We had the good fortune of connecting with James Gardner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi James, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Many outside of the construction industry, including homeowners, businesspeople, and others, are unaware that permits are required for almost everything done on your property, including changes to a store layout, putting up a sign for your business, or even adding a shed to your backyard.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Permit Pushers was started in 1994, by my mom, Kathy Gardner, and has been serving the building and development industry ever since. I took over as CEO in 2021, after combining forces with Permit Pushers. What sets us apart is our longstanding commitment to honesty, integrity, and doing what we say we will get done. I was raised to believe that doing the right thing is more important than getting ahead, and we put that into practice every day at Permit Pushers.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I currently live in Prescott, but my favorite spots in Phoenix are from my grad school days. I lived on Roosevelt Row from 2012-2014, before it really exploded, but many of my favorite spots still remain. I love Lola Coffee on Roosevelt and 3rd, and I obviously would start there! Then, since I’m fan of architecture, I would stop by the public library on Central, and pop up the smaller streets to Phoenix Art Museum. With the proximity in mind, I’d definitely stop by the Heard Museum as well, as I spent a good deal of time there working on my thesis, when I was working with the Navajo Nation on their planning processes. Other favorite spots, hiking on south mountain, spending a night at the Biltmore and getting gelato, and of course, Fez for burgers.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my parents! They are the reason I chose to start my own business (they each owned their own business) and have always encouraged me to follow my dreams. My mom started Permit Pushers in 1994, and I started my own business (The Permit Guy) in 2017, then took over Permit Pushers when we began to realize our jobs and clients were overlapping in a way that made it more useful for us to work under an umbrella name.

Website: www.permitpushers.com

Instagram: permitpushers

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/permit-pushers-llc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071196442243

Youtube: @permitpushers

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