Family Owned Businesses 2018

Nevada Business Magazine, along with corporate sponsor Nevada State Bank, is honored to recognize and support family owned businesses across Nevada for their hard work. The Family Owned Business Awards began in 2010 as a way to recognize these families and the companies they’ve created. Nevada Business Magazine and Nevada State Bank share a commitment to promoting organizations such as these. The event pays tribute to hard working Nevadans that are providing jobs and helping the economy of the Silver State. Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists.

Judges

A special thank you to the distinguished panel of judges for their work in identifying this year’s finalists out of hundreds of nominees and for the unenviable task of choosing this year’s winners.

Tray Abney, Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce

Joseph Amato, Small Business Administration

Dave Archer, Nevada Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology

Jana Benton, Nevada State Bank

Mike Bindrup, UNLV Nevada Small Business Development Center

Connie Brennan, Nevada Business Magazine

Megan Comfort, Nevada State Bank

Ken Evans, Urban Chamber of Commerce

Rob Hooper, Northern Nevada Development Authority

Sam Males, UNR Small Business Development Center

Nancy McCormick, Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada

Scott Muelrath, Henderson Chamber of Commerce

Cody Walker, City of Henderson

Whippersnapper

A business, less than 10 years old, in the first generation of succession  with expectations for future generations to run the company.

North

Tessa Dee Miller
The Nest
Est: 2009

Right out of school and encouraged by her father, Tessa Dee Miller bought her first used furniture store when she was only 22. “There I made every mistake in business that you can make and learned more in that first year … than I could’ve learned in decades in college,” said Tessa. Just four short years later, Tessa opened The Nest, which sells everything from furniture to accessories with a vintage flair.

Gary & June Inouye
MidTown Printing
Est: 2015

Founded by Gary Inouye and his mother, June, MidTown Printing is named after the midtown district in Reno. Finding himself facing curveballs such as divorce and unemployment, Gary took his experience in printing and graphic design and used it to secure funding for a business in an up-and-coming area of Reno. Two years later, the company is going strong, focusing on customer service. Gary is working on growing intelligently and hopes to see business continue to boom.

Annabelle & Ross Miller
Performance Electric Company
Est: 2010

A third generation electrical contractor, Ross Miller founded Performance Electric Company to serve the Reno/Sparks area. He works with this father, Frank, his mother Connie and his wife, Annabelle. The company began out of a garage with 10 customers and has since grown into a new facility with a couple hundred clients. Ross is focused on providing quality estimates and has a history of reliable and professional service.

South

Olivier Brouillet
Baguette Cafe
Est: 2009

Owned by Olivier Brouillet and his parents Claudie and Lucien, Baguette Cafe was founded at the height of the recession. Even so, the office park cafe, made Yelp’s list of the “Top 100 Hottest Places to Eat in the United States” three years in a row, topping 21st on the list in 2016. The restaurant prides itself on providing a casual venue that prepares delicious, socially conscious food.

Yasaman Jozdani
C’est La Vie Media
Est: 2014

Founded by Yasaman Jozdani, C’est La Vie Media was established as an innovative marketing company whose goal is to stay ahead of the latest trends in culture. Yasaman works alongside her sister, Leilah, mother Marlene and father Mehrdad. The Jozdani’s have helped Las Vegas be at the forefront of the emerging augmented reality technology and expect to continue to be pioneers in technology.

MaiLee (6 years), Shawn & Mimi Wachter
Kangamoo Indoor Playground
Est: 2016

As parents of their own intrepid six year old, Mimi and Shawn Wachter know the challenges of finding a fun place that appeals to both parents and their kids. To help bridge that gap, the husband and wife founded Kangamoo Indoor Playground. The innovative space served 45,000 children in its first year and includes supervised play areas for kids alongside relaxing spaces for their parents. The Wachter’s founded the business for their daughter, MaiLee, whose creative pronunciation inspired the name Kangamoo.

Don’t Forget to Share

A business that has made significant contributions to the community and prides itself on giving back.

North

Julie & Brant Skanson, Terry & David Vasenden
Sierra Family Pharmacies
Est: 1998

Owned by the Skanson’s and the Vasenden’s, Sierra Family Pharmacies was born when the two families realized they could grow and serve Northern Nevada better together. Keeping service as a core value has led Sierra Family Pharmacies, and the families behind the organization, to give back to in many ways. The owners have set personal goals to donate 100 hours annually and strive to exceed that goal. In addition, they support several non-profits in the area.

Jennifer, Mason (6 years), Jay & Thomas (7 months) Kenny
DoughBoys Donuts
Est: 2009

Serving up more than donuts, Doughboys Donuts has a strong commitment to their Northern Nevada community. Founded by Bob Kenny and owned today by his son, Jay, the two work with several family members including Jay’s wife Jennifer, along with his brother, sister, mother and grandmother. The Doughboy family supports many local charities, giving of both time and money. “In a small community like Reno, it’s important to give back to those who support you,” explains Jay.

Curtis & Laura Worrall
Whispering Vine Wine Co.
Est: 1998

Celebrating 20 years this coming October, the owners at Whispering Vine Wine Co. know that their community and their team is what has kept them successful. The company has grown exponentially in recent years and shares that growth, having donated over $56,000 in product alone last year. The company was founded by Curtis and Laura Worrall and they work with their daughter Katie.

South

Jeff Manning
ABG Builders
Est: 2007

Founded by Jeff Manning, ABG Builders has seen good times and bad. Regardless of the ups and downs, the Mannings believe in giving back to their community and have made that attitude a mantra at ABG. Donating his time as an auctioneer, Jeff and his team recently helped raise over $10,000 to help the fallen first responders from the 1October shooting. In addition, in 2017, the company donated over $50,000 in services and time to several Southern Nevada non-profits.

Bill Houghton
Horizon Print Solutions
Est: 1992

Owned by Bill and Jeni Houghton, Horizon Print Solutions was founded on the tenants of good corporate culture, team spirit and customer service. Volunteerism is an important part of Bill’s life and he donates extensively of his own time while incentivizing his employees to volunteer as well. In addtion to contributing 10 percent of Horizon’s profits, the company also provides several thousands worth of in-kind support and several hundred hours worth of time from both the Houghton’s and their staff.

Becki, Charlie & Austin Spencer
Studio 21 Tattoo Gallery
Est: 2003

Austin Spencer and his parents, Charlie and Becki, knew that there was an opportunity to provide a service to their community while breaking the stereotype of many tattoo shops. Together they formed Studio 21 and have seen phenomenal growth. The Spencers love their community and have incorporated fundraising into their business in many ways. Most recently, Studio 21 donated 100 percent of the proceeds on $50 pre-designed tattoos to the 1October victims fund the week following the tragedy.

When the Going Gets Tough…

A business that has faced adversity and made changes to adapt to difficult times.

North

Perry & Starr Nixdorf
Paradise & Spear Me
Est: 1976

A salon and piercing studio, Paradise & Spear Me has seen a lot of changes throughout the years. From big leaps of faith in location moves to a changing beauty industry, husband and wife owners, Perry and Starr Nixdorf have weathered many storms, continually adjusting their business as necessary. Perry originally purchased the business from his mother in 1983 and has evolved the business from the original hair salon to now having a salon, retail store and aquatic center, among other offerings.

Suzy Kahl
KAHL Commercial Interiors
Est: 2001

Kahl Commercial Interiors was founded by husband and wife, Dan and Suzy Kahl. They saw an opportunity in their field in Reno and took a leap in 2001, moving their entire family to the region from the Bay Area. Hit hard by the downturn, Dan and Suzy repositioned their business to help clients reduce costs while operating more efficiently. That forward thinking put Kahl Commerical Interiors in a prime position to grow as the recession ended.

Rhonda Hodges
Western Nevada Title Company
Est: 1983

Founded by Murray Taylor and Rhonda Hodges, Western Nevada Title is owned today by Rhonda who works alongside several of her family members. In an industry completely dependent upon the buying, selling and refinancing of real estate, Western Nevada Title has made its fair share of adjustments over the years. When hard times hit, the organization, which consists of 10 employees, banded together to get through the tough times. Today, Western Nevada Title continues to adapt to serve the community.

South

Sidney Johnson, Kim Washington & Walt Turner
Access Realty
Est: 2000

A real estate agent in Pahrump since 1979, Kim Washington found herself in need of a new job. That led her to found Access Realty. After seven years of building the company, Kim experienced simultaneous hardships, the economy crashed and she was the victim of theft. That’s when Kim got really tough, rebuilding from the bottom up. Today, she works alongside her son, Walt Turner and daughter, Sidney Johnson. As she teaches them the ropes of her industry, they’re helping lead the company into the next generation.

Grant & Larry Turner
The Dillinger
Est: 2011

A restaurant and bar located in the heart of Boulder City, The Dillinger had a rocky start. The restaurant was founded by Grant Turner who was joined by his father, Larry Turner, to help build the business. Shortly before opening, Grant’s cash partner was suddenly unable to continue funding the business. Choosing between trying to sell an unfinished restaurant and pressing onward, Grant opened the business on a shoestring budget. With the help of family and friends, Grant pressed onward and The Dillinger continues to grow today.

Michael, Peter & PJ Becker
PJ Becker & Sons Construction
Est: 2008

When the recession cost him his job at a general contractor, Michael Becker knew he need a solution. He partnered with his dad, Peter J. Becker and his brother Peter, Jr. or “PJ” and the three formed PJ Becker & Sons Construction. Starting out of a garage, the construction company has since expanded and continues to grow and bid jobs. Today, the family is proud of their company’s roots which has added to the organization’s experience and flexibility.

Shape Up

A business that has made significant efforts to promote healthy lifestyles for employees and the community.

North

Dee Dee Desiderio-Schula
Sports West Athletic Club
Est: 1987

Founded over 30 years ago, Sports West is an athletic club owned by Reno local Dee Dee Desiderio-Schula. The gym is open around the clock and strives to be a one-stop-shop for those looking to improve their health. The facility features everything from a full aquatics program, racquetball and weight and cardio-training studios as well as a range of personal training and nutrition experts.

Carrie Cameron & Marshall Hopper
Sports & Performance Physical Therapy
Est: 2016

Husband and wife team Carrie Cameron and Marshall Hopper founded Sports & Performance Physical Therapy after returning to Reno to be near family and raise their son. Carrie, who has a doctorate of physical therapy and is a certified athletic trainer, has a passion for helping people return to optimal health and hopes to educate the Reno community on the benefits of physical therapy and how it can improve quality of life.

Hannah, Mike & Madilen McIntosh
Vital Signs
Est: 2000

One of the largest sign and graphics companies in Northern Nevada, Vital Signs was founded in 2000 and is owned today by husband and wife Hannah and Mike McIntosh. The McIntosh’s know that healthy employees are happier and more productive and strive to create an environment were people are cared for holistically. The company offers paid gym memberships, ergonomic desks and chairs and healthy food options and vitamins among other health benefits.

South

Christina & Stella (2 years) Martin
Diced Kitchen
Est: 2016

Founded less than two years ago by fitness professional, Christina Martin, Diced Kitchen was born to help others with nutritious meal planning. What began with just Christina and a few clients has grown to now include a team of 11 employees, including a chef, Christina’s husband Justin, her step-father Kenneth Allen and her official taste-tester, two year old daughter Stella. Christina just moved into a brick and mortar store and hopes to continue growing and eventually offer healthy “grab and go” meals throughout the Valley.

Dan “Stan”, Thomas, Terry & Michael Stansbury
Nzymes.com, a Division of Biopet, Inc.
Est: 1999

Moving to Nevada in 2004 to take advantage of the friendly business climate, Nzymes.com was founded by husband and wife, Thomas and Alexandria Stansbury and their brother Dan “Stan” Stansbury. Today several family members work for the company which offers dietary supplements for pets and their humans to improve health through proper diet. The family has received remarkable results through their supplements and have been excited to share their progress with customers.

Stacey Dougan
Simply Pure
Est: 2013

Founded by Chef Stacey Dougan, Simply Pure is a restaurant serving 100 percent, plant-based food and located in the Container Park in downtown Las Vegas. Chef Dougan has specialized in vegan cuisine for 17 years, founded another restaurant in Atlanta and trained vegan chefs in Ghana. She hopes to use her experience to offer Las Vegans healthy food that doesn’t compromise on taste. Chef Dougan plans to continue growing her business while raising her three-year-old son, Zion, with a plant-based diet.

Swimming Upstream

A business that is minority- or woman-owned.

North

Melissa Marsh
HRinDemand
Est: 2011

Recognizing a way she could help small businesses navigate the land mines of human resources, Melissa Marsh founded HRinDemand seven years ago. Adapting to the needs of her clients, Melissa has a passion for small business and hopes to help them succeed. She has been bolstered by the support of the Reno business community and is excited to continue developing her business while streamlining processes for her clients.

Teresa Ruiz De Sidle
All Eagle
Est: 2014

Owned by Teresa Ruiz De Sidle, All Eagle is both woman- and minority-owned. Teresa founded the company, which focuses on asbestos abatement, mold remediation and general demolition, after a company owner suggested she get several certifications before he would give her work. After getting the certifications, she went back to the owner who told her he’d call her when he had something. Not one to sit around waiting for a phone call, Teresa took matters into her own hands and All Eagle was born.

Bryan & Fran Pritchard, Vivian Rumker
Killer Salsa
Est: 1993

Just over twenty-five years ago, Fran Pritchard was working in a cafeteria in California making fresh salsa, which her customers referred to as “killer salsa”. One year later, after moving to Minden, she decided to see if she could turn her Killer Salsa into a business. Today, Fran’s salsa is in several hundred grocery stores. Supported by her son, Bryan and manager Vivian Rumker, Fran looks forward to seeing her salsa business continue to expand.

South

Brooke & Matthew Borg, Heidi Burch
Borg Law Group
Est: 2010

A practicing attorney with a four-year old daughter at home and another on the way, Brooke Borg saw that having a healthy work-life balance was becoming a huge issue. So, she decided to do something about it. Eight years ago she founded Borg Law Group so she could have the best of both worlds. Today her husband Matthew serves as her office manager and her sister Heidi Burch serves as a legal assistant.

Khalil, Philippe & Patrick Ziade
Growth Holdings
Est: 2008

Growth Holdings is a global holding entity that owns and operates real estate properties. The company was founded by Philippe Ziade, a Lebanese-born immigrant who came to Las Vegas to pursue a dual degree in civil and mechanical engineering at UNLV. Today, he is joined in the business by his brothers Patrick and Khalil. He explained that their, “Lebanese background gave us a hunger for success.” Since its inception the business has grown to have offices around the world.

Elizabeth Trosper
Trosper Communications
Est: 2010

Elizabeth Trosper founded Trosper Communications to empower others while providing quality marketing solutions. “I came to a point in my life where I wanted to practice my craft and provide leadership to others in an environment of my own creation,” she explained. She does so with a boutique firm of nine employees who are dedicated to being good community stewards and providing extraordinary client service.

It’s Good to be on Top

A business that is at the top of its game, doing better than ever.

North

Tom & Bonda Young
Great Basin Brewing Company
Est: 1993

Nevada’s largest and most award-winning brewery, Great Basin Brewing Company was founded by husband and wife, Tom and Bonda Young. As a former geologist traveling the world, Tom developed a taste for flavorful beer he couldn’t find at a good cost stateside. Together, the Young’s began brewing their own beer, eventually overcoming legislative hurdles to create a local brewery. Today the company has two locations in Northern Nevada and looks to continue to brew great beer.

Cindy, Nicolas & Tiffany Novich
Full Tilt Logistics
Est: 2014

Beginning with just three employees four years ago, Full Tilt has grown to 26 employees, a satellite office, affiliated trucking company and fleet headquartered out of Reno. The logistics company was founded by Tiffany Novich who works alongside her husband, Nicolas, his mother Cindy, as well as several other family members that have all helped build the business. The certified women-owned company’s 2017 sales approached $8 million and Tiffany hopes to continue that growth and provide solid employment for Reno workers.

Jerry Deines, Bill Miles & Cary Richardson
Miles Construction
Est: 1986

Founded by Bill Miles, Miles Construction is run today by Bill, Jerry Deines and Cary Richardson. The company was founded to fill a void in construction by focusing on design-build projects. Surviving severe downturns, Miles Construction has nevertheless seen 130 percent growth over the past five years. Focusing on the principle of simplicity, Bill, Jerry and Cary credit the organization’s success to strong client relationships and always acting in the best interest of their projects.

South

Evelyn Carlos & Ron Cabildo
Definitive Talents
Est: 2005

Ron Cabildo came to Las Vegas with a dream of performing. He made that dream a reality, eventually founding Definitive Talents to help other achieve the same. The company has shown consistent growth throughout and Ron credits his success to several core values including family orientation, promise of excellence and embracing change. Ron works alongside his daughters, Mica and Mikayla, his ex-wife Karin and is supported by his mother, Evelyn Carlos.

Ryan Bowen, Nadia Rayas, Lawrence Ocon & Annette Hardy
La Paloma Funeral Services
Est: 2006

Focusing on helping families during their most trying times, Ryan Bowen and Chris Blackburn, founded La Paloma Funeral Services as a locally-based, family-owned funeral home. Today, the two work with several talented team members, all with the same goal of doing things differently for families in need of funeral services. Their non-traditional ideas, including online arrangements, simple prices and transparency in marketing and pricing have led to 20 percent growth each year.

Jennifer, McKenzie (9 months) & Ted Wiens, III
Ted Wiens Tire & Auto
Est: 1948

With a rich history in Southern Nevada, Ted Wiens Tire & Auto is a locally owned and operated auto service center. The company was founded by Ted Wiens, Sr. and is run today by Ted Wiens, Jr. (his son), Ted Wiens, III (his grandson) and his wife, Jennifer. With 170 full-time employees, the company has shown steady growth in recent years and the Wiens hope to pass their business along to a fourth generation.

The More the Merrier

A business that has 50 employees or more.

North

LP Insurance Services
Est: 2010

Proving that business ties and family ties go hand-in-hand, LP Insruance was founded by Nick Rossi, Joe Wyatt, John DeRicco, Mike Talbott, Rich Bullard, Lloyd Barnes and Joe Kulikowski to provide quality insurance services to Nevadans. Today, family runs strong in the company. LP now has 20 shareholding owners, five of whom have family members in the organization. In addition, 37 of the company’s employees are related to one of their coworkers.

Jim Annis
The Applied Companies
Est: 2002

A staffing organization, the Applied Companies was founded by Jim Annis and Randy Venturacci. The company has 35 employees on staff but works with thousands of contracted worksite employees through a program known as employee leasing as a professional employer organization (PEO). In the business of employing people, the Applied Companies knows that intelligent growth is essential to success.

Cami, Bobby, Jennifer & Kelley Hodges
Nevada Automotive Test Center
Est: 1957

An independent automotive testing center, Nevada Automotive Test Center (NATC) was founded by Henry Hodges, Sr. and Martha Hodges. Today, the company is owned by their son Henry Hodges and his wife Mary, who work alongside their children, Jennifer, Bobby, Cami and Kelley. NATC employs 114 full-time people and has a legacy of innovation and advanced engineering to improve ride quality, mobility, survivability and vehicle performance.

South

Christina & Anamarie Ellis
Ellis Island Casino, Hotel & Brewery and the Village Pubs
Est: 1968

Ellis Island Casino began as the Village Pub by Frank Ellis, Jr. Frank’s son, Gary, changed the name to Ellis Island in 1985 when he bought the business from his father. He then expanded to add a casino, a brewery in 1998 and 12 Village Pub properties throughout the Valley. Today, Gary works with his three daughters, Christina, Anamarie and Michaela, along with several other family members and 550 full- and part-time employees.

Ken, Sadie & Duncan Goodrich
Goettl Air Conditioning
Est: 1939

Founded nearly 80 years ago in Arizona, Goettl Air Conditioning was acquired by third-generation Las Vegan, Ken Goodrich, in 2013. He has since grown the business, expanding into Las Vegas and Southern California and seeing 500 percent year-over-year growth since 2015. Today, Ken employs 108 full-time workers in Nevada. Ken’s son, Duncan, and dog, Sadie, have both become intrinsic to the company culture. Duncan is the child from Goettl’s billboards and ads and Sadie assists in human resources, helping to hire the best and brightest.