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

Hi Lindsay, as a parent, what have you done for you child that you feel has had the most significant impact?
My inspiration for leading my business is showing my daughter, Ava, what it’s like to follow her dreams. I want to empower her to realize her authentic light in this world, to take risks, and ultimately live a life that she’s truly passionate about.

What should our readers know about your business?
As a third-generation Tucsonan, I am deeply rooted in my community. After almost a decade of leading a woman-owned business, I hold much gratitude for the long-standing partnerships I’ve grown over the years. It is a privilege to be brand ambassadors for our clientele and to have the opportunity to work in such a creatively inspired capacity from day to day. I am driven by being part of clever solutions and ultimately successful outcomes for my clientele. I’d like to think I’m known for being approachable and fearlessly authentic.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

There’s so much I love about my hometown of Tucson, so it’s easy to come up with an itinerary!

I highly recommend a visit up to Mt. Lemmon, the highest point in the Santa Catalina Mountains at 9,171 feet in elevation. Within an hour’s drive, you’ll experience our beautiful desert landscape which dramatically changes into gorgeous forestlands as you travel 26 miles to the top. Roll down those windows in the non-winter months and breathe in the fresh pines. Enjoy a delicious bowl of chili and cornbread along with a slice of homemade pie at Sawmill Run. Plan to take a ride on the sky ride for the most scenic views around. Mt. Lemmon is known for being an average 30 degrees cooler than Tucson, and a little-known secret, Mt. Lemmon’s diversity of fungi is unparalleled during our monsoon season!

Tucson is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy and a year-round outdoor playground for culture. We are especially known for our authentic Mexican cuisine. For the very best tortillas you’ll ever eat in your lifetime, plan a visit to Anita’s Street Market. Buy several dozen gorditas and you’ll thank me later!

Take a stroll down 4th Avenue for a tasty lunch at the quirky Bison Witches Bar & Deli. Shop for some kitschy, locally flared finds at one of my favorite retail spots, Pop-Cycle. There you will discover locally made art from recycled materials, re-used products, and refurbished goods… prepare to be in retail sensory overload.

Head downtown to get a taste of our rich history and learn about one of the most prominent pioneers of Tucson, Frederick Ronstadt, and his family’s long legacy, especially our beloved song artist, Linda Ronstadt. In addition, you can learn about the infamous capture of John Dillinger, the country’s most notorious criminal in 1934, at the historical and retro vibe, of Club Congress. Grab a cocktail in Tiger’s Taproom and if you’re fortunate, Tiger himself may pour you one of his best. If you can catch a show at the beautifully restored Fox Theater down the way, you’ll be glad you did.

Spend a leisurely morning on the patio of the historically charming Arizona Inn. Family-owned and run since 1930, the boutique hotel offers a peaceful setting in which you’ll find distinguished beauty in the heart of Tucson. To add, I married my handsome husband in their lovely garden in the spring of 2006.

Some other favorite spots for true foodies to indulge in- Blue Willow, Tito and Pep, Miss Saigon, Rocco’s Little Chicago, Anello, Rosa’s Mexican Food, Mi Nidito, and Tumerico.

If you’re into outdoor adventures or seeking wildlife encounters, visit Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tohono Chul Park, Sabino Canyon/Catalina State Park/Pima Canyon Trail for the best hiking, and optimal sunset viewing at Gates Pass on the edge of Saguaro National Park.

Who was your greatest influence/mentor in business?
My greatest mentor was the very first professional I interviewed with following my college graduation. Forrest Carr was the News Director in my hometown of Tucson at KGUN9 News. Forrest took a chance on me by offering me the position as their nightside Assignment Editor. Having no experience working in a chaotic environment of a newsroom, I was often overwhelmed and intimidated. I quickly learned caffeine and adrenaline would become my best friends. Forrest often challenged me to think of the greater good when it came to disseminating the news.

As a collective, he would stand in the middle of the newsroom and debate ethical standards when it came to embodying journalistic integrity. He also taught me that it mattered to give a voice to those in our community who needed a platform for change. Forrest ignited my love for writing, as I couldn’t get enough of his ability to bring basic semantics to life, always under a crazy crunch for time. His fingers seemed to type at a million miles an hour! In early 2016, Forrest sadly passed after a valiant journey with cancer. At his memorial service, I read the back of his program with of course the words he so eloquently wrote in the final days of his life; “Life is more wonderful than you can possibly imagine. And we are connected to our fellow humans in ways that aren’t always immediately apparent. If you open your eyes and ears and heart to all the possibilities, your life can be amazingly rich. I hope my words will inspire you to do just that, to make every moment count, to help others do the same.” He did just that, and I will always be grateful for his example.

Website: www.thomaeadvertising.com

Instagram: @luluthomae

Linkedin: Lindsay Thomae

Facebook: Thomae Advertising

Image Credits
Photo courtesy for all images: Lindsay Thomae

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