What makes Greater Phoenix so great: Michael Zalle

Published: 02/21/2020
Updated: 03/04/2020

What is your first and last name? 

Michael Zalle 

How old are you? 

44 

What city do you currently reside in? 

Scottsdale 

How long have you lived in Greater Phoenix? 

About 18 months 

Where are you originally from and why’d you decide to move to Arizona? 

I’m from Orange County, California. My wife and family live here. We also hoped my son would be accepted to Brophy College Preparatory (which he was and is now a freshman). 

What college/university did you graduate from and what’s your degree? 

San Francisco State and then Pepperdine University in general business administration studies 

Where do you currently work and what is your title? 

YellowBird, Founder and CEO 

What do you like to do in Greater Phoenix on the weekends? 

I love to be with my kids and family outside. Hikes, gardens, shopping, and community events like concerts and art walks. 

What’s your go-to staycation spot and why? 

I like the JW Marriott and Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort 

What’s your favorite restaurant and why? 

Ocean 44, I love the atmosphere and food 

What do you like about our winters and why? 

It’s brisk but bright. Sunsets are beautiful year around. I love this town during holidays. The community is festive, very gracious and generous. 

What do you love most about living in Greater Phoenix? 

The business community has been so open and inviting. It feels collaborative and inclusive. I believe so many people have come from other places that they welcome newcomers with openness and a helpful mindset. 

Please include anything else you’d like to share about what makes Greater Phoenix so great: 

The investment community and technical innovation in Phoenix feels very progressive. Even with tax and other helpful initiatives/incentives. Maybe it’s just my sector and focus, but I see the tech startup and VC/incubator community engagement everywhere I turn. Does not feel lonely or exclusionary like so many other communities feel. 

 

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