I was born on 6 August 1956 in San Francisco, California to Janet and (the late) Richard Hovis.
I grew up in Santa Monica, California where I attended elementary, junior high school, and high school (graduating in 1974), in addition to involvement in sports and recreation (Little League +, the Boy’s Club ++). Further, it was in elementary school – St. Augustine’s By-the -Sea Parish School that I found, and made the choice to truly journey with God.
I attended Arizona State University from 1974 to 1977 – seeking to become an architect, however, I was not accepted, and, as such, I graduated with a Liberal Arts degree.
Upon graduation from Arizona State University, I attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and studied City and Regional Planning at the Master’s level. I successfully completed one (1) year in a two (2) year program – I did not complete the Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning – due to personal reasons.
I returned to Santa Monica where I started (October 1979) my career as graphic designer with Exxon Company, USA. I spent five years with Exxon Company, USA.
While working with Exxon Company, USA I was accepted into architectural school – Sci-Arc in Southern California, however, I did not attend preferring to stay with Exxon..
In 1982 I married Laura Flosi and in April 1983 we had our one and only child – Lauren Alain Hovis – a gift from God.
We moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1984 from Los Angeles, where I went to work as a graphic designer with Kitchell CEM (from 1985 -1987).
From 1987 – 1995 I was an independent contractor, and a registered representative in mortgage finance, financial management, graphic design, and drafting.
Further, I attended the University of Phoenix and successfully obtained a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) in 1982.
I was also a member of the Scottsdale Jaycees, where I became very involved in community events and projects.
In 1994, I accepted a cartography position with the Defense Mapping Agency in Reston, Virginia. As such, I relocated from Phoenix to Reston.
In 1998, I was accepted and worked as a Visual Information Officer with the Central Intelligence Agency. In 2002, I worked as a Support Officer until my retirement (due to a need for shoulder surgery) in September 2018.
Away from my Federal Government service, I have been involved in various organizations and activities in Northern Virginia.
In November of 2011, I married Rebecca Ouellette in Santa Monica, California. I reside in San Tan Valley, AZ with my two hamster - Jess and Timothy, our fish, our lizard - RJ Lizard., and our cats - Pearl and Grey.
As to hobbies, I enjoy playing sports, attending sporting events, mentoring individuals from financial management to hamsters, building models, photography, travel, multimedia design, managing partner for RJ Hamster, and jazz – smooth jazz to a samba or a bossa nova.
Love and God Bless,
Peter – aka RJ Hamster Jo hi
It’s not the news we wanted to share, but we didn’t get enough signatures to reach our 150,000 goal in honor of Military Appreciation Month.
With tens of thousands of our troops deployed in the conflict in the Middle East, hearing from folks back home matters. Your signature helps ensure service members know they’re not alone.
So please, before time runs out, take a moment to add your name to the card honoring those who serve.SIGN THE CARD
This is your last opportunity to help us reach this important goal. Let our troops know you appreciate their service!
Inspired by the unforgettable Sunday the Arizona Diamondbacks defeated the Yankees to win the 2001 World Series, the new Almighty Sun Day Splash Snapbacks bring together nostalgia, iconic Dbacks colors, and elevated craftsmanship into two completely different fully custom hats.
Designed in partnership with Vick Almighty, each cap carries its own personality and detailing — from the embroidered side patches to the contrasting color palettes and the iconic “A” inspired by the historic Arizona Daily Star newspaper logo. One leans brighter and louder with vibrant purple detailing, while the other delivers a darker, more vintage-inspired feel rooted in the same legendary moment in Arizona baseball history.
The result is a pair of wearable pieces that feel unlike anything already sitting in your closet. Available now online and at our Chandler store while supplies last, with a portion of proceeds directly benefiting Vick Almighty. Learn more about Vick here: @vickalmightySHOP NOW
Love New Times? Thanks to a recent Google update, you can now select us as a preferred source to see our stories first in search results. Thank you in advance for your ongoing support of local journalism.
Craving something fresh, fast, and full of flavor? Blue Finhas been serving Phoenix since 1981 with made-to-order Japanese favorites—from teriyaki bowls to yakisoba and mochi. Dine in or order online for pickup or delivery and taste a true local classic.
Red Brick Eatery is a family-owned, Southwest-inspired restaurant built around bringing people together. Focused on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, it offers breakfast, brunch, and lunch in a warm, welcoming space designed for families and friends to gather. With a full espresso bar, scratch-made baked goods, and a menu of elevated comfort food, the eatery blends quality, affordability, and genuine hospitality. Rooted in community and connection, the vibe is a relaxed, desert-inspired atmosphere where every guest feels welcome!
Maggie’s Lounge in Apache Junction is a cozy eatery featuring New American cuisine and local art. Named after the owners’ pet duck, ‘Maggie,’ the lounge features a chef-driven menu of house-made dishes and international comfort food. Guests can relax on the landscaped patio or in cozy armchairs, browse the onsite art boutique and enjoy live music in a soulful, community-focused space! READ MORE ► Step Back in Time at Diner 50, Phoenix’s Retro Favorite
Cruise into Diner 50 for a true ‘50s diner experience. From fluffy pancakes and hearty omelets to burgers, milkshakes, and chilaquiles, every dish is made fresh with classic comfort in mind. Grab a booth and enjoy a nostalgic bite you’ll come back for. READ MORE ► Sip, Savor & Unwind in the Heart of Roosevelt Row
Discover Turquoise Wine Bar, a cozy, artsy wine bar in downtown Phoenix. Enjoy curated wines, live music, tastings, and weekly specials in a relaxed, neighborhood setting. Whether it’s a midweek wind-down or weekend night out, your perfect glass is waiting. READ MORE ► Beyond The Roll
Bonsai redefines sushi and Asian fusion in Chandler’s Downtown Ocotillo. This high-energy destination features premium nigiri, interactive “Hot Rock” searing, and elite Omakase service. With a curated sake program and craft cocktails, the atmosphere shifts from elegant lounge to vibrant social scene. Locally owned, this sushi resaurant blends world-class artistry with a community soul! READ MORE ► Coastal Elegance In The Desert
Lucca Coastal Kitchen & Living Room brings Mediterranean soul to Chandler’s Downtown Ocotillo. Led by Le Cordon Bleu-trained Chef Dahn, the menu blends French technique with Italian tradition, featuring house-made pastas and seafood like Branzino Piccata. Set in an award-winning architectural space, Lucca offers a sophisticated, “perfect night out” where every meal is a celebrated event! READ MORE ► From Morning Brews to Evening Hues
Bottle & Bean blends a sophisticated coffeehouse with a vibrant wine bar, seamlessly transitioning from a morning ritual to an energetic evening. Featuring craft coffee, rotating wine flights, and a boutique shop, the space is anchored by a curated live music program. With European-inspired private dining and a sprawling lawn, it’s the perfect hub for connection and events! READ MORE ► A Masterclass In Wood-Fired Fare
ROSSA Kitchen & Patio at McDowell Mountain Golf Club reimagines Italian dining with stunning desert views. Its red Neapolitan oven crafts airy, 750° wood-fired pizzas alongside seasonal salads and sharing plates. Enjoy a Limoncello Collins by the patio fireplaces with front-row seats to Scottsdale sunsets. It’s a premier social destination where authentic service meets community! READ MORE ►
Mesa’s Il Forno Bello serves authentic, pecan wood-fired Neapolitan pizza. Enjoy gems like “Il Lacho” or the balsamic-rich “Padilla” in an elevated, traditional setting. READ MORE ► Your Scottsdale Neighborhood Gastropub
Cook & Craft is a North Scottsdale staple for modern comfort food. Enjoy famous meatloaf, $10 Tuesday tequila, and $35 Wednesday Bottle & Board. The ultimate local spot! READ MORE ► The Highest Quality Craft Beer
With four Valley locations, award-winning Pedal Haus Brewery serves “true to style” craft beer and full-service dining. Relax in the huge patio’s classic biergarten vibes! READ MORE ► Gas is expensive. These drinks are cheap.
Forget the fluff. Yucca’s got cheap drinks all day long. $2.50 PBR drafts, $3 cans & $5 drafts, plus $2 domestics 6am–noon. Real vibes, real cheap. See ya at the Yucca! READ MORE ►
Love New Times? Thanks to a recent Google update, you can now select us as a preferred source to see our stories first in search results. Thank you in advance for your ongoing support of local journalism.
How to go from concept to hypercar in just 7 weeks? It’s called “hyperflow.”
Ángel Guerra has spent 15+ years shaping vehicles for brands like Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and BMW. With KeyShot at the core of his “hyperflow” process, he takes designs from concept to client-ready presentation in just seven weeks — using real-time rendering to validate surfaces, explore materials, and present with photoreal confidence.
If you want to use dust and smoke effectively in your renders, this two-minute tutorial from our expert Ozan Kocaman might be exactly what you’re looking for.Watch on YouTubeWatch on Instagram
We’re listening! Send your feedback directly to KeyShot developers
Find a bug? Have an idea for a new feature? Tell us!
Send your feedback directly to KeyShot developers in the Luminaries community, the free online forum for KeyShot users worldwide. While you’re there, you can also workshop your renderings with fellow designers, find the latest tutorials, and earn points that you can redeem for great prizes, like a free year of KeyShot Studio.KeyShot Luminaries
Webinar: Retro Skills for Revolutionary Product Visuals
What if the secret to cutting-edge 3D design was mastering an old-school skill?
In our latest webinar, Oliver Yu — who’s worked for Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo — reveals how his photography background transformed his approach to 3D product visualization. Oliver breaks down the lighting, composition, and rendering tricks behind hyper-realistic visuals, showing you how to blend classic techniques with modern workflows. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro, walk away with actionable skills to take your renders to the next level.
KeyShot held this webinar in partnership with the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA). We thank them for their partnership and support.Watch now
The award-winning designer with tips for product design success
With 8 years in consumer electronics and 250+ SKUs shipped at multi-million-unit scale, industrial designer Ayush Singh knows what it takes to get a design from sketchbook to shelf. Working with global brands like Dolby, Bose, and Marvel — and earning a Red Dot Design Award to boot — means in addition to serious design talent, he also has excellent advice for product designers.Ayush’s secrets to success
Composition tips for product designers
“If the placement is wrong, no amount of lighting or materials will save the image.”
This guide from Alex Casabo shows you how to maximize your scenes by mastering the basics of composition. Learn how to block out a scene and apply photography rules to guide the eye across your renderings.
If you’re just getting started with KeyShot, be sure to join us in our new weekly Onboarding Seminar!
Our new seminars are designed to be flexible and built around your questions. Join our weekly sessions to:
Get your onboarding questions answered
Learn tips and best practices from our training team
Start off on the right foot as a KeyShot user
Drop in whenever it works for you. No pressure—just support when you need it. When you register, you have the option to include your questions so our experts can come prepared.Register for free
Showcase product variations with animations
1️⃣ Start by using the Make Pattern feature to duplicate your model in any direction and quantity you need. You can experiment with both nested and stacked arrangements to create visually interesting compositions.
2️⃣ Next, add a sphere inside KeyShot and use it as a pivot point. Place it at the center where you want your products to rotate, then select it as the pivot for your rotation animations. Once set, you can simply hide the sphere from the Scene panel.
RJ Hamster 