KIWANIS MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Brian Kunkel became a member of the Carefree Kiwanis Club of Carefree in June 2000, and made an immediate strong impression on the Club Members, having been selected as “Rookie of the Year” his first year in the Club. He achieved that recognition due to his active participation in the garage sale program as a member willing and able to do the pick-ups of contributions from  members’ garages because he had a truck and his own employees. He always had a strong back as he was raised on a farm in Iowa and was an active member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA).

By the time he was elected Club President in 2007, his efforts set a record of nearly $100,000 in “garage sale” revenues, which allowed $50,000 for local scholarships and other contributions to the local community. He was a consistent driver of kids’ projects like the Science Fair and was the wrestling coach for the Cactus Shadows High School for 15 years. Brian’s professional journey has spanned the fields of farming, construction, and then the Payless Cashways retail store here in the Phoenix area before launching his own business in flooring materials in the North Valley in 1990. He eventually settled in the Cave Creek area with both his business and his residence.

Brian is married to his high school sweetheart, Laurie, and they have two daughters, Lauren is a local veterinarian, and Brianne, who is a local realtor.

He has served not only Kiwanis as a collector of furniture for sale and as the Pancake Breakfast chair, but also as the President of the Chamber of Commerce; he had also previously served on the Planning Committee in Phoenix.

In his free time, Brian enjoys a variety of activities, including hunting, fishing, camping, and boating, as well as caring for horses for the family’s riding pleasures.

He was “schooled” to work hard to support his family and to give back to the community, which he has done so well. He will now be serving as the new President of Kiwanis.