December 2024
Elevate PHX – Josephine Torrez
Being an ACDBE business owner at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a family affair for one entrepreneur.
Josephine Torrez, owner of new Terminal 4 stores Arizona Roadtrip and PGA Tour Fan Shop, got her introduction to the airport working for her father who was an ACDBE partner with prominent PHX contractor Paradies Lagardère.
“I’m a second-generation ACDBE owner,” she said.
The appeal of working in the airport environment was apparent early on in her employment and inspired her to take a chance on her own properties.
“The airport in and of itself is unique in that all the passengers come through here: We’re the first thing people see when they arrive and the last place people see when they leave,” she said. “It’s really important that the memories they have leaving Arizona be positive, happy and of an enjoyable place.”
Before opening Arizona Roadtrip and PGA Tour Fan Shop in October and November respectively, Josephine had to become certified ACDBE, which she attained at the end of 2023. She then bid for and won her two stores. While they were under construction, she was involved with Paradies Lagardère in its other stores conducting customer service training and introducing new employees to airport and rules and regulations.
She said giving employees a strong foundation in excellent customer service supported by regular reinforcement pays off in the long run.
“It’s not that we try to sell something unfamiliar to them. We sell the team-player attitude. It’s not ‘me and I’ but ‘us and we,’” she said.
Her favorite thing about working at PHX is “all the people, the workers and the energy at the airport,” she said. “It’s all the different dynamics and being a part of the huge economic engine of Arizona.”
Entrepreneurs interested learning more about contracting with one of the Phoenix Airport System properties can start by checking out Doing Business with PHX, DVT, and GYR.