Case Studies

With the help of our independent marketing firm, Champion has asked some of those who have worked with us over the past years, to describe their Champion Experiences. The Case Studies follow.

Jim Van Der Werf : ACE Hardware Stores
ACE Hardware Stores: Partnership approach breath of fresh air for hardware retailer

As part of his various business ventures over the past 30 years, Jim Van Der Werf has had many interesting experiences working with commercial landlords.some good and some not so good.

"Most of the time, I got the feeling that the landlords didn.t really care about me and my business. They just saw me as another faceless tenant. That's why I have been so pleasantly surprised by my amazing experience working with Champion."

Van Der Werf is the owner of ACE Hardware Stores, which opened a new location at the Camelback development in January 2007.

"Ricky Lyons and the team at Champion have made me feel that our success is important to their success. They treat us like partners, not just as tenants. Everything they do demonstrates their commitment to the future of our company. They want to have a long-term and mutually beneficial relationship."

Van Der Werf says that he is extremely pleased with the service and support he has received from the Champion team.

"As we were getting ready to move into the store, they stood behind their promises 100 percent. When an issue came up, they dealt with it swiftly. If there was a delay, they were up front and did everything they could to get back on schedule. They have demonstrated the highest level of integrity I.ve ever experienced from a real estate developer."

Looking forward, Van Der Werf is very confident about the success of his store at Camelback and about his relationship with Champion.

"Since we opened, our store has met its financial targets. With its great location, we are confident that the store will continue to prosper. We are also confident about our on-going relationship with Champion. Even after we moved in, the team has been very enthusiastic and helpful. When we open up our next store, I hope it will once again be with Champion."

Kim Anderson : Montessori In The Park
Montessori In The Park: Speeding up zoning approval process helps new school open on time

When it was decided to start a school for their kids called Montessori In The Park, Kim Anderson and her team never envisioned all of the obstacles they would have to overcome. That's why she's glad they have been working with Champion.

"We approached many developers in the Litchfield Park area, and all of them turned us down," Anderson says. "No one wanted a school in their development. Then we met Ricky Lyons, and he said 'yes'".

"We discovered that we needed a special use permit; a process that usually takes six to eight months. That would have delayed the opening of our school well beyond our target date. Team Champion helped us get it done faster. Whenever there was a meeting with the community or the government, they were there to answer questions and speed up the process. If we needed information or documentation, they got it to us immediately. So instead of eight months, the zoning process got done in four months, giving us plenty of time to get our school up and running."

"Frankly, I've never experienced better customer service from any other company, no matter what the business. The team at Champion has been timely, helpful and extremely organized. Even though they were just selling us a building, they acted like a partner in our business. It is very comforting to work with people who know what they are doing, and also care so much about their clients. I can honestly say, without their help, we would have never gotten our school off the ground."

Steve Betts: SunCor

Champion Partners works collaboratively with community groups to achieve mutual objectives.

As shareholder and head of the Land Use/Development Group for the law firm Gallagher & Kennedy, Steve Betts has learned that many developers have trouble winning over the support of community groups and municipal governments for their development projects.

“Some developers adopt an antagonistic approach when trying to secure zoning and land use agreements,” Betts says. “They try to force through their projects, and fail to account for the concerns and ideas expressed by the community.”

“That’s why it is such a pleasure to work with Champion,” he says. “They are very sincere in working closely with community groups and government officials to make sure everyone benefits from a proposed development.”

For example, Betts cites a recent Champion retail project in southwest Phoenix that was initially met with strong opposition from two community groups.

“These groups had been burned by other developers who did not follow through on their promises. They were also worried that the new development wouldn’t meet their standards or conform to their tastes.”

“To meet their concerns, Ricky Lyons and his team listened closely to these groups and refined the project to accommodate some of their ideas. And within two months, the whole situation turned completely around. Because of Champion’s partnership approach, all of the parties ended up feeling they had participated in the process, and that they would benefit from the new development.”

“As a result, when it came time for the municipal government to give its approval for the project, it passed unanimously with no opposition.”

Betts stresses that Champion uses this win-win approach for all of its developments.

“They do not go into any project with pre-conceived notions of the end result,” he says. “They want everyone to participate in the process, and to ultimately benefit from their developments. They really believe in the power of partnerships, communication, and respect.”

Rick Heinz: Anaheim Automotive Properties

Real estate investor lauds Champion’s focus on relationships.

Rick Heinz, owner of Anaheim Automotive Properties, and purchaser of top-quality commercial real estate properties, knows a good deal when he sees one.

“Our company recently acquired the Arrowhead Ranch Plaza in Glendale, Arizona, a property developed by Champion,” Heinz says. “It was an excellent investment, and on many counts, our experience working with Ricky Lyons and his team was also excellent.”

“Our companies work very well together,” Heinz adds. “Champion takes a long-term view on all of their developments, and puts tremendous value on relationships. They are always looking out for the interests of their strategic partners. hey are not just trying to build a project and sell it. They operate from a bigger, more inclusive perspective.”

Heinz says the Arrowhead Ranch Plaza was a great investment because Champion had already attracted many high-quality tenants who were very satisfied.

“Because of Champion, I inherited a lot of great tenants who are very happy with their situation. This makes it so much easier for us, as the property owners, to keep tenants, and attract new ones. And happy tenants means better cash flow and increases in the value of our property.”

In addition, Heinz says Champion’s other projects in the area have also increased the value of his investment.

“Champion also developed the office condominium project known as Arrowhead Commons adjacent to the retail center,” he says. “The popularity of these office condominiums largely occupied by owners generates a lot of traffic for the retailers, further enhancing their prosperity, and ours.”

Heinz adds that the professionals at Champion have made the entire process much simpler, and yet more comprehensive.

“They have exceeded all of our expectations. They have done what they said they would do, and finished what they started. They are team players who have everyone’s interests at heart. I look forward to considering an investment in one of their future developments.”

Mike Davis: DFD Cornoyer Hendrick

Architect praises Champion’s integrity and clarity of focus.

At the architecture firm of DFD Cornoyer Hendrick, Mike Davis appreciates clients who are focused on their goals, and value the important role played by professionals in the real estate development process.

“That’s what we really love about working with Ricky Lyons and his group at Champion,” Davis says. “They have a great sense of propriety and team focus. They never waste our time, and they are very fair and thoughtful. They get us all focused on the end goal, and then let us do what we are good at.”

“In fact, they are the model of our ideal client,” Davis adds. “They have a lot of integrity and great business sense. Their whole operation runs very smoothly and efficiently.”

Davis says Champion’s clarity of focus, and high level of integrity gives Champion and its strategic partners a competitive advantage.

“They are able to get great projects done in a timely fashion. They take in a lot of information, and produce developments that meet everyone’s needs on multiple levels. We are very proud of the architecture we have produced for them—both retail and office condominiums. Together, we have created projects that have made an important, positive contribution to the community.”

“Part of our job is to help Champion take their projects through the municipality design review process, permitting and inspections.

In conversation with a Glendale Senior Planner, Theresa Hillner said that Champion was prepared for the process and always responded to comments and concerns in a cooperative fashion. “They took a proactive solution approach to situations that arose”, said Hillner.

Tonya Lively: Chicago Title

Champion Partner’s hands-on and personal approach accelerates the real estate transaction process, title officer says.

Tonya Lively, the Scottsdale branch manager at Chicago Title, one of the nation’s leading title and escrow management companies, says Champion is able to accelerate real estate transactions because they take a personal, hands-on approach.

"They are one of the most hands-on developers I’ve ever worked with," Tonya says."Ricky Lyons and Michael Wechsler are closely involved in all aspects of each real estate transaction. If little problems come up, they are immediately attentive and responsive. Issues get dealt with promptly. Moreover, they personally attend every closing, something virtually unheard of in the real estate industry. It really illustrates their personal approach and the care and attention they give to every detail."

"Working with Champion has also made it easier to streamline the title and escrow process," Tonya adds. "Sometimes it can take many months to close a real estate transaction, so it’s important to keep the process moving along at every step, and overcome any obstacles quickly. That’s why Champion’s approach makes so much sense for everyone involved. They don’t let the process get stalled or backed up."

Tonya adds that Ricky Lyons and his team demonstrate they truly care about everyone involved with their company—such as sellers, buyers, tenants, brokers, and communities.

"I’ve noticed that Ricky and his group really care about the people they are dealing with. If you have a problem or concern, your story really means something to them. They care about what’s going to happen to you. They listen. And that’s why they are able to get such great results. They know the details of each transaction inside and out, and they’ll do anything to get the job done."

Pat Lamb: First National Bank of Arizona

Developer’s discipline, loyalty, and long-term perspective impresses Champion’s lenders.

By taking a long-term perspective on its projects, and by using a methodical disciplined approach, Champion has earned the respect and loyalty of high-quality lenders, says Pat Lamb, general counsel at First National Bank of Arizona.

“We have helped finance four Champion projects over the past several years,” Lamb says. “We have been very impressed by Ricky Lyons and his team at Champion. On every level, they have demonstrated a professional and thoughtful approach that makes them a pleasure to work with.”

Lamb says Lyons and his team are appealing to lenders because they are very selective about the projects they undertake.

“Ricky is very patient. He is willing to wait for just the right circumstances. He is not interested in jumping into every opportunity. He carefully scrutinizes every aspect of each project, and puts together a cohesive plan. He thinks through everything.”

Lamb is also impressed by Champion’s ability to attract high-quality tenants on a consistent basis.

“As a lender, we are looking for developers who can meet their leasing and sales targets. But Champion goes even further. Because of their reputation as great landlords, they are able to draw in lots of top name tenants with excellent credit ratings.”

Overall, Lamb says Champion is a model client because Ricky Lyons and his team are committed to strong, long-term relationships.

“There are some developers who just want to throw up a building and make a quick profit, no matter what the long-term consequences are. But Champion is different. They want to make sure that everyone benefits from their projects—lenders, tenants, citizens, and government. They take a real partnership approach, and demonstrate tremendous loyalty.”

“We look forward to working with Champion for many years to come.”

Brad Logan: Cavan Commercial

Proactive communication and collaboration with buyers increases sales velocity for commercial real estate brokers.

Brad Logan at Cavan Commercial, a leading real estate broker, is a true believer in The Champion Experience™.

“We have broken sales records by working with Champion on their office condominium projects,” Logan says. “For many reasons, the Champion approach has helped us increase our sales velocity, and sell more condos faster and easier.”

“For example, if we have an issue with a potential buyer, Ricky Lyons and his team are very proactive. They respond immediately, and meet with the prospect to work out a solution. They don’t try to beat up the buyer. They are always looking for a win-win result.”

Logan adds that Champion’s astute development decisions also make his job as a broker easier.

“Champion always picks great locations, and puts together thoughtful architectural designs. They also give us powerful and effective marketing tools so we are able to sell their projects even when they are in the design stage. In some cases, we have been able to sell out 80% of a project before construction has even commenced.”

“Champion also demonstrates a caring attitude towards buyers and the broker community,” Logan adds. “They really care about the buyers, and they want to help them solve problems. They use their creativity, and show a willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty.”

James Lincoln: Lincoln Capital Management

Strong listening skills and inclusive approach embody spirit of Champion Experience, strategic funding partner says.

James Lincoln, of Lincoln Capital Management, says Champion is a different kind of real estate company because they give all of their strategic partners an opportunity to participate fully in the development process.

“They foster a very inclusive environment,” Lincoln says. “They listen to everyone involved in a project, and make sure time is available for us to get the information we need. Ricky Lyons likes everyone to contribute, because he knows collaboration will result in a better project.”

Lincoln, who has experience working with many developers on scores of real estate projects, says Ricky Lyons and Champion are unique in the industry.

“Most developers focus solely on the bottom line. But Ricky takes a more enlightened approach. He wants to make a profit, but he also wants to make sure that his projects are high quality, and that everyone benefits in the long term. That’s why he is so great to work with.”

Lincoln also praises Champion’s leadership, honesty, and ethics.

“They demonstrate a lot of leadership in the development process. They work hard to keep everyone pointed in the same direction. They also encourage open communication on a consistent basis, and act in an honest and ethical manner at all times.”

“They are excellent people, and a lot of fun to work with.”

Steve Fernandez: CB Richard Ellis

Team-building and strong leadership key to Champion’s success, real estate broker says.

As a broker at CB Richard Ellis, one of the country’s leading commercial real estate companies, Steve Fernandez appreciates developers who get involved, and know what they are doing.

“Ricky Lyons and his team at Champion are true professionals,” Fernandez says. “It was a pleasure working with them to market and sell the Arrowhead Plaza development in Phoenix, Arizona. They set clear goals, and had a very deliberate strategy to achieve them. They took a leadership role, but also welcomed suggestions from everyone involved.”

Fernandez says the project was a success because Champion delivered a high level of comfort to the buyer.

“They got involved with the buyer and made sure they were happy with the development. If they made a promise, they delivered on it. Everything they said would happen, did happen. And this commitment to client service made it much easier for us to close the deal.”

In addition, Fernandez says Champion’s team building skills and tenant-friendly philosophy are unique in the real estate industry.

“We were brought into the project while they were building it, so we were able to contribute ideas to make the development even more marketable. As well, because Champion is great at attracting and retaining high-quality tenants, we were able to fetch a higher value for their property. All of these factors made our experience with Champion one of the best ever.”

“We look forward to working with Champion on future developments.”

Phil Hertel: Laveen Planning Committee

By working closely with the community, Champion developed a retail center to be proud of, community planner says.

“Some real estate developers kick and scream when community planning councils ask for changes to development plans,” says Phil Hertel, vice-chairman of the planning council in Laveen, Arizona.

“But not Champion. They were very cooperative. They went above and beyond our expectations, and voluntarily made many improvements. As a result, we ended up with a retail development everyone in our community will be proud of.”

Hertel says he was initially opposed to Champion’s proposed retail development on a prominent corner in Laveen.

“They wanted the zoning changed from residential to commercial, and I thought we had too much commercial space already. But Champion listened to all of our input at their first presentation, and returned with some really creative ideas. They incorporated our suggestions, and addressed many of our concerns about noise, parking, and lighting.”

The final result, Hertel says, is a development that sets a new benchmark for retail development in the community.

“Champion’s project is fresh, high-quality, and simply outstanding. It stands head and shoulders above the developments on the other three corners.”

Hertel adds that Champion’s development in Laveen will have a tremendous positive impact on the community.

“This project stands at the gateway to our community. Because of its high quality, it will attract top-notch tenants, and lots of high-quality customers. This development sets a new standard that will raise everyone’s expectations about what’s possible in Laveen.”

“Because of Champion, and their collaborative approach, we have a retail development that will stand the test of time.”

Karen Gleason:  Development Manager

Champion’s partnership philosophy helps tenants prosper, a development manager for a national restaurant chain says.

“Our outlet at Champion’s Arrowhead development in Phoenix has been a huge success for many reasons,” says Karen Gleason.

“Our experience working with Champion has been excellent. At our company, we look for developers with experience, who get the job done on time. They need to have a close attention to detail, and know how to work with local officials. Most importantly, they have to understand our business, and share the same values and culture.”

Gleason says Champion met these criteria, and then some.

“Champion treated us like a valuable partner in their business. They have done everything they could to ensure the success of this location. They recognize that if we are successful, they are successful. And that’s great, because we have the same attitude.”

Gleason says the development was just a vacant lot when she teamed up with Champion.

“When we started, I had no idea what to expect from Champion. But I can say now that they are the most thorough developer with whom I have worked. Their follow up is wonderful, and they have great respect for our needs, especially our need to get the project up and running on time.”

“They were also extremely considerate and enthusiastic, and they took the time to understand what we wanted. They worked very well with city officials, and made sure we had enough parking and visibility to ensure easy access to the store.”

“As a result, our location has all of the necessary elements. It is safe, convenient, and visible to customers. It is well accepted by the community. Thanks to Champion, and their unique approach, this store is, and will continue to be, very strong and successful.”