Name: Leah Bryant
Title: Division President
Company: KB Home
Location: Las Vegas
Type of Business: Homebuilder: The Las Vegas division of KB Home (formerly Kaufman and Broad) is the largest homebuilder in Nevada, delivering 3,013 homes in 2000.
Years in Nevada: 25
Years with Company: 22
Biggest Business Challenge:
In January 1999, Kaufman and Broad acquired Lewis Homes, but decided to keep the Lewis management team at the helm. It was a challenge to merge a private company with a public company, both having the same goals but approaching the business differently. We had to find way to blend the computer systems, procedures and reporting policies, and also to reassure employees of both firms, who were apprehensive about the changes.
Greatest Professional Accomplishment:
Taking the very best practices of both companies and merging them together. We have not only become the industry leader in size, but also we are a very good company operationally.
Worst Failure:
My worst failure has been an inability to balance my business life, which is so demanding, with my personal and civic life.
Most Valuable Lesson Learned:
I have learned to surround myself with good, strong people — people with a strong work ethic who are committed, honest and smart.
Company Goals:
We not only want to be the best in the market, but we also want to build a more predictable business model, avoiding the ups and downs of the construction industry.
Best Business Advice:
Respect and value the people you deal with and work with. If you don’t develop good relationships, both personal and business, you will fall short.
Name: Fafie Moore
Title: President
Company: Realty Executives of Nevada
Location: Las Vegas
Type of Business: Residential and commercial real estate sales and leasing. Realty Executives did over $815 million in transactions in 2000.
Years in Nevada: 11
Years with Company: 11
Biggest Business Challenge:
My biggest challenge was getting started in the real estate business in Southern Nevada, because I had never lived here before and didn’t know anyone. I had to develop contacts and relationships from scratch.
Greatest Professional Accomplishment:
Ten years after I started my agency, it was selected as number 81 of the top 100 real estate companies in the United States.
Worst Failure:
My failures are usually the result of assuming something inaccurately, and then acting on my assumption. I have learned the hard way to slow down and do research.
Most Valuable Lesson Learned:
The importance of spending time with my agents and my staff. I work closely with my agents to help them build their businesses and reach the goals they’ve set. I have learned that time spent training and developing my staff really pays off.
Company Goals:
To sell a billion dollars of real estate in one year and to have raving fans referring others to do business with Realty Executives.
Best Business Advice:
Know who you are, what you provide and who your customers are. Then make a well-thought-out business plan, follow it closely and revise it annually.
Name: Ralph A. Casazza
Title: Owner
Company: Shopper’s Square Mall
Location: Reno
Type of Business: Enclosed two-story mall with adjoining shops. (Retired from 50-year career as architect in 1999)
Years in Nevada: 74 (2nd generation Nevada native)
Years with Company: 38
Biggest Business Challenge:
Developing and expanding Shoppers Square to keep up with constant changes in retailing. The deterioration of Park Lane Shopping Center across the street has made it difficult to interest retailers in this once-prosperous area.
Greatest Professional Accomplishment:
Organizing property owners and business owners to try to revitalize the South Virginia Street/Plumb Lane district. These efforts are beginning to pay off, as we are now seeing retailers showing more interest in our shopping center, and one of our main anchors is almost doubling the size of its store. As an architect, the pinnacle of my accomplishments was receiving the silver medal presented by the Nevada Chapter of the American Institute of Architects for outstanding service to the profession.
Worst Failure:
Not being able to convince the owners of Park Lane to come to an agreement with Max Baer Jr. for his proposed hotel/casino, which would have given the area a much-needed economic boost.
Most Valuable Lesson Learned:
I have learned how to cooperate with other developers, both in the local community and around the country, to provide good planning, to resolve problems with citizens who object to growth and change, and to work towards revitalizing a stagnant area.
Company Goals:
To gain approval for the expansion plans of Shoppers Square and to inspire others to join in stimulating growth and renewal of the South Virginia Street/Plumb Lane area.
Best Business Advice:
Always be honest and sincere in dealing with clients and those who provide services.
Name: Bob Linden
Title: President
Company: Shred-it Las Vegas
Location: Las Vegas
Type of Business: A franchise offering on-site destruction of confidential materials, principally paper-shredding.
Years in Nevada: 2 1/2
Years with Company: 2
Biggest Business Challenge:
We have experienced over 50 percent growth rate each year since we started, and the biggest challenge has been dealing with growth while maintaining our outstanding customer service ratings. An independent survey showed us with a 9.5 customer satisfaction rating (out of 10), and we work hard to keep that up.
Greatest Professional Accomplishment:
Growing from zero to over 800 customers in two years. I am also proud that we have attracted an outstanding team of employees who are dedicated to our customers and also to the community. We were named one of the top 10 new companies in employee contributions to the United Way.
Worst Failure:
I don’t believe in failure. If you’re not achieving your goals within the time you’ve set, then just figure out what you’re doing wrong and make course corrections. I will say that, if I had it all to do over, I would have taken more risks when I started the company instead of taking such a conservative path. We probably would have grown faster.
Most Valuable Lesson Learned:
Stay focused on what it takes to exceed your customers’ expectations. Besides generating repeat business and referrals, it’s fun. Everybody likes to get positive feedback.
Company Goals:
We want to continue to be the mobile paper shredding company of choice in Southern Nevada. We also want to address some of the unmet social needs of our community through working with nonprofit groups, such as United Way. I match all my employees’ United Way gifts 100 percent.
Best Business Advice:
Stay focused on outcomes, don’t be afraid to take risks, and have fun getting there.
