Arizona just had a birthday! State 48 has just turned 113 years old. Although the state may not be as old as the others in the country, it has a decent and rapidly growing history.
Just the other day, I came across a post on Twitter/X which mentioned a few businesses founded in Arizona, which sent me down a rabbit hole searching for other companies originating in the Grand Canyon State. I found the following companies to be Arizona natives:
1. PetSmart:
Founded in 1987 by Jim and Janice Dougherty in Phoenix, Arizona, PetSmart initially sold pet food in bulk at discount prices. By 1989, it expanded to include pet grooming, training, and veterinary care. By the mid-1990s, it became the largest U.S. specialty pet retailer with over 500 stores across North America. Differentiating itself from typical pet supply stores, it offered in-store pet services.
2. Swift Transportation:
Founded in 1966 by Jerry Moyes in Phoenix, Arizona, Swift grew from a single truck to one of the largest truckload carriers in the U.S. Through mergers and service expansions, Swift now offers dedicated contract carriage, intermodal, and logistics solutions.
3. GoDaddy:
Bob Parsons founded Jomax Technologies in Arizona in 1997, focusing on domain registration. It quickly became a global leader in domain registrars. In 2006, it rebranded to GoDaddy and expanded into web hosting, website building tools, and digital marketing services. GoDaddy is known for its aggressive advertising campaigns.
4. Cold Stone Creamery:
Cold Stone Creamery, founded in 1988 by Susan and Donald Sutherland in Tempe, Arizona, offers “Super Premium” ice cream and a “mix-in” style where customers customize their ice cream on a frozen granite stone. Through franchising, the brand expanded to over 1,000 locations by 2007 and was acquired by Kahala Corp. in 2007, later merging with MTY Food Group in 2016.
5. Carvana:
Launched in 2012 by Ernie Garcia III and Ryan Keeton, Carvana revolutionized the used car industry with its innovative car vending machine concept for vehicle delivery. Rapid expansion, driven by its online model, home delivery, seven-day money-back guarantee, and thorough vehicle inspections, propelled Carvana’s growth. Going public in 2017 solidified its market position.
6. Sprouts Farmers Market:
Founded in 2002 by Shon Boney, Stan Boney, and Kevin Easler in Chandler, Arizona, Sprouts Farmers Market began as a farmers’ market concept offering fresh, natural, and organic produce at affordable prices. Through organic store openings and acquisitions, notably merging with Sunflower Farmers Market in 2012, Sprouts expanded rapidly, going public in 2013 and significantly expanding its presence across the U.S.
7. Insight Enterprises:
Founded in 1988 by Tim and Eric Crown in Tempe, Arizona, Insight Direct USA, Inc. initially focused on reselling computer hardware and software. Over time, it expanded into a global IT solutions provider, offering cloud solutions, data center strategies, and cybersecurity. Strategic acquisitions have contributed to its growth and enhanced service offerings.
Other companies associated with Arizona, but not originating from the state:
I’ve heard that some companies that are thought to have started in Arizona actually began elsewhere. Here are a few examples:
U-HAUL:
Founded in 1945 by Leonard Shoen in Ridgefield, Washington, U-Haul started as a one-way trailer rental service. Known for its pioneering trailer hitch design, the company expanded rapidly, introducing self-moving trucks, storage units, and operating in all 50 states by the 1960s. U-Haul’s famous DIY moving concept provides equipment and services for self-moving individuals.
Circle K:
Circle K, originally known as Kay’s Food Stores, was established in 1951 by Fred Hervey in El Paso, Texas. In 1956, it rebranded to symbolize its 360-degree product sales. By the 1970s, it had grown into a major convenience store chain in the U.S. After bankruptcy in 1990, it was restructured and acquired by Alimentation Couche-Tard in 2003, leading to global expansion.
Discount Tire:
Discount Tire, founded in 1960 by Bruce T. Halle in Ann Arbor, Michigan, grew through competitive pricing and exceptional customer service. Known for its “100% satisfaction guaranteed” policy, the company expanded across the US, offering free lifetime tire rotations and balancing. Notably, Discount Tire fosters an employee-owned culture.
Conclusion
These are only the companies I was able to identify during a brief search. If you are aware of any other companies that originated in Arizona and have achieved significant success, please feel free to include them below.
BIRDCITYVIEW 