Chamber Ambassadors are Goodwill Representatives!
They strengthen the Chamber’s relationship with its Members, the business community, and the community at large. Because all Ambassadors are active Members of the Chamber, they provide an important Member-to-Member link, understanding and responding to Member needs as only another Member can.
Ambassadors encourage Members to become involved and help them learn more about Chamber programs and initiatives. Ambassadors take new Members under their wing, foster communication between the Chamber staff and Members and generally act as the eyes and ears of the Chamber in the community. Ambassadors also represent the Chamber at networking events, business meetings, and other functions.
Lee Perry
Allstate
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Lee Perry
Prior to Allstate Lee was a Sales Manager for 19 years, which involved Corporate & Community events. Lee is a Washington state transplant and lives in Cave Creek with his wife Jennifer. When he’s not at the office helping customers, you can find him on the Tatum Ranch Golf Course working on his game! Lee is a big fan of sports, music, and loves to barbeque. Lee’s father was deployed twice to Vietnam as a combat medic and he followed the family tradition and served in the Army including in Desert Shield/Storm. Believe it or not, he ran into his sister also deployed to the region.
Jessica Clark
Realtor®- Compass
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Jessica Clark
I launched my real estate career as highly organized self-motivated professional with over 20years in business operations, management and accounting. My extensive work experience in the construction industry and the nonprofit sector, along with my comprehensive training &experience in Real Estate make for a well-rounded, client-focused approach. I believe in fiercely advocating for my clients! I am a participating Board Member and Ambassador in the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce and consistently strive to establish roots and connections in my community both professionally and personally. As a proud member of the Scottsdale Area Association of Realtors, the values of hard work, integrity, and outstanding client service carry into everything I do. In 2023, I started a little Interior Design business, Gemma Design, which affords me the opportunity to help all of my clients even more while feeding my creative side. When I’m not doing everything Real Estate & Interior Design, I enjoy traveling and spending time with my amazing, ever growing family of five kids, a granddaughter and a couple of rescue pups. I also enjoy volunteering for local homelessness advocacy charities including Maggie’s Place, where I serve on the Women of Impact Board
Julie Clark
Window Coverings by Julie
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Julie Clark
Julie is originally from Bozeman, Montana, where she was raised with her family. She has five children, who are now adults; their professions include two engineers, an electrician, and an anesthesiologist. She is the proud grandmother of four beautiful grandchildren. For nine years, she also served as a foster parent in Montana. Over 25 children passed through her home during those years. She holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and is a former educator. Having lived in Cave Creek since 2014, she has even taught at Cactus Shadows High School. Furthermore, she is grateful to be a cancer survivor.
Julie has always had a passion for design, and her desire to create beautiful spaces led her to establish her own window coverings business. Since she has over 10 years of experience in the industry, she has become an expert at selecting and installing the perfect window treatments for any room. As a result of Julie’s attention to detail and excellent customer service, she has become a go-to resource for both homeowners and businesses. With the perfect combination of functionality and style, she prides herself on helping her clients transform their living spaces.
Darrell Doepke
REALTOR® Berkshire Hathaway
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Darrell Doepke
I believe in getting involved in my community. You’ll find me volunteering and supporting numerous non-profits. In the corporate world there is a time-management mantra that says,”If I can’t change the outcome, I’m not getting involved.” While I see the validity in that, I also see the flip-side which is, “If I can change the outcome, I’m getting involved.” As I grow older and wiser, I try to live by that philosophy.
Margie Hans
Discovery Map
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Margie Hans
Since acquiring the Discovery Map for Carefree, Cave Creek and North Scottsdale, she has enjoyed more community involvement and promoting our patch of paradise as a fun travel destination. Margie loves welcoming new local businesses with her map and then helping them to grow by gaining exposure for them. With her experience in working with others through both the medical profession and her fun detailed maps of the area, Margie brings both knowledge and enthusiasm to the Chamber.
She’s an outgoing gal and her Discovery Map is updated annually, so do say hello at the next Chamber event. Promotion, promotion, promotion counts as much as location, location, location.
Bob Hesselguesser
City Sun Times
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Bob Hesselgesser
He always worked in a professional career of Sales and Marketing and is currently the sales rep for the City Sun Times. Bob came to Arizona after winning a trip to the Super Bowl through the Colorado lottery! He has lived in Arizona full time since 2000.
He is a member of the Moose, Eagles, American Legion Post and Kiwanis. He is a past president of the Jaycees.
Debra Jastrow
Tatum Insurance
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Debra Jastrow
I have over 10 years’ experience in the insurance industry. I represent more than 40 different carriers and specialize in business and commercial lines but do write my fair share of home and auto policies. I was born and raised in Arizona and graduated from the University of Arizona in 2007. In 2013 I earned my Associate in Insurance Services designation as well. I got married in August 2016 to the most wonderful man I know, even though he likes the Green Bay Packers. I myself am a diehard Bears and Cardinals fan. I enjoy camping, traveling the world, eating new foods and spending time with my family. My goal as your agent is to provide you with what you need and to educate so you can make an informed decision about your policy.
Evelyn Johnson
Life Long Member
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Evelyn Johnson
I have been a member of the Chamber for 26 years and have served on the Board of Directors and as a volunteer the entire time. I’m the Executive Director of the Cave Creek Museum and have been for 17 years. I enjoy telling people about our awesome community’s history and the characters from yesteryear and now, like Catherine Jones, who was a perfect shot with her six-gun.
I have two English Springer spaniels that are spoiled and loved. I discovered Sears Kay ruins and Spur Cross as my calming places when I moved here 27 years ago. Something most people don’t know about me is that I worked with special needs students before moving here.
Mario Licciardi
Realty Executives
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Mario Licciardi
In 1983 Mario Licciardi began his Real Estate Career in California during President Reagan’s administration. Having moved to Northern Nevada with his family in 1984 he started a career as a licensed Life and Health agent in the State of Nevada. Starting with Massachusetts Mutual, then moved on to New York Life where he spent 10 years developing a love for estate and financial planning. His acceptance of the challenges of managing clients’ life insurance needs, individually or in a group setting, was impactful in the development of his career in the Life insurance industry. Mario has also worked within banking and credit union institutions as a registered financial representative.
With the desire to reignite his Real Estate Career, in 1995, Mario, became licensed in the state of Nevada, specializing in the residential markets. During his tenure as a Real Estate agent, Mario became a broker and opened an office working with a construction company. He also developed a brokerage firm working with investors.
Mario has been married for 44 years to his college sweetheart, Gwen, and has lived in Sparks, NV for 35 years. He has 4 children, Lauren, Vincent, Marco, and Luca. His family loves the outdoors and has spent time backpacking, fishing, camping, and hiking in Nevada and California. All three boys competed at the highest level of soccer in Northern Nevada and California. Vincent and Luca went on to play D1 soccer at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix Arizona. Lauren was a full-time special education teacher for nine years. She is currently, employed with the local Junior Achievement Program in Phoenix. Mario and Gwen are both graduates of Cal State Long Beach, CA. Mario is an avid road cyclist and enjoys the challenge of long-distance riding. Mario and Gwen have lived in Cave Creek, AZ for 6 years.
Mario is excited to be on board with the Totten, Fulton, and Rizzo team of Realty Executives! Looking forward to many years of productivity and to continue being an integral part of the Cave Creek, Arizona Community!
Stephanie Maloney
Premier Documents
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Stephanie Maloney
Stephanie Maloney has been here from Iowa for 24 years. She has two sons, Michael III & Joseph, three dogs and her husband and business partner Michael Maloney, Jr. Now that her children are older, she has more time to get involved in the community helping others and promoting her family business Premier Documents. She provides education on the subject of Estate Planning, Estate Settlement & Asset Protection. Through the educational process, one can decide what documents are right for their family. Do you need a Will, Revocable Living Trust, Durable Power of Attorney, Living Will, Nomination of Guardian? Did you start a business? Need to establish an LLC, Corporation or FLP? At Premier, the documents are custom for YOUR family. Our process is thorough and catered to you and YOUR agenda…not ours. We offer successor education for the generation coming after you as well. One of my her goals is to get the message out that Estate Planning isn’t just for the more mature people in our lives…it’s for all adults ages 18 until death. You don’t need a large estate to need planning. Estate Planning is about having control over your personal & financial decision making, when you can’t do it due to death or incapacitation. She does her best to make an uncomfortable subject, comfortable.
Scott Marine
Dynamic Appliance Repair
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When I’m not elbow-deep in the workings of a dishwasher or refrigerator, you’ll find me in the kitchen. Cooking is my passion; it’s where I get to be as creative with flavors as I am with my tools. Every repair job is like solving a puzzle, and every dish I cook is a new piece of art.
John McCombs
AZ Perfect Comfort
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John McCombs
After a successful career in the Army National Guard and Supply Chain Management, my Wife Robin & I now run a commercial and residential heating, cooling, and indoor air quality company under the name of AZ Perfect Comfort.
Jen Miles
Tech 4 Life
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Jen Miles
Jen has lived in Cave Creek since 2009. In 2010, she was hired as the Communication Manager at the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce where she worked for over two years. Because of the connections she made at the Chamber she was able to start her own business, Simple Email Strategies in 2014, where she helped local businesses with their social media and email marketing. She merged her business with Tech 4 Life Computers & Websites in 2017, becoming the Vice President of Digital Marketing in an effort to build a superior digital marketing company in our community. She raised her two kids in this community and continues to volunteer with multiple nonprofits to be sure our community excels.
Jen currently is the Chair of the Ambassadors and loves to help where needed for the growth of the Chamber. You will see her in her red shirt at Chamber events, always with a smile. Jen also sits on the Board of Trustees for the Cave Creek Unified Education Foundation. Because her two kiddos are grown and are no longer in the CCUSD, she felt it was a great way to give back to the local teachers who did an amazing job helping her kids aspire to be what they are today!
When Jen isn’t working or volunteering, she loves to spend her time hanging out at home with her husband. If it is football season, you may have a tough time reaching her on Sundays!
MariaElena Rizzo
Totten Fulton Rizzo Luxury Team Realty Executives
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MariaElena Rizzo
Originating from the picturesque Hudson Valley region of upstate New York, MariaElena has lived in the Carefree and Cave Creek areas for nearly twenty years. Her children completed their studies within the local school district before continuing their education at the University of Arizona.
The Totten Fulton Rizzo Team is deeply embedded in real estate and genuinely committed to the local community. Our office, situated in a historic Rancho Mañana building that once served as a 1940s dude ranch, attracts more foot traffic than any other real estate business in the vicinity. This is a significant advantage for sellers partnering with the Totten Fulton Rizzo Team. MariaElena notes, “Every day, visitors from across the nation enjoy Rancho Mañana Golf Course, Tonto Bar & Grill & Hilton Vacation Club. They often find themselves captivated by the area and stop by our office to explore available properties. This not only benefits our clients who are selling but also provides a convenient introduction to potential buyers interested in relocating here.”
We are your premier resource for professional real estate services in Cave Creek, Carefree, and North Scottsdale. With extensive experience as Cave Creek Realtors, the Totten Fulton Rizzo Team is dedicated to assisting buyers, sellers, and developers in achieving their real estate goals throughout northern Maricopa County. Our profound understanding of the Cave Creek, Carefree, and North Scottsdale communities ensures that we work diligently on your behalf to create a satisfying and successful home-buying or selling experience.
The Totten Fulton Rizzo Team adeptly represents buyers and sellers across residential and commercial transactions, encompassing everything from condominiums to luxury million-dollar residences. You can expect comprehensive, professional, and accurate representation regardless of your budget.
Dale Samar
Realty Executives
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Dale Samar
He was involved in the team that developed/operated StoneRidge Golf Course in Prescott Valley from raw land to continuing operations and also assisted in opening/purchasing other golf properties including the former Sanctuary Golf Course (now McDowell Mountain Golf Club) as well as SunRidge Canyon Golf Club among others. Responsibilities included marketing these properties diligently and creatively throughout the process providing them with a strong foundation from which to have long-term success.
His 30 years within golf included just 3 employers due to his loyalty and character with an exceptional work ethic. His most recent golf position was as General Manager for Rancho Mañana in Cave Creek for 15 years with responsibilities that included managing and/or leasing more than 40,000 square feet of commercial space.
These years of experience have provided Dale with the knowledge necessary to properly market Arizona homes for sellers to generate the highest possible price. With a team of professionals including his very talented interior designer wife, Michelle, your home will look incredible for the photo shoots that are necessary to sell homes quickly in today’s market. Michelle has completed hundreds of projects over the past 20 years for homeowners within the gated communities of Anthem Country Club, Terravita Country Club, Desert Mountain Golf Club, the Boulders and many more throughout Anthem, Cave Creek, Carefree and Scottsdale. “In fact, I would call her my “secret weapon” for prepping homes for sale as many of her updated homes have sold for prices in the high six figures to more than $1,000,000.” added Dale.
Chris Wesson
Benchmark Mortgage
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Chris Wesson
I grew up in a small town in North Alabama and when trying to decide what to do after high school I really wanted to get out and see the world as well as serve my country. So I decided to enlist in the Marine Corps in July of 2001, just a few months before 9/11.
While on active duty I did three deployments to Iraq which then led me to a career after the military of contracting overseas doing private security as a civilian. I spent another four and a half years working in Iraq for the Department of Defense and US State Department before coming home due to an injury.
After finishing my degree in Global Security and Intelligence Studies at Embry Riddle University in Prescott I was having trouble finding a decent paying job in the security field in Phoenix. By God’s grace and my good fortune I met my now branch manager who told me all about the mortgage industry and the opportunities available in this position and offered me a position as a mortgage loan originator.
I’ve now been in the mortgage business since 2018 as a mortgage loan originator and since I’m a Marine Corps Veteran I’ve made VA home loans my specialty. I can do any loan type such as conventional or FHA but my passion lies in VA home loans. The longer I’ve been in this position the more I’ve realized there’s a huge lack of knowledge on both the Veteran side and the Real Estate/Mortgage side so I’ve made it my focus to educate as many people as I can on this wonderful benefit.
The VA home loan has so many positive benefits to Veterans and I think it’s one of the best loan programs available today! I like to consider myself more of an advocate of the VA home loan rather than just a lender who does VA loans. Semper Fi!
Mick Ennis
In Memoriam - 1942-2016
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Mick Ennis
Mick Ennis had a distinguished 20-year career with the New York Fire Department (FDNY) before moving to Arizona in 1997, when he joined the Foothills Sentinel newspaper as associate editor. Mick was no stranger to community involvement. He was a member of Knights of Columbus (52 years), Kiwanis (34 years) and graciously volunteered for the Thunderbird Fine Art and Wine Festival every weekend and attended every Chamber mixer and business breakfast since 1997! Mick was honored by the Chamber in 2011 as Volunteer of Year.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE AMBASSADORS COMMITTEE:
- Serve as an accredited representative of the Chamber to strengthen its relationship with its members
- Communicate the Chamber mission and goals to its members and prospective members
- Serve as hosts, emcees, greeters at Chamber events/functions (Business Breakfasts, Chamber Mixers, Ribbon Cuttings and Special Events.)
- Enhance the growth of a lasting and loyal base of members
- Advocate Chamber recruitment and retention of members
- Perform the highest level of hospitality for all Chamber events/functions
- Provide for continuous self-evaluation and renewal of the Ambassadors Committee itself
- Help to increase attendance at Chamber events
Become an Ambassador and share your enthusiasm for our community with others!
Below are the requirements and responsibilities:
- 1 year commitment to attend and be active in the following activities.
- Monthly Meetings: Ambassadors are expected to attend monthly meetings held on the first Thursday of each month at 7:30 am. These gatherings provide an opportunity to network, share insights, and discuss strategies to further our mission.
- Ribbon Cuttings: As an Ambassador, you will have the privilege of attending ribbon cuttings to welcome businesses to our community. By representing the chamber at these events, you will contribute to fostering a warm and supportive business environment. Your presence will be a testament to our commitment to growth and collaboration.
- Promotion of the Chamber: Ambassadors are encouraged to promote the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce on a regular basis. Whether through social media, word-of-mouth, or other channels, your active advocacy will help raise awareness of our chamber and its initiatives.
- Goodwill Representative: As an Ambassador, you will serve as a goodwill representative of the chamber. Your conduct and interactions with others should reflect the professionalism and dedication to excellence that the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce stands for. By embodying these values, you will strengthen our reputation and inspire trust among our stakeholders.
To express your interest please complete the ambassador Application or contact Steve at director@carefreecavecreek.org. Join today and help shape the future of our thriving business community!
