Justin Duran, CFRE
Vice President of Resource Development & Communications
Child Crisis Arizona
What do you do for Child Crisis Arizona?
I lead our resource development and communications teams in all of our philanthropic and marketing efforts. Essentially, I am focused on connecting our community of supporters with the mission and vision of Child Crisis Arizona, including the progress on our 38,000-square-foot, climate-friendly, net-zero campus, currently under construction.
Why is it such an important organization?
We serve the Valley’s vulnerable children and families, and we are committed to preventing child abuse and neglect through education and intervention. Our services include foster care and adoption services, early education, communitywide parenting classes, workshops, and support groups, and we also operate emergency shelters for children ages 2 to 10.
You grew up in Scottsdale and were a Youth of the Year from the Boys & Girls Clubs! How has being part of that organization inspired you?
The Boys & Girls Clubs inspired me to keep children and teens safe and help end the cycle of child abuse and generational poverty.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I am a kid at heart. If you walked into my office, you would be bowled over by the colors, kids’ artwork, my foam finger collection, and the copious Phoenix Suns memorabilia. I love to have fun while I am working. It is important to have that balance.
Micah Kinsler
President
MiCamp Solutions
What led you to launch MiCamp Solutions?
I established MiCamp Solutions after observing the challenges my franchise business encountered due to high credit card processing fees. My goal was to develop a cutting-edge, efficient, and innovative solution to foster the success of businesses navigating similar obstacles.
What are some of the company’s achievements?
A leading payment company in the United States, MiCamp serves 28,000 clients worldwide, processing $25 billion in transactions each year. In partnership with over 500 independent service organizations and holding the esteemed title of No. 1 Fiserv ISO, MiCamp stands proudly within the exclusive Chairman's Circle. We are also a four-time Inc. 5000 award recipient.
You launched the revolutionary MiPOS program. Can you describe what that is?
The MiPOS program, a free and vendor-agnostic POS placement solution, follows the slogan "You Pick and We Pay," enabling merchants to choose their preferred POS provider while taking advantage of MiCamp's cash discount program upon signing a merchant agreement.
What’s on the horizon?
MiCamp Solutions is transitioning into a Full-Service Provider (FSP), a change that will invigorate the company. Through this, we’ll deliver a comprehensive suite of services, encompassing payment processing, software, and support to address the varying needs of clients.
You like to give back through MiCamp Cares …
MiCamp Cares represents the philanthropic division of MiCamp Solutions, embodying a straightforward approach to charitable giving: support the community where you live and work. When businesses choose to process with MiCamp Solutions, they can designate a charity to receive a share of MiCamp's profits generated from their merchant processing account.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
There are truly no surprises with me; I am a person who values simplicity. My ideal environment involves sitting by a crackling fireplace, enjoying a cigar on my patio, and being surrounded by my loved ones. It’s these tranquil moments that bring the greatest joy and fulfillment to my life.
Sterling Smith
Owner/Pitmaster
Loot N’ Booty BBQ
How did you get into barbecue?
After graduating from Arizona State University, I worked at a bank that was based out of Kansas City, Missouri. Annually, that bank hosts an employee BBQ competition held on the grounds of the American Royal World Series of Barbecue, the largest BBQ competition in the world. Our Arizona team was invited to compete. After attending that, I became infatuated with all things smoke and meat. I came home, started practicing, and eventually started a competition BBQ team of my own.
Where do you compete?
I have competed all over the world! I mostly compete in the Southwest but have had the honor of being invited to compete in the American Royal World Series of Barbecue in Kansas City, and I have represented Arizona four times at the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue in Lynchburg, Tennessee. I have competed in Australia seven times, as well as in Mexico.
Proudest achievements?
I’ve had many amazing barbecue victories, but the coolest thing is the fact that my kids got involved in the sport when they were younger. They have grown to share my cooking passion with me and have both won multiple Kids Q competitions. I am also the author of two cookbooks and hold the title of 2022 World Barbecue Champion!
Tell us about Loot N’ Booty BBQ ...
Loot N’ Booty BBQ is the name of the competition team I started in 2009, and it has since evolved into a brand of its own. I began to develop a line of seasonings and sauces, and I have worked hard to grow it on an international level. Now my products are sold all over the world. They can also be ordered directly from my website (LootNBootyBBQ.com).
You also teach classes!
Yes! I teach classes in person across the country and all over the world. They include everything from beginner backyard BBQ classes to more advanced competition-style BBQ classes. I also have online classes available through my website.
John F. Beshai, M.D.
President and Founder
Heart Rhythm Institute of Arizona
Why cardiology?
My area of expertise is in the cardiac subspecialty dealing with irregular heartbeats called cardiac electrophysiology. I chose this field because it allows me to directly affect a patient’s quality of life and, in many cases, prolong their life. Moreover, I can touch the lives of patients with conditions ranging from atrial fibrillation, to passing out, and cardiac arrest.
What sets you apart?
After spending close to 15 years in academics working in big university hospitals, I opened my own private solo practice. Therefore, I can practice medicine and run a business free from large organization policies and procedures that, at times, may not be in the best interest of the patient but rather place a priority on cost-effectiveness and revenues.
You’ve been all over the world to lecture and speak. Why do you choose to do that?
I have been blessed with some of the greatest mentors and colleagues in my field. During my academic career, I was fortunate enough to gain success in research and education. This led to invitations to visit countries and speak at international conferences on the work that my colleagues and I had accomplished.
You have a patent!
The patent involves a pacing technique to identify areas where the heart muscle may be scarred, resulting in a suboptimal pacemaker lead position. By using this technique, the doctor is able to avoid this area and place the lead in a position that will ultimately benefit patients suffering from heart failure.
We heard you get to fly in F-16s …
I do! I am currently a United States Air Force reservist flight surgeon and have the honor and privilege of serving with the most fierce, brave men and women on the planet. As an immigrant, I was able to achieve success based on opportunity and freedom for which many paid a heavy price. I do not take this for granted. This is why I serve.
