Can You Be That One Person?

That helps stop a local business from closing

Blair Balin
February 08, 2026

🏙️My North Phoenix View

_{What’s Happening Around Town}

One thing I have seen over the years is how quickly businesses need to adapt and always be providing a new service to keep customers interested.

Example 1—a local brewery. Their vibe is awesome. The beer is great. But it isn’t enough-not only are they competing with private equity/corporate like owned breweries, they have to expand to have food to be able to compete.

Example 2-the local strip center fitness studio. The history behind opening is personal. The clients have seen positive results. But too many other fitness studios and rising overhead costs cause a shutdown.

I know these happen far too often, and each of them are sad. Our friends, neighbors, people we go to church with—having to close down their dreams, or keep expanding to just stay afloat.

Living North Phoenix was founded and will always be about community and supporting local. I’m not trying to make this a pitch about what I have—but the “grandest stage” we can do this on is at Valleypalooza. Come out, support the businesses that will be there. Show some love. It matters more than you might think.

This Community event doesn’t work without you.

Gotta Have Vote…

One of our Community Members and Owner of All Pro Shade Concepts Robert Mulvin is in a fitness contest and trying to be featured in a magazine.

Click on his picture below to vote and support him in his incredible fitness journey.

Valleypalooza Featured Businesses

We are honored to have James Schmillen of Schmillen Law (family law) be a returning Sponsor. He graciously donated his booth space to another lucky business owner so you will not see him at the event.

We are excited to have Great Hearts Academy be a 1st time Valleypalooza sponsor. Known for their best of class education and learning environment, they can be found in Funland at Valleypalooza. Make sure to stop by.

Tired of Renting?

Renting? Own a home and thinking of buying? This is a class you do not want to miss.

Join Heather our insurance agent, Sarah our loan officer and myself as we discuss the hidden costs of buying a home (and how to be aware and plan for them), the market, and things you need to be aware of when looking to buy a home.

Click the pic to register.

Like To Volunteer?

Valleypalooza is also looking for a few more Volunteers. We need help with directing interior traffic and greeting attendees. Can you help?

Get the details here :-)

Happy Hour & Hugs?

We have our Business Happy Hour on 2/12. So please RSVP, and….because of this post, regardless if you are a business owner or not, we determined we would like to offer free hugs.

Just For Fun: 2 Truths & A Lie

Phoenix has more miles of canals than Venice, Italy.
Parts of North Phoenix were annexed into Phoenix decades after homes were built.
Phoenix requires developers to fully fund new schools before residential approvals are granted.

Reply with the lie, and if you are the first correct responder, I will give you a shout out next week ;-)

Share this newsletter with a friend. Have a story to share? I’m here to help.

Blair

P.S. Thinking about buying a home? Selling? Let’s chat. I’m a quick email or text away (480-233-6433).

Reply

or to participate.