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Paki & Chris invite Shawne Merriman @shawnemerriman Former All-Pro NFL Linebacker & the Founder of MMA League (Lights Out Xtreme Fighting) @lightsoutxf , to join the CIRCLE for Episode 122.

📺Click the LINK in BIO to watch the full Episode at TheVegasCircle.com Also avail on all podcast audio outlets and YouTube

Shawne Merriman, known by his nickname "Lights Out", is a former professional American football linebacker who competed in the National Football League (NFL). Merriman's football journey began at the University of Maryland, where he showcased his skills on the college field. His prowess earned him the distinction of being the 12th overall pick by the San Diego Chargers in the 2005 NFL Draft. Right out of the gate, he made a striking impact, seizing the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year accolade in his debut season. During his initial three seasons, Merriman's performance remained remarkable, amassing an impressive tally of 39+1⁄2 quarterback sacks. This stellar performance also secured him three Pro Bowl invitations and two All-Pro selections.

Beyond the gridiron, Merriman's endeavors extended into the realm of combat sports. He embarked on the creation of Lights Out Xtreme Fighting, a notable MMA and extreme fighting league. Drawing from his own experience as a former All-Pro NFL linebacker, Merriman established this league with the vision of aiding fellow athletes from diverse sporting backgrounds in transitioning to the world of MMA. The league also aimed to provide these athletes with the recognition and visibility that their athletic prowess truly merited.

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Paki & Chris invite back the Founder of Porter Pictures & Co-Founder of Porter Craig Film & Media, JEFF PORTER @porter_pictures, to join the CIRCLE for Episode 121.

📺Click the LINK in BIO to watch the full Episode at TheVegasCircle.com Also avail on all podcast audio outlets and YouTube

Jeff Porter has spent his years in Los Angeles furthering the ingenuity, creativity and drive which guided him through his collegiate career at UNLV, during which he founded the non-profit Music and Film Development Center which teaches youth about music and film production, as well as the business behind it. His passion for film, in its myriad facets, has exposed him first hand to the blood sweat and tears of running a set from the ground up as well as the countless hours spent as an editor for many projects. It is what led him to Los Angeles. It was there, in a kind of baptism by fire, which Jeff learned about the distribution and financing side of film, working his way up from film scout to vice president for another firm. In the process; finding distribution and or financing for over fifty plus films, managing a team of film scouts, as well as a team of acquisitions executives, overseeing the logistics of several theatrical releases, in addition to cultivating relationships with all of the major domestic and international distributors. Jeff’s drive and focus have been much fed by the unparalleled satisfaction of being able to help filmmakers find distribution and audiences for their opuses. True to the ethos which was the impetus for his non-profit, a part of the job that brings Jeff great satisfaction, has been traveling to the different film festivals and markets to provide a voice and audience for independent filmmakers, as well as educating them on the nuances of film distribution, finance and business development - via panel discussions and workshops.

Jeff founded Porter Pictures in 2012, and under his leadership it has become one of the most successful Black-owned motion picture and TV sales agencies in Beverly Hills. Jeff has worked on projects or films featuring the likes of Angela Bassett, Courtney Vance, Keith David, Lynn Whitfield, Victoria Rowell, Jon Favreau, Joseph Fiennes, Barry Bostwick, Mark Wahlberg and more. Over his more than decade and a half in the business, he has worked on sales of roughly over 100 film and TV projects and is an in-demand expert speaker at film festivals and LA writers' organizations.

Jeff partnered to form Porter Craig Film and Media with 32 year career in the US Army, Sergeant Major Keith L. Craig (Ret.) is an International Best Selling Author and Award Winning entertainment executive previously at Walt Disney Studios where he managed Central Division theatrical sales and distribution for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures in 20 theatrical demographic market areas.

Porter+Craig is one of the newest and most exciting partnership ventures in independent film and TV sales. (Based primarily in Beverly Hills with connections in Washington DC, Atlanta, and New York), with two youthful but highly experienced industry veterans joining forces to take film development and distribution to the next level.

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Paki & Chris invite back the Founder of PMK Consulting @pmk_consulting, PETER KRAUSS @pmkrauss, to join the CIRCLE for Episode 120.

📺Click the LINK in BIO to watch the full Episode at TheVegasCircle.com Also avail on all podcast audio outlets and YouTube m

PMK Consulting focuses on assisting small to mid-sized business in any industry grow and improve. With a focus on Company Culture, team development and finding more efficient ways to operate. Their company has done many M&A transactions and can assist companies in the Sales or Acquisitions process in deal sizes ranging from $1M to $500M.

KRAUSS for 10 years he was the prior President & CEO of (Plasticard Locktech International (PLI). PLI is the world’s largest hotel keycard, gift and loyalty card manufacturer. He assisted with creating partnerships at the time with companies such as Starbucks and Target. During his tenure resulted in growth from $19M to $100M+ in sales under 5 years. Ultimately growing the company to $250M by way of a successful M&A strategy along with strong year over year organic growth. Krauss successfully oversaw and negotiated the sale of PLI to Private Equity with a deal successfully closing in July of 2018. KRAUSS really knows how to build company culture and relationships. He also has a passion and love for luxury cars which is why he was brought in as the Chief Partnership Officer at Lusso Auto Spa & Design.  Lusso has been providing amazing service & quality work since 2016 to the Las Vegas & Henderson Area. From car wraps, exotic car washes, to amazing auto design work. Audio, visual & or electric. Lusso is your one stop shop to create your dream car.

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Paki & Chris invite Franchisee Owners of Massage Envy @massageenvy Marissa Hawkins @marissahawkins10 & Franchesca Marbury Hammond @franchestamarbury, to join the CIRCLE for Episode 119.

Click the LINK in BIO to watch the full Episode at TheVegasCircle.com Also avail on all podcast audio outlets and YouTube.

Massage Envy Franchising LLC is an American massage and skin care national franchisor, based in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Massage Envy franchise network is the largest provider of therapeutic massages and skin care in the United States, and has more than 1,100 independently owned and operated franchise locations, as of 2022. Massage Envy was established in 2002 and began franchising in 2003.

Marissa is the owner of seven Massage Envy @massageenvylv locations in the Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada region. She opened the first Vegas Massage Envy in 2005 alongside her husband of 30 years, Mario Hawkins. As an owner of multiple Massage Envy locations, Marissa is in the business of making individuals  feel good. But, through her charitable work in the community she has been helping thousands of Las Vegans feel great.

Franchesca is the owner of two Massage Envy locations in the Las Vegas, Nevada region and also owns four locations in California.

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Paki & Chris invite Owners of Barry’s Downtown Prime @barrysprime and @makeithappenhospitality: Yassine Lyoubi @yassine.lyoubi, Chef Barry Steven Dakake @chefbarryb & Marco Cicione @marcocicione, to join the CIRCLE for Episode 118.

Click the LINK in BIO to watch the full Episode at TheVegasCircle.com Also avail on all podcast audio outlets

Barry’s Downtown Prime( official steakhouse of @goldenknights) brings back the Vegas Steakhouse to Fremont Street. The restaurant design is inspired by old school Vegas Steakhouses which had a sense of place and timeless appeal. The design brings together classic cool ambiance of 1950’s, 1960’s, and 1970’s in combination with the Modern and Hip vibe of Circa Hotel.

Yassine is a seasoned restaurant professional with a passion for the industry that developed during his formative years working at his father's restaurant in Morocco. After completing his studies in hotel management at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, he gained diverse experience in front-of-house positions at renowned establishments such as the Cheesecake Factory, Del Frisco's Steakhouse, and L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon. Throughout his career, Yassine has worked with esteemed chefs and industry leaders, including Chef Barry S. Dakake, and has been involved in the opening and management of several successful restaurants, such as N9NE Steakhouse and Barry's Downtown Prime.

Barry, a native of Johnston, Rhode Island, discovered his passion for cooking and flavors through his Italian mother's influence and their regular visits to the market. After graduating from the Rhode Island School of Design with a degree in Culinary Arts, he honed his skills under the guidance of Chef Charlie Palmer at Aureole in New York, blending French techniques with American flair. Dakake's career flourished in Las Vegas, where he made significant contributions to N9NE Steakhouse and later became the Executive Chef of Scotch 80 Prime, receiving accolades from esteemed publications and earning the title of "Chef of the Year 2018" by Eater Vegas. Alongside his culinary achievements, Dakake has had the privilege of cooking for notable figures like former presidents, athletes, and celebrities, while actively supporting his community through charitable endeavors.

Marco, a Montreal native, embarked on his journey from Canada to America to fulfill his dreams of becoming a professional boxer. However, his love for southern culture and cuisine led him to shift gears and join the hospitality industry in Lake Charles, where he honed his skills as a server. Marco's career took him to Blackhawk, Colorado, and eventually settled in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he became an integral part of renowned establishments such as the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and Scotch 80 Prime.

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Paki & Chris invite Chris Smith, McDonald’s Owner & Operator of FRSCO CORPORATION, to join the CIRCLE for Episode 117.

Click the LINK in BIO to watch the full Episode at TheVegasCircle.com Also avail on all podcast audio outlets and YouTube: https://youtu.be….. 

Father and son duo Ron and Chris Smith, who lead the FRSCO Corporation (FRSCO), opened their 17th McDonald’s franchise in Las Vegas on February 11th, 2023 making them the second largest owner and operator in the Las Vegas area. 

Chris, a former U.S. Air Force serviceman, knew from a young age he wanted to become an entrepreneur. He eventually landed on franchising and decided to choose McDonald’s because it was the number one franchise organization in the world. 

Today, FRSCO employs more than 850 people, and the corporation’s restaurants generate over $75 million in annual revenues. 

Ron and Chris are also the only African-American father-son team who manage multiple McDonald’s franchises in Las Vegas. 

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Paki & Chris invite Ronald “Ron” Johnson @dreamronjohn, CEO and Co-Founder of EntroBox @entrobox and American Dream Present @americandreampresents, to join the CIRCLE for Episode 116.

Click the LINK in BIO to watch the full Episode at TheVegasCircle.com Also avail on all podcast audio outlets

Originally from Cleveland, OH, Ronald’s deep ties started in boxing before he was born. He was named after his uncle who passed away during training for his pro debut as a fighter. In keeping his family’s tradition and love for the sport. Ron started training at the age of seven and had his first fight on November 18th, 1993, at the age of nine and has never looked back. As a young fighter, Ron was sponsored and mentored by Emanuel Steward, founder of Kronk Boing Team who worked with over 41 World Champions. Ron trained with Lennox Lewis and Prince Naseem Hamed and was able to meet a young superstar at the time, Zab Judah.

In early 2003 while working at his family’s restaurant, Ron got the big break of his life, when a customer came in excited to place him on the phone with Yahya McClain who was at the time married to Laila Ali (Muhammad Ali’s Daughter).

EntroBox’s MISSION is to connect live boxing events and entrainment through both digital and network tv distribution channels with superior production quality and audience interaction (pre, during, post). EntroBox unleashes the scintillating power of social media platforms, influencers, entertainers with both amateur and pro athletes on its platform while staying connected to all audiences. Our unique approach and professional status in the industry allows us to deliver our plan in the most efficient and expedited manner. EntroBox is the next evolution in boxing’s DNA that links this quintessential sport to the ever-changing digital world, while preserving its status in network tv.

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Paki & Chris invite Joshua Leavitt, CEO and Founder of IONnovate, Tech Alley @techalleyevents and Intagly, to join the CIRCLE for Episode 115.
Click the LINK in BIO to watch the full Episode at TheVegasCircle.com
Also avail on all podcast audio outlets and YouTube

Joshua is the CEO and Founder of IONnovate, LLC, an application development firm that delivers client products utilizing a unique Launching Pad model which builds applications, teams, and workforce through mitigated risk. He is also the creator of Builtin Vegas a website promoting the Las Vegas startup and technology scene to grow local interest in entrepreneurialism and innovation, and co-host of the Leavitt and Taylor Show, a podcast covering technology and entrepreneur topics from an executive perspective.

He currently serves as the Chairman of the Society for Information Management Las Vegas (SIMLV) and is active on various local boards and committees including National Center for Women in Information Technology Nevada Affiliate (NCWIT), Southern Nevada STEM Networks Regional Advisory Committee, Nevada's Lifeworks Steering Team, and Cimarron-Memorial HS Manufacturing, Engineering, Robotics, Information Technology (MERIT) Academy.

Tech Alley supports tech and startup communities by providing a platform that coordinates local technology, entrepreneur, business meetups into monthly full-day events for the community to share knowledge, network, and participate in the tech and startup ecosystem. Tech Alley events are always free, inclusive, interactive, consistent, and is the place to be for anybody interested in technology and entrepreneurism.

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Paki & Chris invite back David McCovy, Founder and Executive Producer of “THE BET HOUSE” @thebethousetv and also the Founder of Evolution Travel, to join the CIRCLE for Episode 114.

Click the LINK in BIO to watch the full Episode at TheVegasCircle.com
Also avail on all podcast audio outlets.

Starting businesses from the ground up is nothing new to David. A lifelong entrepreneur, David has founded a clothing store, a restaurant, independent concert company in Las Vegas, and has also invested in a Hollywood film. Born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, the largest tourist destination in the world, it just made sense that David found his way to the travel industry. His passion to help people and to give the average person a platform to succeed is what drove David to found Evolution Travel. Back in the summer of 2022 he started and created a show that has never been done before, THE BET HOUSE. 

THE BET HOUSE is a new reality television show with a sports gambling twist where contestants will compete in weekly sports betting challenges testing their knowledge, money management skills, and of course luck. There will be 8 people battling all while staying at The Bet House in the sports betting capital of the world, Las Vegas for a chance to win $250k

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Paki & Chris invite MARIANNA ARAKELYAN @lamboprincessmarianna, Owner of LP Exotics @lp.exotics and VVGLAB @vvglab, to join the CIRCLE for Episode 113.

📺Click the LINK in BIO to watch the full Episode at TheVegasCircle.com Also avail on all podcast audio outlets.

Marianna has overcome many adversities in her life. Born in Armenia and moved to the United States when she was 7 years old. She is a survivor of domestic violence and childhood abuse. Marianna watched her mother’s abuse by her father every day. She would also get abused every time she tried to protect her mom from the beatings. There was one goal in little Marianna’s heart, to become so strong and powerful that she never had to depend on anyone, ever.

As an independent and strong woman today, Marianna owns several businesses in the fields of fashion, medicine and cannabis. She strives to become an example for all those women and children who continuously endure abuse because they have nowhere to go. As Marianna’s businesses continue to grow, she hopes that her example and her financial contributions will help support those who feel stuck and trapped in their personal situations.

Marianna recently launched LP Exotics Nevada’s Most Luxurious Cannabis Brand at the World’s Largest Dispensary – Planet 13. LP Exotics is also available in Cookies Flamingo, NUWU Marketplace, NUWU North and 420 Sahara.

VVG Cannabis Concentrates is an award-winning, family owned and run cannabis oil extraction company in Las Vegas. Having decades of experience, they have mastered the art of cannabis oil extraction by using only the cleanest and healthiest, science-based CO2 extraction methods.

Today, Marianna enjoys being a mother to her 4 children, a daughter, and a family-oriented woman.

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