InBuckeye Magazine July/August 2026

July/August 2026

InBuckeye.com

Local leaders, residents celebrate wave of new retail shopping, restaurants, small businesses across the city RETAIL EXPLOSION

BUSINESS • HISTORY • COMMUNITY • REAL ESTATE • MORE

July/August 2026 | InBuckeye.com

InBuckeye.com | July/August 2026

July/August 2026

BETWEEN THE LINES Publisher's lettter 4 The Said It: Reader comments 4 HISTORY It Happened Here: Significant events from the decades past. 6 Blast from the past: The historic Roxy Theatre makes headlines as it rises from the ashes. 8 GALLERY Buckeye's Wildfires make history over the years. 10 BUSINESS Future Jobs: Buckeye bets on advanced manufacturing as the next phase of economic growth. 14 Remaking the Heart of the City: Monroe Avenue improvement aims to boost Downtown Buckeye businesses. 18 Empowering Small Business: Buckeye Startup Academy graduates first class of entrepreneurs. 20 Heat exhaustion to entrepreneurship: Buckeye's 'Termite Guy' builds business on trust, transparency. 22 Unemployment Rate: Buckeye, Maricopa County, Arizona and U.S. 24

Don’t Let the Arizona Heat Win —Tune Up Your AC!

REAL ESTATE Extreme home sales 34 DIRECTORY Your guide to Buckeye businesses 36 PARTING SHOT Flag day construction 38 TRENDING What’s the latest in Buckeye? 39

What's in a name? Buckeye moving company builds business on personal service and community impact. 26 Mapping business news from around the city. 28 COVER STORY Retail explosion: Buckeye growth reshapes city as new shopping centers open across city. 30

Veteran Owned - West Valley Based

ON THE COVER Local business leaders turned out in May to celebrate the opening of Target in the Verrado Marketplace shopping center, marking a mojor step forward in the city's growing list of retail developments. Photographed by David Kennard.

InBuckeye.com | July/August 2026

Between the Lines

WELCOME TO IMAGINE BUCKEYE!

Buckeye was built on growing business

W ITHIN THE PAGES OF THIS EDITION ARE A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF STORIES related to Buckeye business and industry. Here’s why: The more I explore our wonderful neighborhoods, the more I discover people involved in our local economy. From a rich history in agriculture to burgeoning industries focused on advanced manufacturing, Buckeye is quickly becoming an economic powerhouse in the West Valley. Find a good example of the transformation on page 14. To complement that shift, the city has seen a veritable explosion in retail

Publisher DAVID KENNARD

Associate Editor MONICA SPENCER

Editorial Consultants SCOTT BARTLE HAL DEKEYSER Advertising VINCENT MANFREDI ERIKA PARAMO BRITTANY RUSSELL

At Imagine Buckeye, we are proud to serve our students and families with a commitment to academic excellence and character development. Rooted in our core values of Respect, Responsibility, Open-Mindedness, and Honesty, everything we do—both in and out of the classroom—is designed to help our students grow into well-rounded, confident learners.

shopping opportunities. A host of new restaurants have opened their doors in recent months, including 5 Guys and Panera Bread. Major employers are also opening: Target, Marshalls, Home Depot. My interviews with business managers and city leaders is on page 30. Anticipated openings still to come are the Harkins BackLot theaters and Dick’s Sporting Goods; these and more are all centered near the Interstate 10 and Verrado Way developments, but the City of Buckeye hasn’t lost focus on historic Downtown Buckeye. The recent repaving and restriping of Monroe Avenue has brought a new look to the central business district and its unique restaurants and small businesses. On page 8, you’ll see a story about a small business that has become legendary in Buckeye. The Roxy Theatre is no longer with us, but its tale of resiliency in downtown Buckeye was perhaps the forerunner to the small businesses that flourish downtown. As a relative newcomer to the area, I’m impressed by the stories of these small businesses and I look forward to telling more stories as I continue to meet the good people of Buckeye.

Operations TIFFANY WELCH

Designer CARL BEZUIDENHOUT

MISSION Inform readers/viewers. Enrich advertisers.

Middle School Athletics Program – NEW THIS YEAR!

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BELIEFS We believe in: • An informed citizenry. • Holding ourselves and others accountable. • The success of deserving businesses.

DAVID KENNARD PUBLISHER David@InBuckeye.com

VALUES

• Integrity • Accountability

Our vibrant 21st Century After School Program offers students exciting ways to explore beyond the standard curriculum, including: • STEM-based LEGO Clubs • Sports clubs like soccer and cheer • Reading and math skill building • Opportunities for creative expression • Student Council • Yearbook

WANDERING AROUND Stuff I’m excited about SQUARE LIP CRAWDAD: I’ve done a fair amount of fishing over the last few decades and I’ve accumulated a tackle box with some secret weapons. While I hesitate to share too many secrets, I will say the approach of Dick’s Sporting Goods means I can save on gas trying to find the Square Lip Crawdad made by Rebel Lures. If Dick’s has what I’m looking for, I’m hooked. –DK SWISS GEAR: I know, you can buy this — or something close to it — at Walmart, but with last month’s arrival of Target in Verrado Marketplace, I knew what my next retail

THEY SAID IT Reader comments from InBuckeye.com WHAT ABOUT WHATABURGER? Regardless of all the complaints, we’ve been anxious for a Whataburger here for years, and it seems we must wait a moment longer but here it comes!!!! Yayyyy. -Roberta Garcia SKYLINE REGIONAL PARK: This is phenomenal news. We need more outdoor space and activities like this. Mountain biking and skills parks etc. I can’t wait. Thank you for making Buckeye great. - David McKenna NEW LIBRARY: It is encouraging to see that Buckeye is expanding community services that will increase opportunities for families to spend time together. A library in the area is a positive investment in our Buckeye learning community. I applaud the effort and investment in Buckeye’s future which will result in a benefit to all citizens. - Beverly Prestage

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We believe education thrives through connection, which is why we proudly partner with families and the community. Through engaging holiday events, meaningful family partnerships, and local collaborations, Imagine Buckeye remains a welcoming place for every Firebird to grow, learn, and soar.

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HISTORY

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IT HAPPENED HERE Find local news as it happens at InBuckeye.com.

5 years ago

10 years ago

15 years ago

20 years ago

The search intensified for 24-year-old geologist Daniel Robinson, who disappeared after leaving a Buckeye job site in June 2021. In July 2021, his wrecked Jeep Renegade was found in a desert ravine near Sun Valley Parkway and Cactus Road, but Robinson was not with it. Buckeye officials coordinated searches across more than 70 square miles using air support, UTVs, drones and cadaver dogs. Robinson has still not been found, and Buckeye police said the missing person's case remained open.

Buckeye’s towering Hobo Joe statue left its longtime perch on Monroe Avenue in July 2016 after the property it stood on was sold. The 25-foot fiberglass figure, once tied to Arizona’s old Hobo Joe’s restaurant chain, had become a quirky local landmark. Crews moved him from 1015 Monroe Ave. to a new home near 5th Street in Historic Downtown Buckeye. He later spent years in restoration before returning downtown as a familiar roadside symbol of Buckeye’s past.

Buckeye was still a town in July 2011, but it was already growing fast. The 2010 Census counted more than 50,000 residents, and new homes, roads and businesses continued pushing the once- rural community into a larger West Valley suburb. Buckeye did not officially become the City of Buckeye until 2014, making 2011 part of its final years under the “town” name.

Twenty years ago, late July 2006 brought heavy monsoon storms to Arizona. Flooding was reported across parts of the state from July 27-31 as repeated storms soaked the desert and overwhelmed washes. In the Buckeye area, the event reflected a familiar West Valley danger: fast-moving monsoon runoff that could turn dry washes and low roads into hazards with little warning.

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InBuckeye.com | July/August 2026

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HISTORY

The theater installed Simplex sound and projection systems, part of a wave of postwar upgrades transforming movie presentation standards across the country. Even the seating was designed with innovation in mind. The 500 Kroehler push- back chairs allowed patrons to lean back without standing up when others passed through the aisle, a small detail that reflected a growing focus on comfort in American theaters. Air conditioning… but not as we know it The Roxy’s cooling system could completely refresh the air in the building every 90 seconds? Using large evaporative coolers, the theater marketed itself as a comfortable escape from Arizona heat long before modern air conditioning became standard. Even more interesting, special cooling systems were installed separately for private rooms upstairs, including the projection room and a “cry room” for parents with small children. A “cry room” in 1946? The Roxy included a dedicated soundproof “cry room” decades before such features became common? Parents could bring children into a glassed-in, soundproof space where they could still watch the film through speakers without disturbing other moviegoers. It was a surprisingly modern solution for its time, complete with running water and movable seating.

BLAST FROM THE PAST DID YOU KNOW? The Roxy Theatre rose from ashes with some surprisingly modern features for 1946

BY DAVID KENNARD

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Design meant to “pull you into the screen”

The teater’s interior was designed with color psychology in mind? The auditorium transitioned from dusty rose tones near the floor to light blue-green near the ceiling, creating a visual flow intended to guide the audience’s attention toward the screen. Even the layout of the lobby and offices was carefully balanced, separating staff areas, concessions and public entry spaces in a way that resembles modern multiplex design concepts. A theater built for seven-day movie cycles The Roxy operated on a structured weekly rotation of film changes? In an era before streaming or home video, audiences could plan their week around showtimes, with different double features rotating every two days and weekend matinees drawing the biggest crowds.

A rebuild delayed—on purpose The reopening was actually delayed on purpose so better materials could be secured? In an era still feeling the effects of wartime shortages, Loudermilk emphasized that decision was made to avoid substitutions. The result was a sturdier, more carefully constructed building rather than a rushed replacement. It featured concrete tile walls reinforced with steel, a steel bond beam and a fully reinforced poured-concrete front, making the new Roxy significantly more fire-resistant than its predecessor. A “high-tech” theater —1940s style The new Roxy featured what was considered cutting-edge cinema technology for its time?

Included in a July 1946

Buckeye Valley News is a story about changes coming to the rebuilt Roxy Theatre.

OPEN DAILY 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. (last wash at 8 p.m.) Locally Owned and Operated

8 InBuckeye.com | July/August 2026 D

ID YOU KNOW THAT ONE OF THE COMMUNITY’S MOST POPULAR THEATERS IN THE 1940S WASN’T JUST rebuilt after a fire? It was essentially rebuilt as a “postwar modern” movie house packed with innovations far ahead of its time? After the original Roxy Theatre was destroyed by a fire in November 1945, owner Wade Loudermilk decided to redesign it from the ground up. His vision included rethinking what a moviegoing experience could be in the postwar era.

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GALLERY

BUCKEYE WILDFIRES • 2026 Hazen Fire, pictured, stands as the largest and most disruptive event in recent years. • Fire departments from around the West Valley assist local and state fire crews in efforts to contain the Hazen Fire in South Buckeye.

• Buckeye fire activity is centered along the SR 85 / Gila River corridor. • Most incidents are fast-moving brush fires in dense vegetation. • Recovery impacts, especially along SR 85, can continue even after containment. • Since May 2 when the blaze begins, fire behavior is heavily influenced by fuel load, heat and invasive river-bottom grasses.

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

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2026

2019–2026 Major Fire Activity Along the SR 85 / Gila River Corridor

Routine Fire Season • Typical brush and vegetation fires. • No significant corridor wildfire.

Statewide Fire Year (Not Local Impact) • Arizona experienced significant wildfire activity statewide. • No major Buckeye river corridor fire noted.

Minimal Local Fire Activity • Smaller brush fires • Routine seasonal response only

Limited Activity • No major named fires • Increased vegetation

BUCKEYE RIVER BOTTOM FIRE Date: June 22–23 Size: Approximately 260 acres Location: Gila River bottom / SR 85 corridor Cause: Believed to be human-related Impact: • Rapid spread in dense vegetation • Regional response • No major structures threatened

SR 85 BRUSH FIRE Date: Aug. 14 Size: Approximately 400 acres

HAZEN FIRE (LARGEST RECENT EVENT) Date: May 2–15 Size: 1,191 acres Location: Gila River bottom near Hazen & Rooks Roads Cause: Under investigation Impact:

growth following wetter conditions

Location: SR 85 near Hazen Road Cause: Suspected roadside ignition Impact: • Temporary highway closures • Heavy smoke • Short-duration suppression effort

• Largest fire in recent years • Significant smoke impacts • Required regional response resources

Source: Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management

InBuckeye.com | July/August 2026

July/August 2026 | InBuckeye.com

GALLERY

A single engine air tanker helps fight the Hazen Fire that broke out in May in south Buckeye.

InBuckeye.com | July/August 2026

July/August 2026 | InBuckeye.com

BUSINESS

5,781 jobs (20.0%) EDUCATION, HEALTH CARE & SOCIAL ASSISTANCE

3,985 jobs (13.8%) RETAIL TRADE

2,746 jobs (9.5%) PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC & ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

2,666 jobs (9.2%) TRANSPORTATION, WAREHOUSING & UTILITIES

2,651 jobs (9.2%) CONSTRUCTION

2,495 jobs (8.6%) ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, FOOD & RECREATION SERVICES

1,893 jobs (6.6%) PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

1,755 jobs (6.1%) FINANCE, INSURANCE & REAL ESTATE

1,829 jobs (6.3%) MANUFACTURING

1,252 jobs (4.3%) OTHER SERVICES (EXCEPT PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION)

Source: Arizona Commerce Authority, Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity

F OR MUCH OF ITS HISTORY, BUCKEYE'S ECONOMY WAS BUILT ON agriculture. Generations of farmers cultivated cotton, hay, alfalfa and other crops across thousands of acres in the city's fertile western valleys, establishing a rural economy that helped shape the community's identity for more than a century. Today, however, Buckeye is one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation, and its economic profile is changing along with its population. Large-scale residential development, major transportation corridors and a surge of industrial investment have transformed the city into a key logistics and distribution hub in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

FUTURE JOBS Buckeye bets on advanced manufacturing as the next phase of economic growth

attractive to developers and industrial users seeking large tracts of affordable land with access to major transportation routes. The presence of Interstate 10 and State Route 85 has made Buckeye particularly attractive for logistics and distribution operations. Over the past decade, national retailers and distribution companies have invested heavily in warehouse and fulfillment facilities throughout the city. The presence of Interstate 10 and State Route 85 has made Buckeye particularly attractive for logistics and distribution operations. Today, logistics and distribution are widely viewed as among Buckeye's most significant economic drivers. The sector has helped diversify the city's economy while generating tax revenue and employment opportunities. Yet economic development experts often point out that warehousing and distribution, while important, do not always produce the same long-term economic impact as manufacturing. Manufacturing facilities typically require greater capital investment, employ workers across a wider range of skill levels and create supplier networks that generate additional business activity throughout a region. Those factors help explain why Buckeye is increasingly emphasizing advanced manu- facturing as part of its long-term strategy. What advanced manufacturing could look like While much of Buckeye's advanced manufacturing vision remains focused on future recruitment, the city already has examples of modern manufacturing operations taking root.

In 2024, Rehrig Pacific opened a 264,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Buckeye that produces reusable supply chains and environmental waste products. The company describes the plant as a state-of-the- art operation, providing a tangible example of the type of technology-driven manufacturing Buckeye hopes to attract more of in the years ahead. “The investment in a new facility with plenty of room for growth supports Rehrig Pacific’s mission and values,” CEO Will Rehrig said. “It was essential that we chose a location that worked well for both our current and future customers and one that supported our team members.” The city is also marketing itself to aerospace and defense manufacturers, particularly companies that produce aircraft components, precision-machined parts, avionics systems and emerging technologies such as drones. Another area of focus is biotechnology and life sciences manufacturing. Such facilities can include medical device production, pharmaceutical manufacturing, laboratory equipment assembly and other specialized operations that require skilled workers and advanced production techniques. The city's manufacturing ambitions extend beyond existing facilities. Earlier this year, developers announced Grand View Arizona, a 2,500-acre industrial campus designed to accommodate large-scale advanced manufacturing projects. Project marketers estimate the development could generate more than $1 billion in economic impact and attract employers in aerospace, energy, electric vehicles, biotechnology, artificial intelligence and other technology- focused industries. Ken Galica, planning manager for the City of Buckeye said that in 2021 the designation of the property was changed to “Employment with the anticipation that this would be one

Now, economic development leaders are pursuing what they believe could be the next major chapter in Buckeye's evolution: advanced manufacturing. The strategy reflects a growing recognition that while logistics and warehousing have brought substantial investment and jobs to the city, manufacturing industries often generate higher wages, attract a more specialized workforce and create broader economic benefits through supply-chain activity and secondary business growth. "Advanced manufacturing" has become a frequently used term in economic development circles, but it encompasses a wide range of industries. Generally, the phrase refers to the production of sophisticated products using automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, precision engineering and highly specialized processes. Unlike traditional manufacturing, advanced manufacturing facilities rely heavily on technology and skilled labor to produce complex goods. For Buckeye, the targeted industries include aerospace and defense manufacturing, energy technology, biotechnology, life sciences and advanced transportation technologies. The city's economic development efforts come at a time when Arizona is emerging as a national player in several high-growth manufacturing sectors. The state has attracted billions of dollars in investment tied to semiconductor production, electric vehicle technology, energy storage systems and advanced technology manufacturing. Buckeye leaders believe the city can capture a share of that growth. From farms to fulfillment centers The city's economic transformation has been dramatic. As the Phoenix metropolitan area expanded westward, Buckeye became increasingly

BY DAVID KENNARD

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July/August 2026 | InBuckeye.com

BUSINESS

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of the city’s prime sites for what Economic Development would call a ‘mega-user’ if we are gonna attract, you know ... the next electric car manufacturer here to produce their vehicles from top to bottom; this would be a site for something like that.” Grand View Arizona and the Next Generation of Industry Perhaps the most ambitious example of Buckeye's manufacturing aspirations is the proposed Grand View Arizona industrial campus. The large-scale development has been marketed as a future destination for companies involved in aerospace, energy, electric vehicles, biotechnology, artificial intelligence and autonomous transportation systems. Project promoters have described Grand View as an opportunity to create a large employment center capable of attracting industries that traditionally have clustered in more established manufacturing regions. For Buckeye, the project represents more than another industrial development. It reflects a broader effort to position the city as a destination for technology-driven industries that could reshape the local economy over the coming decades. Supporters argue that such projects could help create higher-paying jobs while reducing the city's reliance on commuters who travel elsewhere in the Valley for work. Data centers In March, a small collection of signers added their names to an online petition to “halt approval of water-hungry data centers in Buckeye.” The online petition was launched on change. org, an online site that helps gather signatures for special interest groups. To date, fewer than 100 verified signatures have been collected. The petition was sparked by news of a massive, 2,069-acre technology park south of Interstate 10 and west of Buckeye Municipal Airport. In August 2024, Tract, a developer of master-planned data center parks, announced its acquisition of the land, touted as one of the largest data center parks in the United States, “anticipating up to 20 million square feet of data center space across as many as 40 individual data centers at full build-out,” according to a prepared statement from the company. Manufacturing no longer means smelly factories as more technology has made its way into "factories" and assembly plants.

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Buckeye's rapid growth presents both opportunities and challenges in that regard. The city has abundant land available for development, but continued infrastructure expansion will be necessary to support large- scale industrial projects. A new economic identity The city's pursuit of advanced manufacturing does not signal the end of agriculture or logistics as important components of the local economy. Rather, economic development officials view manufacturing as a potential third pillar that could complement the sectors already driving growth. Agriculture helped build Buckeye. Logistics helped fuel its modern expansion. City leaders hope advanced manufacturing can help define its future. If those efforts succeed, the products emerging from Buckeye in the coming decades may look very different from the hay bales and cotton crops that once defined the region. Instead, the city could become known for batteries, aerospace components, medical technologies and other high-value products manufactured by a highly skilled workforce in one of Arizona's fastest-growing communities. For Buckeye, the goal is not simply to grow, but to evolve — transforming itself from a historic farming community and logistics hub into a diversified economic center positioned to compete in the industries shaping the 21st- century economy.

Agriculture helped build Buckeye. Logistics helped fuel its modern expansion.

“Tract is currently working with the local utility on plans for long-term growth with new power infrastructure which could support up to 1.8 gigawatts,” the statement reads. Challenges ahead The vision is ambitious, but attracting advanced manufacturing is not without challenges. Competition among cities and states for major manufacturing projects has intensified in recent years. Communities across the country are offering incentives, infrastructure investments and workforce development programs to attract the same industries Buckeye is targeting. Workforce development will likely be a critical factor in determining whether Buckeye can successfully compete. Advanced manufacturing facilities often require engineers, technicians, skilled trades workers and other specialized employees. Infrastructure also remains a key consid- eration. Manufacturing operations frequently require significant investments in transportation, utilities, power capacity and water resources.

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BUSINESS

Investing in economic growth The Monroe Avenue project represents more than a road improvement for local merchants. It is one of the first visible investments tied to the Downtown Area Specific Plan, which seeks to create a more walkable and economically vibrant district capable of attracting new residents, visitors and businesses, city council members said. "This project is the first step in implementing the City Council approved Downtown Area Specific Area Plan," city documents state. "The goal of the plan is to transform downtown Buckeye into a welcoming place for everyone, while fostering community belonging and encouraging economic growth." The corridor currently serves as the primary commercial spine through downtown, connect- ing restaurants, retail shops, service businesses, community events and civic destinations. City leaders said improving the street's functionality and pedestrian experience is expected to encourage visitors to spend more time downtown and support local businesses. Safety and access key to business success James Braveboy Jr., project manager with the city's Capital Improvement Program, said the new roadway design was approved by City Council in August 2025 after extensive planning. "Our City Council approved a three-lane configuration with one lane in each direction with a left turn lane at every intersection," Braveboy said. The redesign is intended to improve traffic flow while making it easier and safer for customers to access downtown businesses. "This is designed to improve our traffic flow, pedestrian safety, sight visibility safety and also parking is going to be closer to the curb," Braveboy said. The project removes the confusing off-curb parking spots that put cars several feet away from the sidewalk. Traditional parallel parking is now designated along Monroe Avenue. A recent study published in the journal Cities found that "pedestrianizing" commercial streets increased retail sales and customer activity. And it’s through the Downtown Area Specific Plan that city officials hope to attain that goal. "To ensure downtown Buckeye remains charming and home to so many unique and specialty businesses and restaurants, the city is working to make the area more pedestrian friendly and maximize parking," the plan states. "This will make getting to these locally owned businesses easier and safer."

Foundation for future investment The resurfacing project is only the beginning of a broader downtown improvement effort. Future phases are expected to include new curb and gutter infrastructure, upgraded pavement, wider sidewalks, decorative street lighting, landscaping, and other streetscape enhancements designed to create a more attractive business district. Those improvements could help downtown Buckeye compete for new restaurants, specialty retailers, professional offices, and residential development as the city continues its rapid population growth. The city's planning documents envision additional housing options and new businesses opening downtown over the coming years, creating a larger customer base within walking distance of existing merchants. For business owners, the strategy is aimed at creating the type of environment that encourages both private investment and increased consumer spending, the city stated in a video update about the project.

Construction to continue through summer

The $24.4 million project, a result of a flooding study conducted by the Flood Control District back in 2004, is expected to

REMAKING THE HEART OF THE CITY Monroe Avenue improvement aims to boost Downtown Buckeye businesses

"This [project] is designed to improve our traffic flow, pedestrian safety, visibility safety and also parking is ... closer to the curb," Braveboy said. Although temporary traffic impacts are expected throughout the summer, city officials view the project as a long-term investment in downtown's economic future. As Buckeye continues to grow into one of Arizona's fastest-growing communities, city leaders are betting that improvements to Monroe Avenue will help position downtown as a destination where residents can shop, dine, work and gather — while providing existing businesses with a stronger foundation for growth. Still to come The city plans to place storm drainpipe and catch basins in Monroe Avenue from Miller to 9th Street to relieve flooding for the “10-year, 2-hour storm for Downtown Buckeye,” according to city documents. Floodwaters would be channeled into a drainpipe system under 6th Street to South Street and then east to 7th and outfall into a retention basin constructed by this project.

be completed in 2028. Night lighting

Once Monroe Avenue is reassembled, the city is considering a decorative lighting installa- tion that would crisscross Monroe between 3rd and 7th streets as part of ongoing efforts to enhance downtown Buckeye’s appearance and nighttime atmosphere. Amy Murray, the city’s Public Works director, is proposing the $600,000 idea. Elected leaders are still mulling the idea, but Councilmember Tony Youngker has defended the proposal, saying improvements are necessary to make downtown Buckeye more attractive for future development and investment, noting that he has spoken with developers interested in downtown. “The consensus that we get back is, ‘What is the city doing to make this a more attractive area? What are you doing to make it so people actually want to be down here?’” Youngker said in June.

BY DAVID KENNARD D OWNTOWN BUCKEYE IS ENTERING ANOTHER PHASE OF ITS TRANSFORMATION WITH THE COMPLETION work on the Monroe Avenue Resurfacing Project, a key piece of the city's long-term strategy to attract investment, support local businesses and create a more vibrant downtown district. The project included repaving and restriping Monroe Avenue from Miller Road to Eason Avenue and including a continuous center turn lane. City officials say the new look is designed to improve traffic operations and safety, as well as strengthen the business environment in the historic downtown core. "Downtown Buckeye is evolving into a dynamic hub of activity and community engagement," according to the city's Downtown Area Specific Plan. "The charming boutiques, cozy cafes and family-owned businesses are what currently make downtown Buckeye unique and special."

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BUSINESS

Skin cancer myths & misinformation BY NEIL P SUPERFON DO FAAD, JAY METHA DO, MATTHEW LAMCA PA-C

Thirty participants were honored during Buckeye's first Business Builder Startup Academy, designed to give local small business owners the skills they need to succeed in Buckeye.

• A tan is proof of sun damage to your skin, it does not protect your skin from burning. • Sunscreen prevents skin cancer. It does NOT cause skin cancer. • Indoor tanning is especially dangerous and strongly linked to melanoma and other skin cancers. Misinformation Q&A Do I really need sun protection on a cloudy or cold day? Yes, you need sun protection every day. Up to 80% of the sun's UV rays can penetrate clouds. UV radiation is present year-round, and you can still get sun damage and sunburn on an overcast day. Does using sunscreen completely protect me from skin cancer? No, sunscreen alone does not protect you completely. Sunscreen is a key part of a protection strategy that also includes wearing protective clothing

and seeking shade, especially during peak sun hours. What you should do: • tay Sun Smart: Protect your skin every day, year-round. • Know Your Skin: Check it monthly for anything new, changing or unusual • Get Screened by a Dermatologist: At least once a year for a full body skin cancer screening.

The facts A

s skin cancer rates steadily rise, 1 in 5 people younger than 70 will develop skin cancer. Myths and misinformation are running

rampant online. Unsafe tan-maxxing trends, false sunscreen claims and misconceptions about skin cancer have no basis in science. Worse, they endanger public health. • Anyone at any age and with any skin tone can get skin cancer. Nobody is immune. • Skin cancer is serious; it can be disfiguring, emotionally damaging and deadly. • Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and tanning beds is a proven carcinogen and the main cause of most skin cancers.

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BY DAVID KENNARD

T HIRTY ASPIRING BUSINESS OWNERS HAVE COMPLETED THE CITY OF BUCKEYE’S INAUGURAL BUSINESS Builder Startup Academy, a milestone city leaders say could help strengthen the local economy by creating new businesses, jobs and investment opportunities. “The success of this first cohort reflects the incredible entrepreneurial spirit we have in Buckeye,” said Maria Riebs, economic development coordinator for the City of Buckeye. “These participants committed 10 months to learning, growing and building their businesses, and it was inspiring to see their progress come to life on pitch night. We are so proud of each graduate and excited to continue supporting them as they move forward.”

veterans throughout the community. “The core of the Ivory Strong Foundation is a belief, more than a belief, it's an unwavering faith that with the right resources, every child has the potential to script their own future and better yet, their own destiny,” Ivory said City officials said the academy's first graduating class demonstrates growing entrepreneurial interest in Buckeye, a contrast to past efforts that have traditionally focused on attracting large employers, retailers and industrial projects. Programs such as the Startup Academy aim to ensure local residents also have access to the tools needed to build successful businesses within the community. Following the success of the inaugural cohort, city officials plan to launch a second Startup Academy class in January 2027. Applications are expected to open this fall. The Business Builder Startup Academy is one component of the city's larger Buckeye Business Builder program, marking the beginning of what city leaders hope will be a new generation of locally grown businesses contributing to the city's economic future.

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The program concluded with a graduation ceremony and business pitch competition attended by nearly 100 people, including Mayor Eric Orsborn, business mentors, community partners and graduates’ family members. Participants pitched business ideas before a live audience, showcasing ventures ranging from startup concepts to growing enterprises. One entrepreneur emerged as the evening's standout. Kevin Ivory, founder of the Ivory Strong Foundation, earned all three top honors awarded during the competition: Mayor's Choice, Audience Choice and Best Pitch. His presentation highlighted the organization's mission of supporting youth and military

The 10-month program, launched through the city's Buckeye Business Builder initiative, helps entrepreneurs move from business concepts to operational companies through training, mentorship and access to resources. Participants received instruction on topics critical to launching and sustaining a business, including business planning, marketing strat- egies, licensing requirements, taxes, insurance, financing, artificial intelligence applications, public speaking and investor pitching. Economic development officials view the academy as part of a broader effort to diversify Buckeye’s business community and support homegrown entrepreneurship alongside the city’s rapid population and commercial growth.

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"I don't cut corners," Lowe said. "I use premium products at a fraction of the price of the big guys." Arizona's unavoidable pest One of the biggest misconceptions Lowe encounters is the belief that termites are a rare problem in Arizona. In reality, he tells homeowners that termites are less a matter of "if" and more a matter of "when." "Every house here will eventually get termites," he said. To reduce risk, Lowe advises homeowners to repair leaking irrigation lines and outdoor spigots, keep landscaping from touching exterior walls and inspect foundations after major rainstorms for mud tubes or signs of termite activity. Fortunately, termite infestations usually develop slowly. "People think their house is falling down as soon as they get termites," Lowe said. "The truth is they're very slow eaters." Family first The biggest reward of owning his own business isn't financial. It's time.

Lowe and his wife are raising three sons, including two boys they adopted from the Marshall Islands at birth. The children play soccer throughout Buckeye and the West Valley, and Lowe now has the flexibility to attend games and spend more time with his family. He believes that family-oriented atmosphere is one of Buckeye's greatest strengths. "The family values seem to be stronger out here," Lowe said. "It makes me happy that there are still places to raise kids that feel safe and let them have a normal childhood." As temperatures climb toward triple digits this summer, Lowe will continue spending his days crawling through attics, inspecting foundations and battling Arizona's relentless heat. Armed with sunscreen, sweat rags and a gallon of ice water, he'll be doing what he enjoys most: helping Buckeye homeowners protect their biggest investment. And if a customer offers him a chance to cool off afterward? "One client let me jump in their pool after a job," Lowe said with a laugh. "I took them up on it."

Like many Arizona residents, Lowe said he didn't fully understand termites growing up. Once he became the sole termite technician for a major company, however, he developed a passion for solving the unique challenges they present. "I found that I loved the challenge of termite control," he said. "It's nice to solve problems and protect people's homes." When he launched his own company, choosing Buckeye as home base was an easy decision. Lowe and his wife of 16 years had long dreamed of living in Verrado. About a year ago, they made that dream a reality and moved their family to the community. "I like how down-to-earth my Buckeye neighbors are," he said. "I'm an honest, straightforward guy, and the people here seem to appreciate that." Battling demons Ridding Buckeye homes of termites and other critters is therapy of sorts, Lowe says. As a recovering addict, he says hard work in the Arizona sun is what’s kept him clean for nearly two decades now. “The best thing for me is to keep busy,” Lowe said. Because of that, he doesn’t take vacations. “It’s not good for my sobriety,” he said. Lowe said when he’s not working hard, either at work or at the gym, it’s easy to begin feeling down. “I’m just one bad decision from losing it all,” he said. His advice? “Stop worrying about myself and focus on serving others.” A different approach In an industry often associated with aggressive sales tactics, Lowe believes education and transparency are his competitive advantages. Rather than pressuring homeowners to sign contracts immediately, he focuses on helping customers understand their options. "I try to educate them as much as I can and then give them the decision," Lowe said. "I'm not a salesman. I'm a worker." That philosophy has helped generate repeat business and referrals throughout the West Valley. As an owner-operator, Lowe handles every aspect of the company himself, from inspections and treatments to scheduling and customer service. "Wearing all the hats" is his favorite part of entrepreneurship, he said. He also believes his business model allows him to offer premium termite treatments at prices significantly below many larger competitors.

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Meet the Lowes: Landon, Kash, Chase, Kemp and Faith.

HEAT EXHAUSTION TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP Buckeye's 'Termite Guy' builds business on trust, transparency BY DAVID KENNARD A BOUT THREE YEARS AGO, LANDON LOWE LANDED IN THE HOSPITAL WITH SEVERE HEAT EXHAUSTION after pushing himself too hard working in the Valley's brutal summer temperatures. The experience would ultimately change the course of his life. "As I was laying there, I was thinking, 'Am I going to die?'" Lowe recalled. For nearly a week, he struggled to keep food and water down. As he reflected on his career, Lowe said something became painfully clear: After a decade of six- day workweeks, industry awards and recognition, he felt expendable. "There were no check-ins, no 'How are you doing?'" he said. "I almost died out here." That realization became the catalyst for a major career move. After more than 10 years as a termite specialist for one of Arizona's largest pest-control companies, Lowe decided to strike out on his own and build a business centered on customer relationships rather than sales quotas.

"If I'm going to die, I'm going to die out there for myself," he said. Today, Lowe is known throughout Buckeye and the West Valley simply as "The Termite Guy." Despite his visit to the hospital, Arizona's summer heat is where he thrives. His daily routine begins with a Diet Coke from QuikTrip and a one-gallon Stanley thermos packed with ice water. He drinks roughly a half gallon of water a day, supplements with salt or Liquid IV, and keeps an arsenal of sweat rags nearby as he crawls around homes searching for one of Arizona's most persistent pests. "It's me versus the sun," Lowe said. "I treat it like a sport." “Landon is the best for termites, rodents and all other critters,” said customer Mike Gabel. "He got rid of our ant issue within hours.” Building a business in Buckeye Lowe's journey into pest control began when he was looking for a way out of the construction industry in his mid-20s. He assumed his problem-solving and customer-service skills made him a good candidate for pest control.

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Unemployment Rates May 2025 – May 2026

BY BRENDA BRUEHL

A n Arizona Property Manager professionally oversees the day- to-day operations of your rental — coordinating tenant placement, rent collection, maintenance and routine communication. With a steady, hands-on approach, they keep your property organized, well-maintained and consistently performing.

education and a commitment to managing residential rentals at a higher standard. A CRPM typically exemplifies the following: • Has hands-on experience managing rental properties; • Has completed property management training/education; • Follows established industry practices and ethics; • Focuses on long-term property performance and tenant relations; It’s a simple way to show clients managers are not just managing homes — they’re doing it professionally and with proven knowledge.

communication, accountability and long-term value for both owners and tenants. NARPM stands for the National Association of Residential Property Managers. In property management, it’s a professional organization specifically for residential property managers. Membership typically means the following for a manager: • Focuses on rental/property management (not just sales); • Follows a code of ethics and professional standards; • Has access to ongoing education, forms and industry updates; • May hold designations like RMP® or MPM®. For owners, it’s often a sign you’re working with someone who takes property management seriously as a profession — not just a side service. CRPM stands for Certified Residential Property Manager. It’s a professional designation used in property management that shows experience,

Unemployment Rates (%)

Full-service support for property owners

Brenda offers full-service property management for single-family homes, townhomes, patio homes and condominiums. Whether you own one property or several, her services are designed to protect your investment while minimizing your stress. With hands-on oversight and long-term support, Brenda helps property owners navigate leasing, tenant relations, maintenance coordination and ongoing management with confidence. Her approach emphasizes clear

623-694-6483 Brenda-Bruehl.FathomRealtyElite.com BuckeyeAZRealEstate.com

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Sources: Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics