The young people profiled this year in our annual salute to Nevada’s young business people have proven to be valuable contributors to the state’s economy. They bring to the table experience in a variety of industries and represent several of Nevada’s expanding markets. In addition, they are giving back to the state’s community boards and charitable organizations through service and volunteer work. Many executives and entrepreneurs under 40 were nominated for this honor by colleagues in the business community, and the list was pared down to 10 by Nevada Business Journal’s editorial board. For the most part, these are individuals who took an aggressive approach to their careers and are just starting to reap the benefits of their courage. We salute this group for following through on their dreams and understand they are completing the blueprint for the state’s economic future.
David DelZotto
President – Remington Homes, Las Vegas
For David DelZotto, building homes is simply keeping a family tradition alive. DelZotto, President of Las Vegas-based Remington Homes, is a third generation builder whose family is responsible for the construction of more than 60,000 homes in the United States and Canada. “I love what I do,” DelZotto said. “We build high-end structures that let us be creative on the design. We take peoples’ thoughts, put them on paper and translate them into a luxury home.” The luxury custom homebuilder founded Remington Homes in 1992 and has since completed four master-planned communities, totaling 1,500 lots and homes in Southern Nevada. Each home is unique, ranging from 5,000 square feet to more than 10,000 square feet, with some models priced over $1 million. Outside of his business, DelZotto is involved with various community charities, including Links for Life, Habitat for Humanity and Child Haven.
Scott Faulkner
Executive Director – Reno Chamber Orchestra, Reno
When the Reno Chamber Orchestra (RCO) enters its 29th season this fall, Scott Faulkner hopes to blend in with the rest of the group’s musicians. Before Faulkner, 33, became the RCO’s executive director, he was simply a string bass player with a passion for the arts. “I think of myself, first of all, as a musician,” Faulkner said. “I came to this job as that, and sort of grew into the executive directorship. I’m learning as I grow.” Faulkner helped this non-profit organization rebound from the brink of bankruptcy, handling everything from balancing the budget to hiring musicians. “I am fortunate to have a lot of hard working people on the board who care about the orchestra,” Faulkner said. He said he was thrown into the fire early, having to replace the board of directors soon after assuming the directorship. In addition, Faulkner directed a search for a new conductor, which concluded this spring with four finalists from an original group of 70. He is credited for keeping the RCO fresh, relevant and prosperous for hundreds of classical music fans throughout the region. Faulkner, who has a master’s degree from UNR, is also a professor in the music department of the school.
Tim Herbst
Vice President – Herbst Oil Company, Las Vegas
Anyone driving around the Las Vegas Valley can easily spot the impact Tim Herbst and the Herbst family have had on the local economy. Herbst, 33, is vice president of Herbst Oil Company, helping the organization maintain over 90 gas station locations throughout Southern Nevada. He is a partner with his father (Jerry) and two brothers (Ed and Troy), as each Herbst is responsible for a certain entity within the organization. “I am very fortunate to be in business with my family,” said Herbst, who handles the group’s service stations. “I enjoy going to work with my father and two brothers.” The company continues to expand at the same pace as the city, opening five new locations annually. In addition, the family opened Terrible’s Casino last year. Herbst sponsored the Terrible’s 250 Off-Road Racing competition in Henderson this summer and, with his brothers, is a leading driver on the circuit.
Corey Jenkins
President and Chief Operating Officer – Jenkins Enterprises, Las Vegas
Corey Jenkins has taken advantage of the favorable Southern Nevada business climate to help Jenkins Enterprises generate more than $20 million in revenue annually. As president and COO, he has successfully grown Jenkins Enterprises core rental car business operations in Nevada and Utah, expanding into hotel locations, the insurance replacement market and government contract business. “It’s the diversity of what I do and the people I interact with on a daily basis that keep me energized and enthused,” said Jenkins, 37. Jenkins Enterprises includes: SAVMOR Rent-A-Car System, Dollar Rent A Car Utah, Master Lease Plan, Inc. and Sports Health, Inc. He has also expanded into business ventures such as Sign Factory, as well as Bikini Beach and Dance Club at the Rio Suite Hotel and Casino. Despite his successes, Jenkins remains modest about his accomplishments. “I realize how fortunate I am to have such a good head start and mentor with my father, who has been instrumental in my career. Currently I see myself as moving in the right directions, but with a long way to go in making my mark in the business world and community.”
Suzette La Grange
Senior Associate – CB Richard Ellis, Las Vegas
Suzette La Grange truly enjoys selling Southern Nevada and watching the valley grow. A senior associate for CB Richard Ellis, the commercial real estate broker represents some of the more influential developers in the Las Vegas Valley. “When I was younger, my father owned a business and I grew up watching this town explode,” the 29-year-old La Grange said. “We have an unbelievable group of developers who work in this valley.” La Grange represents the likes of American Nevada Corp. and The Howard Hughes Corp., assisting companies in site selection and the negotiation process. The Las Vegas native made her impact felt in 2001 as her Office Properties Team at CB Richard Ellis had one of its best years ever, recording more than 125 sales and lease transactions valued at more than $99.7 million – not bad when you consider the economic downturn after Sept. 11. “Every day I get the opportunity to work with new companies that are growing and expanding across the valley,” she said. “It’s great helping people make the transition to the Las Vegas area and watching Las Vegas grow.” La Grange continues an excellent family legacy – her grandfather John Ahern founded Ahern Rentals and her father was prominent in the commercial building supply industry.
Kurt Neddenriep
Financial Advisor – Morgan Stanley, Elko
Kurt Neddenriep learned a valuable lesson about money management during his junior year at Bishop Manogue High School. “I received some insurance money when my sister was in a car accident,” Neddenriep said. “My dad told me to give him $1,000 and he invested it into the stock market for me. I doubled my money and realized that was better than stocking shelves at Longs Drugs.” Now the 31-year-old is helping the people of Northern Nevada invest for their futures as a financial advisor for Morgan Stanley. He is credited with opening the investment firm in Elko, growing from one broker (himself) leasing an office in a law firm to three brokers and a sales assistant in their own office. “This is something I have wanted to do since high school,” Neddenriep said. Neddenriep also serves in the Nevada National Guard and has earned the rank of captain. He served as commander of the Alpha Troop 1211 Cavalry in Yerington through December 2001. The UNR graduate has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the highest medal attainable without seeing combat.
Dr. Joseph Nicola
Founder/physician – Integrated Health Care of Nevada, LLC, Las Vegas
For Dr. James Nicola, practicing medicine and networking throughout Southern Nevada go hand-in-hand. With this in mind, Nicola founded Integrated Health Care of Nevada, LLC, and says working daily in the sports rehabilitation field provides several rewards. “It’s all about keeping the patients happy and doing a good job for them,” Nicola said. “That is how you market yourself in any business, whether it’s medicine or landscaping. If you do a good job, people will refer you.” His multi-disciplinary healthcare facility provides chiropractic, family medicine, psychological, physical and massage therapy services with five doctors on staff. Nicola, 27, has an extensive background working with athletes. He will travel to Greece for the 2004 Olympics to work with the Bahamian team and has rehabilitated competitors for the Ironman Triathlon. The Las Vegas native and Valley High School graduate earned his Doctor of Chiropractic from the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic, where he served as athletic director for two years while pursuing his course of study.
Michael Threet
Chief Financial Officer – Silver State Bank, Henderson
Michael Threet became a certified public accountant and chief financial officer for Silver State Bank before the age of 30. At the bank, he is responsible for overseeing the institution’s finances, which include assets totaling $310 million. He was hired by Silver State Bank when it was just nine months old and has been a key player in the financial institution’s growth. “It’s just a challenge to make this thing grow and help out in the bank’s evolution,” said Threet, 33. His day-to-day responsibilities include: investment and treasury functions, risk management, financial and accounting activities, human resources and facility management. Threet is also making a name for himself in the community. He was the past president for the City of Las Vegas Joint Community School Council and the past treasurer on The Salvation Army of Henderson Advisory Board.
Stacey Wedding
Vice President – Nevada Community Foundation
For Stacey Wedding, volunteering her services for charity is second nature. In fact, the current vice president for the Nevada Community Foundation started with the organization by simply donating her time. Now, she oversees the administration of more than 75 charitable funds for this $15 million non-profit organization. Not bad for someone who is only 26 years old. “It’s rewarding to work with people who are so generous to the community,” Wedding said. She researches the needs of the community, then matches those needs to a donor’s charitable interests. “No two days are the same, so that’s helped with personal and professional growth.” Wedding’s volunteer roots date back to her childhood when she was diagnosed with insulin-dependent diabetes at age 2. She currently serves as a spokesperson for the American Diabetes Association and frequently meets with newly diagnosed patients to give words of encouragement. Wedding is a UNLV and Green Valley High School graduate.
Jonathan Weinberg
General Manager – Cricket Communications, Reno
As general manager of Cricket Communications, Jonathan Weinberg, 31, has seen the wireless company become an industry leader. In the battle for wireless supremacy, Cricket has chosen to provide services with no contract. “We want people to feel good about what they are doing and to stay with us because the service is an asset, not because they are bound by contract.” Weinberg said one of the reasons for his firm’s success is its role in the community, especially with youth. “One of the company’s philosophies is being a community partner and working with children in education,” Weinberg said. “We understand that the success of Cricket goes hand-in-hand with the success of Nevada’s economy and the health of its communities.” Thanks to Weinberg’s ideas, Cricket has helped many community organizations, including the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows, St. Mary’s Hospital, United Blood Services and Washoe County Emergency Management. He is also active in business organizations, including the Grater Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, EDAWN and WIN.
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The individuals profiled here have displayed a willingness to work hard and complete tasks at any cost. They symbolize a bright and well-balanced economic future in a state that continues to see growth at every turn. As these business leaders continue to make headlines, it is refreshing to know how they reached this milestone: through dedication, community service and contributions to Nevada’s growth.
