Rebecca Clifford-Cruz

Story Archive

Health care VP: 'It is not about the time you put in but your heart and energy': Monday, Aug. 26, 2019; Ashlee Arnold talks about the importance of being passionate about your career choices, inspiring young people to do what they love and her secret to jump-starting her day.
For chef, choosing a vegan lifestyle was a revelation: Monday, Aug. 19, 2019; Donald Lemperle jokes that he should have known red meat wasn’t for him when he was a chef in New York and Johnny Cochran sent what was supposed to be a medium-well steak back to the kitchen twice. Now a vegan chef at VegeNation, which has two locations in Southern Nevada, Lemperle spreads the gospel of plant-based dietary choices in downtown Las Vegas.
For legal support executive, teamwork is central to success: Monday, Aug. 12, 2019; Private investigator Don Fritsch stresses the importance of communication and shares a high-profile story about an assignment his company took for a legal defense team.
For Penn & Teller's manager, growth occurs outside of the comfort zone: Monday, Aug. 5, 2019; The Penn & Teller magic show and Aid for AIDS of Nevada have a lot in common. Both are mainstays in Las Vegas, constantly tinkering with the formula that keeps them fresh and relevant to an audience that has known them for decades. The entertainers are longtime supporters of the AIDS Walk, which benefits AFAN, and their manager/producer, Glenn Alai, is president of the board of trustees for the nonprofit organization.
Entertainment freelancer finds inspiration in pain, joy, love, hope and sorrow: Monday, July 29, 2019; Ivy League-educated singer-songwriter and event producer Michelle Johnson shares details about her upcoming show, discusses the professional and personal challenges of earning a living onstage, and more ...
Las Vegas restaurateur's businesses hitting the high notes: Monday, July 22, 2019; Opening a restaurant, Bryce Krausman says, was “totally spontaneous.” His friend Dalton Wilson saw the space open one day, and before they knew it, they had a “coming soon” sign up.
Technovation CEO: "Fail fast, learn from your mistakes, and move on": Monday, July 15, 2019; Peg McGregor is CEO of Technovation Solutions, which acts as both technology consultants and brokers for new technologies coming to the market.
Difficult upbringing shaped the businessman that painting CEO would become: Monday, July 8, 2019; Cory Summerhays cringes when people refer to him as “boss.” The founder and CEO of a painting empire that include Unforgettable Coatings, Final Touch Painting and Blue APE Painting, Summerhays likes to introduce himself as a partner.
Entrepreneur's advice: Be confident in yourself and never stop moving toward your goal: Monday, July 1, 2019; Elena Ledoux never planned on becoming an entrepreneur, let alone a serial one. Growing up in the Soviet Union, she led what she calls a sheltered, snow-globe childhood. She immigrated to the United States, became an attorney and practiced law in Hawaii for 11 years before leaving the profession to raise her family.
'Fashion is for everyone,' says Las Vegas designer: Monday, June 24, 2019; Rene’ Tyler Plus Sizes 12 & Above is a small, boutique operation of just four employees, but it is becoming a major name in fashion.
Funeral home's owners say personal touch sets them apart: Monday, June 17, 2019; For Wendy Kraft and Laura Sussman, it is an honor to care for the deceased. Both were part of the Jewish burial society, or chevra kadisha, and say it was a fulfilling, spiritual experience.
Preparing kids for the future by making STEM subjects fun: Monday, June 10, 2019; Leo and Elise Silva are both the oldest children in large families, so they have always been involved in teaching children. So when they were looking to start their own business and discovered Engineering for Kids, it seemed like a perfect match for them.
Restaurant owner aims for authenticity, joy in family-oriented business: Monday, June 3, 2019; “This is not a restaurant, it is a love story — of family, food, culture, history, humanity, art, expression and cuisine shared via recipes full of authenticity and joy,” says Vanessa Barreat, owner of Pico De Gallo.
Roseman University physician doing the work to improve access to health care: Monday, May 27, 2019; In October, the Valley Health System was accredited for a family medicine residency program, and in July, its first two 10 residents will begin their training in it as the state works toward reducing the shortage of primary care physicians serving Nevada’s growing population. Dr. Christine Quartuccio-Carran, an assistant professor at Roseman University of Medicine, is the associate program director.
Owner of farmers markets stresses transparency, quality: Monday, May 20, 2019; Carrie Hogan launched her farmers markets nine years ago, after seeing the movie “Food Inc.” She says the documentary film changed her perspective on the food industry. With Hogan’s professional acumen as an event planner, Fresh52 Farmers’ & Artisan Markets have thrived in Southern Nevada ...
Fashion designer says clothes can go from day to nightlight: Monday, May 13, 2019; We’ve all seen pictures of fascinating outfits at Burning Man or the Electric Daisy Carnival and wondered where they came from and whether we could pull off the look. But most of us shrug it off as impractical purchase. We are the customers Ronnie Brust wants to reach.
New restaurant celebrates different cultures of its owners, and of Las Vegas: Monday, May 6, 2019; Silva Chamanian was a longtime investor in one of Los Angeles’ most popular Mediterranean restaurants, and had a vision to fulfill a market niche that had not yet been tapped on a national or international scale in the a fast-casual food space.
UNLV doctor offers advice to parents, community about working with children on autism spectrum: Monday, April 29, 2019; A love of science and the study of medicine fueled Dr. Rooman Ahad’s career and led her to a role as assistant professor of pediatric neurology at UNLV’s School of Medicine. She is now part of an effort to expand autism services in the Las Vegas Valley and raise awareness.
Developer's goal is to create community within a community: Monday, April 22, 2019; Tim Deters, owner and president of TRU Development, aims high. In 20 years, he has developed nearly 7,000 multifamily units in the Southwest and has launched his most ambitious project yet with Kaktuslife, which “we predict ... will changed apartment living in Clark County,” he says.
Bank executive passionate about paying it forward: Monday, April 15, 2019; James Rensvold is executive vice president and private banking director at Nevada State Bank, which this year is celebrating its 60th anniversary.
Renowned hair stylist values daily grind on journey to success: Monday, April 8, 2019; Even a jock can be a hairstylist. During his junior year in high school, sports fanatic Michael Boychuck saw the movie “Shampoo,” and it changed his life. The three-sport athlete “just went for it and started my hair journey,” he said.
Las Vegas Valley housing honcho: Solutions start with community: Monday, April 1, 2019; The co-founder and managing director of the Calida Group shares a story about his first job in construction, talks about the value of building friendships in business and discusses upcoming projects in the Elysian Living family of communities.
App developer makes all day happy hour in Las Vegas: Monday, March 25, 2019; Jess Horan is a Boston University alumna with seven years of corporate experience in sales, account management, media planning and ad operations — and a self-confessed “martini gal,” extra dirty, vodka, no vermouth and a blue cheese olive. Those interests and influences guided her to ...
Dog hotel proprietor aims 'to give a Ritz Carlton feel to the pet community': Monday, March 18, 2019; Pawsh Palace, a cage-free dog hotel, opened in Las Vegas last year. Owner Lisa Imbesi’s goal was to make it a one-stop shop for a dog’s needs.
Sweat-proof T-shirt maker embraces Las Vegas: 'The middle-class dream is still a reality here': Monday, March 11, 2019; Billy Thompson, an admitted sufferer of axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweat), is out to change people's lives. He partnered with Randy Choi to create and manufacture an undershirt that will restore confidence in people who wear it.
Doctor grateful for gains made in for-profit health care, but looks forward to adding not-for-profit elements: Monday, March 4, 2019; Dr. Michael Ciccolo, director of congenital cardiovascular surgery at Children’s Heart Center Nevada, has spent 19 years working to replicate the environment of care in Nevada that he enjoyed in Los Angeles, and with the opening of a 14-bed pediatric intensive care unit at Sunrise Hospital, he can proudly declare that mission accomplished.
Cruelty-free doesn't have to be inconvenient: Monday, Feb. 11, 2019; The ubiquity of meat can make it difficult to adopt a vegan diet. Diana Edelman wants to change that.
Professional organizer focuses on the good: Monday, Jan. 28, 2019; Brenda Prinzavalli, the founder of Balanced Organizing Solutions, talks about the services she offers clients and shares three simple tips that anyone can implement to start organizing their lives.
Oral surgeon stresses selflessness to doctors and community: Monday, Jan. 21, 2019; Dr. Steven Huang, a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon at Henderson Oral Surgery & Dental, is in the business of changing people’s lives. This happens every day through typical procedures such as tooth extraction, bone grafting, implant placement, sinus lifts and apicoectomies. But for one fortunate college student this year, it meant a $50,000 new smile.
Memento maker: 'Flat photos don't tell the whole story': Monday, Dec. 31, 2018; Memories You Can Hold is one of the few 3-D printing businesses in Las Vegas, offering locals “the ultimate 3-D selfie.”
Artist goes big with his dream flower shop and event venue: Monday, Dec. 24, 2018; Stinko's may seem like an odd name for a florist's shop, but Steven Stewart-Clark wouldn't have it any other way. He earned that nickname as a child by creating dirty but beautiful art, and he has proudly introduced the brand to the Las Vegas Arts District.
Better Business Bureau boss working to build trust between buyers and sellers: Monday, Dec. 17, 2018; George Cartwright is president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Southern Nevada, whose mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust — “that of an ethical marketplace where buyers and sellers trust each other,” he says.
Designer celebrates the city's powerful women with iconic brand: Monday, Dec. 10, 2018; Karen Jaikowski says she fell in love with Las Vegas immediately when she visited the city for her 21st birthday, even telling her father on the trip that she would one day live here. This year, after 21 years in the community, Jaikowski launched her business, Vegas Girl!
Whiskey maker focuses on people, then process, then product: Monday, Dec. 3, 2018; After 2 1/2 years of preparation, Ambros Banana Whiskey launched recently and is now featured in restaurants, nightclubs, bars and lounges on and off the Strip. “The most recent accomplishment for us is being carried in all Lee’s Discount Liquor and Liquor World locations in the greater Las Vegas area,” said Jeff Tomastik, president of Derby Spirits.
Ice cream man brings a piece of Thailand to Las Vegas: Monday, Nov. 26, 2018; Ted Sumi's search for the perfect ice cream took him to Thailand. After more than a year of tinkering with the recipe, he opened Rolled Ice Cream in Las Vegas.
Nonprofit health care executive relishes 'opportunity to make a difference': Monday, Nov. 19, 2018; The HIE in HealtHIE Nevada stands for Health Information Exchange, which helps health care providers coordinate patient care by connecting them with each other and sharing medical records in a secure, accurate manner. Michael Gagnon, executive director of HealtHIE Nevada, talked to us about the satisfaction he receives from working in the nonprofit sector and how much money it would take to develop a fully integrated, statewide network of health information.
IT exec: ‘Your reputation, ethics and integrity are invaluable and irreplaceable assets’: Monday, Nov. 5, 2018; When Ngoni Murandu was a teenager, his father bought him an Apple II computer, because he wanted his son to be an accountant. But the boy was captivated by the machine itself.
Wedding planner: Satisfaction is worth the sacrifice: Monday, Oct. 29, 2018; Love brought Melody Williams to Las Vegas, so it's only fitting that she dedicates her days — and weekends, and sometimes holidays — to fulfilling couples' visions of love on their wedding day.
Spiritual entrepreneur brings worldly retail to Las Vegas Valley: Monday, Oct. 22, 2018; Vladi Bergman, the founder and CEO of Karma and Luck, was born in Ukraine and grew up in Israel. His passion is to travel the world. “I consider it a blessing to be exposed to all forms of religion and spiritual beliefs,” he said. Thus, he created Karma and Luck to be a spiritual world in retail that celebrates all cultures.
All-inclusive venue aims to make clients' events stress-free: Monday, Oct. 15, 2018; Layla’s Palace Banquet Hall is an all-inclusive venue that hosts wedding ceremonies and receptions, quinceañeras, sweet 16, bar/bat-mitzvahs, debutantes, engagement parties, holiday parties and more.
Restaurateur: 'Work hard, be kind, be ethical and know when to celebrate': Monday, Oct. 8, 2018; Debbie Roxarzade named her restaurant after her daughter, but her business is no small, family affair. She sees beyond Southern Nevada.
HOA company: "Many times a simple conversation can solve the problem": Monday, Oct. 1, 2018; Meet CAMCO, a full-service HOA management company that has taken to heart the mission of helping victims of the Oct. 1 mass shooting on the Strip.
Construction company owner leads the way for women in a male-dominated industry: Monday, Sept. 24, 2018; In 2003, the opportunity arose for Stacey Lindburg to acquire C and S Company. She was a seasoned food and beverage executive but didn't have much experience in the construction industry. Still, she took a chance on herself and trusted her capabilities.
Health care attorney: 'Running a business is similar to running a marathon': Monday, Sept. 17, 2018; Ayesha Mehdi, principal attorney at Frontier Health Law, talks about some of the people who have inspired her, explains why Nevada is the perfect place for her to practice, and shares a quote from Abraham Lincoln that sums up her philosophy representing clients.
Relationships, consistency are key to plumbing company's staying power: Monday, Sept. 3, 2018; Alexis and Andrew Aranda say Pure Plumbing embodies 4 core values: service, fun, growth and honor.
Station Casinos' first female pit boss, now an executive, has never forgotten where she started: Monday, Aug. 27, 2018; The vice president and general manager of Fiesta Henderson talks about changes at the property, its popularity with truckers and her affinity for Spain.
Business owner roped into industry by instant gratification that comes with makeup artistry: Monday, Aug. 20, 2018; Lissette Waugh opened L Makeup Institute and Cosmetic Store to fill a void in Southern Nevada for makeup artistry and effects education.
Attorney's military training laid foundation for career in public and private sectors: Monday, Aug. 13, 2018; Greg Brower, a shareholder at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, joined the firm after his third stint with the U.S. Department of Justice. He splits his time between the firm’s offices in Nevada and Washington, D.C., and was recently named co-chair of its Government Investigations & White Collar Group.
Pet food franchisee advises: Fresh is best: Monday, Aug. 6, 2018; Pet Wants was created in 2010 when Michele Hobbs and Amanda Broughton noticed some serious health issues with their pets. They spent several thousand dollars on treatment before taking matters into their own hands and say they discovered the problem was low nutritional value in their pet food.
Pediatric surgeon: In medicine, cultivate relationships as well as technology: Monday, July 30, 2018; Compared with open surgery, Dr. Michael Scheidler says, robotic procedures typically result in smaller incisions with minimal scarring, less blood loss and a reduced need for narcotic pain medications.