In the heart of Queen Creek, a group of local professionals get together every other Wednesday. These meetups are meant for relationship building and learning from each other. Queen Creek Professionals was started by Zach and Adriana Thomas in January of 2023.
“Starting Queen Creek Professionals has been a transformative journey for both of us. It’s helped us identify and lean into our unique strengths while learning to value each other’s expertise. This journey has taught us the importance of knowing when to seek help, when to trust one another’s judgment, and when to collaborate to find the best solutions,” they said.
Zach owns several businesses, and he initially thought this would be a straightforward venture. He quickly realized that working with small businesses to network and build meaningful connections requires a deeper understanding of power partnerships, motivation, and mutual support. Adriana has been instrumental in teaching him patience and reminding him to trust the process. Her perspective has encouraged him to stay grounded and resilient, which has benefitted both their work dynamic and their personal bond.
“Together, this journey has not only strengthened our skills and professional growth but also deepened our mutual respect and understanding. It’s been about giving each other grace, supporting one another, and celebrating every milestone, big or small,” Zach stated.
One of the biggest hurdles they’ve faced since starting Queen Creek Professionals is that it has required far more effort and structure than they initially anticipated. In the beginning, they took a relaxed approach to managing the group, hoping it would evolve organically. As the group grew, it became clear to them that they needed to establish clear guidelines and boundaries to maintain order and consistency. This shift came through a lot of trial and error, which wasn’t always easy, but it taught Zach and Adriana the importance of setting expectations early on.
Another challenge has been navigating the dynamics within the group, especially when differences of opinion arise. As much as they value open communication, mediating and maintaining peace among members has been a delicate balancing act. It’s taught them the importance of fostering a respectful, inclusive environment. It didn’t take them long to realize that managing QCP effectively was more than a two-person job. The scale of the work required—whether it’s organizing events or simply keeping the group running smoothly—was beyond what Zach and Adriana could handle alone. Thankfully, they had several individuals step up and form a ‘Leadership Team’ to share the responsibilities. Their willingness to support the group has been a game-changer and has allowed QCP to grow into what it is today.
They both agree that their biggest win since starting Queen Creek Professionals has been the ability to not only work well together but also maintain a strong and supportive partnership in parenting. It’s a unique blessing to work side by side with your spouse, and they genuinely enjoy the time they spend building something meaningful together.
Another positive has been the opportunity to create lifelong friendships within their community. It’s amazing to connect with like-minded individuals who share similar goals and values, and to build relationships rooted in mutual support. The friendships they’ve developed through QCP go beyond business—they’ve become a vital part of Zach and Adriana’s lives, creating a true sense of community and belonging.
“This journey has brought us closer as a couple and introduced us to a network of people who inspire and uplift us every day. It’s not just about achieving professional success; it’s about cherishing the journey, the connections we’ve made, and the time we share, both at work and at home.”