Chandler Employers Open New Paths to Stable Jobs

Reporter:Arzo Yousofzai

CHANDLER, Ariz.- As Chandler pushes to connect residents with stable jobs, one rapidly growing local bakery is quietly becoming a major employer offering hundreds of entry level positions and promoting workers into management from within. 

At The Doughnut Peddler Bakery in Chandler, steady growth has transformed the company from a small family-run shop into a large commercial operation employing about 1,000 people across five states. The bakery distributes doughnuts to grocery stores and convenience chains daily, and its rapid expansion has created new opportunities for workers inside the company. 

Human resources generalist Shay Apodaca said, the company’s culture is one of the biggest reasons employees stay. Instead of bringing in outside managers, she said the business focuses on developing its own workers and helping them move up. 

“We don’t normally hire managers from outside the company; we promote people who already put in the work here and know the environment,” Apodaca said. “A lot of our employees come in with no experience and within a year or two they are surprising teams.”

As Tempe and surrounding cities work to connect residents with stable jobs, local employers are adjusting their hiring strategies to meet shifting workforce demands across food manufacturing, logistics and hostility. In fact, the bakery is hiring across multiple departments ahead of the holiday season. Jobs range from production to sanitation, many requiring no prior experience.  

“It’s fun, but food manufacturing is sometimes a little harder than people expect. Physical effort and long hours are part of the reality,” said Apodaca.

Tempe’s Unemployment Rate was just above 4% in August 2025 slightly higher than the state average, according to YCHARTS data. Workforce advocates say that while job openings are available, access and long-term retention remain challenges for many job seekers. 

In the logistics sector, AP Logistics in Scottsdale is also emphasizing workplace culture and professional development to attract employees. The company, owned by Japan-based, Contest, manages global freight and is hiring primarily for corporate roles in Arizona. 

Field recruiter Teresa Contreras said the supportive environment helps balance the pressures of the industry.

“Logistics is sometimes a tough environment, and I love the culture here. They’re very inclusive, and we do lots of events,” Contreras said.

AP Logistics offers hybrid and remote options, requiring many employees to be in the office only about eight days a month. Internships and training programs provide career pathways, while entry-level warehouse roles remain open to applicants without prior experience. 

Contreras encouraged job seekers to connect even when listings appear limited. “Even if you don’t see it on the website, connect with us,” she said.

Meanwhile, in hospitality, Great Wolf Lodge in Scottsdale has built its brand around family experiences and employee diversity. Since opening in 2019, the resort has relied on seasonal hiring to prepare for holidays. 

“Our mission statement is that we bring joy to families,” Bromund said. She added that hospitality jobs thrive on human connection.

“Working in hospitality is really fun because you meet people from different backgrounds and levels of experience,” she said.

Recruitment slows after the back-to-school season but ramps up in October for Halloween and holiday events. Available positions include lifeguards, room attendants, sales managers and internships. Many jobs require no prior experience, though leadership positions demand stronger backgrounds. While applications begin online, the lodge prefers in-person interviews.

“Don’t wait for positions to appear on our website. If you’re looking for a job, call or stop by our office anytime,” Bromund said.