There is no single way to define what it means to be one of the Men of Gilbert. The individuals featured here come from different backgrounds, industries, and walks of life, yet each was nominated for the same reason: the impact they’ve made on the people and community around them. These are stories shaped by hard work, evolving goals, and moments that didn’t always go as planned but led somewhere meaningful. Some lead from the front, others from behind the scenes, but all share a commitment to showing up with purpose. This feature is not about one version of success. It is about the many ways it can look, told through the men who are helping define Gilbert in their own way.
Steve Hewitt
CEO of AZCEND
His story is rooted in service, shaped by decades of pouring into people and community. With more than 25 years in the nonprofit space, his path began in an unexpected place as a golf professional before discovering a deeper calling through youth programs and mentorship. That early experience sparked a passion that would lead him to the YMCA, where he built both a career and a family foundation. After years of leadership roles, including time with CUSD and serving on numerous boards, Steve returned to nonprofit work with renewed purpose. Today, as Interim CEO of AZCEND, he continues to lead with heart, focusing on impact, mentorship, and community growth. Outside of work, Steve is known for rarely saying no to a chance to volunteer, coach, or support others, and he’ll gladly point you toward one of his favorite local spots, Garage-East, where a “breakfast wine” might just be his go-to recommendation.
Joshua Stanwitz
Executive Director of Heroes on the Water
A husband, father, and combat veteran, his life has been shaped by a deep commitment to service, first in uniform and now in the nonprofit space. As Executive Director of Heroes on the Water, he leads programs that support veterans and first responders through therapeutic outdoor experiences nationwide. His path shifted following service-related injuries, ultimately guiding him into advocacy work that spans local, state, and national levels. Gilbert quickly became home, offering the kind of community he and his wife envisioned while raising their family. Grounded in values like hard work, integrity, and personal responsibility, he leads by example, both professionally and at home. Outside of his work, you’ll likely find him enjoying Downtown Gilbert favorites like Sidewinder Subs or Sal’s Gilbert Pizza, or staying involved in causes that support veteran advocacy, conservation, and education.
Chuck Bongiovanni
Vice Mayor
With more than three decades in Gilbert, his story is one of resilience, growth, and deep community connection. He arrived 33 years ago with a vision, building a small business that has since grown into an international company with over 240 offices. At the same time, he was raising his six-month-old son on his own, driven by the determination to create a better life not just for his family, but for others along the way. His “jumping in” moment came through public service, becoming Vice Mayor and a Town Council member, where he found purpose in connecting with residents and helping guide Gilbert’s growth. Despite the town’s size, he values the small-town relationships that make it feel personal and connected. Known for his belief in listening first and leading with intention, he continues to show up for the community he calls home, often recommending a stop at Liberty Market, a place he considers part of Gilbert’s heart.
Justin Sremba
Principal of Gilbert Elementary
Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, he moved to Arizona in 2005 to pursue a career in education, eventually finding both purpose and home in Gilbert. For more than a decade, he has served as principal of Gilbert Elementary, where he has led with intention, focusing on building strong relationships, developing student leadership, and creating a culture that feels like family. His passion for education is rooted in making a lasting impact during the early, formative years when confidence and character begin to take shape. Outside of school, his life is centered around family, staying active, and being present in the community. From coaching youth basketball to traveling and exploring Gilbert with his wife, he values connection in every form. He also enjoys working out, hiking, and introducing his kids to golf. Known for his competitive edge, especially during a game of euchre, he brings that same energy into his leadership, showing up consistently and leading by example.
Jeremy Fierstein
Owner of Elevate48
A longtime Gilbert resident, he has spent the past 20 years watching the town grow while staying grounded in the relationships that make it feel like home. A Marine Corps veteran raised by a family of teachers and first responders, service, discipline, and accountability have always shaped how he approaches both life and business. Since 2012, he has built a career in real estate, carving out a niche as an assumption home sale and purchase specialist, known for finding creative, strategic ways to help clients succeed in a competitive market. Outside of work, he’s a proud dad of two teenage boys and deeply invested in the community, from youth sports to local gatherings that bring people together. You’ll often find him around some of his favorite Gilbert spots, from catching a game at Cactus Yards to unwinding at Beer Barn, or grabbing a classic deep dish nearby. He’s also a loyal sports fan, cheering on the Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago Cubs, and Chicago White Sox, always finding ways to stay connected to both community and tradition.
Rob Duggan
Chief of Gilbert Fire Department
Raised in the Moon Valley neighborhood of Phoenix, he had the Gen X freedom: days spent riding bikes through the desert, long summers at the pool, and a childhood built on independence, resilience, and a little bit of chaos. That foundation carried into his career, leading him to the fire service, where he found both purpose and challenge. In 1999, he joined the Gilbert Fire Department, a decision that quickly felt like home. Surrounded by a team that valued growth and support, he built a career defined by stepping outside his comfort zone and embracing the unknown that comes with every call. Beyond the job, he values gratitude as a daily practice and believes in continuing to move forward in all areas of life. When he’s not working, you’ll likely find him enjoying a date night at Origen followed by a stop at The Blue Heron, a perfect reflection of his appreciation for both community and connection.
Ryan Matheson
Police officer and School Resource Officer for Town of Gilbert
With a career rooted in both education and public service, his path has always centered around guiding and protecting others. After spending 16 years as a Health and Physical Education teacher and more than two decades serving as a volunteer firefighter, eventually rising to assistant chief, he brought that same commitment to Gilbert, where he now serves as a police officer and School Resource Officer. His dedication has not gone unnoticed, as Officer Ryan Matheson, SRO at Cooley Middle School, was selected as the Region 7 winner by the National Association of School Resource Officers, representing Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma, for his outstanding service and leadership. Since moving to Gilbert seven years ago, he and his family have embraced the community, often spending weekends exploring Downtown and local favorites like Crust Simply Italian and Snooze, an A.M. Eatery. Whether it’s a morning at the farmers market or time with family around town, his focus remains on connection, presence, and making a lasting impact.
Joshua M. Blaker
CEO of Accrue Wealth Designs
His story is one of resilience, risk, and redefining what’s possible. From a childhood that shaped his understanding of money and survival, to building a career as a financial advisor, his journey has been driven by a desire to create something better not just for himself, but for others. After moving to Gilbert at a young age, he built a life rooted in family, community, and hard work, eventually founding Accrue Wealth Designs alongside his wife, whom he credits as a key source of belief and support. That same mindset shows up in how he approaches life, leaning into challenges, embracing growth, and not shying away from fear. From competitive skateboarding in his younger years to BASE jumping in Moab as part of a documentary on overcoming fear, he continues to push boundaries. In Gilbert, you’ll find him enjoying time in Downtown, whether at O.H.S.O. Brewery or SoCal Fish Tacos, staying connected to the community he’s built his life around.
Don Guerra
Owner of Barrio Bread
A baker, educator, and community builder, his work has always been about more than just food; it’s about connection. What began as a passion for baking evolved into a deeper mission, blending education and community through his craft. After starting in his garage in 2009, he built Barrio Bread into a nationally recognized, James Beard Award-winning bakery rooted in the agricultural heritage of the Sonoran Desert. His expansion into Gilbert marked a meaningful return to the Valley, where he continues to grow that vision through new ventures and partnerships. At the heart of it all is a commitment to bringing people together, whether through bread, conversation, or shared experiences around food. He’s especially inspired by places like Agritopia, which reflect the same values of community, sustainability, and local collaboration he strives to build. For him, it’s not just about what’s being made, it’s about what’s being created together.
Logan Antelman
Founder of Hooligans Coffeehouse
Rooted in Gilbert, his story is one of growth, passion, and purpose. A local through and through, he grew up here and is now raising his family in the same community that shaped him. Whether it’s playing guitar, surfing, camping, or simply spending time with the people closest to him, his life centers on connection and experiences that matter. His journey into business began with a turning point, choosing sobriety and finding a new outlet through coffee. What started as a personal shift quickly became something bigger, leading to the creation of Hooligans Coffeehouse. Built alongside close friends and supported by his wife from day one, the shop has become more than a business; it’s a community hub rooted in authenticity and shared experiences. Located near Revel Surf, it reflects his love for culture, connection, and bringing people together through music, coffee, and community, creating a space where people feel seen, welcomed, and inspired every single day.