Issuu

ISSUE 2

July 2

Vol. 1

017

A BIZNEVADA MAGAZINE

COVER

CLARK/ SULLIVAN CO NSTRUC TI O N

Mentoring the Next Generation Of Leaders see page 4

IN THIS ISSUE

BREAKTHROUGH

MARKETING SEE PAGE 18

HOW TO PLAN

an exit strategy for your small business PG 10

WHATâ€™S

HAPPENING IN RENO? www.biznevada.com

LETTER FROM THE

Corrine Casanova

Chris O’Sullivan

PUBLISHER

EDITOR

We asked for feedback on our first issue and we got it. Thank you to northern Nevada businesses for noticing our new publication. As I stated in our first issue, starting up a new publication is not easy and it will take some time to find our way in the business community. We value your comments and want to continue to grow with our readers. The easiest way to provide direct feedback is by visiting our website at www.biznevada.com or to send an e-mail to info@biznevada.com. Starting up a new business has its challenges and so does transitioning out of a business. In our feature story on Clark/Sullivan, BJ Sullivan shares what it takes to leave a business and segue in new leadership. As the business landscape continues to change here, we’re getting noticed by national publications like Bloomberg Businessweek which recently ran a story titled, Reno is Starting to Look Like Silicon Valley. The writer noted that because of Tesla and Panasonic and the types of jobs they create, Reno is turning into a hipster haven. And in some ways, yes. We even have our own Polynesian kava bar thanks to entrepreneur Kristen Jaskulski, owner of Sol in the newly renovated West Market. And thanks to business owners

LETTER FROM THE

PUBLISHER R i c h a r d W. M o o r e

On behalf of our incredible staff, I would like to welcome you to the inaugural edition of BizNevada a publication dedicated to Northern Nevada commerce, published by a Northern Nevada business. Before I address the ‘WHY NOW’ question, a few important points need to be covered. BizNevada publications are more than a highly focused and targeted magazine. Our publishing company platform has been created, and is dedicated to the mission of informing, connecting, and giving a voice to the Northern Nevada business community. Richard W. Moore Co-publisher bizNEVADA

2 • ISSUE 2 • JULY 2017

I hope you’re enjoying bizNEVADA as much as we enjoy bringing it to you. Our goal is to provide quality information to business owners and executive decision-makers, to help you make better decisions for your business, which lead to increased sales and ultimately greater profitability. Richard and I are also interested in hearing what types of things you, the reader, want to see each month. We know that you have precious little time to be wasting it on articles that are not edifying. We want to craft our magazine around the demands of our audience. So let us know what’s missing. Our articles are editorial in nature. So the information, while factual to the best of our knowledge, will not necessarily reflect the thoughts and opinions of bizNEVADA nor our staff. Last month we had some really good input through our website (www.biznevada.com) that helps us to be more aware of what you are looking for. The website also has frequent updates and a more robust and current calendar of events. Bookmark the calendar as your one-stop shop for events going on in northern Nevada. You can always reach me directly at chris@biznv.com with your comments. Chris O’Sullivan Co-publisher bizNEVADA

INTHISISSUE VOL. 1 / ISSUE. 2

PG 4-9

Mentoring the next generation of leaders

PG 10-11

How to plan an exit strategy for your small business

BIZNEVADA PUBLISHING TEAM PUBLISHERS: Richard Moore and Chris O’Sullivan GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Thom Martinson EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Corrine Casanova PHOTOGRAPHER: Marcello Rostagni

PG 12-14

Vacation: It’s a Family Affair

PG 16-17

6 Benefits of a Flexible Office Space

PG 18-20

BREAKTHROUGH MARKETING Eight Things You Need to Know to Be a Successful Speaker

ADVERTISING Contact: Richard Moore or Chris O’Sullivan info@biznevada.com FEEDBACK/IDEAS We welcome your feedback and ideas regarding BizNevada. Send a message to info@biznevada.com

PG 22-23

NON PROFIT Sponsorship Has its Benefits

PG 24-26

NON PROFIT Diversified Funding Base Keeps This Non-Profit Afloat

PG 28-29

June Calendar

EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS Jeffrey Benjamin Business Networking Breakthrough Training Breakthroughnetworking.com 775-337-1600

Tim Kirk Credit Card, Merchant Services PaidRight getpaidright.com 775-393-9669

Kyle Reeves Digital Marketing Revolution Online Marketing renomarketingagency.com 775-335-0091

Brian D. Wheeler Financial Advisor Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Agency Massmutual.com 775-870-1552

Govind Davis Digital Marketing Agilcore and RSO Consulting rso-consulting.com 415-992-7711 Brent Forbush Certified Public Accountants Forbush & Associates forbushandassociates.biz 775-337-6001

Ward Sutton Golf Hidden Valley Country Club http://www.hvccreno.com 775-857-4735

Mike Menath Insurance Menath Insurance mikemenathinsurance.com 775-831-3132 David Spillers Printing Digiprint digiprintcorporation.com 775-786-4464 BIZNEVADA MAGAZINE • WWW.BIZNEVADA.COM • 3

by Corrine Casanova | Photos by Jeff Dow There’s a popular song from Sting, If You Love Somebody Set Them Free. You could say Sullivan is taking this position with Clark/Sullivan as he prepares for his departure and transitions in the ownership team. Each day, the team is moving forward in preparation for that day.

BJ Sullivan, co-founder of Clark/Sullivan Construction, knows what it feels like to build a successful company from the ground up and then create an exit strategy plan to transition ownership. For the past three years, he has been working with five current employees to usher them into their new roles as business partners/ owners.

why we are here today. The transition in ownership makes sense because these guys were working here when we went through the heartache and trauma in 2008. Everyone bit the bullet as we were forced to cut wages and lay-off employees to keep the company afloat. Because of what happened in 2008, today we are a vibrant and a very successful company.”

The new partners will assume the following roles once the transition is complete: Kevin Stroupe, CEO/CFO; Jarrett Rosenau, President of Nevada Operations; Jerry Hogan, Vice President/Chief Estimator; Ted Foor, President of California Operations; and Sean Burnie, Vice President of Business Development.

Clark/Sullivan has deep roots that go back to the early 1980’s when Sullivan joined David Clark to form Clark/Sullivan Construction. Following the company’s inception, projects included numerous private facilities and later transitioned into primarily public works and healthcare. Projects included 24 Washoe County School District facilities, 15 University of Nevada projects, and dozens at the Renown Regional Medical Campus.

“Probably the best thing that has happened to this company was the downturn of 2008.” BJ Sullivan The partners have seen the company transition through huge growth and then downsize considerably during the recent recession. Sullivan shared, “Probably the best thing that has happened to this company was the downturn of 2008. It was good for us because if you didn’t become lean and mean, you wouldn’t survive. I take my hat off to everyone in this room. It’s

Sullivan admits transitioning out of a company, as the chief decision maker, has its challenges. In the company’s history, they’ve tried it before and it didn’t work out. But this time appears to be different. Each partner will be equal but will have a unique specific defined role in the company. The skillset and personali-

The new leadership team Ted, Kevin, Jerry, Sean and Jarrett stand in front of one of the older “raspberry” colored Clark/Sullivan trucks which quickly faded into pink.

4 • ISSUE 2 • JULY 2017

BIZNEVADA MAGAZINE • WWW.BIZNEVADA.COM • 5

ties of the new partners mesh well. Five years ago, he would inform the crew what they were going to do without much discussion. Today he asks those same people, “Have you thought about this?” He views himself as someone in a coaching role. He notes, “Everybody has a specific job except for me, as all the new partners have certain areas that they are responsible for at Clark/Sullivan.”

Kevin, Jerry and Sean review plans for a new project.

Rosenau shared, “It’s not easy being a person like BJ who is used to making unilateral decisions and now letting that go. It’s a process for all of us. For me, I was wired based on him making decisions that way. We are all rewiring the way we think. It’s been something we have been working on consistently and it gets a little more comfortable every day. There are a lot of moving parts and pieces with the transition, and that’s one of them.” Building trust with clients is a big deal in this industry. It’s all about the trust factor. Sullivan shared a story about his mom and dad retiring in Green Valley, AZ, where they moved into a new house. While his mom was showing him around she said, “Look at these cabinets.” Sullivan replied, “They aren’t real sturdy, are they?” And his mom’s quick comeback, “Well you know, contractors are liars and cheats… except for you guys.” Sullivan will never forget that conversation.

miliar lime green color. It’s all about people and building great teams, collaboration, open communication, innovation, building community, being competitive in the market and having integrity. These core values are the backbone of the business.

One of the ways that Clark/Sullivan builds rapport and trust with clients is by focusing on their core values, which are prominently framed on the wall in their fa-

According to Stroupe, “The construction industry has changed. It used to be based solely on price. All that mattered was you had a lower price than your com-

6 • ISSUE 2 • JULY 2017

Stroupe added, “The core values do tie into how we operate our business on a day-to-day basis. The biggest thing we do to judge our integrity is asking ourselves this question, ‘Do we do the right thing when nobody is looking?’ We want to do the right thing for the client even if they would not know the difference. In my prior life, I was a CPA. I look out for the best financial interest of our clients. We may be a construction company, but at the end of the day we are looking out for our client. It’s not about making every single dollar possible on a project. We are in this for the long-term.”

petitors. But now it’s based on relationships. We’d rather leave some dollars on the table today and be able to do work with a client ten years from now. We are part of a partnership where collaboration is key. We work closely with our teams to ensure that our processes tie right in with our core values.” Hogan added, “Longevity in the construction industry cannot be accomplished individually. We place a high value, and priority, on our trade partners (subcontractors) and have a great working relationship with our teammates in every region we work. Without a team first business mentality, long term success in the construction industry cannot be achieved.” Foor explained some the changes in the construction industry over the last decade. “The hard bid days are over. Almost all of our work is based on our resume and reputation. That’s what I’m excited about. Just seeing how that philosophy flourishes and where it takes us, I have a feeling it will take us to high places. All five of us are in a true partnership. We consider ourselves equal partners even though we have different roles and responsibilities. We are all in this together all striving for the same thing, client satisfaction, because you know at the end of the day, that gets us our next project. If our current clients aren’t satisfied and not bragging about us to other people and our architects aren’t raving about us to other architects, we might as well shut our doors. We are not going to get the jobs.” Although Clark/Sullivan has offices in both California and Nevada, there is no “us versus them” mentality between the two divisions. Foor notes, “We have always felt as if we were one company even though we’re in different states. It all starts with the attitude of the leaders. We treat our supervisors or other team members the same as if we were one family. Our one team approach extends to our partners outside of our organization, including owners, architects and other trade partners. Our longstanding relationships with our partners have carried us through the good and bad times.”

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Clark/Sullivan is developing a reputation for its innovative practices in the industry. Crews utilize mobile blueprints/ drawings to ensure efficiency onsite. In fact, some of their jobs have zero paper on them. Digital drawings eliminate paper waste, encourage collaboration and speed up the process. Clark/Sullivan has a full-time software engineer on staff, whose sole role is to continuously improve their processes both on-site and in-office using collaborative technology. Innovation and transparency in business practices are something Clark/Sullivan is known for. The company believes in an open-book approach every step of the way, including owners and stakeholders as much as possible. As a result, they have about 80% repeat clients. Burnie shares, “Our tagline is the partner to build with. That’s who we want to be. Our goal/vision is bringing everyone together so we can all be successful.”

NOTABLE PROJECTS INCLUDE: • • • • • • • •

North Valleys & Spanish Springs High Schools Renown Tahoe Tower and Parking Structure The Nevada Museum of Art Sky Room Dolan Lexus Automobile Dealership Major expansion of the Reno/Sparks Convention Center Reno Ballroom Nevada Supreme Court UNR campus projects including the Palmer Engineering Renovation, Center for Molecular Medicine, Brian Whalen Parking Garage, Paul Laxalt Mineral Research Center, Seismology Lab, and more.

Jarrett and Ted (in the forefront) are two members of the Clark/Sullivan new leadership team.

8 • ISSUE 2 • JULY 2017

BIZNEVADA MAGAZINE • WWW.BIZNEVADA.COM • 9

for Your Small Business

by Lester Romero If you’re like many small business owners, the last thing on your mind is the thought of transitioning out of your business. According to a recent Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index survey, 70 percent of business owners said they do not have a formal, written plan in place to outline what they’ll do with their business when they retire or are unable to work. However, a business exit strategy not only means having a plan for the unexpected—including financial hardship, injury, disability and even death—it also means having a plan for the succession or transfer of ownership of your business when it comes time to hang up your hat and retire. Here are a few things to consider that can help you get started and prepare an exit strategy for your business:

START PLANNING Whether you pass the business on to a family member, sell to an external buyer, or choose another exit strategy, thoughtful planning is essential to making your transition successful, not only for you and your successor, but also for the long-term health of your company. You can establish this plan at any time. However, it’s a good idea to create a transition plan at the same time as you develop or update your business plan. If you want to exit by selling the business, for example, you might include a timeline for courting potential buyers. If you want to pass the company along to an internal candidate, on the other hand, you might include a strategy for choosing and training your successor. Framing a successful transition and developing a schedule will be important so you know which steps need to be carried out, who is in charge of each step and when you want those steps completed.

IDENTIFY TRANSITION OPTIONS If you’re looking to sell the business, first decide what kind of buyer you’ll sell it to. This could be an inside successor—such as a shareholder, partner or manager. It could also be an outside owner of a related business, or even a major customer or vendor. Once you’ve identified your target buyer, prepare your financials, resolve any legal issues 10 • ISSUE 2 • JULY 2017

HOW TO PLAN AN EXIT STRATEGY FOR YOUR SMALL

Exit Strategy

BUSINESS

How to Plan an

and take steps to make your business as attractive as possible. Solid finances and a plan to keep management running smoothly after you’re gone can all help maximize the value of your business. If you decide to close your business or retire, it’s a good idea to talk with your banker to discuss which type of plan may be best for you and your business. If you’re a sole proprietor, you may simply decide to close up shop. But if your business is setup as a partnership, you and your co-owners must make the decision collectively.

PREPARE A BUSINESS EVALUATION A full business evaluation will help you maximize proceeds from a sale or help ensure sustainability and growth after you leave. Prepare for a professional business evaluation by gathering three to five years of accurate and up-to-date financial records, a current profit-and-loss statement, a list of your business assets, legal documents—such as partnership agreements or articles of incorporation—and any other documents including copies of major contracts that may help a professional evaluate the worth of your business. The methods used to value each company are unique and are driven by the type of industry you are in. While creating an exit strategy isn’t top of mind for most small business owners, every business transitions at some point. By scheduling time to think about your long-term goals and put in place the right process and structure before exiting or transferring ownership of your business, you can help ensure that transition will be a success. Lester Romero is the Small Business Manager for Wells Fargo in Northern Nevada. For more information, and additional small business online tools, check out www.WellsFargoWorks. com.

BIZNEVADA MAGAZINE • WWW.BIZNEVADA.COM • 11

VACATION: IT'S A FAMILY AFFAIR

SUMMERTIME IS VACATION TIME! Say “summer” and most people think “vacation.” The reality is that most adults work year-round, and some seasonal workers may even be busier in the summer than during other seasons. Children of working parents may continue to have schedules just as structured as school—even if it’s called camp—to accommodate their parents’ long hours away from home. Teenagers may have jobs of their own. Still, the traditional mythos persists: summertime is vacation time. Many families plan at least a week or two for some memorable trip or time as a family. For the past few years, with fuel prices escalating and driving up the price of travel, the “staycation” has become popular as well. A staycation involves creating the feel of a vacation without leaving the house, by suspending regular routines and concentrating instead on fun activities. It may even mean taking day trips, but always with home as a base. Vacations can provide some of the happiest memories of a

By Brian Wheeler

lifetime. Perhaps we remember fondly a cabin by the lake rented each year, visiting grandparents in Florida, or driving cross country in the station wagon with mom and dad taking

“VACATIONS CAN PROVIDE SOME OF THE HAPPIEST MEMORIES OF A LIFETIME.”

eeler

turns at the wheel. We naturally want to provide equally fond memories for our own children. Or, if we missed out on precious vacation memories, we may be all the more determined that our families do not. It can be a source of stress, however, when money is tight or emergencies crop up. Job loss, unexpected medical bills and the like can mean that luxuries like vacations get put on hold. We may worry that our children still will want to do what their friends are doing or what we’ve previously promised them— after all, they’re just children and don’t understand financial realities. Or do they? You might be pleasantly surprised how willing your children are to adapt to budget constraints as long as they feel they have choices. A family is a team and even the smallest members should have some say in family decisions. Most children embrace a challenge, so whatever your budget,

12 • ISSUE 2 • JULY 2017

why not make vacation planning a family project this year?

BIZNEVADA MAGAZINE • WWW.BIZNEVADA.COM • 13

HERE ARE SOME GUIDELINES FOR PLANNING A VACATION WITH THE HELP OF YOUR KIDS: •

Parents determine the total budget for the project as well as the workable dates. Of course, you might give kids a choice between a set vacation period and a series of shorter trips, depending on your own flexibility.

•

Parents may veto anything that’s not safe or feasible.

•

The entire family contributes ideas for destinations.

MAKE A LIST OF ALL THE POTENTIAL EXPENSES. FOR EXAMPLE: • • • • • •

Transportation Lodging Meals Admissions Souvenirs Equipment (bicycles, inflatable rafts, beach balls, tents, hiking shoes, maps, coolers)

Even children in elementary school seem to be adept at

While your family thinks about ways to prepare for a va-

online research. Let them look for airfares, car rental pack-

cation, consider applying those same planning skills on

ages and hotel prices. If they’re old enough, they can figure

your household’s finances. To learn more or access helpful

mileages and multiply distances by federal mileage rates to

materials, speak with a local financial professional or visit

calculate the cost of driving a car. They can compare pricey

https://www.massmutual.com/for/family-finance.

hotels with cheaper bed-and-breakfasts, smaller motels, or campsites. They can check out menus for restaurants and

Provided by Brian D. Wheeler, a financial advisor with Mass-

opening hours and prices for attractions. They can discover

Mutual Boulder Basin courtesy of Massachusetts Mutual

cool, out-of-the-way places they’d like to visit too. As soon

Life Insurance Company (MassMutual)

as they have a budget to stick to, you may see them become

very frugal. They may be willing to cut back on one item to

Springfield, MA 01111-0001

make room for something else more important to them. CRN201812-188979 Don’t forget that some organizations you may belong to, such as automobile associations, give discounted prices to members for certain rental cars, admissions, meals and the like. Also, some libraries purchase admission tickets to area attractions that may be checked out like library books. If children are old enough, have them keep a journal of expenses during the vacation to make sure you are keeping within the budget. If certain items go over, try cutting back

WHAT DRIVES YOU

IS WHAT DRIVES US. Your passion fuels your success. And we’re as dedicated to you as you are to your business. MassMutual will listen to your needs, seek solutions to your financial challenges and help you plan for what’s ahead. Brian D. Wheeler MassMutual Boulder Basin 9590 Prototype Ct., Suite 400 Reno, NV 89521 775-870-1552 Brianwheeler@financialguide.com

on something else. If you’re under budget, allow yourself a splurge. When the vacation’s over, discuss how it went and write down what you’ve learned to help you plan your next vacation.

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14 • ISSUE 2 • JULY 2017

BIZNEVADA MAGAZINE • WWW.BIZNEVADA.COM • 15

located somewhere that only provides mail services it can be misleading to your customers. In addition, if you have ever tried to play the coffee shop meeting game, you know you are rolling the dice every time you book a meeting. Is there going to be room to meet? Is it going to be too loud? Is there going to be parking?

SIX

3. COMMUNITY

BENEFITS OF A FLEXIBLE OFFICE SPACE

1. FLEXIBILITY

By Devin Sizemore

Commercial space in Reno is becoming very limited and recent reports don’t show signs of things getting better. This has started to push the commercial prices up making it harder for start-ups to afford office space, small businesses to keep office space and larger businesses to find additional space. Due to the limited space, many businesses are looking for alternative office spaces—in comes co-working and other flexible office space setups. The following are six major reasons why a flexible office environment is beneficial.

16 • ISSUE 2 • JULY 2017

The first is the most transparent—you get flexibility. In a tiered office environment, you have the ability to start out with a drop-in space and scale up to a private office or multiple offices depending on your needs. This flexibility within one building allows you to grow without the troubles of having to change addresses. In addition, if you are a larger business you can use a flexible office space as overflow and/or a second address making your company look larger and providing the backend capacity to grow your team without having to pay to move locations.

2. BUSINESS ADDRESS AND SPACE

You get a professional business address and a space to meet with your team and/or current and potential clients. If you are a home-based business, this is a bonus. If you have a mailbox

A big benefit of flexible office space is the ability to be around other business owners and professionals. If you are working from home or a private office somewhere you are on an island. This can create loneliness and lack of motivation. By working around others, you are constantly surrounded by a supportive and creative community. When you get stuck there is nothing better than being able to tap into the people around you. You would be surprised how often someone working in the same environment has dealt with the same issue and can save you time and money.

6. SIMPLICITY

Lastly, a flexible office environment provides simplicity. Usually, structured on a membership basis you don’t have to worry about sorting through the complexities of a commercial lease, setting up utilities, internet, coffee and water service, insurance or anything else. Instead, you show up, signup and setup. If you are not happy with your current office setup we recommend you consider flexible office space. With companies like Microsoft leveraging flexible office spaces across the nation, there is no company too small or too big to benefit from a flexible office environment.

4. COLLABORATION

The goal of any business is to grow revenue, which means you need to be in front of more people. By being in an environment that is filled with a hundred plus business professionals from all industries and sizes of businesses you are constantly working in a customer-rich and partnerrich environment. This means that your sales activity for the day may consist of simply showing up to work. To maximize this, it is a great idea to find reasons to get up from your desk and say hi to a few people. You never know where your next lead might come from.

5. MAXIMIZE YOUR INVESTMENT

Another great benefit of flexible office space are the amenities. For your monthly membership, you usually gain access to amenities that you wouldn’t otherwise have if you had your own office. These amenities may include conference rooms, event space, gym, better parking and the list goes on. This means that every dollar you spend will usually get you a better return.

BIZNEVADA MAGAZINE • WWW.BIZNEVADA.COM • 17

breakthrough MARKETING EIGHT THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW TO BE A SUCCESSFUL SPEAKER By Jeffrey Benjamin Most people would rather jump through rings of fire than give a speech. Just the thought of speaking in public can create sweaty palms. Whether you are a small business owner, a beauty pageant contestant, a sales executive or president of a local civic organization—your success can hinge on your effectiveness as a public speaker. People who can speak well in public are revered. All great communicators had to face the same terrifying feelings when addressing groups of people. Being comfortable speaking in public comes with practice, and utilizing some simple yet powerful tools. Here are eight tools to consider before addressing an audience:

DO A DRY-RUN. Every great orator practices before presenting. You can practice your presentation in your mind’s eye. You can say it out loud in the car. You can grab business associates and rehearse with them. The point is: practice at least

ANALYZE YOUR AUDIENCE. Work diligently to un-

asking a question, offering a famous quotation, sharing a

cover the beliefs and convictions of your audience. This is

story or citing a statistic. Use this technique whether you

TAKE A FEW DEEP BREATHS BEFORE PRESENTING. This tool can go anywhere. It’s invisible, so it can go right into

valid whether you are giving a speech, making a phone call

are speaking to an audience for three hours or thirty sec-

an exam room, business meeting, anywhere. It can bring results within seconds. Breathing is crucial because in times of

or writing a letter. Understand the needs, job positions,

onds. An attention getter allows you to focus the minds

stress we tend to hold our breath or we breathe shallow breaths. Taking a few deep breaths is helpful before a speech.

demographics and personalities of those you are talking

of the people in your audience. Ultimately, it draws your

So, feed your brain the oxygen it needs!

to. You can also ask yourself, “What would I want to hear

audience in to listen to what you have to say. What is your

if I were sitting in the audience?” Only then can you struc-

initial attention getter?

once!

REPLACE NEGATIVE SELF-TALK. The average person communicates or carries on an internal dialogue at the rate of

ture the appropriate message to get the response that

500 to 600 words per minute. Some studies also indicate that 80 percent is negative or pessimistic. That’s crazy! We must

you want.

learn to remove and replace negative messages. For example, when you hear yourself saying, “I’ll goof this speech up

ORGANIZE YOUR IDEAS. Organized speaking is the offspring of organized thinking. Avoid making your audi-

because I’m so nervous,” instead say, “I’ll be able to do this. I may be a little nervous but I’ll do just fine.” You can also tell

USE AN ATTENTION GETTER. Light a fire under your

ence decipher your key points or ideas. Every great writ-

yourself, “I’m going to win them over with this presentation,” or “I am a dynamic and powerful speaker.” Remember that

audience! Gain attention by starting with a quick joke,

ten or verbal presentation is well organized. This makes it

whatever you impress upon yourself is what you will express upon others.

18 • ISSUE 2 • JULY 2017

easy for your message to be understandable and increas-

BIZNEVADA MAGAZINE • WWW.BIZNEVADA.COM • 19

MOST PEOPLE WOULD RATHER JUMP THROUGH FIRE THAN SPEAK THAT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE YOU! es the listener’s faith in your expertise. Take a few minutes

You can also do your own assessment by reviewing an au-

to jot down your main or central ideas before offering them

dio or video recording. A few things to consider when eval-

to others.

uating are vocal variety, energy level, rate of speech, use of gestures and an absence of anxiety. Write on paper a list of

CLOSE WITH A CALL TO ACTION. This is where most

things you can improve. Implement your newinsights into

people blow it. You are speaking for a reason. Make sure

your nextpresentation.

you ask them to do something; to take action. Do you want them to simply agree with your point of view? Do you want

Use these powerful tools. You’ll notice that your speaking

them to buy something? Do you want them to vote in your

skills and your confidence will improve by incorporating

favor? The ultimate question is, “What do you want your

small changes into your communications.

audience to do as a result of hearing you speak?”

Best of success to you!

EVALUATE YOUR PERFORMANCE. Improving your

Jeffrey Benjamin is the founder of Breakthrough

speaking skills is a unique experience. As a speaker you

Training in Reno. He is the co-author of Real Life

must uncover what your strengths and areas of improve-

Habits for Success. Contact him at

ment are. You can do this by asking people to evaluate you.

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Barracuda Championship SPONSORSHIP HAS ITS BENEFITS by Chris Hoff

For 19 years, the northern Nevada business community has experienced all the benefits that come with a PGA Tour event including some of the best golfers in the world visiting our community. Not only are the hundreds of sponsors experiencing unparalleled hospitality and marketing efforts, but their partnerships have a direct impact on charities as the Barracuda Championship has donated over $3.6 million since 1999. Being a sponsor at the Barracuda Championship is so much more than just having your company logo on a sign. Barracuda Championship sponsors help lift the global image of the Reno/Tahoe region. Thanks to the support of local, regional and national sponsors, the beauty of our area and Montrêux is seen in over 200 countries worldwide live on the Golf Channel. This is a potential reach of over 800 million households globally. Locally, the economic impact of the PGA Tour is estimated to be over $20 million. These stats and figures are great but perhaps our greatest accolades come from our very own supporters: Mary Simmons, VP of Business Development and Community Strategy for NV Energy, “We have found this to be our customer’s favorite event. Businesses, community leaders and employees all look forward to this wonderful venue and exciting time.” Chad Clemetson, Managing Partner for NevDex Properties, “We couldn’t be more satisfied with the results from the Barracuda Championship. Our tenants, clients and prospects thoroughly enjoyed the level of hospitality.” Whether you’re a business of two or 200, I’m confident the tournament can help you. Through one of a kind experiences like the Pro Am sponsored by Microsoft, high-end hospitality for your valued clients and prospects or professionally executed branding exposure, the Barracuda Championship has the ability to customize packages to fit most any need and budget. Space and inventory is still available so feel free to contact the tournament office at 775-322-3900 for more details. I look forward to seeing many of you the first week of August at Montrêux Golf & Country Club! 22 • ISSUE 2 • JULY 2017

BIZNEVADA MAGAZINE • WWW.BIZNEVADA.COM • 23

ARTS FOR ALL NEVADA

24 • ISSUE 2 • JULY 2017

By Corrine Casanova Since 1986, Arts for All Nevada (AFAN), a non-profit (501c3) organization, has been helping the community appreciate art. Annually, they hold 3,000 workshops and camps for children and adults of all ages and abilities throughout Nevada in schools, hospitals, nursing homes and after-school programs. They are housed in the historic Lake Mansion at 250 Court St. in downtown Reno. There are so many stories to tell about this organization including how they moved the Lake Mansion structure, the home and headquarters for AFAN, down Virginia Street twice! With an annual overall operating budget of $350,000, they do a lot with a small budget and small staff. For 30 years the organization has benefited from a committed volunteer board of directors, a dedicated staff and talented teaching and exhibiting artists. Executive Director, Mary Ellen Horan has witnessed many changes throughout the years, but there’s been one consistent theme throughout the history of AFAN, a strong message that art matters in any community. Horan left a busy job in the advertising/marketing world to pursue her dream of making AFAN successful. She has an MBA from the University of Nevada Reno which greatly assists her in doing more with less. Like many non-profit organizations, AFAN has a diversified funding base to include support from corporations/corporate foundations (5% of budget), private foundations (20%), service groups (5%), individuals (5%) and from governmental entities including Nevada Arts Council (5%) and the City of Reno (5%). In 2001, AFAN partnered with Nevada Arts Council to develop the first in the country license plate designed by a child and one of the first Nevada specialty plates. Funds from the “Rich in Art” license plate sales are split with Nevada Arts Council for children’s art programming throughout the state. Special event fundraisers include “teas” at the Lake Mansion and Connections annual yard + art = yART Sale where AFAN receives 20% of all sales. BIZNEVADA MAGAZINE • WWW.BIZNEVADA.COM • 25

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Since 2000, due to the lack of quality and affordable art opportunities in the area for the general public, AFAN started offering open-to-the-public youth art camps and art classes for children and adults. This program has expanded to offer after-school classes at seven public and private schools and year-round at Larry D. Johnson Community Center in Sparks and at the Lake Mansion in Reno and contributes to 30% of AFAN’s total budget. In 2011, AFAN was the pioneer in the area to offer “Paint & Sips” to the public to include a quality arts experience while socializing with others. In addition to public Paint & Sips, businesses and individuals can arrange for a private art event and bring their own food and bever-

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age for a minimal fee. With the donation of the historic Lake Mansion to the non-profit, AFAN can rent the main floor of the mansion for corporate and private functions including team building events, customer appreciation get-togethers and holiday parties. In 2008, AFAN added an adjacent 700 square foot open spaced modern building to accommodate for additional meeting

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and special event rental and workshops space. Several local and national businesses have held monthly meetings at the location including a corporate murder mystery and team building events. The rental program makes up approximately 10% of AFAN’s total budget. AFAN accepts in-kind donations by corporations, but also supplies and services (electrical, plumbing, marketing, HVAC, IT, etc.) plus programs where corporate employees individually or as a group volunteer for AFAN. Horan encourages local businesses to get to know AFAN and take advantage of the low rental rates for the Lake Mansion and the community center. This month’s Artown is jam packed with AFAN events. Go to http://www.renoisartown.com/ for a full listing of events. 26 • ISSUE 2 • JULY 2017

Northern Nevada Regional Office | Kevin Curtis 300 E 2nd St #1320, Reno, NV 89501 Phone: (775) 824-9900 BIZNEVADA MAGAZINE • WWW.BIZNEVADA.COM • 27

CHAMBER

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July 7 7:00AM – 2:00PM Chamber Golf Tournament Toiyabe Golf Club, formerly Thunder Canyon

July 12 5:30 – 7:30PM Tech Wednesday TMCC Edison 775-453-0130

July 7 Relay for Life Ely

July 19 2:00 – 4:00PM Tech Café Rod Jorgensen, The Basement

July 8 Relay for Life Elko and Fernley July 11 12:00 – 1:00PM M2M Brown Bag It! The Power of Intention in Business Allison Reitz, Community Yogi RSVP at TheChamberNV.org 5:30 – 7:00PM Connect 90 Daniel deLaveaga, COO of Breadware CoAuto, 2165 Dickerson Rd., Reno July 14 Relay for Life Eureka 7:00AM – 5:00PM Leadership Reno Sparks Workshop 7 – Community Health and Wellness July 19 4:45-7:30PM “Accelerated Networking” dinner Sandra Dee Robinson, Look Like a Rock Star on Camera Hidden Valley Country Club Phone: 775-747-2726

28 • ISSUE 2 • JULY 2017

July 26 11:00AM – 1:00PM Tech Bite Employee Engagement Amber Barnes Atlantis Casino Resort Spa 775-453-0130

WIN July 28 7:00AM WIN Breakfast Meeting Personal and Business Cybersecurity Hygiene Romaine Marshall and Matt Sorenson

CARSON CHAMBER July 18 2:30 – 4:30PM Chamber Professional Development Series – Team Building Carson City Chamber of Commerce July 19 5:00 – 7:00PM Chamber Mixer Carson Nugget

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July 12 7:00 – 8:30AM CV Chamber Coffee July 19 11:45AM - 1:00PM CV Chamber Board of Directors Installation Lunch July 20 4:30 – 7:30PM Thirsty Third Thursday Main Street Gardnerville July 22 7:00AM – 3:00PM 2nd Annual “All 4 Charity” Golf Tournament http://www.mefiyi.org

NV MINING July 20 Safety Committee Meeting Reno, Nevada

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Wednesday 7AM Napa Sonoma South Meadowood Courtyard Wednesday NOON Wildcreek Golf Course Famous Dave’s Reno/Sparks Association of Realtors

Thursday 7AM Swill Coffee and Wine Lakeridge 19th Hole The Plaza Hotel,Carson City Mimi’s Café Napa Sonoma South Thursday NOON Famous Dave’s

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