When you hire someone to work on your landscape or build a pool in your yard, you want someone who knows the land you live on. They need to understand the climate and the soil, which plants give you the most bang for your reduced-water buck, whether trying to dig an in-ground pool behind your house will be more trouble than it’s worth and how to be efficient with their time and your money.
The local businesses featured in this section are dedicated to our communities, knowledgeable about the conditions, and committed to your satisfaction with their work, every time.
AZ Quality Plumbing:
Keeping patios and backyards cool
It was like when the apple fell on Newton. Owner/operator of AZ Quality Plumbing, Luis Ascencio, was sitting, sweating on a friend’s back patio when it hit him. First it was the drops of water from the PVC mister system, then the idea—why not build a residential mister system that actually works like at a restaurant, that can actually cool down an entire area?
Ascencio installed his first few systems and it was a game changer for the homeowners.
“Homeowners felt the difference in temperature immediately,” Ascencio says. “Even on the hottest of Arizona evenings, the systems created a pocket where you could keep cool—add a nice fan and it’s perfect.”
Ascencio says the system is built for the long term with the powder-coated stainless steel tubing and guarantees the workmanship.
“We make the system as affordable and as budget friendly as we can for the homeowners,” Ascencio says, “but considering the time that will be spent in the backyard, it is well worth it.”
(480) 415-3507
azqualityplumbingllc@gmail.com
azqualityplumbing.com
AZ Valley Pools:
Keeping it Local
Sean Klasa has ridden on all the off-road trails from Stanfield to Superior. His early experiences around swimming pools were mostly of the community kind or when the family visited relatives elsewhere.
However, Klasa’s early work ventures were in construction—it included building rock waterfalls. Klasa says that was his introduction to the pool business before going on to other ventures which included a carpet cleaning business with his brother, Ryan Whitaker, and later an interior-exterior remodeling company during the recession. Klasa then began working for a pool builder, quickly moving his way to foreman and superintendent of construction, being the one to set the pace and to ensure the quality.
While working he studied to get his own license and when he accomplished it, Klasa formed AZ Valley Pools. In addition to his crew’s work ethic, Klasa believes the friends and family who live in the region, helped his business take off. Klasa says it makes a difference when a pool builder is also a resident.
“I believe there is a higher level of customer service because we are based here,” Klasa says. “We take the time getting to know exactly what our clients want. It’s important to have those relationships be solid because you’re building something they are going to enjoy for years to come and when you run into each other, you want to be happy for them.”
(833) 298-7665
info@azvalleypools.com
www.azvalleypools.com/
Machado’s Hardscape:
Building backyard dreams
Hector Machado, owner of Machado’s Hardscapes, says he started working on backyards during his high school years in Cottonwood. It was on the weekends where he would go with his brother and begin learning the ropes. He entered the field immediately after and by the time he was 21, he was already a superintendent for a major landscape company in Sedona.
Already with over 15 years on his own, Machado says his commitment to perfection never wavers.
“The customers have expectations,” Machado says, “We make sure those expectations are met and go beyond that.”
Machado says they specialize in ‘complete renovation’ for the front or backyard.
“Many of our customers already have a vision for their yards, whether it is the street-view or a backyard to host parties, we want to execute their vision, never cutting corners on the work,” Machado says. “Upfront pricing is the basis of our relationship with homeowners as we strive to have the highest of quality.”
(520) 709-1847
mclandscape@q.com
Vivid Landscape:
Maintenance & designs
Owner/operator of Vivid Landscaping David Armenta says he has been in the business since he started walking.
“Growing up, my dad had a landscaping business,” says Armenta, “So from the time I could walk I was out there helping him. My son who is 7 now loves to go out and help me.”
Since 2015, when Vivid came to fruition, Armenta says the business has come a long way, very fast but he’s fortunate to be where they are. He also says it is because of the quality of work, attention to detail, and a fair price.
“We take great pride in everything we do,” Armenta says. “We love making our clients happy.”
From design to finish, Vivid Landscaping handles all aspects including maintenance with over 20 years of combined management and implementation experience in both residential and commercial landscapes.
(520) 705-5250
vividlandscapeaz@gmail.com
www.vividlandscapingaz.com
Rock Werks:
New landscape supply company
Mark Pass, owner of Rock Werks, says he wants to bring back old-school ways of business with top-notch customer service.
“If we don’t have it, we’ll work to get it,” says Pass. He says he’ll have supply trucks coming back and forth from the valley with daily drop-offs at 3 PM, hoping for same-day delivery of materials they don’t have in stock.
The supply yard will have decorative rock, sand, gravel, travertine, concrete pavers, synthetic turf, BBQ grills, pergolas, and more. It will be open to both contractors and the public with wholesale and retail services.
Pass’ family roots are in Casa Grande. He started working in the landscape business when he was 16 years old at the exact same location where Rock Werks will be on Pinal Avenue. Pass also owns a trucking company that will be making sure the deliveries are kept on schedule. The soft opening is scheduled for May!
(520) 532-1066
2150 N Pinal Ave,
Casa Grande, AZ 85122
Dinstinctive Earthscapes at the Avocado Nursery
Started in 1982, the Distinctive Earthscapes at the Avocado Nursery has become not a place just to buy plants and supplies, but a landmark facility drawing visitors from all over with its collection of unique and rare plants, not to mention it has the look of a jungle with plush growing green trees where you might find tigers and monkeys on the loose.
You might not run into any lions, but you will definitely feel transported to another place as you walk through the facility. Founded and operated by Phil and Julie Bond, Phil is a native to Arizona and a master gardener while Julie had the business sense. Julie sadly passed away in 2013, but Phil has had dedicated support staff keeping both the facility and the workshops going.
The workshops are varied and feature experts from around the region. Youth classes have become a big hit at the nursery and registration is necessary.
6855 N Overfield Rd
Casa Grande, AZ 85194
(520) 723-4480
distinctiveearthscapesattheavocado.com
