HI, MY NAME IS… Mary Hagen.
I’VE LIVED IN THE WEST VALLEY FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS AND I LOVE IT BECAUSE… of the community! We have horses, and properties with pastures in Arizona. Now that we’re settled in, we still love our big grass pastures and mountain views but have really fallen in love with the small town feel of our little corner of the world. The people are really friendly and (like us) always willing to lend a hand.
A TYPICAL DAY IN MY LIFE INCLUDES… we have a lot of mouths to feed at the Hagen-Reeg ranch and that’s where I start. I’m up at 4:15 to feed the critters, and then I sit down for coffee and writing time. I like to blog and get my thoughts down on paper while my mind is fresh before the inevitably busy day ahead. I also take this time to check my schedule and get my priorities lined up for the day. I’m out the door by 6 a.m. and have about a 45-minute commute to my office in Scottsdale, during which I listen to podcasts, take conference calls, or (on occasion) just kick back and listen to music. At work, my day is spent managing a bustling team of 41 employees, taking meetings, and conference calls––all the things you would expect of someone in my position. I hit the gym around 3:30 p.m. and then I’m home free to feed all the hungry mouths once again and spend quality time with my husband.
MY FAMILY IS… amazing. My folks still live in Payson, in the same house my sister and I grew up in. I visit them as often as I can. My husband is an amazing, patient, and dedicated man who supports my career and keeps me grounded.
ONE THING I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT IS… coffee.
MY FAVORITE MOVIE I COULD NEVER GET TIRED OF WATCHING AND WHY IS… “The Holiday!” It’s a phenomenal, cheesy, romantic comedy that only scored 51% on Rotten Tomatoes but I love it. It’s what I call an “easy watcher.” Not too sappy, not outrageous, just fun to watch and with a sweet storyline. It’s well cast, and I love the soundtrack. It’s 100% in my book!
WHEN I WAS YOUNGER, I WANTED TO BE… the president. There’s still time!
THE SONG I WOULD SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT IS… “Hurts So Good,” by John Mellencamp.
THE ONE PERSON WHO MOTIVATES ME IS… oh my goodness, so many people motivate me. If I had to choose just one, it would be my husband. He does everything (from the job site to the gym, to how he brushes his teeth) to the max. While he’s so forgiving of others’ faults, there is absolutely no room for mediocrity for himself. It makes me want to give 110% to everything I do too!
THE PERFECT DAY IS… coffee, gym, brunch, ride, bustle around the house, dinner out with my husband.
MY FAVORITE LOCAL NONPROFIT IS… I haven’t been in the area very long and am not familiar with many nonprofits around here just yet! But I have a soft spot for animal rescues, particularly anyone taking in equines.
MY LIFE IS… a rollercoaster! But not like a scary one that sends you plummeting to the ground at an unsafe speed – more like one of the fun rides that features lots of twists and turns and takes you through random rooms with different genres of music and characters. I’ve had the unique opportunity to play a lot of different parts in my 30 years so far, and I remain excited and ready for what comes next.
THE BEST GIFT I’VE EVER RECEIVED WAS… easy answer, my pit bull, Lady. She was technically a rescue, but the way she came to us was a wonderful surprise, so I’ve always considered her a gift from the universe (and my husband for finding her)!
MY DREAM VACATION WOULD BE… anywhere tropical with great food and deep-sea fishing!
THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE EVER RECEIVED IS… every day is a new day. My dad used to say that to me before I went to sleep at night, and it always stuck with me as a reminder that life goes on no matter what gets in your way.
