In this episode, host Ben Laifsky interviews Leah Martin, a prominent business attorney and principal of Leah Martin Law. Leah shares her professional journey, insights into business law, her love for networking, and her personal interests. With offices in Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Reno, Leah’s firm specializes in supporting businesses at all stages, from formation to growth and litigation. She also highlights her passion for helping businesses succeed through tailored legal strategies.

The conversation dives into Leah’s upbringing, career development, and love for hiking and reading, as well as her involvement in community organizations and networking groups. The episode balances professional advice with personal anecdotes, making it a valuable listen for business owners and professionals alike.

Highlights

Professional Insights

• Business Law Services: Leah’s firm handles business formation, licensing, contracts, trademarks, estate planning, and litigation.
• Client Relationships: The firm values collaboration, working closely with clients to tailor solutions to their unique needs.
• Contracts Matter: Leah emphasizes the importance of well-drafted contracts to avoid costly litigation.
• Common Misconceptions: Business attorneys aren’t just for bad news—they are crucial for growth and strategic planning.

Personal Background

• Early Life: Leah grew up in small towns in Indiana and Nevada, fostering creativity and independence.
• Career Path: Inspired by books like those by John Grisham, Leah pursued law but shifted from environmental law to business law after exploring various legal fields.
• Hiking Enthusiast: Leah enjoys hikes in the Las Vegas area, citing Lone Mountain and River Mountain Trail as favorites.
• Avid Reader: Leah recommends books like The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod and Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell to inspire productivity and balance.

Networking and Community

• Active Networker: Leah is involved in chambers of commerce, including Leadership Henderson, which she credits for deep professional and personal connections.
• Nonprofit Support: She praises organizations like Project Marilyn and the CARE Complex for their impactful community work.

Personal Philosophy

• Leah encourages taking action toward goals, advocating for incremental steps to achieve success.

Highlights:

• Introduction to Blackfire Innovation: Nicole describes Blackfire as a laboratory and showroom for cutting-edge technology in hospitality, gaming, and entertainment. Established through a partnership between UNLV and Caesars Entertainment, it showcases innovations from both major companies like LG and T-Mobile and UNLV students.
• Key Facilities and Programs:
  • SBDC: Nevada Small Business Development Center offers free confidential advising for small businesses.
  • Rebel Forge: A startup incubator for UNLV students, helping them launch their own businesses.
  • Makerspace: Supports small businesses preparing for trade shows and provides tools for prototyping.
• Profile of Blackfire’s Tenants: Focus on businesses innovating in hospitality, gaming, or entertainment, with examples like robotic cleaning solutions and immersive gaming tables.
• Unique Events and Partnerships:
  • Nevada Hotel & Lodging Association Expo: Annual event at Blackfire featuring innovations in hotel and lodging technology.
  • Demo Days: Events focused on showcasing a specific technology, with Brylon’s immersive display and robotics panel featuring LG and other companies.
  • Pitch Mayhem and Speed Networking: Regular events at Blackfire for startups, including pitch competitions and networking with industry professionals.
  • Capital Equity Symposium: Upcoming event dedicated to startup funding, addressing Nevada's need for more capital investment opportunities.
• Nicole’s Background: Born and raised in Henderson, Nicole shares her journey from aspiring child actor to her role in UNLV's Office of Economic Development.
• Personal Insights and Advice:
  • Favorite Books: Tuesdays with Morrie and Oh, the Places You’ll Go as reminders of life’s journey and balance.
  • Philosophy on Life: “Life is about choices”—advice from her father that guides her career and personal growth.

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.