Why a self-made billionaire can think of no better place to start a business than Scottsdale

Thought-provoking contrasts arose at the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce’s recent Scottsdale Forward event.

Half of the more than 300 people who attended said workforce education is the largest hurdle to economic development in Scottsdale.

And then GoDaddy founder Bob Parsons told the crowd that Arizona’s talent pool is one of its strengths. He never had trouble finding people to fill jobs with an average salary over $100,000.

Nearly half of those attending said web-based tech firms are the most apt to consider Scottsdale.

OK, Parsons didn’t disagree with that. GoDaddy remains a major player even after he sold a majority stake and became a billionaire. Companies like Zenefits and Yelp have major operations here. Parsons’ entrepreneurship, however, has gone in other directions.

He expanded his Harley Davidson dealership here into the largest in the world. He is building a national membership for an expanded Scottsdale National Golf Club. He manages real estate, makes business loans, builds high-end golf clubs and gives millions to charity.

And here’s the constant: It’s all in Scottsdale, a city Parsons fell in love with while building his first company in snowy Iowa. “I can live anywhere I want,” he told us, “but let me tell you. I’m not going anywhere.”

Why Scottsdale?

• The weather. “Life is short. You might as well be where the weather is good.”

• City leaders. “It’s easy to do business with the city. It’s incredibly well managed. The city is clean, safe and beautiful.”
• The talent pool. Yes, the talent pool. We’ve all heard concerns about the quality of education in Arizona, and the chamber is a strong supporter of making them better. But maybe they’re better than we give them credit for. Parsons said he was able to hire in Arizona the talented people he needed for GoDaddy and needs for his new collection of companies. He pays well, so his employees can support other local businesses.  “That raises the income level for everyone so business can thrive,” he said. 
• The state. “Scottsdale’s in Arizona, baby, and Arizona is one of the last great states,” Bob said. “I love the way it protects business. It’s a right to work state. It protects our Second Amendment rights. It’s second to no one in beauty in a large number of ways.
• Taxes are fair.

Parsons is no politician. He doesn’t spin. His talk was filled with straight talk, blunt observations and colorful phrases (Starting a business is a lot like stepping into prison for the first time. “You’re going to learn a lot of lessons, and you’re going to learn them the hard way.”)

He doesn’t sugar coat. So when Parsons says Scottsdale is a great place to start a business, it doesn’t mean we shouldn't continually strive to make the city better. But it is a reminder to spend less time fixating on minor blemishes and more time celebrating what we have.

Parsons is an inspiring success story, a guy from a blue-collar background who built one of the most recognizable companies of the Internet age. He’s telling us there’s not another place in the world that’s better for business.

One more contrast? Perhaps. But I can’t think of a better endorsement for our great city.

Mark Hiegel is president and CEO of the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce.