Where to Find Super Service & Competitive Prices

For 15 years, In&Out Magazine has been the definitive source of “Everything that’s going on” in and out of the community. We thank you, our readers, as well as the businesses that support the magazine through advertising, for that opportunity. But with little going on, and many businesses suspending or canceling their ads during the Covid-19 crisis, we are suspending publication of the magazine and web sites for the month of May. 


There was a time, back when I-17 was two lanes from the Loop 101 north and the original Safeway was just getting its shelves stocked, when most providers of goods and services considered NoPho (aka our neck of the woods) pretty much South Flagstaff. If you were fortunate enough to find someone willing to plumb your pipes, hang your garage cabinets, or paper your powder room, there would be a trip charge attached to the bill.

Industrious locals made sweet entrepreneurial lemonade from those lemons. Before you could say, “will anyone return my calls?” small businesses of all shapes and sorts starting blooming. Circling the wagons, so to speak, we responded with our dollars and loyalty.

Fast forward to 2017 and everyone wants our discretionary dollars. I prefer to give mine to my neighbors.

When you choose local businesses, it’s a win, win, win, win… well, you get where I’m coming from. You’re helping your neighbors while you allow them to help you. I’m fond of the term “a rising tide lifts all ships.” Money you spend in the community stays in the community.

Some not so obvious benefits include helping the environment. Driving a vehicle a few blocks uses less fuel and creates less pollution than when a faraway contractor treks to town. It can also, albeit indirectly, help to keep taxes low. Shorter trips means less demand on roads and other infrastructure.

According to the American Independent Business Alliance, local businesses enjoy a higher customer satisfaction rating. It only makes sense. As we all know, bad news travels like wildfire in our overly wired world. A small business just can’t stay afloat without positive reviews from its hometown clients.

I’ve formed many friendships from the local business owners that I use and refer. In almost every case, they show their appreciation by providing super service and competitive pricing… and no trip charge!

  • Related: 10 Reasons to $hop Local
Chris Prickett
Former contractor, former home inspector and funny guy, Chris Prickett is owner and designated broker of Prickett Realty. A New Jersey native, Prickett has been a top-producing REALTOR® in North Phoenix over the past decade. He has been a columnist since 2005. Over the Prickett Fence is published weekly by In&Out Publications.

Chris Prickett

Former contractor, former home inspector and funny guy, Chris Prickett is owner and designated broker of Prickett Realty. A New Jersey native, Prickett has been a top-producing REALTOR® in North Phoenix over the past decade. He has been a columnist since 2005. Over the Prickett Fence is published weekly by In&Out Publications.

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