Published: 08/06/2026
Roland on the Road in Arizona
By: Roland Ewert, Business Development Director
roland@narsa.org
This road trip took me through Arizona, focusing on the greater Phoenix and Tucson areas. It has been about 5 years since my last visit to this market, and returning in June meant experiencing the familiar early summer heat. While there, temperatures reached a modest 110 degrees during the day, but cooling off to the mid 90’s in morning. In other words, it was hot!
Whenever I visit a market area, I look closely at the underlying trends: business climate, economic activity, and population growth or reduction. Some regions in the country, such as California are contracting in both population and businesses, while others continue to expand. Growth typically means opportunity, if you are willing to pursue it. Arizona’s population has increased steadily over the past five years, averaging roughly 1.5% in annual growth.
Several key factors continue to drive this upward trend:
- Migration from higher cost states such as California
- Expanding job markets in Phoenix and surrounding communities
- Retiree relocation driven by climate and cost-of-living advantages
The purpose of my visit was to meet with both NARSA members and prospective ones too. Like other markets in the country, many shops have closed. However, the businesses that remain in this market are strong, well-positioned, and actively capitalizing on the opportunities around them. Overall, the shops in the market expressed a very positive tone on their business. Several shops even reported that they are trending ahead of last year’s performance.
Another important part of my market review is to understand the key industries in a given region, as these business types heavily influence shop focus and long-term success. Arizona continues to attract new companies and industries, benefiting from its geography, climate, and relatively lower cost of living.
A few notable sectors with significant impact and opportunity on our industry include:
- Copper mining – Arizona hosts the largest copper mines in the country, producing 70% of the nation’s supply
- Technology and innovation – A major market for gen-sets, supported by the construction of more than 150 data centers, with additional facilities underway
- Semiconductor and advanced manufacturing – Major investments from Intel, TSMC, and others
- Aerospace and defense
- Bioscience and healthcare
- Trucking and logistics – A critical hub between California and destinations across the eastern U.S.
Performance Radiator - Phoenix
Managed by Alyssa Armand. Specializing in Heavy Duty repair and recoring as well as full distribution of new Automotive, Light and Heavy Duty Truck Radiators
Performance Radiator - Tucson
Managed by Nidia Perez, the Tucson branch specializes in the distribution of Automotive, Light Truck, and Heavy-Duty Truck radiators. Their operation focuses on providing high-quality cooling products to support a wide range of vehicles, from everyday passenger cars to commercial and industrial fleets.
Red Eye Radiator - Tucson
Owned by Chris (not pictured) and Nick O’Neil, with General Manager James Binkley. Red Eye Radiator operates as a full-service Heavy Duty repair and radiator shop, with a specialized focus on supporting the region’s Copper mining industry. The team also provides complete DPF cleaning and servicing. Red Eye Radiator has three locations in Arizona. Tucson, Phoenix and Flagstaff. Also our newest NARSA member in Arizona.
Red Eye Radiator - Phoenix
Managed by Armando Rincon, this location focuses on all things Heavy Duty. Repairing, recoring Heavy duty Radiators as well as selling to the heavy duty truck market. DPF cleaning and servicing too.
Southwest Radiator - Mesa
Owner Peter Young focuses his shops attention in extreme heavy-duty cooling solutions, specializing in supporting bands like Caterpillar (CAT) and Komatsu with added focus on
construction and mining to agriculture and trucking.
Divine Heat Transfer - Phoenix
Managed by Jeff Kolb. This operation services many of the data centers and other high tech companies who have a large array of Power Generation. This operation also does plate cooler repair and recore as well as general Heavy duty repairing and recoring.
Do you have a suggestion where Roland should head next? Email us at info@narsa.org!
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