Member Spotlight: Hydrate IV Bar

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 collect Volume 2, we are thrilled to continue our story-telling mission with Member Spotlights…

Photo by Carl Schultz.

Meet Danielle Withycombe and Mary Butterfield, the Co-Founders behind Hydrate IV Bar, a wellness spa dedicated to keeping the Valley healthy and hydrated. After opening their first Arizona location in Arcadia, Danielle and Mary launched a Scottsdale location in short order. The demand for their health-boosting IV Therapy is high and their experience is unsurpassed.

Hydrate IV Bar eschews desert-chic vibes that defy the sterile aesthetic so common in the industry, and clients are met with equally warm - and deeply knowledgeable - staff. In short, it’s a place to unwind and invest in their health.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Danielle and Mary, we are thrilled you’ve joined us for Volume 2. To kick off our chat, can you share what inspired you to take the entrepreneurial leap?
Danielle & Mary: Danielle started to toy with the idea pre-Covid. After teaching yoga in the Valley for 13 years, Danielle reached out to the Denver-based founder of Hydrate IV, Katie Wafer, about bringing the concept to Arizona. Then, Covid hit. Danielle and Mary connected through yoga and during a yoga private, Mary rolled over after savasana and said, “this sounds like a fun idea, and I want to be your partner! Let’s bring Hydrate to Arizona.” The rest of 2020 was spent in full-blown creation mode!

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What has been the best part about bringing Hydrate to Arizona?
Danielle & Mary: The health and wellness industry is thriving here in Phoenix and Scottsdale. We love being a part of that growth and creating a little sanctuary for people to step out of the hustle and into Hydrate.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Your presence in the Valley is expanding, and you recently opened a second location. Can you share more about the new Scottsdale location and what this means for Hydrate?
Danielle & Mary: Thank you, we are thrilled! It’s a beautiful, inviting space conveniently located to the Quarter’s shopping and dining options. Not only does this location introduce us to a whole new market, but it also allows us to connect with and bring wellness to more people.

Photo by Carl Schultz.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Let’s talk about wellness… What are the benefits of IV therapy?
Danielle & Mary: Intravenous (IV) Therapy bypasses the gastrointestinal tract enabling 100% absorption of the included vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This method quickly and effectively hydrates your body, offering a more energized, healthy you!

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What types of IV Therapy do you provide?
Danielle & Mary: From immunity to athletic recovery, anti-aging to fatigue, we pride ourselves on serving a variety of health and wellness needs - including preventative and NAD+ IV Therapies. We also can customize our IV Therapy and Injections to each client, whether they’re experiencing symptoms of a cold or over-indulgence.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: How often are IV Therapies recommended?
Danielle & Mary: Everyone is different and has unique needs, and factors like physical activity, nutrition, quality of sleep, and stress can all impact frequency. However, we’ve seen that consistency is key in experiencing the full-benefits of IV Therapy and have created membership options for those interested in incorporating IV Therapy into their wellness routines.

Photo by Carl Schultz.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What can clients expect from a Hydrate IV experience?
Danielle & Mary: From the moment you walk into the spa you’ll feel the Zen vibes. Our friendly and professional team will help you identify the right services for your needs and help you settle into our relaxing loungers and start your treatment. Treatments take about 45 minutes. While we have many clients who use the opportunity to read or take a nap, we have plenty who make friends with fellow members!

 

“The desert is a constant reminder to stay resilient.”

-Danielle Withycombe & Mary Butterfield

 

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What is the best part of your work?
Danielle & Mary: The opportunity to work with an amazing group of women and meet some of the nicest people around. We truly love what we do at Hydrate IV Bar, and we believe that this positivity radiates throughout the space into our guest’s experiences.

Photo by Carl Schultz.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: As we head into the hot summer months, do you have any tips to staying hydrated and healthy?
Danielle & Mary: When temps rise, our bodies are in a constant battle to stay hydrated. In addition to desert temps, we suffer from drinking a lot of filtered water, which is stripped of the salts and minerals that our bodies need to stay hydrated. Luckily, we specialize in hydration! Our hydration go-to starts with 1-liter saline with a selection of vitamins and “Cocktails” unique to Hydrate IV Bar. Come in and let us help you stay hydrated!

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: In addition to the need for Hydrate IV’s, how does the Valley influence you and your business?
Danielle & Mary: The desert is a constant reminder to stay resilient!

Photo by Khristina Saint.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Let’s talk more about the Valley. Or, more specifically, your Valley. What are your favorite local spots and experiences?
Danielle & Mary: There are so many! From shopping at urbAna to dinner at The Jade Bar at The Sanctuary, visiting the Musical Instrument Museum to attending Barrett Jackson Car Show!

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: How do you give back to the community? Are there any local charities or organizations near and dear to your hearts?
Danielle & Mary: Again, there are so many philanthropic organizations doing important work in the Valley. To support them, we have a charity component built into our Katie Cocktail. $5 of every “Katie” goes to a cause we identify each quarter.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Finally, we’d like to end our chat by looking ahead. Is there anything on the radar for Hydrate IV Bar that our readers should know about?
Danielle & Mary: Yes! We’re planning our third location - stay tuned!

Whether you’re interested in a Shot Pass or Myers Cocktail, visit Hydrate IV Bar Scottsdale or Arcadia to relax, recharge, and refresh your routine. Just don’t forget to tell them Scout sent you!

Photo by Carl Schultz.

Member Spotlight: Stephanie Larsen Interior DESIGN

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 collect Volume 2, we are thrilled to continue our story-telling mission with Member Spotlights…

Photo by Scott Foust.

Meet Stephanie Larsen, Founder & Principal Designer of Stephanie Larsen Interior Design. The eponymous firm is built on crafting award-winning spaces that unearth a unique harmony between luxury and the simple, functional pleasures of everyday living. Specializing in turnkey projects from ground-up construction to extensive remodels, her spaces focus on telling unique stories through casual elegance, timeless palettes, and a deep connection to the natural world.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Stephanie, we are thrilled that you have joined us for Volume 2. One of the questions we love to quick off our Member Spotlights centers on the inspiration behind your business. Can you share with us what inspired you to start Stephanie Larsen Interior Design?
Stephanie Larsen: Interior design has always been something that I was passionate about from a young age. In high school, my dad asked me what I would pursue if money was no object and I knew in my heart that it was working in design. Since then I’ve worked hard to follow my dreams, creating spaces that bring my client’s visions to life, while continually striving to broaden my education and enhance my skills every step of the way.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What services does your firm focus on?
Stephanie Larsen: While I offer interior design services ranging from small-scale renovations to fine art curation, my practice is centered in delivering luxury turnkey residences. From new constructions to remodels, I specialize in delivering every detail from flooring and custom furniture design to table settings and bed linens, so that my clients are provided with a first-class, completely move-in ready finished product upon project completion.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: How do you approach projects? Can you share a little more about your process?
Stephanie Larsen: In every project, I endeavor to offer clients a thoroughly-involved, hands-on approach throughout the entire process. While I work with a team who supports me in executing design plans, it's important to me that clients know that they can rely on me to oversee, plan and ensure no detail is overlooked - from conception to completion.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What aspect of your process is the most rewarding?
Stephanie Larsen: Hands-down the best part of my job is seeing a project come to completion. It’s so rewarding to walk into a space after the last accessories and artworks have been placed and see how the hard work has come together. And there is nothing like taking clients through their first finished walk-through and realizing that you’ve created a space that welcomes them home.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What are you and your team focusing your efforts on most?
Stephanie Larsen: Currently, my design practice focuses on luxury residential spaces, more specifically, creating beautiful, functional, and timeless homes in Northern Arizona and beyond. Lately, I’ve been working with clients in search of more mindfully-paced communities who have chosen to build dream homes outside of the city. Helping them to construct their ideal primary residences has been a joy.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Do you have any sage wisdom you can share with our readers?
Stephanie Larsen: There is nothing more valuable than creating a space that truly feels like home. While the ideal living space looks different to each of us, taking the steps to shape our homes around our unique needs, tastes and lifestyles enables us to create the environments we need to grow, recharge and connect with loved ones. If I could offer one piece of advice, it’s to invest in your space, I promise the rewards will pay off in dividends.

Photo by Scott Foust.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: We’d love to switch gears a little bit and discuss your relationship with our community. What brought you to Northern Arizona?
Stephanie Larsen: Over 20 years ago, I relocated my design practice from Orange County to Sedona in search of a place that would offer a more thoughtful pace and balance for my life and art. This intentional, connected approach to everyday living is something that still influences me heavily today and serves as the foundation in every space I create.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What do you love about living and working in Arizona?
Stephanie Larsen: Living and working in Arizona provides the best of both worlds and that’s really what makes this part of the world so special. It’s a slower pace of life, the weather is beautiful, and - thanks to our bustling tourism scene - you get a wonderful blend of small-town and city living that you just don’t find anywhere else. It’s something more and more people are starting to discover and I’m excited to see how our communities will continue to evolve as a result.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Tell us about your favorite local spots…
Stephanie Larsen: In Sedona, I gravitate towards Mariposa for dining and L’Auberge de Sedona for relaxation. I also love The Enchantment Resort Spa and Seven Canyons Golf Club and am looking forward to the opening of the Ambiente Hotel. When in Scottsdale, I opt for Ocean 44 and make stops into Valerianne and John Brooks Showroom.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Finally, we like to end our conversations with a question about the causes close to our members’ hearts. Is there a local organization or charity you support?
Stephanie Larsen: Steps to Recovery Homes, located in Cottonwood, is a foundation close to my heart. The organization focuses on raising awareness of core issues related to addiction and substance abuse while providing safe, structured environments - free from alcohol and drugs - for people who fall through the cracks.

To learn more about working with Stephanie Larsen Interior Design, reach out to her at stephanie@stephanielarseninteriors.com - and don’t forget to tell her Scout sent you!

Photo by Scott Foust.

Member Spotlight: Bison Ventures

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 collect Volume 2, we are thrilled to continue our story-telling mission with Member Spotlights…

Left to right, Jeremy West, Stuart Crawford, Ryan Madrid. Photo by Scott Foust.

Meet Stuart Crawford, Ryan Madrid, and Jeremy West of Bison Ventures. Recently, the trio teamed up to offer the Valley (and beyond) a new choice in the mortgage lending landscape. Not to be confused with a mortgage brokerage, Bison Ventures is a correspondent mortgage lender. For non-industry insiders such as ourselves, this means Bison Ventures owns the process from start to finish - diagnosing needs, providing solutions, underwriting, and funding loans. With the distinction defined, we chatted with the executive team about the industry and taking the entrepreneurial leap.

Stuart Crawford, Chief Executive Officer

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: How did you first start in the mortgage industry?
Stuart Crawford: I got my start in the industry in 2001 during my senior year at ASU. I cold-called off lead sheets to set appointments for loan officers to meet with clients for refinancing. I eventually went on to help build a small call center, then worked at another mortgage company after graduating and searching for my “real job.” I ended up quitting as it was not the professional environment I had sought out and found the industry to be unethical at the time. I consider my true beginning in the industry to be when I joined a private, family-held company in 2022.

Photo by Scott Foust.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: The industry has changed quite a bit since you got your start in 2002. What’s stayed the same - if anything? Can you share what’s stayed the same?
Stuart Crawford: The chaos. Originating and processing a loan is complex, as is managing the emotions and expectations of the parties involved. The atmosphere of urgency - and chaos - remains 20 years later.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: It sounds like great preparation for launching your first business. Can you share a little bit about that experience? 
Stuart Crawford: Like most in the mortgage origination career path, my first job was 100% commission, which is scary, unpredictable, and full of moments of doubt and emotion. In many ways, it’s similar to starting a business. And, interestingly enough, I experienced many of those old feelings starting Bison Ventures. In short, starting the business was absolutely exciting and terrifying - all at the same time. But, the vision of our legacy and the creation of opportunities keeps us focused. 

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What advice would you give someone looking to secure a mortgage?
Stuart Crawford: Start the process months in advance with a reputable mortgage professional. There’s a common saying in our industry: “there are no easy loans.” So many clients have a more complex situation than they realize and benefit from ample time to work through the industry’s abundance of guidelines and red tape. The sooner you can get “diagnosed” by a mortgage professional, the better. Informed lending is about arming the consumer with all the education and information they need to make an empowered decision.

Photo by Scott Foust.

Ryan Madrid, Chief Development Officer

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: How did you get your start in the mortgage industry?
Ryan Madrid: I got into the business in January of 2013 after a long stint in the medical field. I made the switch to find more time with my kids, gain autonomy, and have an experience beyond that of typical Corporate America.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What has your experience in the mortgage industry been like?
Ryan Madrid: It’s way harder than I thought it would be. Every day brings a roller coaster of emotions.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: After a stint in Corporate America, what was it like to launch your first business?
Ryan Madrid: This is a great question… It’s been a whirlwind: educational, stressful, and fun! At first, I asked myself questions like, “am I worthy of doing this?” Once I passed through the phase of self-doubt, I was all in. Now that we are fully operational and I reflect on the experience, I know that I would never want to take the entrepreneurial leap alone. I feel extremely grateful to have Stuart and Jeremy as my partners. We all have different strengths, which makes the partnership - and company - work.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What has been the key to Bison Ventures’ success?
Ryan Madrid: Client education and a clear mortgage plan.

Photo by Scott Foust.

Jeremy West, Chief Operating Officer

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: How did you get your start in the mortgage industry?
Jeremy West: While I’ve been in the finance industry my entire career, I’m definitely the newbie in the group. I relocated from California last year to help launch the company. Before joining forces with Stuart and Ryan, I spent nearly 20 years in corporate banking, running a commercial division for a Fortune 100 bank. I started as a commercial underwriter, helping small businesses obtain financing for owner-occupied real estate, equipment, and working capital needs. This led to roles in sales, then management, and culminated in this amazing opportunity to lead our bank’s expansion efforts into the Northern California market.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Tell us more about this shift… What motivated you to make such a big geographic and career change?
Jeremy West: After two decades in Corporate America, I was drawn to the opportunity to realize my unrelenting dream of entrepreneurship. I’d worked with countless small business owners throughout my career and found their passion and energy to be contagious. When the opportunity with Bison Ventures presented itself, my wife gave me the support and confidence to pursue it. My wife's support was complimented by the fact that I was partnering with two of the industry’s most accomplished mortgage professionals.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What has your experience in the mortgage banking industry been like?
Jeremy West: It’s a fast-paced industry with an increasingly complex web of regulations and insatiable eagerness to adopt new technologies and efficiencies. That said, the heart of this business is about helping individuals achieve their goal of home ownership and financial stability. At Bison, we understand the importance of the role we play and take great pride in knowing that we’re helping families and communities. A lot has changed, but the fact remains we are a people business. I feel fortunate to be surrounded by people who are drawn to that and love to help.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What was it like to take the entrepreneurial leap?
Jeremy West: I’ve encountered a range of emotions, from fear and stress to exhilaration and pride. But, each wave of emotion is underscored by the opportunity to chart my own path, which is extremely motivating. I also feel so fortunate to work with two of my best friends. I could not imagine the difficulty of managing the daily challenges of starting and running a business without partners you can lean on to problem-solve.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What advice would you give someone looking to secure a mortgage?
Jeremy West: No two lending situations are the same, so borrowers must work with mortgage professionals that are knowledgeable, ethical, and communicative. We pride ourselves on being the experts that strive to educate, as well as demonstrate empathy for each prospective client. As a result, we’ve created a reputation for offering best-in-class service with a demonstrated commitment to navigating the idiosyncrasies of each borrower. If your mortgage partner is not communicating, problem-solving, and demonstrating a great sense of urgency, it’s time to consider other options.

To learn more about Bison Ventures and inquire about their services, reach out at 480.776.2954 - and don’t forget to tell them Scout sent you!

TSG's Father's Day Gift Guide

Originally published by The Scout Guide on May 17th, 2022.

On June 19 we will be saluting the dads in our lives. And while we appreciate the men who’ve had a hand in raising us—or are raising our children—all year long, this annual day offers the opportunity to express our gratitude in a particularly meaningful way. We’ve rounded up a variety of Father’s Day gifts from scouted stores across the country, from spot-on cuff links to a perfect bottle of red, that are sure to make dear old dad feel treasured. First on our list? A local find…

Looking for a scouted men’s shop near you? Browse The Scout Guide Directory.

LOCAL FINDS

GOLF COURSES: FAIRWAYS OF THE WORLD, PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID CANNON // Available for purchase online from Urbana in Phoenix, Arizona.

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