Nevada State Bank is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the 2025 Nevada Business Awards, joining business leaders across the state to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of outstanding local companies.
Each business being honored today is unique, with its own history, set of challenges to overcome, and list of victories over those challenges. However, successful companies all share certain qualities that enable them to succeed despite any obstacles they face – qualities like resilience, creativity, and perseverance. They pay attention to customer service, value teamwork, and support the community where their employees live and work.
Every year, we ask more than 500 Nevada businesses for their insights and outlook for the annual Nevada State Bank Small Business Survey—with 2025 marking our 12th edition. This year, while the survey indicates a strong sense of economic optimism, a deeper analysis reveals that concerns about expenses and the need for greater efficiency are central to Nevada small businesses. This confidence exists alongside growing concerns about rising costs of goods, services, and health care. I encourage you to take a moment to check out the report for yourself at www.nsbank.com/survey.
At Nevada State Bank, we believe it matters who you bank with, and we put the resources behind it. This is just one of the reasons we’re happy to sponsor the Nevada Business Awards, honoring the achievements of these great companies and celebrating their success.
We are proud to have served the financial needs of Nevada businesses for more than 65 years. Whether it’s helping with day-to-day cash flow needs, funding new equipment, or providing capital to expand, we help provide the financial support needed to keep a business operating smoothly.
Congratulations to all the 2025 Nevada Business Award finalists, and special congratulations to the new Spirit of Nevada honoree—what an amazing award to win. At NSB, we appreciate the chance to be a part of celebrating your accomplishments, and we wish you all continued success.
Please reach out if there is an opportunity to show you why it matters who you bank with.
Best Regards,
Terry Shirey, President and CEO
Battle Born
Welcome to the annual Nevada Business Awards (NBA)! Thank you for being a part of this very special issue. There is a reason Nevada is known as the Battle Born state. Apart from the way Nevada became a state, the title resonates with Nevadans because of the resilience and perseverance it implies.
Battle Born is particularly applicable to Nevada businesses and entrepreneurs who have seen a rollercoaster of economic ups and downs over the past decade. Those that are still standing work leaner, better and are more adaptable to change. The Nevada Business Awards exist to recognize these Battle Born businesses for their efforts and to applaud their hard work.
Beginning as the Family Owned Business Awards, NBA has adapted over the years to represent the diverse set of businesses found in the Silver State. This year, the program, adapted again. No longer dividing honorees in categories, instead NBA recognizes 12 southern Nevada and 12 northern Nevada businesses for their work. And, one company from each end of the state, will recieve additional recognition as the business of the year, Spirit of Nevada, honoree.
The editorial team at Nevada Business Magazine thanks the judges for their work to choose the finalists. We also recognize that without our sponsor, Nevada State Bank, we would not be able to honor these businesses. Finally, we thank you, the business owners and executives that make up Nevada’s diverse professional landscape and continue to make Nevada a great place to live and work.
North
Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, Est. 1972
What would become Atlantis Casino Resort Spa was founded in November of 1972 by David Farahi when he purchased Reno’s Golden Road Motor Inn. “This acquisition laid the foundation for my brothers and me to build and expand the business into what it is today,” explained John Farahi, CEO and co-chairman (pictured). Atlantis is one of two properties operating under Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. According to Farahi, the company has been successful because of the competence and dedication of the team, the quality of their products and, importantly, “location, location, location.” The Farahi family moved from California to Reno when the motor inn was purchased and have been here since. When asked what he considers the most important element to running a successful business, Farahi said, “Set a goal for yourself and the company to strive for excellence. To achieve this goal requires a knowledgeable and dedicated team capable of maintaining high standards and creating exceptional guest experience.”
Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center, Est. 1949
Two years ago, Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center, known also as Carson Tahoe Health, celebrated 75 years. A significant milestone for any business, this healthcare organization has seen a myriad of changes as it moves toward a century in service. “It all began in 1949 when a group of local citizens recognized the growing need for a hospital in Carson City,” explained Michelle Joy (pictured), president and CEO of Carson Tahoe Health. “Before that, residents had to travel long distances for medical care, which was neither convenient nor always possible.” Joy said the health group has some lofty goals for the next year including maintaining local, independent governance, expansion of partnerships and technological improvements. The secret recipe to success for this healthcare organization has been trust according to Joy. “The most important element to running a successful business is trust –both within the organization and the community we serve,” she said. “Trust is the foundation of everything.
Dermody, Est. 1960
Started by Michael C. Dermody, executive chairman (pictured, center), Dermody has roots as a family business that grew into a national logistics company. Today the company, which leveraged Nevada’s Freeport Law to develop distribution centers now reaches 90 percent of the population in the United States while remaining headquartered in northern Nevada. Community is important to Dermody and has been a focus for the business since the beginning. “We are a privately owned company where management fosters long-term retention,” said Dermody. “We feel very fortunate to be able to give back to those in need and support the communities in which we do business.” He added, “I’m using my life and business experience to create a lasting impact by helping others in ways that will endure long after I’m gone. As far as running a successful business, Dermody believes it takes, “Honesty, loyalty and mutual respect among co-workers, customers and investors.”
The Fern45, Est. 2015
A decade ago husband and wife team, Kelly and Shari Walsh, started The Fern45 as a grass roots nonprofit benefitting northern Nevada veterans. In 2015, Kelly wanted to host a poker run in the desert to share his favorite off-road trails with friends and family. “We wanted to show our friends and family some great trails in the hills of Fernley,” said Shari. “We decided to schedule the first ride on Veteran’s Day weekend and charge our family and friends just $25 so we can make a donation to The Veterans Coalition of Fernley – 135 people showed up and we only knew about 10 of them.” Since then the event has grown to over 1,500 in attendance with activities, live music and food trucks. “Our goal is to always increase our donation from the year before,” said Kelly. “2024 was our biggest yet with $100,000 as our donation to Veteran’s Guest House.” Kelly and Shari credit The Fern 45 crew of 11 for making this annual event successful. “The time involved to put on the event is unmeasurable and we absolutely couldn’t do it without our board,” said Shari.
HB Workplaces, Est. 1980 | in NV 2005
What began as a small interior design firm, HB Workplaces has grown to encompass over 300 employees with offices around the country, and two offices in Nevada – one north and one south. Founded by Ron Henricksen and Steve Butler in 1980, the company is run today by CEO Dave Colling. In southern Nevada, Heather Bressler, principal and Las Vegas market president is at the helm and, in northern Nevada, the firm is ran by Stephanie Van Woert, Reno market president. Early on, HB Workplaces partnered with the Herman Miller brand which has given leadership access to global research helping identify priorities for end workspace users. When asked what has made HB Workplaces successful over the years, the firm’s leadership attributed it to purpose sustained by people. “Our success stems from our ability to understand needs, apply insights from experience and foster environments where individuals and organizations can thrive,” said Van Woert.
Keystone CPAs, Est. 2021
Formed by Michael Bosma, managing principal, in 2021, Keystone CPAs began with the goal of providing a one-stop shop for business owners. “We believed that the combination of sophisticated tax, business brokerage and wealth advisory was a winning combination of services for business owners trying to navigate the process of preparing their business for sale and not paying all of the proceeds in fees and taxes,” said Bosma. He says the company is special because it, in many ways, operates as an investment bank for businesses. Bosma explained, “We combine business brokerage, CPA and financial advisory to help the ‘silver tsunami’ navigate exiting their business.” And, Bosma has some lofty goals for Keystone. “We anticipate being a 1,000-person firm,” he said. “We intend to accomplish this by partnering with other CPA firms who want to be able to have robust technical resources and the ability to recruit top professional talent.” The company has already achieved $6 million in revenue and Bosma hopes it will become the largest, most successful CPA firm in the state. When asked what it takes to be successful Bosma said, “We believe [the] most important element to our business is team members that care.”
The Laughton Company, Est. 1975
A family-owned business, The Laughton Company (TLC) specializes in retirement plan and employee benefits consulting. The company was founded 50 years ago by Jim Laughton and is run today by his son, Mitch Laughton who serves as president. “Nevada is our home and where our roots are,” said Mitch. “As a second-generation Nevada business, we feel a deep sense of responsibility to the people who have supported us in this state.” Today the company serves over 400 clients and Mitch believes their involvement in the community has had a direct impact on the company. “The most important element to running a successful business is doing the best for our community with a sense of purpose,” said Mitch. “We believe our success is deeply intertwined with the success of our clients and the community we serve. By helping our clients find effective solutions and supporting their growth, we not only build strong relationships but also contribute to the overall well-being of our community.”
Pellett Construction, Est. 2003
“Shaping Nevada’s Skyline” is the motto of Pellett Construction, which was started by husband and wife team, Tom and Sabrina Pellett. While their two kids were in college, the Pelletts took the leap into business ownership, eventually passing that business on to their son Kyle and daughter-in-law Summer, who purchased the business in 2021. “As second-generation owners of Pellett Construction, we have set out to grow Pellett Construction’s market share in northern Nevada,” said Summer. Volunteerism and community involvement are important to the Pellett family and they hope the legacy they leave will impact more than Nevada’s skyline. “Pellett Construction’s legacy is about more than just the physical structures we build,” explained Summer. “It’s about the lasting impact we have on our industry and the community we call home.” When asked what is most important for a successful business, the Pelletts agreed, it’s the team they work with. “We believe that our company is only as strong as the people behind it,” said Summer.
Redwood Materials, Est. 2017
Founded by JB Straubel, Redwood Materials was created with the vision of “Building a circular battery supply chain to power a sustainable world and accelerate the reduction of fossil fuels.” Straubel left Tesla to realize this dream and created Redwood to make lithium batteries both sustainable and affordable by closing the lithium loop at the end of a battery’s lifespan. To that end, Redwood has initiated partnerships with Panasonic and several car manufacturers, among others, while simultaneously launching consumer recycling and expanding. The company has two battery material campuses, the Tahoe Campus in northern Nevada and the Carolina Campus outside of Charleston, South Carolina. This year, Redwood opened a research and development center in San Francisco with the goal of supporting innovation and future product lines for the company. In the past year, Redwood has recycled over 20 GWh of lithium-ion batteries. That amount is representative of approximately 250,000 electric vehicles.
The Reno Rodeo Foundation, Est. 1986
The Reno Rodeo is an icon in northern Nevada. Started in 1919 by volunteers, the rodeo is a beloved annual tradition in Reno. In 1986, the rodeo established the Reno Rodeo Foundation as a private foundation to ensure the proceeds from the annual event went back to northern Nevada. “We are deeply rooted in the communities we serve,” said Executive Director Cheree Boteler. “Northern Nevada is a place where grit, heart, and community spirit thrive — and we see that reflected every day in the way Nevadans show up for one another. We love the unique blend of rural and urban culture, the strong sense of pride in our western heritage, and the generosity of people who are committed to making life better for children and families in need.” In 2004, the foundation was converted to a nonprofit to better serve the donors and charitable grantees. “We want the Reno Rodeo Foundation to be remembered as a force for good that not only filled critical gaps, but also inspired hope and resilience,” said Boteler. Covering 14 northern Nevada counties, the Reno Rodeo Foundation has a lot of ground to cover. “For us, the most important element [to running a successful nonprofit] is trust,” said Boteler. “When people know their donations and support are making a tangible difference, that trust grows, and so does our impact.”
Roper Foods dba Slim Chickens, Est. 2003 | in NV 2023
Slim Chickens is relatively new to Nevada, but the franchise has been around for over 20 years. Began by Tom Gordon and Greg Smart in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the chicken-joint grew quickly after franchising in 2013. Today, the company has over 240 locations in the US and internationally. As of 2023, thanks to the work and passion of Roy Perez, owner of Roper Foods Nevada, one of those locations is in Reno. “You have to be passionate about people and food to run a successful [restaurant] business,” explained Perez. “Slim Chickens serves as the perfect venue to express our commitment to service and community.” With a Sparks location, Perez hopes to open two new locations by next year. Currently under construction with a Slim Chickens in south Reno, he plans to open another in 2026. “We are proud to be an integral part off the northern Nevada community,” said Perez. “In 2024, Slim Chickens Sparks supported a myriad of local charities, schools, sports teams, and more. We look forward to continuing this tradition through our multiple locations.”
Sala Family Dentistry, Est. 1974
“Our dad, Dr. Mike Sala, started Sala Family Dentistry in 1974,” explained Drs. Todd and Jason Sala, owners of Sala Family Dentistry – emphasis on the family. “We take pride in being a family-owned practice that focuses on long-term, comprehensive family dentistry,” Dr. Jason added. Fourth generation Nevadans, the Salas are deeply rooted in northern Nevada. Now in their 51st year in business, the Salas credit their success to the relationships they have with their team and the northern Nevada community. The Salas worked with their dad for seven years before he retired and they took over the practice, following in Dr. Mike’s footsteps. “None of what we do is possible without our employees,” said Dr. Todd. His brother added, “They work really hard and believe in a team mentality and value quality work and relationships with our patients.” As an organization, Sala has donated over $2.5 million to the northern Nevada community. The practice helped found Smiles for FREEdom, a nonprofit to provide free dental service to veterans.
South
AR Iron, Est. 1989
Founded in Henderson by Fred Sclafani, AR Iron began as a way to support for his family in 1989. “The hours were long, the space was small, the means were few, but my wife (Sylvia) and I were determined to make it work,” said Sclafani. “We had no other choice.” What began as a family-owned ornamental iron shop, AR Iron has since diversified to include fabrication and powder coating work. Fred and Sylvia are now joined in the business by their son Tony and daughter-in-law Jessica, nephew Anthony, and granddaughters Darrien and Talia. “People are the main element to a successful business,” explained Sclafani. “I wouldn’t have been able to run this business by myself. I’ve had a lot of help along the way.” Hoping to retire and pass the business to Tony in the next couple of years, Sclafani reflects on nearly 40 years in business. He said, “The average life of a start-up business is around 8 years. Most small businesses fail even sooner than that. I’m at the 36-year mark for business. I’m grateful every day the doors are open.”
Auragens, Est. 2022
A stem cell research, development and treatment center, Auragens is locally headquartered with an international base. Established in 2022, the company began even earlier when Dr. Daniel Briggs, president and CEO, saw the work being done in biologics and the clinical applications of that work. “Auragens was formed to build upon the work previously done and to push the entire industry to a higher standard,” explained Dr. Briggs. Auragens has operations all over the country and Europe and owns and runs the largest biologics and nanotechnology research institute, which is paired with clinical treatments in Panama City, Panama. “As an international company with its HQ in Nevada, it could be difficult to maintain our culture and mission,” explained Dr. Briggs. “But what makes Auragens special is the drive behind each individual associate. Few people have the opportunity to create real ripples in the pond that can impact all of humanity and we, as a company, are a steward of that responsibility.”
Bailey Kennedy, Est. 2001
Raised in Las Vegas, John Bailey practiced law for 15 years before venturing out to start his own firm. “In 2001, I followed my entrepreneurial spirit and opened a solo law practice,” he said. “The practice grew over the years to become the boutique law firm it is today.” Nearing 25 years as a firm, Bailey is proud of the organization he’s created and credits his team with the company’s success. He said they are what makes Bailey Kennedy special and believes the right people can make any business successful. “Surround yourself with smart people and then listen to them,” Bailey said. “Too often people get caught in an echo chamber and don’t necessarily hear what is best for their people and their business.” The company is active in the community, donating 250 hours and $100,000 in the last year. During the holidays, all of Bailey Kennedy’s employees partners with the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada to spread cheer. As a firm, Bailey Kennedy specializes in civil and commercial litigation, including appeals to the Nevada Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. When asked what he hopes his legacy will be, Bailey said, “Simply that I always keep my word and that I cared.”
Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation, Est. 1978
“Candlelighters was born out of darkness in 1978 when the Lesher and Dale families in Southern Nevada, each with a child diagnosed with cancer, made the selfless decision to do everything they could to support each other and bring light to other families affected by the disease,” explained Kimberly Kindig, CEO of the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada. The nonprofit, which is nearly 50 years old, serves around 400 families locally and 1,200 children through financial assistance, emotional support and quality-of-life programs. “Our success is a direct result of the people behind our mission—our dedicated team, generous donors, compassionate volunteers and, most importantly, the resilient families we serve,” said Kindig. “Every person who has stood with Candlelighters has contributed to our success. It is the collective effort of our community that truly makes a difference.” The nonprofit recently purchased a new building and is working to expand and care for even more families in the southern Nevada community.
DC Building Group, Est. 2001
“I had $30,000 in the bank and a drive to succeed,” said Shawn Danoski, founder and CEO of DC Building Group, a general contracting firm. A fourth-generation Las Vegas native, Danoski is deeply rooted in southern Nevada. “Nevada has shaped who I am, both personally and professionally,” he explained. “I take pride in being part of its dynamic construction industry, helping to build and shape the future of this ever-evolving city while staying true to its roots. There’s no place I’d rather call home.” As the company begins its 25-year birthday celebration, Danoski reflected on the growth he’s seen. He said, “I remember receiving our first $1 million dollar payment from a client. As a business that started from grass roots and has grown without any debt, this was a milestone to remember.” He credits his success to the people he works with and their ability to work as a team. “Our success is a direct result of the collaboration, dedication, and shared vision of our team,” he said.
Dee for Dentist, Est. 2011
“Starting a practice from scratch wasn’t part of my original plan, but it became one of the best decisions I ever made” said Dee Dee Meevasin, DMD, owner and clinical director of Dee for Dentist. Born and raised in Las Vegas, Dr. Meevasin’s parents immigrated to southern Nevada from Thailand in the early 1970’s. Emphasizing the importance of culture at Dee for Dentist, Dr. Meevasin has made people her priority. “If I’m going to spend my time working somewhere, I want to enjoy it,” she said. “That starts with the people around me. A strong culture, rooted in leadership and genuine care for our patients, is the foundation of our success.” Looking to transform her industry, Dr. Meevasin is working to grow intelligently. “My goal, and the legacy I want Dee for Dentist to leave, is proving that you don’t have to sacrifice quality for scale,” she said. “We’ve built our practice on the belief that we can take the best lessons from big business—efficiency, innovation and scalability—while still delivering an unmatched standard of care.
Multipure International, Est. 1970 | in NV 1997
Tap water has notoriously been hard to swallow, literally, because of the contaminates. Allen and Alvin Rice, brothers in southern California started Multipure International from their garage to improve water quality. They helped pioneer a solid carbon block filter in 1975 and the rest is history. Ran today by Zachary Rice, Alvin’s son, Multipure relocated to southern Nevada in 1997. The company, and Rice family, have made water a mission and believe that everyone should have affordable access to high quality drinking water. To that end, Multipure is constantly looking to improve and serve their customers. In the next year the company is launching a product that provides additional filtration capabilities while still being compatible with customer’s existing systems. Zachary hopes their legacy makes ripples for southern Nevada, and beyond. “We want to be a good neighbor, a helpful steward of the community and help protect the health of disadvantaged children, because they are the most susceptible to waterborne illness,” he said.
Opportunity Village, Est. 1954
Well known to the southern Nevada community, and beyond, Opportunity Village (OV) is a nonprofit that serves people with intellectual and related disabilities. The organization was formed by Dessie and Al Bailey whose daughter, Claudia, was born with Down Syndrome. They were passionate about educational opportunities available to their daughter and formed OV to assist children like Claudia. The nonprofit is run today by Bob Brown, who serves as president and CEO. His best moment in business has been, “Watching people grow and watching them do things others told them they could not do.” Today, OV serves 3,000 people annually with adult and youth services, workforce training and direct employment. The organization has four main campuses, a residential community, Betty’s Village and the Sunset Neighborhood Club. “We are a Nevada-born organization that exists to serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Nevada,” said Brown.
“We love the spirit and heart of the people who live in our great state.”
Palm Mortuaries and Cemeteries, Est. 1927
Nearly a century ago, Anna Robert Parks, recognized southern Nevada needed a dedicated funeral home. She and her husband, Gene, founded Palm Mortuaries and Cemeteries. The organization now has locations throughout the Valley. “We are proudly born and raised in Nevada,” said Celena DiLullo, president of Palm Mortuaries and Cemeteries. “We love serving our community, we cherish the rich history, the resilience of our people and the opportunity to support families through life’s most meaningful moments.” DiLullo believes the organization has seen success because of their people. She said, “The most important element in running a successful business is the investment made in people, within our organization and throughout the community. Strong relationships, built on trust and compassion, are the foundation of everything and success follows naturally.” DiLullo and her team are proud of the work they do. “Our legacy is truly that we take the time to celebrate each life with the utmost dignity,” she said.
Protective Force International, Est. 2019
Las Vegas has always been a city in growth-mode. While that brings blessings, it also brings challenges, especially related to law enforcement. Protective Force International (PFI) was created to help with those challenges. “In Nevada, our law enforcement and first responders face significant resource constraints,” explained Jonathan Alvarez, CEO and chief of security at Protective Force International. “In a rapidly expanding city, PFI plays a vital role as a support system for both our critical infrastructures and our economy.” After only six years in business, PFI employs over 200 and continues to grow. When asked what makes his organization special, Alvarez said, “Our dedicated team members are the backbone of our organization, shining brightly as they contribute to making a positive impact in the communities we serve. With their unwavering support, we oversee operations across more than 560 diverse communities spanning from southern to northern Nevada.” He hopes PFI leaves a legacy which revolutionizes the security industry.
Sol-Up, Est. 2009
With an average of over 300 sunshine days annually, southern Nevada is ideally located for the solar industry – that’s where Sol-Up comes in. Founded by Frank Rieger, a German engineer, in 2009, Sol-Up has roots in engineering principles. Today, the company is run by Steve Hamile, chief operating officer. He said Rieger chose Nevada, “not only for obvious reasons –there’s lots of sunshine, almost no shading and you have the opportunity to outfit every house with solar panels–but also because of the state’s business-friendly environment.” Sol-Up handles all aspects of their projects in-house and has installed over 16,000 resident and commercial solar system. The company was also instrumental in getting SB293 passed in the Nevada legislature which protects Nevadans from predatory solar operators. “The legacy we want Sol-Up to have in Nevada is one that blends innovation, sustainability and community empowerment,” said Hamile. “Our vision is to lead the state toward a future where renewable energy is not just a choice, but a way of life.”
Southwest Gas Corporation, Est. 1931 | in NV 1958
Founded in Barstow, CA, Southwest Gas lives up to its name, serving over 2 million customers in the southwest part of the United States. Headquartered in Las Vegas, the organization is run today by Karen Haller, president and CEO. “Southwest Gas has been deeply rooted in Nevada since 1958, embracing the region’s growth and pioneering spirit,” she said. “We take pride in calling Nevada home, as it offers access to global-level infrastructure and a dynamic environment for collaboration with diverse business and community partners.” With nearly 2,500 employees, Haller, and Southwest Gas, have made community giving a priority. Last year, Southwest Gas employees served over 4,000 hours and pledged $2.44 million to nonprofits. Local employees contributed 1,500 hours and $1.2 million to Nevada-based organizations. “The key to our success is our 2,433 dedicated employees who prioritize safety and ensure the well-being of our customers,” said Haller.
