We asked Las Vegas professionals, "Are you (and your business) better off this year than last?"
.........
“Yes, the business climate is changing and we’re experiencing very positive results.”
Virginia Martino, founder/CEO, Brand Strategic, Creative, Integrated Marketing Solutions
“Yes. Tenant activity has definitely increased over the prior year.”
Doug Roberts partner, Panattoni Development Company, Inc.
“Last year was great, this year is even better! Switch has seen exponential growth over the last year and is getting ready to build another data center in Las Vegas. We’ve seen no slowing down within the technology sector.”
Missy Young, exec. vice president, Colocation Sales & Engineering, Switch
“This year with banks accepting more and more short sales, we’re able to move inventory, close more homes and help more home owners.”
Christine McNaught, premier properties director, Windermere Prestige Properties
“Yes, the economy has gone to the dogs. We’re wrapping up a store remodel and we’re off to a great start.”
Vera Leake, owner, The Soggy Dog
“Our numbers are up almost 30 percent from last year. The restaurant industry is redefining itself.”
Irma Aguirre, general manager, Mundo
“No. Staff, employees and the leaders have taken more pay cuts and contribute more money to cover health care insurance increases.”
Dave Morgan, senior vice president/general manager, Petersendean Roofing & Sheet Metal
“We’re still recovering from the low point of 2009, but yes, we’re slightly better than last year and are encouraged by future prospects.”
Dennis W. Layton, president, Heritage Surveying
“Yes, we stayed focused, worked hard and our efforts are now being recognized. Business is up!”
Greg Hawthorne, president, Hawthorne Plumbing Heating & Cooling
“Overall, I see things improving on many fronts. We’re cautiously optimistic. Because we have clients across the country and internationally, we get a broader perspective of the economic reality beyond just Vegas.”
John Schadler, co-managing partner, SK+G
“Yes. Nevadans are happy to have a once-in-a-lifetime adventure nearby.”
Ted Quasula, general manager, Grand Canyon Skywalk Development, LLC
“Yes, business is up more than 20 percent, which I attribute to increased marketing efforts.”
Julie Fuhrman, hairstylist
“Yes. Learning to adapt to change has been vital to the continued growth of my business over the last year.”
Michelle Poe, owner, Triple 4 Creative
“I’m not going downhill anymore so from that perspective, I’m better off.”
Kim Youmans, owner, Mailboxes Plus
“It’s difficult to know for sure because we closed two locations and consolidated into one, so we don’t know if it’s because of the new location or just an upswing in the economy. But it’s better here.”
Roz Santangelo, general manager, Freed’s Bakery
“The company is in much better shape than last year. We’ve reduced a significant amount of debt and increased our business opportunity by now having an unlimited license, allowing us to grow.”
Alan Waxler, owner, Alan Waxler Group
“United Way of Southern Nevada has seen improvements from last year in many of its initiatives. We raised more dollars this year than last through our annual campaign, allowing us to help more families throughout Las Vegas.”
Matt Hirsch, director of comm. development, United Way of Southern Nevada
“We’re happy to say that we and our business are definitely doing better this year than last. We’ve created a niche product that’s reaching our market. In addition, we believe the renaissance of downtown is continuing to develop and will improve greatly in the years to come.”
Bill Johnson, owner, Retro Vegas
“Our business is doing a little better this year than last. We ended 2010 with a loss and we now have put the business back in the black. As for me, I haven’t had a raise in pay for more than five years and don’t plan on one any time soon.”
Michael Sickles, president, Safari Landscaping
"We're seeing positive growth in the exhibitions and events industry around the globe and especially here in Las Vegas."
Steve Moster, president, GES
“Imagine Communications is definitely better off. We’ve got more business on the books, more prospects in the pipeline, and everyone is paying a little faster. Unless there’s another dip on the way, I believe we’ve weathered the worst of the storm.”
Brian Rouff, managing partner, Imagine Communications
"As Nevada’s largest uniform store, we believe our commitment to excellent customer service has led to our success and increased growth each year. Our recent expansion is a testimony of our dedication to our customers needs."
Dimitrios Stavros, director of operations, La Isla Uniforms
"Yes, but I have had to increase my marketing budget and be more creative in reaching out to my potential customers. I'm an electrical contractor by trade, but networking has become my profession."
Sergio Sabbadini, owner, GNS Electric LLC