President & CEO
Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce (107 years in Nevada)
Type of Business: Chamber | Hails from: St. Clair, Missouri | Less than 1 year with company in Nevada | Based in: Las Vegas, NV
What do you want your legacy to be?
I’d like my legacy to be servant leadership. I would like for people to say I was instrumental in their personal and career growth and that I made a positive difference in their life.
What is an issue currently facing your industry an outside observer might not be aware of?
An issue facing the chamber, and almost every business, is the ongoing need to be relevant to our members and customers. With ever-changing economic pressures and technology changes, coupled with market changes and the vast options available to our consumers, it is an exhilarating challenge to stay ahead of what our members and customers need from their Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce.
What was your first job?
[I was a] radio station DJ.
Who in your life has been instrumental to your success?
My Mother
What is your motto?
I have several things I like to say, depending on the circumstances. I like to joke and say, “If you’re going to be a bear, be a grizzly.” I’m not sure that’s my motto but it helps remind me to do exactly what Chamber Chairman Mike Bolognini’s motto is, and that is… “Act now, be bold, stay true”. I also live by the phrase, “It’s the journey”. It’s never so much about the destination as it is the journey. That applies to everything, every day and the idea of making every moment count, because every moment is precious and we never get them back.
What was the toughest lesson you’ve learned in your career?
The toughest lesson was to handle problems before they get out of control. I didn’t realize the severity of a personnel problem and it blew up. It was the hardest time in my career but the best lesson I ever had. Now I am an expert at seeing, predicting and fixing problems before they ever get started.
What is your favorite thing about living in Nevada?
The diversity of the state. The beauty of Red Rock Canyon, Mount Charleston and Lake Tahoe. The small town rural communities that are rich in ranching and mining traditions and the robust thriving business community and excitement of Las Vegas. Nevada is a get-it-done state, and most people here are very accessible and willing to work together.
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