Member Spotlight: Bonner David Galleries

Integral to The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale’s mission is telling the stories behind the small businesses Scouted in each Volume. The story begins in print and continues online, after all. As you peruse Volume 2, we are thrilled to continue our story-telling mission with Member Spotlights.

Founded by partners, Clark Olson, a gallerist and art collector, and Christi Bonner Manuelito, a successful artist in her own right, the duo opened their first gallery location in Old Town Scottsdale, exhibiting creations by artists who shared the founders’ love for figurative, landscape, and realism. This year, that same gallery, Bonner David Galleries, will celebrate twenty years in business.

Over the two decades since, the pair's combined taste and talent for identifying the most gifted of contemporary and traditional artists in the world has manifested in a vast, celebrated array of artworks by a myriad of established and emerging creatives. But even more than all the accolades and esteem that comes with running not one, but two galleries (Bonner David includes a Contemporary and Traditional gallery) of such caliber, their one goal remains: serving as a fine art resource for everyone, seasoned collector and art novice alike.

In honor of their momentous milestone, we had the extreme pleasure of sitting down with one half of the pair behind Bonner David Galleries who graciously opened up about her role in the Southwest art landscape and beyond, their recent expansion into Manhattan, and the partnership at the galleries’ foundation. 

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Christi, many of our readers are already familiar with Bonner David Galleries and its prestige in the art world. But for the uninitiated, can you tell us about the gallery?
Christi Manuelito: We are a fine art gallery located in Old Town Scottsdale, representing some of the most notable artists in the world as well as  famous local artists. And this year it will be our twentieth year in business. We’ve come a long way and have so much gratitude for the community for embracing us and the artists who we have had the privilege of working with.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Your co-founder and business partner Clark Olson has been by your side since the very beginning. How did you both find you both get your start in the industry?
Christi Manuelito: Well I am an artist myself and received a bachelors degree in studio art and art history. Clark, as a longtime collector and former senior docent at the Phoenix Art Museum, has been in the art world for decades, too. So, before teaming up to open Bonner David Gallery, we had years of experience the industry. It's very fulfilling to work with a partner who shares the same vision. 

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: And what is that vision?
Christi Manuelito: Our vision for Bonner David was to create a gallery where the artists come first. We want them to feel like a family. We want our artists and employees to have the capacity to thrive as creatives, not just as a product to sell. We wanted to create “a whole family of fine art” that embodied a gallery with synergy. Twenty years later, that vision remains the same.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: That vision has clearly paid incredible dividends. Aside from the unique atmosphere and gallery culture, what else sets Bonner David Galleries apart?
Christi Manuelito: We bring some of the most beautiful and notable art exhibits, almost monthly, to Scottsdale. Beyond that, we pride ourselves on the quality of art and expertise available we offer collectors.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Who’s work can readers expect to find exhibited in the gallery?
Christi Manuelito: Between our Traditional and Contemporary galleries, you’ll find a wealth of renowned artists like Michael Carson, Max Hammond, Hunt Slonem, Bobby Quinn, Liz Tran, Sophia Loroseo, and more!

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: We can absolutely attest to your fabulous reputation! What services or areas of specialization do you offer?
Christi Manuelito: We prioritize educating visitors to the gallery in all aspects of fine art. We also offer a fine art service where we assist collectors in best displaying art in their homes and installing works. For example, we recently assisted a collector in combining separate art collections from two homes into one. It contained well over 100 paintings. Our collector was extremely impressed and thrilled with the result!

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Of the many aspects of your work with the gallery, what do you find most rewarding?
Christi Manuelito: Assisting people in understanding the importance of collecting fine art.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: What’s on the horizon for Bonner David? Do you have any recent or new projects?
Christi Manuelito: Our biggest project and endeavor so far was expanding our gallery and services in 2020 to the biggest art market in the world, New York City! You can find us on the Upper East Side just steps away from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. You can literally see the Met from our front door!

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: We’re thrilled about the success of Bonner David Galleries in New York City, it’s a fabulous testament to your talents as gallerists. But, let’s talk closer to home: what do you love about living and working in Scottsdale?
Christi Manuelito: Scottsdale is a beautifully well-kept city - it’s why we opened our business here!

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Any favorite local businesses?
Christi Manuelito: Of course! Fine art and fine food go hand and hand. My favorite restaurants located near the gallery are Virtu Honest Craft, Arcadia Farms, Kaleidoscope Juice, Malee’s, Sel, AZ88, and The House Brasserie! 

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: We also that Bonner David Galleries and local non-profits go hand in hand. Can you speak to the local organizations or charities close to your heart?
Christi Manuelito: Bonner David Galleries has supported many local charity organizations over the years. Most recently, Hospice of the Valley, Scottsdale Police, PANDA, and Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West.

Bonner David Galleries offers a remarkable selection of works from renowned contemporary and traditional artists. To view the artists currently housed at the gallery, visit their website or head to their dual exhibition gallery destination located on Main Street in downtown Scottsdale. 

Member Spotlight: PS Creative

Integral to The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale’s mission is telling the stories behind the small businesses Scouted in each Volume. The story begins in print and continues online, after all. As you peruse Volume 2, we are thrilled to continue our story-telling mission with Member Spotlights.

From podcast production and commercial creation to digital marketing and live events, there isn’t much PS Creative doesn’t tackle. At the helm of the full-service creative agency? Jessica Leila Adnani, who founded PS Creative fresh out of college. Twelve wildly successful years later, Adnani’s PS Creative is at the top of the industry with an ever-growing list of offerings and an impressive roster of national clientele.

Recently, Adnani made time in her busy schedule to chat with us, graciously and enthusiastically opening up about the digital creative powerhouse she’s built, how she’s giving back, and what’s new on the horizon. 

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Before we dive in, we just want to extend a huge congratulations on 12 years in business as of January 2023.
Jessica Leila Adnani:  Thank you! I could not be more proud of what my team and I have built and am looking forward to many more incredible milestones in the future! We’ve also been able to expand our offices into Dallas, TX over the past two years which is a fantastic achievement of ours.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: That’s incredible! And we’ll chat about that expansion. But, first, let’s start at the beginning of your professional journey. What inspired you to take the entrepreneurial leap?
Jessica Leila Adnani: In 2011, I graduated from Miami University with a degree in political science and Middle Eastern studies with plans to work in the U.S. State Department. They were on a hiring freeze, so instead of pursuing my academic interests, I decided that I would start a business based on my passions - and that’s how PS Creative was born!  

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: That’s quite the trajectory change. How were you sure that it was right for you?
Jessica Leila Adnani: While in college, I interned in finance and quickly realized that the 9:00 to 5:00 lifestyle was not what I wanted. Rather, I wanted to be the designer of my own career. My dad was also a huge inspiration of mine. He was a serial entrepreneur, and inspired my goal of owning my own business from a young age. I got lucky to have two parents whose unwavering support encouraged me to believe that the sky really is the limit.

Photographed by Marion Rhoades Photography.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: That mindset is clear in the structure and development of PS Creations. For those unfamiliar with PS Creative, can you speak to what your agency offers?
Jessica Leila Adnani: We are a creative agency that specializes in podcast production, commercial video, digital marketing and incredible live events. We work with clientele across the country from solopreneurs to fortune 500. 

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: What, in your opinion, sets PS Creative apart from other digital and creative agencies?
Jessica Leila Adnani: We treat our clients like the individuals they are. You’ll never find a pre-set package, hence the PS in our name which stands for, “personalized solutions.” Instead, we create customized packages tailored to the goals of our clients. We always want to be the best fit for them and their unique needs.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: How do you achieve such a personalized experience?
Jessica Leila Adnani: The most rewarding part of our work is interacting with clients. It motivates us and inspires our company pillars — innovation, education, expectations, and communication — which, in turn, inspires how we operate. For example, we send weekly emails featuring client milestones and highlights, which has been a fun way of keeping our clients apprised of their success and growth, whether it’s in their business, podcast, or event.

Photographed by Marion Rhoades Photography.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: You mentioned podcasts, which we know are a very unique aspect of PS Creative. Can you tell us more?
Jessica Leila Adnani: Our podcast offering is unlike any other studio’s. We handle every aspect of a podcast — from booking the guests, recording, editing, publishing, and creating promotional content — so that our clients, who are mostly executives can come in, record, and leave knowing all of the minute details will be handled. It creates a really seamless, easy experience that allows our clients to focus on what they do best, but still take advantage of the valuable platform that is podcasting.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: With the recent launch of your own podcast, it’s clear you’re passionate about the power of podcasts. What does your podcast cover?
Jessica Leila Adnani: So I’ve actually had a few in the past, but this one I am the most excited about – The Self Optimization Experiment. Every two weeks for fifty weeks I will embark on a new challenge to create a more optimized operating system for my life. And I am taking others on the journey with me. Anyone can join in on a challenge at any point!

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Well you’re clearly doing something right - it’s already the top podcast in Arizona!
Jessica Leila Adnani: I’m just so grateful to have a community of amazing listeners who have come on this journey with me and who help hold me accountable every step of the way.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: What advice would you give to anyone interested in starting their own podcast?
Jessica Leila Adnani: If you are a thought leader or aspire to be, starting a podcast is the fastest way to grow your business, your audience, and your influence. This market is expanding like wildfire and as we know, early adopters always win. So if you’ve been thinking about it, come in and let’s discuss because now is the time.

Photographed by Marion Rhoades Photography.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Obviously, you produce your podcast in-house. What else can clients expect from PS Creative? Any new additions to your already-impressive list of offerings?
Jessica Leila Adnani: Yes! We’ve added a fun new addition for our events services - a 360 photo booth that we rent out across the valley to capture fun content for social media. It’s an excellent way of creating reach for events online because people can’t wait to share their videos. We also released new monthly social media content creation packages to give people an easy way to stay consistent with their posting. Finally and most importantly — we just moved into a brand new office and studio! Our new space is very advanced and modern. It has all new video and audio equipment and photography backdrops. And we have stunning, unobstructed views of Camelback Mountain, just as an added perk! 

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: How exciting! We know that, in the past two years, you’ve also expanded and updated your philanthropy-centric offerings. Can you speak to that?
Jessica Leila Adnani: Yes! In 2020, we created a new segment of our nonprofit business called Philanthropy United. We love working with nonprofits and felt like it deserved its own brand. 

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: As we understand it, Philanthropy United has been wildly successful. Are there any projects that stand out?
Jessica Leila Adnani: One of my current favorite client events is Breathe 2 Believe from Vanessa Ramirez who raises funds in honor of her dad’s fight against lung cancer. Another of my favorites is Drive Fore A Cure, a new annual fundraiser from our client Chris Hyslop that benefits the Movember Foundation and the fight against prostate cancer.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: What local organizations are you personally involved with?
Jessica Leila Adnani: I am a Big Sister via Big Brothers, Big Sisters. My little, Monica, and I are super close and I love being her mentor. I also donate my time and talents to Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels every year. 

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: It’s clear you practice what you preach. How do you stay inspired?
Jessica Leila Adnani: Through travel. I travel a lot and experiencing new things, seeing how others live, is a constant inspiration to me to keep innovating. I also love listening to business and health podcasts – they are always expanding my mind.

Photographed by Marion Rhoades Photography.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: And when you’re not traveling, any favorite local spots?
Jessica Leila Adnani: Of course! My go-to restaurants are Steak 44 and Etta and for drinks, I love CRUjiente Tacos - I highly recommend the spicy margarita. For home goods, decor, and gifts, urbAna is my favorite. And as for staying fit, I always get the best workout at Onyx Boxing.

PS Creative are experts in designing bespoke services within the digital landscape for businesses and clients of any scale to optimize and meet their specialized goals. Explore their many innovative digital offerings and how Jessica and her team can expand your business on their website! Additional questions? Reach out via direct message on Instagram or email at leila@personalizedsolu.com. 

Photographer Spotlight: Brian Hudson Productions

Integral to The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale’s mission is telling the stories behind the small businesses Scouted in each Volume. The story begins in print and continues online, after all. As you peruse Volume 2, we are thrilled to continue our story-telling mission with Contributor Spotlights.

As we launch into photoshoot season, we are thrilled to share the newest additions to The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale creative team, Brian Hudson of Brian Hudson Productions.

Inspired to pursue a photography and videography from a young age, Brian Hudson has had a prolific career. Sports fans will recognize his work with NASCAR, NBA, College Basketball, Winter & Summer X Games, The Indy 500, and various other worldwide broadcasts. His eye for movement and storytelling has captured the attention of global broadcasting magnets — think ESPN, ABC, NBC, NBC Sports and the like — and it’s an honor to have him turn his lens on local stars.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Let’s start at the beginning. What inspired you to become a photographer? 
Brian Hudson: Growing up in Michigan, I fell in love with snow skiing and photography around the same time. The local ski hill would play Warren Miller ski movies in their lodge, and I was so inspired by how he found a way to combine the two things I loved most — skiing and photography — to make a career. I wanted to be him! I was fortunate to meet Warren before he passed and and thank him for inspiring myself and others to follow our passion. I will forever be grateful! 

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: The Valley is a long way away from Michigan — not to mention snow! What drew you to Phoenix & Scottsdale and, in turn, photographing for The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale?
Brian Hudson: For the majority of my photography career, I’ve had to travel all over the country. Working with TSG gives me the chance to work locally with people in the community, which is a wonderful opportunity. 

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Well, we’re thrilled to have you on board for Volume 3. What, in your own words, defines you as a photographer?
Brian Hudson: As a photographer, my specialities run the gamut: from portraiture and landscapes, sports and time-lapse, to aerial photography and videography. But, no matter what I’m capturing, I prioritize an attention to detail and am driven to capture the perfect image, rather than perfecting the image in photoshop. It’s typically easier to “fix” a detail during the shoot than it is to photoshop later.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: And how would you define your style?
Brian Hudson: I love capturing images that tell a story and inspire the viewer to think about how an image was captured. 

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: As an artist, what is it like to inspire a viewer to think about the story behind your images?
Brian Hudson: Knowing what it took to create a certain image and seeing it through from the initial idea to the final edit, I feel a sense of accomplishment and pride.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Speaking of a sense of pride, what are your biggest accomplishments thus far? 
Brian Hudson: First and foremost, my son! I’ve also been fortunate to photograph some of the biggest sporting events in the world and had the opportunity to work with some incredible people. In 2022, I won a Sports Emmy Award for my work on the Superbowl LVI Pre Game Show with NBC Sports. 

We are thrilled to have Brian Hudson on board for The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale Volume 3. He’s a wonderful talent that will empower us to do what we do best: showcase and celebrate the stories of the Valley’s business owners. To learn more about Brian and working with Brian Hudson Productions on your next photographic project, reach out here. And don’t forget to tell him Scout sent you!

Photographer Spotlight: Gothgloss Photography

Integral to The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale’s mission is telling the stories behind the small businesses Scouted in each Volume. The story begins in print and continues online, after all. As you peruse Volume 2, we are thrilled to continue our hyperlocal story-telling mission with Contributor Spotlights.

In preparing to produce a new guide, we scout the Valley for the best creative talent to help us bring our vision — and the stories of our members — to life. And we’re thrilled to welcome photographer, Stephanie Neiheisel of Glothgloss, to the creative team of The Scout Guide Volume 3.

After years working on every aspect of a shoot (more on that later), Stephanie stepped behind the lens. And it’s from this new perspective that she lends her creativity to brands, offering editorial imagery with an edge that pushes boundaries and expectations of brand photography. Her style tells a story, which, here at The Scout Guide, we’re all about.

To introduce you to the talent behind the stunning imagery you’ll see in Volume 3, we took time out of our busy shoot schedules to chat about how she got behind the lens and what keeps her inspired.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Stephanie, we are so thrilled to have you on board to shoot Volume 3 of The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale. Let’s start from the beginning, how did you get into photography?
Stephanie Neiheisel: I have always loved photography and I always joke that I wish it had chosen me sooner. I took photography classes all three years of high school and a semester of college and continued to dabble throughout my early 20s. As a makeup artist and agency owner I learned how to take all of my own images and short videos. Slowly over time, I found myself picking up the camera more often than makeup brushes. The transition was effortless.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Let’s talk about that time before you put down the brushes and picked up a camera. How has that shaped your photographic career?
Stephanie Neiheisel: As a successful makeup artist for over 10 years and an agent for 4, I developed an acute awareness that everything from a commercial set to a large bridal party is essentially a moving piece of art. Honing my skills as a makeup artist, educator, and then agency owner allowed me to build a robust community of hair and makeup artists, photographers, curators, and set designers which in turn left me with an incredible drive to move behind a camera. There isn’t a single aspect of a set I haven’t worked on before, so I can relate to my clients and the crew which, in my experience, makes for a fun and comfortable environment. 

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: With such prolific experience what, in your opinion, makes for a great photoshoot?
Stephanie Neiheisel: A collaborative team. Sometimes things don’t go as planned, but a fluid, kind team will always achieve a beautiful result.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Let’s talk specifics, what kind of photography do you specialize in?
Stephanie Neiheisel: Beauty, brand, product, and commercial.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Given your background, that seems a natural choice. It’s one of the many reasons we were so eager to work with you. Another being your signature style. How would you describe your photographic style?
Stephanie Neiheisel: Moody, luxe, clean, and editorial. 

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: What inspires you and your style?
Stephanie Neiheisel: Cheryl Strand’s quote, “put yourself in the way of beauty” helps me express this in the best way. I’m drawn to beautiful experiences, beautiful environments, and beautiful stories. I find beauty in the smallest of things. I walk around with “photo lens eyeballs.” I truly want to feel the beauty in everything. This feeling became heightened when I became a mother.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: How do you nurture this mentality?
Stephanie Neiheisel: Architecture, travel, and experience new places and meeting new people. Travel always opens my eyes new ideas.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Agreed, travel always broadens our horizons. But let’s bring things back home… What do you love about photographing here in the Valley?
Stephanie Neiheisel: Arizona is full of incredible talent. And it’s an honor to meet new people who trust me to capture their talent and vision.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: What aspect of your work as a photographer do you find most fulfilling?
Stephanie Neiheisel: Helping brands tell their stories through beautiful visuals.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: What are your biggest accomplishments thus far?
Stephanie Neiheisel: Being a momma. My daughter is my greatest inspiration, blessing, and accomplishment.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: We’ve saved our favorite question for last… When you’re not behind the lens, where can we find you around town?
Stephanie Neiheisel: Ooooh I love this question. Sottise is one of my go-to restaurants. Monsoon Market for yummy natural wines and gifts. Local Nomad is my go-to spot for specialty items and where I buy all my gifts for events. Berdenas because they make a great London Fog (for us non-coffee drinkers). SkinFit with Jenna for my facials (she is magic). Slain Studios with Oanh for my manicures. Nina K Beauty with Hope for my Brows. Buck & Rider because the seafood is amazing and they have the best happy hour. 

We are thrilled to have Stephanie Neiheisel on our creative team for The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale Volume 3. To learn more about Stephanie and inquire about working with Gothgloss on your brand photography head here. Don’t forget to tell her Scout sent you!

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Why are you excited to be a new member of the TSG team?  

Stephanie Neiheisel: I love the team so much and how enthusiastic they are about supporting the local community here in Phoenix. 

Member Spotlight: Scottsdale Charros

Integral to The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale’s mission is telling the stories behind the small businesses Scouted in each Volume. The story begins in print and continues online, after all. As you peruse Volume 2, we are thrilled to continue our story-telling mission with Member Spotlights. Here, Editorial Contributor Marci Symington chats with Active Member of The Scottsdale Charros.

Photographed by Brian Goddard.

After celebrating 60 years of charitable giving to the Valley and ahead of their signature annual fundraising initiative, it’s high time for a deep dive on The Scottsdale Charros. A beloved Scottsdale philanthropic institution, The Scottsdale Charros supports education through scholarships and educational programming, and promotes youth activities, sports, and cultural enrichment in our community. Each year, The Charros welcome baseball fans to the 2023 Spring Training season and, year after year, The Charro Lodge remains the best ticket in Spring Training.

Serendipitously, one recent sunny winter day found me sitting along the green banks of Scottsdale Stadium talking to Stuart Crawford, CEO of Bison Ventures and Active Member of The Scottsdale Charros. We chatted history, giving, and — of course — what it means to be a “gentleman rider.”

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Hi Stuart! Can you start off by telling us a little bit about the Scottsdale Charros and how they were founded?
Stuart Crawford: In a nutshell, the Scottsdale Charros are a volunteer philanthropic organization of community leaders and business owners who raise money for youth-related activities, mainly sports-related, but a lot of our monies go into supporting the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD). The short version of how the Charros were started is that back in 1961, a group of local business leaders wanted to promote Scottsdale and to attract tourism and business to the city and all it had to offer. Their idea was to help the community by promoting sports and sporting events that would draw tourists and entertain residents. And even though they were a small organization, there were some influential political figures who were Charros, like Herb Drinkwater, former mayor of Scottsdale after whom Drinkwater Boulevard is named.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: As a parent myself, I can see how education and youth are causes near and dear to many in the community. Tell me a little about your fundraising and who it benefits?
Stuart Crawford:We have three different arms of the organization. First there is the baseball arm and our association with spring training, which is our money driver. It is how we create and generate the dollars to be able to fund the charitable arm which is centered around education. To that end, we hold an annual education benefit, inviting the Teachers of the Year from every school in the SUSD, and we pass out awards, grants, and scholarships for Student of the Year. The third arm is our annual Charro trail ride.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: I realize we just have enough time to skim the surface here, but can you explain the Charros association with spring training?
Stuart Crawford: Every spring, for four weeks, the City of Scottsdale—who owns Scottsdale Stadium—hosts the San Francisco Giants for baseball’s spring training season, which amounts to 16 games. This year, spring training starts on February 25th. We sell ad space in the stadium in the form of banners, stadium signage, PA announcements, and scoreboard video ads that are seen by over 200,000 fans and on ESPN.

We are really excited because this is going to be our first normal baseball year in three years. And when I say normal, I mean, the season’s going to start when it is supposed to start (in other words no lockout battles) and people are excited to get out and gather again after COVID canceled the 2020 season. For more information on the games, check out our website at charros.com and springtraining.com.

Photographed by Brian Goddard.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Enjoying our beautiful spring weather while watching a major league baseball game sounds like so much fun! Tell me about the Charro trail ride, which sounds pretty amazing too! 
Stuart Crawford: It is amazing. The ride is part of the Charros’ tradition to keep the western heritage of Scottsdale alive. The purpose is to thank our sponsors who make our charitable giving happen and our significant others for all the time spent working on our mission. The first ride was in November 1962 and was a four-day trail ride into the McDowell Mountains. Now, around 200 men participate in the ride, half of whom are members (active and past actives, or ‘lifers’), and half are guests. The guests are bused to our camp on a Wednesday, and we trail ride Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Every year we ride in different areas of the state and our camp is based on a private ranch. We sleep under the stars, like old cowboy-style in sleeping bags, no tents allowed. It is very down to earth and authentic. You are out there with some incredible individuals but at the end of the day we are all just guys sleeping on cots. It's epic, no matter how you explain it to people, until they go on the ride, they just can't understand it.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: It sounds epic. Do the significant others meet you at the end of the ride?
Stuart Crawford: Yes! So, on that Friday, the girls/significant others come to the closest town to our camp, and they do a cowgirl night: they all stay at the hotel and have a big dinner and go to the bar and have fun. And then Saturday, which might be one of my favorite days of the whole year, is when all the significant others get bused from the hotels to the campsite where we are all lined up to eagerly greet them. We have a big party at the ranch for that day. And they get to watch us ride in a rodeo competition called gymkhana, where we do things like barrel racing and team penning. The whole point of it is for the guest experience to just be off the charts. You want the guys and their significant others to come off this trip and say, ‘Oh my god, we’ve got to do that again.

Photographed by Brian Goddard.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale:  And your participation in the Parada del Sol is part of keeping the western tradition of Scottsdale alive too?
Stuart Crawford: Yes, the Charros host the Parada del Sol, or Parade of the Sun, every February in Old Town Scottsdale. It is a western-style celebration where the city of Scottsdale literally blocks off the streets in the middle of Old Town. And then we've got everything from the Sheriff's Posse to kids on horses to cheerleading groups to high school football teams. This year is February 4th, so mark your calendar. It's really cool.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Thank you for your time today! Tell us, how can our Scout Guide community help the Charros?
Stuart Crawford: For a $100 donation, you can become a Friend of the Charros, or you can sign up for larger sponsorship opportunities to get you and your company more exposure. Other than a financial gift, exposure is key. One of the things that always surprises me is that not many people are aware of us. When I first joined, I thought it was cool, but at the same time, it was not great for growing an organization. We finally have a social media presence and Instagram. It is just the more that people know about us, the better.

I almost forgot…if you are not into baseball, we do other events. This May will be our third annual charity golf tournament at Greyhawk Golf Club. It stands out because our golf tournament celebrates the American West..can you believe we were able to convince Greyhawk to let us ride horses onto the golf course?

Yes, I can. It seems that is why most people move out West…to dare to do what has not been done before. Salut to the Charros!

Learn more about The Charros, their work, and how to support them here.