Arizona Tile celebrates its 30th anniversary Prescott, Arizona.
In business since 1986, what is now Arizona Tile began under the ownership of Prescott residents Joe and Christine Heffelfinger as Yavapai Tile. Christine Heffelfinger had previously worked for Arizona Tile in the Phoenix Valley and they decided to re-join the Arizona Tile brand in February 1994. The paperwork was finalized by Matt Huarte and CFO Gary Skarsten that month and the beginning of Arizona Tile in Prescott had begun.
Christine stayed on as the branch manager, and with her leadership, Arizona Tile outgrew the warehouse and showroom located at 550 N. 6th Street. In April 2004, Arizona Tile expanded to a new showroom and warehouse in the greater Prescott area at 625 Holiday Drive.
Today, Christine is currently a regional operations manager for Arizona Tile. The population of the metropolitan area of Prescott has increased by 40% from 1986 from 52,000 to 130,000. Paul Molyneux is now the branch manager. He started in the warehouse in 2002 and moved his way up to his current role in 2006. He offers some insight about the changes he has seen in the business over the pasts 30 years.
Q. What are some of the changes that you have seen, both in the area and in the store?
Paul Molyneux: Of course, the obvious answer is that there are more homes, businesses and people, and with that comes less open space and wildlife. However, with the growth comes more choices and variety in stores, as well as restaurants.
Q. What has stayed the same?
Molyneux: Even though Prescott has grown, we are still a small town. With the average person staying in a single home for 13 years, we often see repeat customers that we have assisted with multiple homes over the 30 years. We have a lot of staff longevity here; it is always a good feeling when someone comes in 10-plus years later and they remember you, and you them.
Q. What types of materials do best in this market? Has that changed over the past 30 years?
Molyneux: Our store and its offerings have changed with the times, from the style of the '90s with cherry wood cabinets and mauve tiles to sleek and modern. No more granite tile counters and Saltillo tile—now it’s quartz counters and large-format modern tile.
Q. What would you like everyone to know about your select group of employees?
Molyneux: Arizona Tile has a reputation of retaining employees for many years and Prescott is no exception. Fifty-seven percent of our staff has been with us over five years and 43% of them for 10+ Years. Our branch is more like a family, so many of us are diverse in different job titles so we can cover for one another and don’t skip a beat.
Q.What about Arizona Tile as a company makes us unique in Prescott?
Molyneux: We have the largest selection of stone slabs in the Prescott area and are proud to be providing great customer service and products to the construction and design community - now, and for many years to come.
