirement makes installing irrigation easy and the chances of over or under wateri

THIS MONTH BACK IN... For these and other historical stories, visit InMaricopa.com.

 Use color - desert plants are extrem offering color in the form of flower bark, and even thorns, take advanta

 Select the right plant for the right p whether it is a tree, shrub, cactus, o consider the size of the fully grown when selecting location

2008 2013

2018

Residents looking to fill their gas tanks had another option when QuikTrip joined Maricopa’s main strip Oct. 9. It joined Fry’s Marketplace, Shell and two Circle K gas stations on John Wayne Parkway. Shell has since become Chevron, and Maricopa Auto Outlet replaced one of the Circle K locations.

The first official city council meeting at the new City Hall was held Oct. 29. Two clowns feigned arresting Maricopa Police Chief Steve Stahl for shopping at a Target store in Casa Grande, a skit that supplemented the city’s efforts to convince residents to shop local.

City council rezoned land for the city’s first apartment complex. The 6-acre parcel on Porter Road north of Walmart and south of Banner Health was rezoned from industrial to mixed use. Oasis at The Wells and Horizon at The Wells welcomed tenants three years later.

For additional landscape design resources visit www.gwresources.com/conservation-education For additional landscape design resources visit www.gwresources.com/conservation-education

InMaricopa.com | October 2023

ANNIVERSARY

Maricopa: One community united for the future BY CITY MANAGER RICK HORST

N THE BUSTLING CROSSROADS of Honeycutt and Porter Roads, and once more at the juncture of Honeycutt and Plainview,

Maricopa’s residents are met with a delightful sight: two vibrant signal boxes standing as distinctive landmarks. The first showcases a helmeted astronaut, while the second features a submerged deep- sea diver, both set against captivating backdrops blending elements of space, ocean and desert. When these artistic installations made their debut last year, they prompted a question in the community: “What do these figures signify in Maricopa?” While artistic expression often invites interpretation, the artist behind these creations, who chooses to remain anonymous, sheds light on the inspiration behind these works. He explains he sought to capture the essence of the people who call Maricopa home. What common threads unite them? Often, they are drawn to Maricopa by the allure of affordable housing, promising job opportunities and a safe haven to raise their families. Over just two decades, these advantages have enticed more than 70,000 people from across the nation to uproot their lives and embrace Maricopa's ever-expanding desert retreat. In their pursuit of dreams, this city’s residents embody the same resolute spirit as astronauts and deep-sea divers, epitomizing determined exploration. In their respective domains, they are pioneers, venturing into the far reaches of the universe and the uncharted depths of the ocean. Likewise, Maricopa's residents are pioneers, undeterred by the challenges of the harsh desert environment. They are trailblazers, innovators, groundbreakers and trendsetters, shaping the city's rich heritage and providing the foundation for their homes. It's no surprise a community that has captured the hearts of so many in such a short time now stands at the precipice of a new frontier in expansion. Today, residents witness rapid and tangible signs of progress in their city. The completion of the once seemingly unattainable overpass on John Wayne Parkway has unleashed Maricopa's full potential. The city has seen a surge in retail offerings, with new shopping outlets and restaurants springing up. Maricopa celebrated the opening of its first 24-hour hospital and

InMaricopa.com | October 2023

October 2023 | InMaricopa.com

ANNIVERSARY

residents ponder what life in Maricopa will look like in the next 20 years. In light of all that has been accomplished together, we invite you to envision “Greater Maricopa” with us! Imagine vibrant neighbor- hoods adorned with lush landscapes, inspired by local ecology, evoking a sense of oasis in the desert. Picture creative neighborhoods teem- ing with boutique shops, eclectic restaurants, small businesses, entertainment, and local arts and crafts. Envision regional and national shopping opportunities and diverse housing options that foster daily interaction, strength- ening civic bonds. Imagine a community with a small-town feel, rich cultural and social amenities, vibrant green spaces, excellent schools and a strong sense of safety. Imagine a community that remembers its heritage, remains responsible for one another and gives more than it takes. Imagine a community that welcomes all.

For newcomers, these goals may seem ambitious, but those who have witnessed Maricopa's momentum firsthand know they are not only attainable but already within reach. As city manager, I am often asked, "How will we prepare for this growth?" To this exciting challenge, I respond: We will do so intentionally, strategically and as one community. We will embrace our differences and use them to bring us closer together. To all the astronauts, deep-sea divers, pioneers and dreamers of the world, we extend a warm welcome. Come and discover why Maricopa is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. Come and experience why so many choose to call this place home. Join us in finding sustainable solutions and building a thriving city for all. Together, we can shape the future of Maricopa.

emergency center, saving lives nearly every day. Furthermore, the establishment of new school campuses, competitive salaries and improved living accommodations has led to significantly enhanced retention rates among qualified and dedicated teachers. Maricopa has ventured into the national event tourism arena, complemented by the pristine fields at Copper Sky, promising to invigorate the local economy. Public art initiatives and beautification projects are revitalizing the city, fostering a sense of communal pride and identity. Investments in transportation infrastructure are enhancing daily commutes while groundbreaking for a new police headquarters and courthouse positions the city for a secure future. With this growth, job opportunities in Maricopa have flourished, exemplifying the defining progress enveloping the community. As the city reaches new heights, many

InMaricopa.com | October 2023

October 2023 | InMaricopa.com

M ARICOPA WATER AND ICE, located in the Bashas’ shopping center, is a family-owned business that started in 2004. Owner Tonya Thompson was born and raised in Arizona. Her family moved to Maricopa when she was 2 years old. “I love my hometown and the people who live here,” Thompson said. “My customers are like family to me.” Maricopa Water and Ice is known for its quality drinking water through reverse osmosis, alkaline water and ice. It also sells customer favorites like Thrifty ice cream, soft-serve ice cream, fresh fruit smoothies, protein and antioxidant add-ins, and your favorite nostalgic candy at family-friendly prices. Maricopa Water and Ice supports the community by donating water and ice for local sports teams and city events. As Maricopa grows, Thompson continues to give back to her community. She partnered with Safe House founder Jelani Elliot to provide a fun and non-judgmental environment for teens at her store every month. “I am truly blessed that I can provide a much- needed service to my community,” Thompson said. “I look forward to continuing to evolve and grow with this community that I love.” Home sweet home

ANNIVERSARY

Going on the record

Eric Goettl Maricopan since: 2004 Community: The Villages Favorite activity in town: We love to enjoy nice nights on the edge of town, admiring

Amber Liermann

Vincent Manfredi Maricopan since: 2010 Community: Maricopa Meadows Favorite place in town: My home, when I have time to relax. Favorite activity in town: There are so many, but outside of spending time with family, it is sitting on the dais for a council meeting. Describe Maricopa in 2043: In my opinion, in 20 years, Maricopa will be a place where citizens can work, recreate and live knowing their family is safe. I hope it is where my daughters buy homes and I get to spend a ton of time with my future grandchildren. What is Maricopa doing well? Maricopa is living within its means and working hard to build a future we can be proud of. What changes do your constituents want to see? I believe residents want more jobs, fixes to SR 347 and better roads around town. Although not a "change," I believe they want continued fiscal responsibility.

Nancy Smith Maricopan since: Pre-incorporation

Maricopan since: 2004 Community: Alterra Favorite places in town: City Hall, Copper Sky Park, Maricopa High School and Plaza Bonita restaurant. Favorite activity in town: I enjoy spending time with family and friends and serving the community when I have the opportunity. Describe Maricopa in 2043: Maricopa in 2043 will be double in population with many more amenities and opportunities to live, work, play and worship. What is Maricopa doing well? Maricopa is fighting for improved safety by advocating in every arena for transportation expansion. What changes do your constituents want to see? Constituents want to see continued safety, improvement in roads and infrastructure.

Favorite place and things to do in town: Our park system is extremely impressive and one of my favorite places to spend time with family. We have two large parks, Pacana and Copper Sky, and recently opened two new dog parks to enjoy with our pets. Soon, we'll be opening another new park at The Lakes in Rancho El Dorado. For such a young city, we've been blessed with lovely places to play. Describe Maricopa in 2043: In this year's budget, we've included the goal to complete a master plan for an industrial park that provides a vision for companies to consider. I'd certainly like to see multiple companies fill this park by 2043. What changes do your constituents want to see? One of our highest priorities is our partnership with the Maricopa Economic Development Alliance to bring more high-paying jobs to our city.

the beautiful sunsets and night sky views.

Describe Maricopa in 2043: In the city of Maricopa 2040 Vision, I totally agree with one of the opening paragraphs: “The city of Maricopa is a family- friendly, vibrant community that offers diverse opportunities in culture, technology, education, business, entrepreneurship, transportation, entertainment and recreation for all ages. A close-knit community of committed leaders, engaged citizens, and diverse partners with pride in our history, and a shared vision for a prosperous future.” While we still have areas to improve on, we have done very well over the past seven years to make this vision a reality. The next 20 years will bring a next level of growth and services to our city. What changes do your constituents want to see?

520-568-4740

WATER ICE Ice Cream Ice Cream

SPONSORED CONTENT

Editor's note: Vincent Manfredi is an owner of InMaricopa.

We are working hard to fix our transportation and infrastructure challenges,

bring more careers — not just jobs — and industry to our city, and keep us among the top 10 safest cities to live and play.

Editor’s note: Councilmembers Bob Marsh, Rich Vitiello and Henry Wade were unwilling to participate in this panel.

Water & Ice owner Tonya Thompson

InMaricopa.com | October 2023

October 2023 | InMaricopa.com

ANNIVERSARY The road to El Dorado

Mike Ingram EL DORADO HOLDINGS CO-FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN

What changes do you expect to see in the next 20 years? Maricopa will not just be known as a bedroom community over the next 20 years. You’re going to see a lot of employment that will develop within Maricopa, sooner than you think sitting here today. It's coming, and it’s coming quickly. Do you consider Maricopa to be metro Phoenix? If so, when did that happen? I think Maricopa became metro Phoenix whenever it joined the Maricopa Association of Governments. You started seeing yourself as part of Phoenix, a part of the Valley. Now, you’re included in structure deals that involve the whole region. What’s next up for development in Maricopa? I think you're going to see a lot of health care. I think there will be a real interest in Maricopa for improved health care and improved infrastructure in the whole city.

RANCHO EL DORADO

MARICOPA PROUD

PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE

EVR PORTER

Chris Grogan EL DORADO HOLDINGS PRESIDENT

Where do you see real estate in 20 years? You'll continue to see residential demand out to the east. What about commercial real estate? You’re on the cusp right now and in the next 20 years of seeing some real push for employment. You're going to see some heads turn towards, ‘Why aren't we doing more with employment type development real estate plays in this area?’ I think you'll see some of the Trammell Crows, the big developers that are up in the Valley, those types of players look at Maricopa with a little more detail. Are you currently involved in any Maricopa projects? Right now, we are under construction on Porter Road. We own some of the land there, we put some of the multifamily developers there and we’re developing EVR Porter across from Walmart. We have some commercial plays there as well. Down in the Stanfield area, which is part of Maricopa’s planning area, we do have some properties down there that are being planned as well.

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ANNIVERSARY

Jim Kenny EL DORADO HOLDINGS CEO

Do you consider Maricopa to be metro Phoenix? If so, when did that happen? They’re trying to create a full city in Maricopa with the different amenities and the different options for different types of housing and businesses that come. You're going to see it, more and more, become reflexively automatically part of metropolitan Phoenix. What will bring more commercial development to Maricopa? It’s very numerically driven. When you have a certain number of people, it's the right time to build office buildings, it's the right time to build more retail, it's the right time to build manufacturing. All different types of development look to the population. To what do you attribute the development trajectory? City Manager Rick Horst has done a really good job, and the city council has supported this in terms of setting the stage to bring more people in so that the commercial employment functions can begin to take off as they already are. The stage is set there, they’re ready to go, everything’s in place and it’s just evolving in the right way.

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the opportunity he was impressed with the developers. Two decades later, Cox finally would come to Maricopa. “I found the Rancho El Dorado group very straightforward in their approach to forming a partnership that formed the foundation for the success of Orbitel,” Anderson said. President John Schurz said the founders of Orbitel “believed in the city of Maricopa and its residents. There is a ‘Can Do’ spirit that permeates throughout the community. And, like Mike Ingram, Orbitel saw the potential in Maricopa.” Then Ingram received back-to-back doses of bad news. “The darkest day of my whole life was the day Arizona Public Service told me they wouldn’t bring me electricity,” he said. “Qwest said they wouldn’t bring fiber optics.” Electrical District No. 3 was serving farmers in the area with hydroelectric power. Ingram saw they did not have the capital or the know-how to bring thousands of homes online. So, he flew to California to convince Edison Power to partner with ED3 on a new utility company. “About that time, Qwest called after they saw the utility formed, and they said, ‘We’re on our way with fiber optics,’” Ingram said. Looking back, it might have been easy for Ingram to quit trying to open so many closed doors. “People didn’t believe in it. I would go to these meetings at these restaurants, and people would say I was the craziest man in the world,” he said. “We built this four-lane divided highway and thought we could build a town down there. I was absolutely the laughingstock of the real estate community.”

Ingram said if he had settled for the county standards, he wouldn’t have put in curbs and sidewalks and could have chip-sealed the roads. He said Maricopa would look like Arizona City today. Instead, he wanted standards like those in municipalities like Chandler and Gilbert. At Nathan’s insistence, the homebuilders agreed. Ingram was spending $14 million on The Duke golf course and another $3 million on landscaping for phase 1 of Rancho El Dorado and wanted quality homes to go with it. With no impact fees at the time, homebuyers could get an 1,800-square-foot home for what they would pay for a 1,300-square-foot home in Chandler. The homebuilders were just the first hurdle. Utilities had no interest in coming to Maricopa. When he had 1,103 lots in escrow with five homebuilders, Ingram went hunting for a water company. He went to Atlanta, Minneapolis, Los Angeles and Dallas. “Nobody would put in a water company or wastewater,” he said. “So, we put in the water and the wastewater.” Eventually, Global Water agreed to take over most of Maricopa’s water system, inheriting those early lines. Ingram asked Cox to provide cable service. That was another no-go from a company that did not believe Maricopa would be a success. Then Ingram found Orbitel and talked its principals into being a partner in the venture. “Orbitel was certainly one my favorite projects of all time,” said Rick Anderson, a partner in Orbitel at the time. “Mike’s group had a great vision for Maricopa. I have never witnessed anything like growth in the early days of Maricopa.” Anderson said when he was asked to pull something together after Cox passed on

The widening of the section of Maricopa Road, newly named State Route 347, to two lanes in each direction was completed in 1996. Despite naysayers calling it a road to nowhere, Ingram knew it was vital to his plans. He started piecing together his properties, buying farmland from Smith and others. The need to believe Ingram knew he still needed a powerful real estate broker to bring in homebuilders. Each one he called in Phoenix shot him down, telling him Maricopa would just be a bunch of mobile homes. “In those days, all the interest was on Casa Grande,” he said. “I went to every broker in town and showed them my idea. And every broker except one said, ‘Mike, you’re absolutely crazy. You’ll never sell one lot. You’ll never sell one home until Casa Grande is completely built out. Do you not understand that Casa Grande has doctors, they have shopping centers, they have car dealers, they have dentists? You have a Circle K and Headquarters, and NAPA was there.’” The one broker who listened was someone Ingram did not want to approach in the first place. James “Nate” Nathan of Nathan & Associates brokered some of the biggest deals in the state, including Johnson Ranch, Power Ranch and Copper Mountain Ranch in Casa Grande. Ingram saw him as a major competitor. Nathan listened because he saw what Ingram saw: tiny Maricopa’s proximity to the East Valley and Sky Harbor. “You could tell growth patterns,” Nathan said. “He said, ‘I can’t list this with you because you’re going to take the people to those other places.’ I said, ‘No, I’m not. It’s an emerging market.’” In 2000, Nathan and his partner, David Mullard, took the first phase of 1,000 lots and sold to three homebuilders. It took them just 10 weeks. Nathan said a top selling point was the newly widened road. “The affordability in the Southeast Valley was going away, just like it is again, and so Maricopa exploded,” Nathan said. Many homebuilders wanted to go cheap, building homes with carports and swamp coolers, roof-mounted air conditioners and composition roofs instead of tile. “Mike was like, ‘No, I’m creating a whole new city,’” Nathan said. “We went with the builders that Mike believed would build the quality product that he demanded. He never wavered from that once.”

ANNIVERSARY How Mike Ingram brought together the building blocks of Maricopa

Developer Mike Ingram ignored skepticism and followed his vision for Maricopa.

mogul and John Wayne fan, who had purchased the Red River Ranch in 1980 from the late actor’s estate. “I need you to think about buying the Red River from me,” Eller told Ingram. “But I need you to close it in a week.” Eller had a loan with a local savings-and- loan company that had collapsed and been taken over by the U.S. government. He made a deal with Resolution Trust Company, the government’s asset-management company, to pay off the loan. Time was running short. He offered Ingram a fair price. “So, we bought the Red River in ’92,” Ingram said. “I had a love for John Wayne my whole life. When we bought El Dorado Ranch, I was real excited to be a part of that deal, the Louis Johnson and John Wayne history behind it and what that means to the whole community down there. And preserving that history, you just don’t have any idea what that means to me.” When El Dorado Holdings had Red River in escrow, Ingram received a call from Louis Johnson, Wayne’s long-time business partner in Maricopa, whose property was in the middle of Red River. Johnson said he wanted to be a partner in Ingram’s real estate plans and set him up with Willard Sparks, one of the largest commodity traders in the nation. Another partner, Dr. James Little, became

Jane Askew and Ann Donithan were hosting meetings in their homes to get property owners on board with widening the deadly, two-lane strip. Leading farmers Bill Scott and John Smith reached out to Ingram, getting the ball rolling for the Maricopa Road Association. “He recognized that we needed to have a four-lane highway coming out here,” Smith said. “So, we got together and posted a bond issue. We knew that the county wouldn’t help finance it. So, we voted on it, and it just barely passed.” In 1989, Arizona Department of Trans- portation was ready to accept the road if the association could raise half the money. “The citizens of western Pinal County all had a big, big part in making that happen,” Ingram said. “Alma Farrell was a big part of that. She had many, many meetings, actually gave me a place at Headquarters to work out of in those days. In a room between the bar and the restaurant, that was my little office there in Maricopa. And we went to work on it.” Former U.S. Sen. Dennis DeConcini brought federal money to the table. Pinal and Maricopa counties also came on board. Gila River Indian Community agreed. Property owners around Maricopa voted to tax themselves for the improvement district. “Mike worked hard, a lot harder than I did,” Smith said. In tragic irony, Jane Askew, who had been a passionate voice in widening the dangerous roadway, was killed in a crash on that very road in 1990. The main park in Rancho El Dorado is named in her honor.

IKE INGRAM IS NOT CRAZY OR stupid. That may be obvious to observers now, but 28 years ago,

many of Arizona’s most knowledgeable movers and shakers thought he was nuts. Now the chairman of El Dorado Holdings, which he founded in 1992, Ingram became one of the most influential people forming the modern history of Maricopa. After creating Rancho El Dorado and sister subdivisions The Villages and the Lakes, El Dorado Holdings still has thousands of acres in and around Maricopa set for residential and commercial development. It has thousands more acres in other communities it is also developing. But Maricopa continues to be Ingram’s baby. The work has been a combination of puzzle pieces and chess moves to find the right combination of partners and investors in what others thought was a hair-brained scheme. “I had this vision and plan for a new city there,” said Ingram, 78. “At the time, we had entitlements through Pinal County. There was no city of Maricopa. Maricopa was less than 500 people.” His first deal in real estate was with partner Marty Ortman, with whom he purchased El Dorado, a ranch formerly belonging to John Wayne near Stanfield. That gave their fledgling company its name. Then they purchased other farms in the vicinity in 1992 and became known to other landowners. He still clearly remembers the day Karl Eller called and asked him to lunch at Phoenix Country Club. The late Eller was an advertising

one of Ingram’s best friends. It started with a road

When Ingram began buying farmland around Maricopa, some residents thought he could be key to solving a serious problem: Maricopa Road. Community leaders like Alma Farrell,

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ANNIVERSARY

Visionaries

Monty Ortman EL DORADO HOLDINGS CO-FOUNDER, VINTAGE PARTNERS PRINCIPAL

Rick Anderson ORBITEL COMMUNICAITONS CO-FOUNDER

Larry Miller MATRIX EQUITIES CEO

Scott Bartle INMARICOPA FOUNDER AND PUBLISHER

Why you decide to invest in Maricopa? did

Why you decide to invest in Maricopa? did We recognized in 2002 that Maricopa, before incorporation, was on the edge of future growth. We

Why you decide to invest in Maricopa? did I was introduced to Maricopa in 2000 by my dad, who was part of the team that developed Southern

Why you decide to invest in Maricopa? did In the late 1980s, my partner and I had just started our company El Dorado Holdings. We

I was approached by Rancho El Dorado Holdings about supply- ing video and internet services because Cox had passed on the opportunity. I thank them every chance I get. What are the biggest surprises of where Maricopa is today versus where you thought it’d be 20 years ago? I’m still having a hard time comprehending the change. When I made my first visit to the area, there was not a single home — they had just begun grading. Once things got moving, it was truly amazing to see homes being built at the rate that they were. What do you hope for the city over the next 20 years? I hope that it can continue the journey of becoming a model city. What is your favorite memory of the early days of Maricopa? I have two great memories: The first was seeing the Orbitel sign turn from black in the daytime to white at nighttime. I guess once that was in place, I felt that we were a real part of the community. The second was going to the cable meetings and reminding Cox that we had twice as many HD channels as them and faster internet speed.

were excited to bring Maricopa Meadows to the community, followed that project with Tortosa and are now in process of building West Maricopa Village. What are the biggest surprises of where Maricopa is today versus where you thought it’d be 20 years ago? We have been surprised at how well the city has managed growth while maintaining its rural character. City staff and officials we’ve dealt with are considerate, cooperative and professional. Maricopa is a very pleasant place to do business. What do you hope for the city over the next 20 years? We hope to see more employment-based devel- opment to keep the community growth stable. What is your favorite memory of the early days of Maricopa? Working with the Tohono O’odham Nation, hunting in the pecan groves near the Santa Rosa Wash and lunch at the Headquarters Café.

Dunes Golf Club. The growth projections for the community in the early 2000s were off the charts, and I wanted to take advantage of that. The hard part was deciding what type of business to start because the community was in need of everything. What are the biggest surprises of where Maricopa is today versus where you thought it’d be 20 years ago? Despite the tremendous growth, it’s nothing compared to the early projections. But Maricopa has overcome a lot. It was the posterchild for the economic and housing boom and also of the subsequent bust; and now it’s back on the growth leaderboard again. I am surprised larger employers have not yet located here. What do you hope for the city over the next 20 years? I hope the city lands major employers or fully commits to being the best bedroom community in the world. I also hope the electorate chooses smart, sensible and selfless servant leaders to represent us on the city council. We have a professional manager of the city, which wasn’t always the case, and when that is complemented by policymakers who are driven by the success of the community more than themselves, magic happens. What is your favorite memory of the early days of Maricopa? The barn dances in Sonny Dunn’s barn were great fun, as was having my sister and brother- in-law, who bought the house next door to me in Rancho in 2004, as neighbors.

saw the increase of land values in the Valley and thought that a good business plan would be to identify other opportunities for land develop- ment to provide less expensive housing located within a reasonable distance from Sky Harbor Airport. Our search led us to Maricopa, and the rest is history. What are the biggest surprises of where Maricopa is today versus where you thought it’d be 20 years ago? I am thrilled to see the tremendous growth, residential communities, opportunities in education, retail, medical and expanded ser- vices. Often, I come across individuals who either live in the city or have relatives living there and they comment about how much they enjoy living in Maricopa. What do you hope for the city over the next 20 years? I hope that as the town grows, the residents of Maricopa are able to continue to retain a strong sense of local community that everyone has come to know, love and appreciate about Maricopa. What is your favorite memory of the early days of Maricopa? One of my most vivid memories that is fresh in my mind, even today, is the day we cut the ribbon on the new Maricopa Road, the 347, which expanded Maricopa Road from a two- lane road to an expanded four-lane divided highway. We had worked on this project for over 10 years and the opening of that road made the dream a reality.

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