Connect.Vegas

In this episode of Connect.Vegas, host Ben Laifsky speaks with Jeanette Jones, founder of Cottrill Research, about her fascinating work in competitive intelligence and market research. Jeanette, a professional librarian and researcher, shares insights into how she helps companies stay competitive in an increasingly complex data-driven world. Her journey from setting up corporate libraries at major institutions like Arthur Andersen and Bank One to founding her own research firm illustrates her deep expertise in gathering and analyzing business-critical information.

Jeanette talks about the evolution of research, from the days of printed binders to the vast and often overwhelming amount of online information available today. She explains how Cottrill Research stands out by providing clients with valuable, authoritative insights that are not easily found using standard research tools. Jeanette’s work focuses on competitive intelligence and supply market research, and she emphasizes the importance of understanding the credibility of information sources in today’s media landscape.

The conversation also touches on her early life, growing up in Marietta, Ohio, her career path, and her current love for Las Vegas, where she and her husband moved in 2010.

 In this episode of the Connect.Vegas podcast, host Ben Laifsky interviews Kirsten Larsen, a mindset coach and founder of Peace of Wellness, a coaching practice based in Las Vegas. Kirsten shares her journey from being an occupational therapist to becoming a coach, helping clients—both individuals and companies—develop healthier mindsets and interpersonal skills. Throughout the episode, Kirsten emphasizes the importance of personal wellness, authentic self-expression, and breaking negative thought patterns. She also discusses her love for helping people discover what truly serves them in life and business. 

Highlights:

1. Transition to Mindset Coaching: Kirsten shares how she transitioned from occupational therapy to mindset coaching. She describes working with high-performing individuals, especially those dealing with anxiety, personal crises, or seeking direction in life after major events like breakups or career changes.
2. Corporate Workshops: In addition to one-on-one coaching, Kirsten provides workshops for companies that focus on communication, conflict resolution, and trust-building to enhance team dynamics and corporate culture.
3. Focus on Accountability: Kirsten emphasizes that her coaching sessions often revolve around holding clients accountable, reflecting back their goals, and helping them stay on track by shedding maladaptive habits.
4. Unique Clients and Approach: She shares her experiences working with various clients, including high-performing professionals, and her unique ability to foster trust and openness, especially with male clients.
5. Men's Group: Kirsten talks about the men’s group she launched to provide men with a space to connect and openly discuss challenges in areas like mental health, control, and relationships. She also mentions launching a podcast based on these themes, where she brings in male guests to discuss their perspectives on relevant topics.
6. Personal Reflections: Kirsten reflects on her upbringing in Nebraska, her early work experiences, and how her love for helping others led her to the field of therapy and coaching. She also discusses her strong family values and passion for sports, particularly football.
7. Future Goals: She shares her long-term goal of becoming a foster parent, having already completed the training twice, but facing personal setbacks that have delayed the process.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of the Connect.Vegas podcast, host Ben Laifsky sits down with Francesca Gilbert, a veteran realtor in Las Vegas with 36 years of experience. Francesca shares her journey from moving to Las Vegas in 1978 to becoming one of the city’s leading real estate professionals. They discuss the evolving real estate market, the importance of customer service, and Francesca's unique approach to making real estate transactions enjoyable and stress-free.

Francesca reveals how she brings a personal touch to her work, ensuring clients feel supported through her strong negotiation skills and meticulous systems. She also dives into her family's deep roots in Las Vegas, including their renowned Italian restaurant, and shares one of the most heartwarming stories of how her family relocated to Las Vegas with the help of complete strangers.

Ben and Francesca explore several key topics including the changes in Las Vegas real estate, the impact of new regulations on realtors, and the importance of being adaptable and client-focused. Francesca’s infectious positivity and approach to customer service highlight her philosophy that real estate is about helping people achieve their goals, not just selling homes.

Episode Highlights:

• Francesca’s Journey: From moving to Las Vegas in 1978 to building a successful 36-year career in real estate.
• Customer-Centered Service: Francesca emphasizes making real estate transactions fun and stress-free, with a focus on helping clients achieve their goals.
• Real Estate Market Insights: Discussions on housing affordability, the shortage of affordable housing, and upcoming trends in vertical and higher-density housing.
• Family Roots: Francesca shares the heartwarming story of how her family moved to Las Vegas with the help of strangers, who later became lifelong friends.
• Unreasonable Hospitality: Francesca recommends a book that influenced her customer service philosophy, focusing on making clients feel amazing.
• Changes in Real Estate: Insights into recent legal changes affecting realtor compensation and how buyers and sellers are adapting.
• Local Recommendations: Francesca's favorite spots in Las Vegas, from her family’s Italian restaurant to beautiful viewpoints across the city.

This episode is a blend of valuable real estate knowledge and personal anecdotes, making it both informative and heartwarming. It showcases the depth of Francesca's expertise, her passion for Las Vegas, and her commitment to her clients.

In this episode of Connect Vegas, host Ben Laifsky interviews Shahab Zargari, a Las Vegas-based filmmaker, marketer, and faculty member at UNLV’s College of Fine Arts. They discuss Shahab's multifaceted career, from founding a record label to producing award-winning films and TV commercials. Shahab also shares his passion for filmmaking and reflects on how his early love for cinema and marketing background shaped his creative ventures. The conversation touches on the growth of the Las Vegas arts scene and the importance of community support.

Highlights:

• Shahab’s record label journey, beginning as a personal hobby.
• Transition from marketing into filmmaking and directing his first film, The Crystal Crypt.
• His experiences working on commercial projects, including an award-winning commercial for Luxor.
• Insights into Las Vegas’ evolving arts community and its significance.
• Shahab’s role at UNLV and the importance of nurturing local talent.

Significant Quotes:

• “Either we close up shop… or we move it back into the hobby space. And a hobby can never go bankrupt.”
• “I was like, okay, I’m done not having confidence. Now I want to do something I’m interested in.”
• “Las Vegas isn’t just a place for headliners; locals here are creators too.”
• “Do what you love. If you’d do it without being paid, keep doing it.”

Here’s a summary of Episode 9 of the Connect Vegas podcast featuring Karen Alonso, Vice President of Marketing for United Way of Southern Nevada:

Highlights:

1. Karen Alonso's Role and Impact: Karen Alonso oversees marketing and leads the Women United Affinity Group at United Way of Southern Nevada, focusing on community impact through three pillars: student success, workforce development, and crisis support.
2. United Way’s Local Programs: The organization offers crucial programs like Project Reach (utility assistance for seniors) and Nevada Ready Pre-K (free preschool for children from low-income families), serving over 225,000 people in Southern Nevada last year.
3. Challenges in Marketing Nonprofits: Karen explains how marketing nonprofit organizations requires compassion and storytelling to show donors the direct impact of their contributions, which can be a challenge for nonprofits with limited budgets.
4. Women United Affinity Group: Karen leads the Women United group, which funds scholarships for female high school seniors attending Nevada colleges. The group also organizes community volunteer efforts and networking events.
5. Career Background: Karen shared her career journey, starting in New Jersey, transitioning from studying biochemistry to marketing, and eventually moving to Las Vegas to work with nonprofits, where she found her passion in impacting the local community.
6. Fundraising and Storytelling: Karen emphasizes the importance of storytelling to connect with donors and secure funding, highlighting United Way’s role in vetting local nonprofits and helping tackle community challenges on a broad scale.
7. New Grant for Language Access: Karen discusses a recent $1 million federal grant to support non-English speakers, which will provide resources to ensure they can access United Way’s programs, enhancing inclusivity in Southern Nevada.
8. Advice for Nonprofits: She encourages nonprofits to focus on compelling storytelling to stand out in a crowded market, emphasizing the importance of showing donors how their contributions make a tangible difference.

In this episode of Connect.Vegas, host Ben Laifsky interviews David Navarro, Nevada Regional President of Enterprise Bank & Trust. They explore David's career, banking insights, and his deep connection to the Las Vegas community. Here are the key highlights from their conversation:

1. David’s Role and Banking Expertise: 
   • David explains the different types of banks (community, regional, and money center banks), emphasizing Enterprise Bank's niche in helping small and mid-sized businesses, real estate investors, and developers in Las Vegas.
   • He highlights the importance of building personal relationships and providing value through strategic connections within the community.
2. David's Background and Connection to Las Vegas: 
   • David shares his experiences growing up in Las Vegas, his love for the city, and his hobbies, including basketball, weightlifting, and a passion for heavy metal music.
   • He reflects on the city's growth since his childhood, from the development of Red Rock Casino to the expansion of Summerlin and Henderson, and his excitement for Las Vegas potentially acquiring an NBA team.
3. Enterprise Bank’s Community Engagement: 
   • The bank is highly active in local charitable work, with David serving on the boards of nonprofits like Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada, Special Olympics Nevada, and UNLV Alumni Association. He believes in the value of giving back, both personally and professionally.
   • He describes Enterprise Bank’s Enterprise University, offering free educational courses for the community, covering business topics like HR, leadership, and exit strategies for business owners.
4. Insights on Banking and Professional Growth: 
   • David shares his journey from working in entry-level jobs (such as a busser and a gym membership salesman) to becoming a banking executive.
   • He emphasizes the importance of finding the right fit between businesses and their banks and explains how Enterprise Bank adds value by not only offering products but also helping businesses grow through strategic introductions.
5. Personal and Professional Philosophy: 
   • David discusses his proactive mindset, with a motto of "the sooner, the better," urging people to take action rather than procrastinate to avoid future complications.
   • He shares his favorite books, "The 48 Laws of Power" and "The Alchemist", which have influenced his professional and personal journey.

In this episode of Connect.Vegas, host Ben Laifsky speaks with Josh Leavitt, the CEO of Tech Alley and Intagly. The discussion dives into Josh's journey as a serial entrepreneur, community advocate, and startup leader in Las Vegas. The episode focuses on the development of Tech Alley, a monthly meetup event for tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and those interested in startups. Josh also shares insights into his 3D printing business, Intagly, and the challenges and successes he has faced as a startup founder.

Key Highlights:

1. Introduction to Tech Alley: 
   • Tech Alley is a nonprofit organization that aims to build and strengthen the startup community in Las Vegas through monthly events. It focuses on knowledge-sharing sessions for entrepreneurs and technologists from students to seasoned professionals.
   • The initiative was inspired by the need to consolidate scattered meetups across the city, allowing people to learn, network, and share knowledge in a single location.
2. Origin of Intagly: 
   • Intagly, Josh’s 3D printing marketplace, connects people who need 3D printing services with those who own 3D printers.
   • The business idea emerged from his involvement in Nevada's STEM advisory group and his interest in fostering creativity and problem-solving in the community.
3. Josh’s Background and Entrepreneurial Journey: 
   • Josh grew up in Las Vegas and has always been drawn to entrepreneurship. From a paperboy to working in construction and the gas station business, he developed a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial mindset early in life.
   • His career path led him to become deeply involved in Las Vegas’ tech community, founding Tech Alley to foster innovation and collaboration among local entrepreneurs.
4. Challenges and Successes of Startups: 
   • Josh emphasized the importance of execution over ideas, noting that Tech Alley helped him learn how to build a company without large investors.
   • He also shared his experiences in scaling Intagly, from developing the platform to solving operational challenges while keeping the business model scalable.
5. Building Community through Tech Alley: 
   • The principles of Tech Alley are inclusivity, accessibility, and consistency. Events are free, open to everyone, and held every third Saturday of the month.
   • Tech Alley has become a significant hub for Las Vegas’ tech scene, connecting local and visiting entrepreneurs, and is now expanding to other cities.

In this episode of the Connect.Vegas podcast, host Ben Laifsky interviews Andy Abramson, CEO of Communicano, a value creation communications agency based in Las Vegas. The discussion covers Abramson's extensive experience in guiding companies to successful exits, emphasizing his expertise in branding, storytelling, and strategic communication.

Key takeaways from the conversation include:

1. Value Creation through Storytelling: Abramson highlights the importance of creating a clear, credible, and contagious story for a brand, which can differentiate a company in the market and drive successful exits. He stresses that a good CEO should be a "selling CEO," constantly engaging with the market and conveying the company’s vision effectively.
2. The Architecture of Identity: Abramson outlines his process for building a brand’s identity, starting with a deep discovery phase, followed by the development of brand vision, mission, and positioning. He emphasizes the significance of understanding both how a company sees itself internally and how it is perceived externally.
3. The Importance of Timing and Precision: Drawing parallels with his background in professional sports, Abramson underscores the necessity of discipline, time management, and strategic timing in business. He shares insights on how his agency helps clients navigate the complexities of branding and market entry, often advising them on the best timing for launching products or announcements.
4. Leadership and Team Dynamics: Abramson discusses the need for commitment from leadership teams during the branding process, ensuring that all key players are fully engaged from start to finish. He also talks about the challenges of managing passionate, creative teams and the importance of clear communication and setting expectations.
5. Andy’s Personal Journey and Insights: Abramson shares stories from his early career in professional sports, his transition into marketing and PR, and the founding of Communicano. He also offers personal recommendations on books, business practices, and his favorite spots in Las Vegas.

Here are some of Andy's key quotes:

1. On Storytelling and Branding:
   • "Good ideas doing something different, being able to articulate the story that we develop for them in such a way that it becomes clear, credible, compelling, but most of all, contagious that other people tell it as if they told it themselves."
   • "No one buys interesting, they buy cool. The whole process is getting that information out so competitors, possible partners, but most of all, customers or investors realize that there's something special about you."
2. On Leadership and Team Dynamics:
   • "A good CEO is a selling CEO. They’re not just running the business, but they’re selling constantly and finding ways to bring in new business opportunities."
   • "The people involved in the beginning have to be involved all the way through. There's no walking out for the famous 'I have to take a call.' You have to be committed to this process."
3. On Timing and Precision:
   • "The schedule is the schedule is the schedule. There’s nothing worse than when somebody five minutes before a call says, ‘Oh, do you mind if we reschedule?’ Time management is critical in business, just as it is in sports."
   • "Timing is important—what you’re going to say, the way you’re going to say it, and to whom you’re going to say it to."
4. On Personal Philosophy:
   • "Bet on yourself."
   • "You control your destiny. You make your odds. Bet on yourself."
5. On the Branding Process:
   • "Your brand identity is that logo. Your brand image is what people would say about you or what you write about yourself or how you convey yourself. Everything plays into your brand image."

In this episode of Connect.Vegas, host Ben Laifsky interviews Dave Burlin, a dynamic figure in the Las Vegas community with a diverse background that includes roles as a Marine Corps veteran, wedding DJ, and entrepreneurship advocate. Here are some highlights:

1. Veteran Support: Dave discusses his work with Vets in Tech, helping veterans and their spouses gain tech certifications and find high-level jobs.
2. Global Entrepreneurship Week: He is the state coordinator, organizing events to catalyze the startup ecosystem in Nevada.
3. Pivot to the Marines: Dave shares his personal story of turning his life around by joining the Marine Corps, which led to deployments and eventually a career in mentoring and community building.
4. Community Involvement: Dave is passionate about supporting at-risk youth, having been a drill instructor for a youth program and continuing to help others through various initiatives.
5. Las Vegas Ecosystem: He draws parallels between Las Vegas and other cities like Tulsa, highlighting how ecosystems evolve and the potential for Vegas to become a hub of innovation.
6. Volunteer Work: Dave's dedication extends to volunteer roles in organizations like Global Entrepreneurship Network, where he aims to build and connect community and promote entrepreneurship in Las Vegas.
7. Personal Growth: He reflects on his journey, the importance of being part of something bigger, and how his experiences have shaped his current endeavors.

These highlights provide insight into Dave Burlin's career and his deep commitment to helping others in the Las Vegas community.

Introduction to Bill Houghton:

• Bill Houghton, founder and CEO of Horizon Print Solutions, was the first person Ben met when he moved to Las Vegas in 1999.
• Horizon Print Solutions provides a wide range of printing and branding solutions for businesses, from business cards to vehicle wraps.

Bill's Background and Horizon Print Solutions:

• Bill founded Horizon Print Solutions in 1992, focusing initially on business forms printing.
• The company caters to complex clients, such as franchises and hotel casinos, requiring consistent branding across multiple locations.

Consultative Approach:

• Horizon Print Solutions takes a consultative approach to meet the specific needs of their clients, offering tailored solutions and advice.
• Bill shared an example of helping a client save costs by increasing their order quantity for presentation folders.

Personal Background and Early Career:

• Bill grew up in Southwestern Utah and was involved in scouting, hunting, fishing, and prospecting with his father.
• His entrepreneurial spirit emerged early, with jobs like mowing lawns and babysitting, leading to his first tour of the eastern United States at age 12.

Entrepreneurial Drive:

• Bill always knew he wanted to be an entrepreneur, seeking to add flair to uninteresting industries and bring value to the marketplace.
• He has read over 400 biographies of business leaders, drawing inspiration and knowledge from their experiences.

Products and Services:

• Horizon Print Solutions offers a vast array of printing services, including specialized items like stickers for smoke detectors and branded goods like mugs with built-in speakers.
• The company focuses on helping clients effectively communicate their brand, particularly in trade show settings.

Community Involvement:

• Bill is deeply involved in youth charities and organizations, such as the Las Vegas Natural History Museum and St. Jude’s Ranch for Children.
• Horizon Print Solutions promotes volunteerism, offering PTO hours to employees who volunteer.

Las Vegas Evolution:

• Bill has witnessed significant growth and transformation in Las Vegas since moving there in 1987.
• He takes pride in the city’s development into a global hospitality, entertainment, and sports capital.

Favorite Spots and Meals:

• Bill enjoys viewing the city from the top of the Stratosphere and recommends the sirloin at The Bar as his favorite meal.

Quotes and Inspiration:

• Bill’s favorite quote is from Mahatma Gandhi: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
• He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and personal development, recommending books like "Good to Great" by Jim Collins and "The Biography of Leonardo da Vinci" by Walter Isaacson.

Contact Information:
To learn more about Bill Houghton and Horizon Print Solutions, visit their website at printefficiency.com or email Bill at [email protected].