Alan Jones
Owner, Floor Coverings International Mesa
Q: What would be the elevator pitch about yourself?
I’m a loyal, genuine person. I’m constantly striving to grow. I try to keep things simple. I like taking complexity out of situations that don’t need it.
Q: What makes Mesa special?
There is so much to do from Downtown Mesa to hiking, to the water park. There is just so much to do. I enjoy Tonto Forest. Mesa is always evolving and growing. There’s potential here. It keeps getting better.
Q: What is the best part of your day?
I like to start every morning with meditation and yoga. This has been a habit I’ve cultivated over the past six years and I never miss it. Every day starts the same, it’s peaceful and calm. It keeps me grounded and every day starts out as a good day with this routine.
Q: What is one thing more people should know?
Life is about people. It’s not about things. People have the wrong focus. Many people lose sight of the relationships in the midst of other things, and we miss the importance of connection.
Shane Wolfe
General Manager AutoNation Chevrolet Mesa
Q: What would be the elevator pitch about yourself?
I joke that I have a Ph.D—poor, hungry, and driven. I try to help anybody and everybody out. I operate from a “do to one another” type of mentality. In business I am a team player, and everybody is playing on an equal playing field.
Q: What are your favorite local places?
Point 22, Red, White, & Brew. We like the coffee shop that is on the farm. The restaurant that is there too is good. My family and I like anything that has a good patio.
Q: What is your family’s favorite thing to do?
We love to take vacations. Creating memories is what we aim for along with getting out and having something to look forward to. If we’re not taking a vacation we’re boating or riding dirtbikes. Our favorite vacation spot is still to be determined but we really enjoy Hawaii. We want to try going overseas more.
Q: What is the best part of your day?
Going home to my family. I’m an early riser. I’m a big believer that every morning we have a choice: a good attitude or a bad attitude. Good attitudes usually last for the day and are infectious. It’s like what do you want to be known for—someone who is a grouch or someone who has a smile?
Q: What is your favorite outdoor activity?
Boating. I love boating and being out on the water. I get to spend time with my family and put the phone down and away.
Dr. Fadi Naioom
Doctor of Dental Medicine, Restoration Dental
Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born across the world in Iraq left right before the Gulf War and spent most of my childhood in New Zealand. When I was fifteen, my dad was given an opportunity at a hospital in Philadelphia. I spent my high school years in Philadelphia, moving to Arizona right as I was about to start college. I spent four years at the University of Arizona and then went to dental school down the street at A.T. Still University. I loved Mesa so much that I decided to open my practice here.
Q: What is the best part of Mesa?
How much growth has occurred here. I lived in Mesa while in dental school. Mesa is unrecognizable today from what it was back then. I love the family feel that this city has. The food scene is so broad that we find ourselves driving all over to get the best cuisine in town.
Q: What is the best part of your day?
The best part of my day is getting up in the morning and helping my kids get ready for school. On the drive to school, I’ll play their favorite songs in the car. It sets a great tone for my drive into work, helping me to make the most of my day.
Q: Tell us about your family.
My wife, Mary, and I have two children—a six-year-old and a three-year-old. We like to explore new restaurants together. The food scene in the valley has blown up over the past five years and we are here for it!
Q: What is one thing you wish more people knew?
Some might already know this, but I wish everyone knew how much I care about changing the feeling around the profession of dentistry. I want people to want to come see us and look forward to their appointments like they do when it comes to going to their favorite aesthetician or plastic surgeon. I am on a mission to change the way people look at dentistry.
Adam Hetherington
Realtor
Q: What would be the elevator pitch about yourself?
I’m a second-generation real estate professional, having grown up in a family where both of my parents were brokers, so real estate has always been a part of my life. With over twenty-three years of experience, I’ve learned that no two transactions are the same. I take pride in understanding each client’s unique needs and delivering results that align with their goals.
Q: What is the best part of Mesa?
I’m especially fond of Northeast Mesa, the proximity to the Usery Mountain Regional Park, excellent golf courses, and easy access to the Salt River make it a truly special place to live. It offers a unique balance of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and everyday convenience.
Q: What are your favorite local spots?
I enjoy spending time on the patio at Las Sendas Golf Club. it’s a great spot to unwind and take in the views. For morning coffee or business meetings, Hava Java is my go-to. When it comes to family dinners, I always enjoy Nando's Mexican Cafe for its welcoming atmosphere and consistently great food.
Q: What is the best part of your day?
My favorite part of the day is the morning—getting my kids off to school and starting the day together before things pick up. It’s a moment of consistency and connection before the day becomes busy with work, school pickups, and activities.
Q: What is your family’s favorite thing to do?
As a family, we love to travel—whether it’s a quick getaway to Cabo San Lucas, a relaxing weekend up in the pines, or a summer trip exploring destinations across Europe. It’s something we truly value as a way to spend quality time together and experience new places.
Q: What is one thing more people should know?
Time passes quickly. It’s important to be present, prioritize what matters most, and make time for the people and experiences that truly count.
One thing I wish more people knew—tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. Try to live life to the fullest every day. It’s the negative things in life that you reflect on. Try to be a good person and don’t take anything for granted.