ISSUE 4
SEPT . 201
Vol. 1
7
A BIZNEVADA MAGAZINE
IN THIS ISSUE
IS RENO DRAWING INTO A
royal flush F O R S TA R T U P S ? SEE PAGE 4
COVER
A TRIBUTE TO
ERIC MADISON Eric’s passion for helping others start and grow their businesses could not be contained. It was rivaled only by his desire to bring Nevada together to diversify and grow our economy. see page 20
WHAT’S
HAPPENING IN RENO? www.biznevada.com
Eric Madison:
MY FRIEND NEVADA START-UP HERO
Jeff Saling
In only 46 years Eric led an impactful life. He was killed by a drunk driver on August 19. Eric was a close friend, business partner and fellow traveller in the start-up world. I’ll miss him dearly, but he’ll be especially missed by the startup community throughout Nevada. Eric was born in Franklin, NC. He held degrees in computer science, math and physics from UNC. He spent his early career literally building the Internet’s infrastructure then formed start-ups in Washington DC and Silicon Valley, including three that went to initial public offering. He brought that experience to Nevada in 2011 with a vision to build a start-up ecosystem to rival the communities where he had worked. He demonstrated his commitment by organizing StartUp Weekend Reno, through the Midtown board, 1 Million Cups Reno—and many other groups and events. Two partners and I joined with Eric in culminating his vision, founding a non-profit statewide business incubator, StartUpNV (www.startupnv.org). Eric’s passion for helping others start and grow their businesses could not be contained. It was rivaled only by his desire to bring Nevada together to diversify and grow our economy. He led us at StartUpNV and did this work himself to “give back” in our community, not for personal gain. His commitment to our community and start-up founders, particularly in helping female founders, was a point of pride for him and for all of us at StartUpNV.
INTHISISSUE
LETTER FROM THE
EDITOR
Corrine Casanova
Letter to readers, I last saw and chatted with Eric Madison, entrepreneur extraordinaire, the day he died. Following his well-received business pitch for StartUpNV at the sixth annual Governor’s Conference on Business on August 17, I tracked him down to let him know I appreciated his presentation, however, for the people’s choice vote, I chose Jeff Saling’s Buzz Tools. He chuckled. I asked him to send me a few files and he agreed to do so. I gave him a hug and joined the luncheon portion of the conference at the Nugget. I had no clue that would be the last time I would ever see Eric. When we decided this issue was going to feature start-ups, I knew I needed to interview Eric Madison. His passion for helping entrepreneurs is downright inspiring. Because of Eric’s dedication and insatiable desire to help start-ups in the Nevada community, I would like to dedicate this issue to him. As we all grieve the loss of Eric, we’ll never know his full potential. The fire in his belly, his outspoken personality, his passion for entrepreneurs and his love for Nevada will forever be forged in our hearts. RIP Eric Madison.
BizNEVADA PUBLISHING TEAM PUBLISHERS: Richard Moore and Chris O’Sullivan GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Thom Martinson EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Corrine Casanova SALES DIRECTOR: Lora Enget ADVERTISING: Lora Enget at lora@biznv.com FEEDBACK/IDEAS We welcome your feedback and ideas regarding BizNevada. Send a message to info@biznevada.com @ 2017 Richard Moore and Chris O’Sullivan. All rights reserved. CONTACT US info@biznevada.com www.biznevada.com
Is Reno Drawing into a Royal Flush for Start-Ups?
PG 10-11
Discover Nevada - Business Spotlight
PG 12-13
Business Spotlight: Revolution Online Marketing
PG 14-15
Does Your Safety Net Have Gaping Holes?
PG 16-17
21 Habits for Success (part 2)
PG 18
Treating Prostate Cancer with CyberKnife Technology
PG 20-22
StartUpNV—a Tribute to Eric Madison
PG 24-25
What’s Your Budget and Target Audience?
PG 26-27
THE SKINNY … On NFC Credit Card Payments
PG 30
The Barracuda Championship Recap
EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS
Eric helped hundreds of Nevadans start, grow and raise money for their businesses—and their dreams. He was always available and working to help others achieve their goals. His death is a heartbreaking loss to me personally—and to the entire Nevada business and startup community. StartUpNV will work to keep Eric’s vision alive and thriving—it’s the right thing to do.
Jeffrey Benjamin Corporate Training Breakthrough Training BreakthroughTraining.com 775-337-1600
Tim Kirk Credit Card, Merchant Services PaidRight GetPaidRight.com 775-393-9669
Ward Sutton Golf Hidden Valley Country Club HVCCReno.com 775-857-4735
Kyle Reeves Digital Marketing Revolution Online Marketing RevolutionReno.com 775-335-0091
Brian D. Wheeler Financial Advisor Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Agency BoulderBasin.MassMutual.com 775-870-1552
Stephanie Audain Reno Cyberknife Cancer Treatment Center renocyberknife.com 775-348-9900
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
image courtesy of Ken Lewis Studio
Cover and Card Art by Peter Laxalt © 2 • ISSUE 4 • SEPTEMBER 2017
PG 4-9
VOL. 1 / ISSUE. 4
StartUp Deck 2.0 Images Copyright 2017 Matthew McIver ©
Mike Menath Insurance Menath Insurance MenathInsurance.com 775-831-3132 David Spillers Printing Digiprint DigiprintCorporation.com 775-786-4464 BIZNEVADA MAGAZINE • WWW.BIZNEVADA.COM • 3
StartUp Deck 2.0 In a word – participate; meet the people, go to the events, visit the spaces, help a startup & above all have fun! by Corrine Casanova StartUp Deck 2.0 Images Copyright 2017 Matthew McIver ©
It’s fitting that a deck of cards reveals resources to produce a vibrant start-up community here in northern Nevada. After all, this state has a rich history in gaming and there’s a certain amount of respect for a deck of cards. An added bonus: there are no losing cards in StartUp Deck 2.0. When it comes to entrepreneurship, there are many players (resources) who just happen to be featured in the deck and that is intentional by design. The Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN) created the promotional tool to connect and promote start-ups and entrepreneurs in greater Reno-Sparks. Each card features a business, person or place that helps incubate ideas and generate leads for our economy. StartUp Deck 2.0 was Breadware’s introduction to Reno along with a short video conference call with EDAWN’s Doug Erwin, Vice-President of Entrepreneurial Development. Never underestimate a deck of cards. Today, Breadware, a start-up that changes the way companies approach, design and purchase custom electronic hardware for their devices, is one of our region’s hottest start-ups.
they looked at Los Angeles, Boulder and Seattle. The game changer was meeting Doug Erwin of EDAWN. Price shares, “We came to Reno on January 2, 2017 and Doug organized a tour for us. We met a bunch of start-ups, toured the Innevation Center and we were sort of won over immediately. We didn’t realize there was an entrepreneurial ecosystem that was burgeoning here. There were a bunch of pieces that came into the puzzle like the style and cost of living. Reno have everything you need in a city, but you can get out and be in Lake Tahoe quickly. That was something that was important not only to me and Daniel, but all our employees because we kind of made this decision to move together.”
THE LURE OF RENO
Entrepreneur and natural-foods advocate, Kristen Jaskulski, chose to open her Kava bar in downtown Reno earlier this year. Through her previous work, she traveled across the country extensively and paid attention to what successful cities had and what Reno didn’t. After researching the demographics and creat-
Breadware founders, Daniel Price and Daniel DeLaveaga were in business for about 18 months before choosing to move their headquarters from Santa Barbara to Reno earlier this year. Prior to relocating,
4 • ISSUE 4 • SEPTEMBER 2017
The biggest little city idea was also appealing. According to Price, “We have plenty of resources and there is a talent pool here. It is a nice balance between little and big. We are recognized here and the community itself is strong and growing. If we moved to the Bay area, we’d just be another fish out there.”
BIZNEVADA MAGAZINE • WWW.BIZNEVADA.COM • 5
ing a business and marketing plan, she felt Reno was a good fit for her new venture and opened Sol Kava in the West Street Market in downtown Reno. She is part of a unique community of businesses that share a collective space centered around food, friends, shopping and entertainment. Ron Jorgensen, Director of Counseling and Management Consultant of UNR’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) was someone Jaskulski reached out to while doing her research.
NO SHORTAGE OF RESOURCES Jorgensen knows the business landscape well as he’s been with the SBDC in Reno for 27 years. Jorgensen has never been so ebullient about Reno and its future. SBDC specializes in providing networks for entrepreneurs. For example, if someone wants to open a particular kind of business, he looks for people who have already done that and some of the programs that can assist them in their endeavor. Resources are aplenty here, but Jorgensen shares, “Venture capital and angel funding is something Reno will always be short on. We are not Silicon Valley. We’re never going to be. However, we are becoming more advanced as far as access to capital.” Jorgensen praises the relationships between all of the entrepreneurial resources for start-ups. He encourages new and existing businesses to get involved with EDAWN, SCORE, Entrepreneurs Assembly (EA), Entrepreneurship Nevada, Summit Venture Monitoring Service (Summit VMS), NCET, Startup Weekend Reno, One Million Cups, StartUp NV, the Innevation Center and many other resources that are often free for the ask6 • ISSUE 4 • SEPTEMBER 2017
ing. Jorgensen notes how all these organizations work together. The philosophy is always client first. He notes how in some regions of the country, SCORE and SBDC don’t even talk to each other because they are fighting over the same clients. That’s not the case in Reno. Summit VMS is a unique free mentoring opportunity based on a successful program developed at MIT. There are currently 35-50 high level mentors in the program here in Reno who hail from a deep variety of work backgrounds and life experiences. They are currently mentoring about 15-20 businesses in the local area. If accepted into the program, up to four mentors are assigned to the entrepreneur. Monthly meetings keep businesses on track and accountable. The Entrepreneurs Assembly (EA) is another resource for start-ups. In 2010, Matt Westfield and Rod Hosilyk formed EA as a non-profit to help Nevada recover from the Great Recession by promoting job growth through entrepreneurial ventures. EA’s big push was to build great partnerships throughout the community by mentoring entrepreneurs. Westfield shared, “We’ve mentored over a thousand startups. Entrepreneurship is not a job, a goal nor a profession. It’s a mentality of problem solving. Originally, we thought mentors would only be providing those solutions but then we started putting new entrepreneurs in a room together without mentors to start putting those puzzle pieces together to solve problems. We’d put newbie entrepreneurs in who often don’t believe they have anything to add to the entrepreneurial conversation. And suddenly, they
discover they have solutions to share too. They are now empowered and part of the solution. EA’s philosophy is let’s get together and help each other overcome whatever challenges we’re facing. And interestingly enough, it rarely involves money.”
generating ideas and activity and everything else that goes along with it,” said McArdle.
Bryan McArdle, Manager of Entrepreneurial Development at EDAWN, is passionate about supporting start-ups and any kind of events that can empower entrepreneurs. TedX Reno, Ignite and Startup weekends are great examples. “StartUp Weekend is a 54 hour event that anyone with an idea can show up at. It’s like getting a minor in entrepreneurship. Events like these allow everyone to communicate and collaborate. And if you do that enough, it starts
WHY RENO?
These resources appeal to businesses that have recently located here. Take Wes King for example.
Wes King, founder of Tahoe Trail Bar, a gluten free energy bar, echoes those sentiments. He took the company over in 2010 from two women who were making the bars in a coffee shop. Those first few years in South Lake Tahoe he was spinning his wheels and didn’t make any money. He chose to move to Reno because they were having logisti-
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cal problems with the snow in the winter up at Tahoe. That proved to be a good move. According to King, “We made more money in the first week of July 2017 than we did in the entire 2015.” After moving to Reno, he showed up on Saturday morning at Entrepreneurs Assembly. “I met organizers Matt Westfield and John Moran. I got paired off with a couple of mentors who ended up being really smart individuals and they helped me build my first cash flow models and projections. I then started with Summit VMS. The bar was continually being raised for something much bigger. Because of these relationships, I rebranded my company. We have been rewarded with revenue growth and are now part of an ecosystem that has given us the tools to provide us with even further growth. EDAWN was always able to offer higher and higher level of resources for us including Shyla Pheasant organizing our launch party at Mill Street Brewery,” said King. Matthew Navarro, head of operations at Group Gets, a company that empowers users to securely join or organize group buys for any existing product, just arrived in Reno. Navarro enjoys the small town feel of Reno and the networking opportunities. “Reno is a new and emerging community and we like the connection with UNR. Touring the Innevation Center kind of swayed our decision to move to Reno,” said Navarro. Group Gets is now located at the Innevation Center. A neighbor of Group Gets is Capstak. Capstak, a kind of match.com in the corporate commercial real estate market, recently relocated their headquarters from New York to Reno. Heather Goldman, president and co-founder of Capstak states, “We talk a lot about the cost structure being so much more favorable here in Reno than the Bay Area or in New York which is true but you’re never going to want to compromise the quality of the work. You don’t have to do that here. Start-ups are always trying to figure out a way to bring a service or product to market economically without compromising quality outside of the gateway cities, if you will. I think we’re starting to see this emergence of entrepreneurism in markets away from the coasts in part because of this dynamic. For us, that was a critical part of our moving here from New York.” 8 • ISSUE 4 • SEPTEMBER 2017
In addition, Goldman appreciates the community and the cultural services found in Reno. “I find the community here really open and supportive. We’re building companies that have national appeal and national platforms. These aren’t just small businesses or small ideas. These are people with big ideas and big ambitions who don’t want to spend two hours on the subway every day,” said Goldman.
THE NEXT AUSTIN, TX? Jeff Saling is the co-founder of Buzz Tools, a hot startup that takes traditional off-line business networking to social media. It allows groups of strategically allied individuals and organizations to promote one another on social media using a simple tool. In addition to looking forward to having a successful start-up, Saling believes Reno is one of the best locations for businesses and he looks forward to growing his business here. Saling compared what is happening now in Reno/Tahoe to one of the nation’s hottest start-up cities, Austin, TX, which is often referred to as Silicon Valley’s second city. “Austin has a unique combination of the university, art (music) and a tech community that works beside it. People started leaving Silicon Valley for Austin when they realized there were things they could do outside of work that made life more pleasant. Plus, everyone liked the cost of doing business and the lower cost of living. Even though people made less money, they were willing to do business in Austin to have a better life,” said Saling. According to Saling, “The Reno/Tahoe area has everything it takes to make this the next phenomenal place. We already know it’s phenomenal but others are starting to see it now. We have that dynamic between the university, business community, tech engineering and a great arts community that comes along with it. It’s a good combination and there are nice physical activities that you can go to and do. We have it all in Spades here.”
BACK TO THAT DECK OF CARDS Everyone featured in the deck is a super connector. They are chosen based upon what their role in the com-
munity is. According to Startup 2.0 creator, Doug Erwin, “The real impetus of the deck is help people navigate the local entrepreneurial ecosystem and quickly connect with key people in it. The ecosystem is diverse and it has lots of different elements to it but one of the things that it runs on are these core values.” The core values are:
1. Break rules & dream 2. Open doors & listen 3. Trust & be trusted 4. Collaborate 5. Seek fairness, not advantage 6. Err, fail & persist 7. Pay it forward Erwin got the idea for the card deck when he was attending a conference in Boulder, CO. He walked into a co-working space and their Wi-Fi password was pay it forward. That’s when he determined that Reno needed some kind of tool that would help communicate the assets in the community and reinforce the core values. Those core values are listed as rules in the deck. Erwin sees them as a strong foundation for the start-up community. The cards are also a functional tool to help new people quickly curate the environment. Erwin shares, “If you are an entrepreneur there are about a million different choices of where you can go. We help them understand what’s available and then help them decide who are the first few people they want to connect with and the first few things they want to do.” He joked that you can also play solitaire because it’s a functional card deck plus it’s a hit at trade shows when they use the cards to play blackjack which tends to draw a lot of attention. The cards seem to be drawing Reno to more of a royal flush status. “People have a perception of Reno, it’s getting better, maybe it’s neutral or negative, but when they get something like this deck of cards that is creative, well designed and well thought out their first impression of Reno is not what they expected,” said Erwin. The decks can be purchased at renostartupdeck.com and the revenues directly support many of the programs and events listed within the deck. BIZNEVADA MAGAZINE • WWW.BIZNEVADA.COM • 9
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and Carson Valley 10 • ISSUE 4 • SEPTEMBER 2017
BIZNEVADA MAGAZINE • WWW.BIZNEVADA.COM • 11
USINESS SPOTLIGH
Ready for a
REVOLUTION? by Corrine Casanova
ing as it has been statistically proven that if it takes more
home with a vision. “I was just me as a kid with a computer
time than that, you will have lost the client. They streamline
and a dream. One of the biggest reasons why I got into this
websites and make sure they are mobile friendly as most
line of work is that I’m a humanitarian. I’ve been on mission
consumers search via their smartphones. Today, according
trips where I work with local youth groups to achieve goals.
to the Pew Research Center, 77 percent of Americans own
I’ve dedicated my entire life to helping people. My company
smartphones.
is no different. I try to figure out how best I can help others and still make money,” said Reeves.
While the Beatles were singing about a revolution long be-
Reeves noted that the Internet has changed the way busi-
fore Kyle Reeves, founder of Revolution Online Marketing,
nesses market and how it continues to evolve. Different plat-
There are seven employees of Revolution Online Market-
was born, he chose the name for his business because of
forms are popular and successful at different times. Twitter
ing and Reeves noted that six of those employees were his
its meaning. In Latin, revolution means turnaround in a rel-
has become almost irrelevant for marketers while Facebook
friends from high school or college. He shared his vision ear-
atively short period of time. His intent is turning marketing
and Google are exploding. Revolution Online Marketing is
ly on and let them know they could be a part of it but would
strategies and results around quickly for companies and
constantly monitoring the ever-changing landscape and at-
need to work their “behinds off.” He told them that it would
organizations.
tempting to figure out where the next wave of consumers
be worth it if they trusted in the process. And it seems to be
are going to be.
working. Reeves shares, “Our goal is to help our own busi-
According to Reeves, “When I started this business, I knew
ness grow and help everyone else’s businesses grow. When
we could provide a better business solution for marketing
Snapchat is a social media outlet that is seeing more play.
that could completely revolutionize an entire industry.”
Fashion designers are now starting to advertise their new
How Achieve Results? Big Data One of the ways they do that is by laser focusing on the customer’s target market. They use big data to achieve results. Reeves explains, “Each and every one of us has our own individual consumer profile. Everything’s tracked on
we do well with our clients, there is a ripple effect.”
clothing collections on Snapchat. Google continues to revise
“At Revolution Online Marketing we love to get up in the
their algorithms on a monthly basis and keeping businesses
morning and work hard. We know we’re going to leave be-
on the first page of a search is more important than ever.
hind a legacy that will hopefully change the world in some form or fashion. That is a big part of why I started my busi-
Givers Gain
ness in the first place. I want to help local organizations and
One core philosophy of Reeves comes from vocal entrepre-
this community. I love the northern Nevada area and would
consumers. That includes the certain type of shoes they
neur Gary Vaynerchuk (Gary Vee) who preaches give more
never want to live anywhere else,” Reeves concluded.
like to buy and how much money they spend at grocery
than you take in relationships. For example, give 51 percent
stores each week. Every time you swipe your credit card,
and take 49 percent. Reeves uses this philosophy in all as-
search something online, open an email or interact with a
pects of his life including his business transactions. He en-
social media post, your information and consumer habits
joys sharing his insight with clients and providing genuine
are tracked and converted into data. On the back end the
change. He started the company in the garage of his college
Watch out, this revolution is changing the world.
advertisers have access to this information. Big data influences all of your decisions.” For businesses and organizations, the idea is to hammer down on your ideal audience so you don’t waste time or money recruiting people that aren’t interested in your product or service. At Revolution Online Marketing, they can guarantee specific results once the client is clear on who their target customer is.
Where are Consumers Searching? Long gone are the days of paging through the Yellow Pages to locate a business. Today, it’s mainly Google based. Nine out of every 10 consumers are using Google to search for things. Reeves aims to capture consumers on client’s websites by grabbing their attention within five seconds of view-
12 • ISSUE 4 • SEPTEMBER 2017
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you need it most. So how do you really know if you’ve got the
safety net. It’s even better to not need it in the first place.
right safety net? The better question is, “Who are you work-
Your insurance representative should be providing you with
ing with to help you build it?” This is what separates one in-
materials and expert advice in avoiding workplace safety ac-
surance broker from another. And this is where experience,
cidents and OSHA violations. They should be keeping you
knowledge and technical expertise makes all the difference.
abreast of the rapidly changing environment in healthcare.
Choosing the right professional may actually be your most
They should be giving you active feedback on how you can
significant business decision.
limit your exposure to risk. After all, if you are working with the right team of professionals, they are literally experts in
Are you working with the right pro? Ask yourself these ques-
accidents, and how to avoid them.
tions as you’re making that decision:
1. ARE THEY REPRESENTING A SINGLE CARRIER?
Ultimately, it is your responsibility as a business owner to ensure you have the right safety net in place. Make no mistake
The major carriers today provide sophisticated layers of cov-
about it. You’ll be writing the check if you’re wrong. But get-
erage. They are often companies with a proven record of
ting your safety net properly designed, installed and consis-
backing up their products. But, most specialize in one area or
tently maintained is the role of your insurance professional.
another when it comes to commercial insurance. They may
Being a business owner can be lonely at times. But, building
offer a superior General Liability package, but their worker’s
your safety net is one activity you should never do alone.
comp offering is weak or non-existent. If you’re working with an insurance broker who is representing a single carrier,
Menath Insurance is an independent insurance agency with
there is a good chance there will be sizable gaps in your cov-
headquarters in Incline Village, Nevada and an office in Reno,
erage.
Nevada.
2. ARE THEY PART OF A TEAM OF KNOWLEDGEABLE PROFESSIONALS? The knowledge it takes to deeply understand the risks in-
by Mike Menath
volved with workplace injuries and OSHA violations is much different than comprehending the vast complexities of mediEven if it was 100 percent their fault.
cal insurance. If you are working with someone who is telling
mile up, in hurricane winds. Reaching your goals ahead
No. You are on your own when it comes to business loss-
ance, then you are setting yourself up for failure.
is exhilarating each step of the way, but odds are there
es. Sadly, many organizations are just a bad day away
will be some major trip-ups along your envisioned path
from financial ruin. They are just one key stumble away
to success. And when these inevitable falls happen, the
from shutting their doors. So, as you’re walking the high
harsh truth is the people closest to you won’t be there to
wire today, how does your safety net look below?
Ensuring that you’re well insured is one of the most critical
The safety net most sharp business owners chose is pro-
level executive. If you haven’t done a comprehensive review
If you’re like most business owners, running your operation can often feel like walking across a high wire, one
catch you. A major OSHA violation? A workplace injury that results
viding themselves with adequate insurance coverage. But
in a lawsuit? A significant product failure? A staff member
are the insurance carriers going to actually catch you if
who drives the newly painted company truck into a tele-
you fall? Well…they most certainly will. And they do this
phone pole? A fire in the equipment room? Unfortunately,
well. But…and it’s a big but…it’s incumbent on you to
the list goes on…and on…and on.
make sure you’ve weaved together the policies properly that comprise your safety net.
Though you surely have the most talented, inspired and dedicated employees on the planet, if these type of di-
All it takes is an oversight here, or an inadequate strand
sasters strike your business, don’t expect to pass the hat
of coverage there, and you’re going to find out at the
to cover the costs of these potentially crippling set-backs.
wrong time your net is incapable of covering you when
14 • ISSUE 4 • SEPTEMBER 2017
you they have a “basic understanding” of all things in insur-
3. ARE THEY PERFORMING COMPREHENSIVE AND ANNUAL REVIEWS OF YOUR COVERAGE? business activities you can take as an entrepreneur or highof your coverage in a while, you should schedule one right away. And, as you know, your business is changing all of the time. If you’re not working with a seasoned professional to review your coverage in detail on an annual basis, you are leaving your company vulnerable to disaster.
4. ARE THEY ASSISTING YOU PROACTIVELY TO AVOID THE USE OF YOUR SAFETY NET? This is a big one. It’s one thing to have a high performing
BIZNEVADA MAGAZINE • WWW.BIZNEVADA.COM • 15
right when he said, “Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive.”
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18. Accept yourself. Mark Twain sums it up,
“Everything in life changes as soon as you trust yourself. A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval.”
19. Tell people what you want. Humans
don’t have the capacity to read minds. People won’t know what you want or don’t want if you don’t tell them. Great relationships are created on an understanding of what each person wants or doesn’t want.
20. Expand your network. People who have
by Jeffrey Benjamin Your daily habits determine your destiny. You are the sum of your thoughts and actions. You can make a difference in your life. Last month I shared the first 10 of the 21 habits for success. Here are the remaining successful habits.
11. Define yourself. If
you let others define you, you might not discover who you really are. Who are you? What do you stand for? Make the time to define your goals, values and beliefs. Who you define yourself as triumphs.
12. Focus on your strengths. Focusing on
your weaknesses can dissipate your energy while emphasizing your strengths lifts you higher. What are you great at? Devote the majority of time to what your strength is. Sure, you want to turn your weakness into strengths too, but not at the ex-
16 • ISSUE 4 • SEPTEMBER 2017
pense of exploiting your strengths.
small networks limit their opportunities. Get out and meet others to build relationships that can help you.
13. Get physical. Olivia
21. Make fear your friend. Fear either con-
Newton John’s lyrics comes to mind, “Let’s get into physical, let me hear your body talk...” Get in fitness motion. No need to run a marathon or become a power-lifter. Even 20 minutes a day of walking, hiking, yoga or whatever is enough to get the blood and oxygen moving. It makes you feel good and it’s a great way to bust some stress.
14. Stop talking. Let your actions do the talking for you. Additionally, you’ll learn a lot more about yourself and others. Enough said.
15. Have a sense of humor. Life can be chal-
lenging and stressful at times. A sense of humor can help you get through it. Elbert Hubbard was
trols you or sets you free. Which do you prefer? Dumb question, huh? Marcus Aurelius had a great perspective, “It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.”
Life is a do-it-yourself project. Put at least one of these habits for success into practice to get a result in your personal and business life.
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Best of success to you! Jeffrey Benjamin is the founder of Breakthrough Training in Reno. He is the co-author of Real Life Habits for Success. Contact him at BreakthroughTraining.com.
Northern Nevada Regional Office | Kevin Curtis 300 E 2nd St #1320, Reno, NV 89501 Phone: (775) 824-9900 BIZNEVADA MAGAZINE • WWW.BIZNEVADA.COM • 17
Treating Prostate Cancer
with CyberKnife Technology by Stephanie Audain September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month,
cancer are treated with stereotactic body radiation thera-
a month observed every year in the United States by health
py (SBRT) by the CyberKnife System. CyberKnife is a pain-
experts, advocates and individuals concerned with men’s
less, nonsurgical prostate cancer treatment technology in
prostate health. Designating a month for the disease serves
which high-dose radiation is delivered to the tumor from a
the purpose of increasing public awareness of the impor-
linear accelerator mounted on a highly maneuverable ro-
tance of prostate health and screenings, educating about
botic arm. Hundreds of different angles enable the radia-
risk factors and symptoms and advocating for further re-
tion to be contoured to the shape of the prostate, resulting
search on prostate health issues.
in treatment aimed directly to the prostate gland, avoiding
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nearby critical anatomy. This precision reduces treatment Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in
time to just five outpatient visits, compared to the average
American men, with about one in seven men being diag-
45 visits conventional radiation therapy requires.
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nosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. According to the American Cancer Society, there will be almost 1,200
In addition to shorter treatment time, patients choose Cy-
new cases of prostate cancer diagnosed in Nevada in 2017
berKnife treatment for several other benefits including no
alone.
anesthesia or hospitalization required, little to no recovery time which allows for an immediate return to daily activi-
There are several risk factors associated with prostate can-
ties, few (if any) side effects, and minimal radiation expo-
cer, including family history, race, diet, etc., but the most
sure to healthy tissue surrounding the tumor.
common factor is age. Prostate cancer occurs mainly in older men. About six in ten cases are diagnosed in men aged
Lattie Evans, Staff Sergeant, United States Army (Retired),
65 or older, and it is rare before age 40. The average age at
chose treatment at Reno CyberKnife because he didn’t
the time of diagnosis is about 66.
want to have all the different side effects that came with surgery. “A friend of mine told me about CyberKnife and
While there are a lot of risk factors for prostate cancer,
how it’s a very short course of treatment, consisting of only
there are also good survival statistics associated with the
five treatments over one week of therapy,” said Evans. “The
disease. Survival rates for prostate cancer are very high. Ac-
fabulous thing was there was no weakness. I could get off
cording to statistics from the National Institute of Health,
the table and go hit the gym and workout. It was awesome.
almost three million men are estimated to be living with
If you get diagnosed with prostate cancer, and you have
prostate cancer in the United States. One of the reasons
the option to receive CyberKnife treatment, that’s the treat-
why survival stats are high is because there are several
ment to go for.”
treatment options for prostate cancer. Stephanie Audain is the Reno CyberKnife Public Relations
One treatment option that has been proven successful for
Manager. To learn more about how Reno CyberKnife treats
prostate cancer, and the one that Reno CyberKnife chooses
prostate cancer with CyberKnife technology, or to get a sec-
for its patients, is the CyberKnife® Robotic Radiosurgery
ond opinion about a prostate cancer diagnosis, visit RenoCy-
System. At Reno CyberKnife, men diagnosed with prostate
berKnife.com or call 775-348-9900.
18 • ISSUE 4 • SEPTEMBER 2017
getpaidright.com | 775.393.9669
MassMutual Financial Group refers to Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. (MassMutual), its affiliated companies and sales representatives. Local sales agencies are not subsidiaries of MassMutual or its affiliated companies. CRN201809-186028
A Tribute
to Eric
Madison STARTUPNV
by Corrine Casanova image courtesy of Ken Lewis Studio
I interviewed Eric Madison for this story on July 25 as he
business at business incubators. The founders will get ac-
to be but the culture is not quite there for Nevada. I think
UNR, he’s the Mridul of UNLV. He is now a board member
was headed to Las Vegas for two weeks as he typically did
cess to mentors and their staff will get access to people
there is not an issue of urgency in this state. For example,
representing UNLV.
each month to work at StartUpNV in the southern portion
that will help them in their job. You will also have access
if you go to California, it’s different. People are working re-
of the state. Because of Eric’s untimely death on August 19
to start-ups that may be doing similar but different things
ally hard and fast. Here, if we give start-ups a list of things
I would like to share with our readers my interview in Q&A
and you will work with them. For example, if I’m a product
they need to do in 90 days and check back in 60 days, they
How often do you travel between Las Vegas and Reno?
format.
company and I need a website, there might be a website
could say, “I haven’t even started.” In Silicon Valley, I did
EM: I am in Vegas the first two weeks of each month. So
company that can do the work for you for a discount and
seven start-ups in 10 years. Jeff Saling, Bob Susskind and I
far this year I’ve taken 17 trips back and forth.
that collaboration piece will help out a lot.
are all from Silicon Valley. We come in with that fast paced
Here’s a little background: profit 501(c)3 and is Nevada’s only state-wide business
Does collaboration happen naturally?
of the old boy’s network. My comment to them is, “Work
incubator. They are also connected to Small Business
EM: It does. Of course there is a culture to every incubator
with us, but don’t work against us because we will steam-
I’ve noticed there is an intense rivalry or even dislike between UNR and UNLV. How do you manage working with both?
Development Centers located throughout rural Nevada.
so you have to make sure you breed a culture of collabora-
roll you.”
EM: It’s one of those things where there was some ini-
StartUpNV provides resources and education, including
tion. Each month we have a dinner for our start-ups and
start-up office spaces, highly experienced and connected
they are required to come. And each month we talk about
mentors, access to capital—and proven methods to help
With hubs in Las Vegas and Reno, StartUpNV is a non-
culture in mind. Sometimes we get pushback from some
tial pushback from UNR because of our relationship with UNLV. However, the Innevation Center has been really
something different. You kind of have to force them in the
How does the Innevation Center tie in with StartUpNV?
Nevada based start-ups be successful. They currently have
beginning to have that collaboration but once they estab-
EM: It provides co-working and meeting space for our
bers on campus but not with UNR as a whole. But once we
17 start-ups in the program.
lish it, it is kind of organic.
StartUpNV clients. There are 11 locations throughout Ne-
start incubating successful startups for UNLV and Reno,
vada with Las Vegas and Reno being our formal hubs. Reno
UNR is going to go, “Okay, at this point we are the odd
is powered by UNR and Las Vegas is powered by SWITCH.
man out.”
EM: About 90 to 95 percent of start-ups fail within the first
Do you have a mission statement or core values that you’d like to share?
three years. When there is a business incubator involved,
EM: Yes. First, fostering an entrepreneurship culture of col-
nology Park. We will have about 50,000 square feet of of-
How does the economy help or hinder startups?
that fail rate goes down to about 60 percent.
laboration. Second, attracting and retaining talent in Ne-
fice space. It’s like we will be our own city. StartUpNV is the
EM: There are two aspects to it. Innovation in a recession
vada which is a big problem. We don’t want all the smart
incubator for UNLV. My fourth co-founder of StartUpNV
time is really high because when a lot of people aren’t
Why is that?
kids going across the border. And lastly, creating Nevada
is Zach Miles. He is the associate vice president for eco-
working they have time to think of new ideas. Now getting
EM: Start-ups get help and support to all aspects of their
as an entrepreneurially friendly state. On paper it seems
nomic develop at UNLV. If you know of Mridul Gautam at
funded can be a problem though. A lot of Silicon Valley big
What’s the typical success rate of start-ups?
20 • ISSUE 4 • SEPTEMBER 2017
nice to us. We have good relationships with faculty mem-
The Innevation Center in Las Vegas is expanding in Tech-
BIZNEVADA MAGAZINE • WWW.BIZNEVADA.COM • 21
names were started during the recession. They had to be
We look at their knowledge and ability to execute. So, you
creative about how they built their business model. For ex-
might have a great product idea but you don’t know how
ample, in the software industry, apps were invented where
to build it. Your knowledge of the product is high but your
people could try them out for free. Features were added
ability to execute is low. We are looking for both knowl-
to create a premium model which people could purchase
edge and ability to execute. We create a graph which
for a fee if they chose to do so. That all came out during
shows where their weak points and strong points are and
the recession because people weren’t buying apps. Essen-
that shows us what we can focus on.
tially, invention comes out of necessity. If I don’t have a When there are bad economic times, good businesses get
As Reno continues to expand with start-ups, is there anything that concerns you about that?
started out.
EM: The infrastructure. SWITCH is going to bring 3,000
job and I can’t find a job then I have to create my own job.
Your Support. our thanks.
jobs the area but where are these employees going to live?
What does the pitch process look like for potential start-ups?
They are coming from Silicon Valley and probably aren’t
EM: Everybody that comes to talk to us starts out by pitch-
They are going to want to live in Reno/Sparks and what’s
ing. I don’t care if we know you or don’t know you or you
the infrastructure for that like? Nobody wants to talk much
have a company that just needs help. You sit in a room
about this.
at the Innevation Center either here or in Las Vegas on a Monday or Wednesday afternoon and you pitch your com-
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pany or idea and we give you feedback. It takes about 45 minutes.
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Is it like Shark Tank? EM: We all sit on this side, they sit on that side of conference table. We spend about five minutes explaining what an incubator is, what services we provide and ask them, “Why are you here today?” And the answer better not be looking for money because entrepreneurs often assume money will fix every problem they have. But I would say over 80 percent of them aren’t far enough along to attract investors yet. Our role is to get them to a certain point where they can attract investors.
Tell me about this 90 day process that you use with start-ups. EM: Every 90 days the start-up comes back and pitches for their spot. At this point we rank them on the startup feasibility index. We rank them on five things: 1.
Team
2.
Product
3.
Market
4.
Competition
5.
Customers
22 • ISSUE 4 • SEPTEMBER 2017
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Specializing In: • search engine optimization • paid search advertising • social media optimization • web analytics consulting • email marketing • marketing consulting GET A FREE CONSULTATION CALL NOW: 707-320-2507
tomers to immediately purchase your product or service as
WHAT’S YOUR BUDGET AND TARGET AUDIENCE?
cash flow is always an issue. I did not forget the importance of a website for your business. A website has now become a necessity just like your need to have a phone and email address for customers to reach you. Your website is your store front and most of your marketing efforts will tie back to it. How you design your website depends upon the questions mentioned above so it will be the most effective. There are good websites and there are bad, we have all experienced both. Make sure your new website has all the right elements so you start out on the right foot. Here again, select a professional web designer who will be with you long-term and not be gone in six months as your website will have to evolve as your
by Peter Fishburn
business grows. You don’t want potential customers to be frustrated or confused as you begin your business. Good
So, you are launching your long-awaited business venture.
I want to stop here and ask a very important question:
Congratulations. Did you put aside a marketing/advertis-
Are you an expert in marketing, branding and advertising?
ing/promotions budget? I have been told this is something
Most new business owners are not. I strongly urge you to
new start-ups either forget or begin with insufficient funds
connect with someone who has a background in market-
to really tell their audience their story and how to find
ing or search for a representative who is very knowledge-
them.
able. For example, if you choose social media, do you know
luck and I wish you great success. Peter Fishburn has been helping clients achieve positive results with branding over 20 years. For more information, programs or a consultation on how promotional campaigns could benefit your business, contact Peter at
RENO’S COUNTRY CLUB
pfishburn@brownandbigelow.com.
how to create the right kind of content for search engine Once you have a budget, who is your audience? Is your
optimization? There is a skill on how to do that and how
business model business to consumer or business to busi-
to place ads in social media for the best advantage. There
ness? Where will your targeted prospects reside? Are they
are experts in all the other areas as well. Interview these
located geographically close to you or are they spread out
people to find the one who understands your business and
across the country? What are the demographics of your
you relate well with.
customers? Are they young, seniors, businesses? Is their income level high enough to afford your product or service?
How you market your business and the type of advertis-
Do you know if there is a potential need or interest in your
ing and marketing tools you will use depends upon how
product or service? Is your new business a niche business
you have answered the above questions. If you target geo-
that has a very specific audience?
graphically around your business, then mass media tools
Championship Golf Course Men’s Club Ladies Club Junior Programs Swimming Pool Fitness Facility Proprietary Memberships
Corporate Memberships Weddings Reunions Business Meetings Corporate Retreats Special Events
such as TV, radio, newspapers, billboards and direct mail A lot of people say, “Anyone can use my service or product.”
are options to consider. Join local organizations like the
That may be true, but you may not have the resources to
chamber, professional organizations or networking groups.
reach everyone. So, it is important to focus on the custom-
On the other hand, if you only need to reach 1,000 specific
ers who have the greatest need, who you can easily target
people or businesses, a more targeted approach needs to
and more importantly communicate with economically.
be considered, such as direct mail and promotional items.
How many customers do you need? If you are a service
Email and social media need to be part of your marketing
business like a restaurant or other brick and mortar busi-
strategy. While there is only so much time in a work day,
ness, you may need thousands of people to cross your
you need to choose which media will give you the greatest
door in a year. If you are a business to business company
return on your time and resources. If social media is not
and depending upon the dollar volume of your product or
your main source for customers be careful as it can con-
service, you may only need a thousand customers.
sume a lot of your time. In a start-up, the need is for cus-
24 • ISSUE 4 • SEPTEMBER 2017
Call us today at 775.857.4735 to schedule a tour or plan your upcoming event
Ward Sutton, PGA Director of Club Operations wards@hvccreno.com
3575 E. Hidden Valley Drive | Reno, NV 89502
www.hvccreno.com BIZNEVADA MAGAZINE • WWW.BIZNEVADA.COM • 25
THE
and AMEX in 2013, worked towards development of mobile
their cards from the terminal prematurely, which compli-
NFC technologies for use with iOS devices. Officially an-
cates and prolongs the process. Even when payments pro-
nounced in September 2014, Apple Pay is the most widely
cess according to protocol, EMV transactions seem to take
accepted form of mobile NFC payments.
an inordinately long time. According to merchants, there is
Security. Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Android Pay use similar security enhancements.
SKINNY
Cardholders authenti-
cate with their fingerprint. No password is needed; even
ON NFC CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS By Tim Kirk
Accepting credit card payments from smartphones: the right move for your business?
an increase in the number of cardholders who are now using mobile NFC payment applications because customers find them to be more convenient.
if someone knows your phone’s pin they cannot authorize
Cost effective?
payments. (Note: Android Pay will support pin authentica-
consider before reconfiguring their payment processing
tion on older devices, but this will be phased out.) Apple Pay
model are, “Will this technology make me more money,”
and Samsung Pay both enhance security of NFC payments
and, “Can I get by without it?” Do you like providing conve-
with their own versions of proprietary hardware known as
nience to your customers while simplifying the process for
“the secure element.” The secure element adds the factor of
your cashiers? If the answer is “yes,” then that is a “check
dynamic encryption and tokenization from the device. This
mark” in the plus column. The imperative to start accepting
means that information is converted into a nugget of encod-
NFC payments is not currently in a state of high urgency; you
ed data before it is sent; because it is dynamic it is good for
can get by without it at this time. If your current terminal is
one transaction—even if it were somehow decrypted the in-
reaching end of life, or if you are considering a change in
formation would be useless. Because of the hardware based
processors, the next terminal you select should accept EMV
secure element, contactless payments can be made wher-
and NFC transactions and it should be paired with a pin-pad,
ever NFC transactions are accepted—even if the cardholder
which enables merchants to gain the most benefit from both
is outside digital coverage. Apple Pay and Samsung Pay also
EMV and NFC technologies. The cost of these terminals, with
used sophisticated cloud based encryption and tokeniza-
pin-pads, varies from about $200-$600, depending upon
tion. Android Pay does not use a hardware based security
manufacturer and model. If you are using, or plan to use
solution however, all other factors are in effect, including an
a POS system, inquire about when NFC technology will be
enhanced, cloud based, dynamic encryption and tokeniza-
accepted. Estimates vary regarding when NFC acceptance
tion process known as Hosted Card Emulation. Android Pay
will become necessary but, due to the proliferation of smart-
Two more factors that merchants will
An awkward introduction of EMV Chip technology into the
discovered a chink in the data security “armor” of RFID
users can perform a limited number of transactions outside
phones and the growing popularity of wearable technology,
U.S. retail credit card payments environment has added a
embedded payment cards: equipped with inexpensive
coverage areas.
mobile NFC transactions will become most people’s primary
new level of security as well as a new level of complexity
scanners, scam artists could easily steal cardholder data
to credit card processing for brick and mortar retailers. It
stored on the RFID chip. To harvest sensitive credit card
What does this mean when it comes to data security and
may seem that the near simultaneous roll out of smart-
data a thief with a contactless sensor could merely walk
liability for merchants? In-store purchases using Apple Pay,
Summary.
phone credit card apps adds one more level of confusion,
near people carrying RFID embedded cards in their wallets
Samsung Pay, and Android Pay are all classified as “card
there is no downside. There are no data security red flags
but could credit cards stored in “digital wallets” simplify
or purses. (See the video on bizNEVADA website.)
present transactions;” which means that all three are placed
at this time. They are at least as simple as other “card pres-
in the same risk category as the insertion of an EMV embed-
ent” transactions and provide convenience and simplicity for
and expedite your retail sales? These contactless transac-
payment option. When it comes to accepting NFC payments,
tions are a type of Near Field Communication (NFC) credit
While RFID embedded credit cards were still in their test
ded card into a terminal. NOTE: Neither BizNevada or the
your customers and employees. The adoption of electronic,
card payment and will be referred to as “NFC payments”
phases, mobile phone producers and service providers
author are endorsing or rating the security of these NFC pay-
app based digital wallets will eventually make NFC payments
for the remainder of this article.
had begun development of device based NFC technolo-
ment applications; the author is stating that payments made
the primary payment method for most cardholders. There
gies—the term “digital wallet” described their objective;
using these applications are placed in the same risk pool as
is no need to panic and commit to a contract or equipment
currently, the three major players are Google, Samsung,
other “card present” transactions by VISA, MasterCard and
lease to start accepting NFC payments immediately—it sim-
tactless, card based payment system introduced at fuel
and Apple. One of the earliest releases was Google Wal-
AMEX, and that no additional charges or downgrades are ap-
ply has not reached that level of urgency. Contact your pay-
pumps in the late 1990’s. As the technology continued to
let, which is no longer used for credit card transactions;
plied.
ments professional and discuss a sensible plan to update
develop, major credit card issuing banks launched pilot
Android Pay is now Google’s mobile credit card payment
programs beginning in 2006; subsequently, card brands
App. Samsung has also entered the market with Samsung
Convenience.
and issuers introduced credit cards embedded with radio
Pay. Both Google and Samsung initially approached mo-
transactions, mobile NFC payments are convenient and
Tim Kirk is an account executive with PaidRight; he has
frequency identification (RFID) chips. Technology “enthusi-
bile payments by working with major retailers to promote
quick. Customers paying at the register by inserting EMV
been helping merchants establish, grow and manage their
asts”—the types who search for security vulnerabilities—
acceptance. Apple Pay, partnering with Visa, MasterCard
cards are sometimes confused by the process, removing
revenue streams since 2009.
A short history. NFC payments manifested as a con-
26 • ISSUE 4 • SEPTEMBER 2017
your payment equipment on a reasonable timetable. Compared with card present EMV chip
BIZNEVADA MAGAZINE • WWW.BIZNEVADA.COM • 27
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SEPTEMBER 20 2-4PM Tech Cafe Insurance Changes/ACA Valerie Clark The Basement
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SEPTEMBER 14 7:30-10AM HR Bootcamp, Part 2 Reno+Sparks Chamber of Commerce
OCTOBER 18 2-4PM Tech Cafe Sally Young The Basement
SEPTEMBER 19 4:30-6PM The Joint Force Meets the Workforce-Reverse Job Fair Reno+Sparks Chamber of Commerce
WIN
SEPTEMBER 21 7:30-10AM HR Bootcamp, Part 3 Reno+Sparks Chamber of Commerce
28 • ISSUE 4 • SEPTEMBER 2017
SEPTEMBER 28 4:30-6:30PM Alive After 5 The Discovery Museum
SEPTEMBER 28 7:30-10AM HR Bootcamp, Part 4 Reno+Sparks Chamber of Commerce
SEPTEMBER 29 7-9AM WIN Breakfast Meeting Professionalism is a Choice: Reputation, Integrity and Ownership for Leaders Phillip Van Hooser Atlantis Casino Resort Spa
CARSON CHAMBER SEPTEMBER 14 5-6:30PM Blink Aesthetics Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting 1910 E College Pkwy
SEPTEMBER 18 10-11:30AM Chamber Travel Club Meeting Carson City Chamber of Commerce SEPTEMBER 20 5-7PM Chamber Mixer hosted by Infinity Hospice Care Battle Born Social 318 N. Carson St.
OCTOBER 18 11:45AM-1PM General Membership Luncheon Corley Ranch
ONE MILLION CUPS EVERY WEDNESDAY
9:00AM Swill Coffee and Wine 3366 Lakeside Court, Reno
CARSON VALLEY CHAMBER
BNI MEETINGS
SEPTEMBER 13 7-8:30AM September Chamber Coffee Hosted by Carson Valley Accounting, LLC 1663 US Hwy 395, Suite 201, Minden
TUESDAY 7AM
SEPTEMBER 15 9AM Carson Valley Medical Center Hospital Foundation Fall Classic Golf Tournament Genoa Lakes Resort
Mimi’s Café BizClub Zero Swill Coffee Napa Sonoma South
WEDNESDAY 7AM Napa Sonoma South Meadowood Courtyard
WEDNESDAY NOON Wildcreek Golf Course Famous Dave’s Reno/Sparks Association of Realtors
SEPTEMBER 21 4:30-7:30PM Thirsty Third Thursday Wine Walks-Athletic/Sports Team Main Street Gardnerville Office
THURSDAY 7AM
SEPTEMBER 23-24 9AM-5PM Genoa Candy Dance Arts & Crafts Faire Historic Downtown Genoa
OTHER EVENTS
OCTOBER 10 4-5PM Chamber Ambassadors Committee Meeting Cultural Center & Museum, 1477 Hwy. 395 OCTOBER 11 7-8:30AM Chamber Coffee, Networking & Continental Breakfast Location: TBD
Swill Coffee Lakeridge 19th Hole The Plaza Hotel, Carson City Mimi’s Café Napa Sonoma South
SEPTEMBER 28 8AM-2PM Nevada Builders Alliance Construction Career Day Reno-Sparks Convention Center
OCTOBER 19 4-7PM Nevada Builders Top Golf Mixer Challenge Top Golf Las Vegas For more complete and up-to-date calendar information, visit www. bizNEVADA.com/events BIZNEVADA MAGAZINE • WWW.BIZNEVADA.COM • 29
The Barracuda
Championship Recap Montreaux golf Course - www. parcforet.com
by Chris Hoff The 2017 Barracuda Championship has come and gone
Heroes Hangout and helped showcase the great hospital-
and for the 19th time, northern Nevada played host to
ity our military, veterans and first responders so deserve.
some of the best golfers in the world. Fans got an up-close
Mt. Rose continued their creative sponsorship of the “quiet
look at major champions from all over the globe and spon-
please” paddles with ski shaped signs which marshals held
sors enjoyed unparalleled benefits.
up throughout the golf course. Over 100 local and regional
634 RYLAND ST. SUITE 340 RENO, NV 89502 775.432.6670
sponsors participated, allowing the tournament to continHospitality clients were treated to dishes like Korean short
ue to give back to charity; nearly $4M since 1999.
ribs, fried chicken and biscuits and local greens salads all from our very own celebrity chef, Mark Estee. Ice cold cock-
2018 will mark the 20th Anniversary of the Barracuda
tails with Tito’s Handmade Vodka and cold beer from Co-
Championship and hospitality and branding opportunities
ors Light and New West kept everyone hydrated. Whether
are available now. If interested, please contact the spon-
it was a sponsor that has been involved for all 19 years or
sorship team at 775-322-3900.
Auto-Home-Life-Health Employee Benefits Workers Compensation-Bonds Business Insurance
a new partner, the reviews were all positive and multiple reservations have already been placed for the 2018 tournament. The tournament welcomed new marketing partners like Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp. who supported our 30 • ISSUE 4 • SEPTEMBER 2017
See you at Montreux next year July 30 – August 5!
Menath Insurance has been protectIng northern nevada’s faMIlIes and busInesses for over 30 years. contact us today for a coMprehensIve Insurance revIew and coMpetItIve quotes froM our expert agents.
www.MenathInsurance.com
775-831-3132
www.biznevada.com