While the indoor furniture wasn’t really moving, the patio furniture was, which led the Sheehans to focus solely on outdoor furnishings. “It was a total learning experience for us and a lot of it was hit or miss,” Valerie says. “We tried to get things at a certain price point for customers, but that just doesn’t work when you lowball it. We then decided to offer primarily upscale, high-quality products—especially since we were already in the business of building high-end custom homes.”

The Sheehans then decided to bring a partner in. Nick Stelfox had been their window salesman in the home building business, and the couple knew his skills and experience would be a good fit.

“I was available when they reached out and the stars just aligned,” he says. “When they invited me to partner, I jumped at the chance. I had always wanted to be an entrepreneur, so I felt like this was a great opportunity for me to take a shot. I’m happy I did.”

Carefree Outdoor Living carries high-end outdoor furnishings and accessories, such as tables and chairs, lounges, umbrellas, fire pits and fire tables, as well as barbecue grills and smokers. Product lines include Brown Jordan, O.W. Lee, Tropitone, Tommy Bahama, Telescope, and Sunset West.

“We really try to focus as much as possible on products made and manufactured in the U.S.,” Nick says. “That’s very important to us.”

What’s also important is developing and fostering good business relationships in Carefree. Nick is on the executive board of the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce, where he met fellow chair Jennifer McGirr of National Bank of Arizona®, who introduced him to the bank.

“Since NB|AZ was heavily involved in the chamber, I knew they cared about what was going on in Carefree. It only made sense to bank with an organization that was so deeply involved in the community,” says Nick, who appreciates the exceptional customer service they receive whenever they visit the bank.

“They’re always so helpful with anything we need. Plus, it’s very convenient to walk to the branch, where we’re immediately greeted by name by the bankers and tellers. You don’t find that kind of service much these days. It really makes you feel as if they care about you and your business.”