“Knowledge will give you power, but character respect.” —Bruce Lee
True respect, the kind that good leaders garner, isn’t freely given. This type of respect is earned through a million small decisions that are witnessed by peers and the quiet leadership that builds successes. The 2023 Class of Most Respected Leaders (MRL) have earned this respect. Their careers have been examples to others, and they have shown what it means to be a leader worth following.
The 2023 MRL were chosen by a committee of judges who looked at their history in Nevada, what they’ve accomplished and how they are viewed by others and the business community at large.
Congratulations to all of those selected and featured in the following pages. The teams at Nevada Business Magazine and PNC Bank are honored to recognize the accomplishments of this year’s class. In the following pages, these Most Respected Leaders have shared insights and leadership advice – read on for their insight.
Michael Bonner
Managing Shareholder – Las Vegas
Greenberg Traurig
Legal
Primary Industry
Las Vegas
Principal Location
Battle Born
Nevada Citizenship
“Just do the right thing.”
Born and raised in Nevada, Michael J. Bonner serves as co-managing shareholder of Greenberg Traurig’s Las Vegas office. His passion for law is focused on corporation finance, corporate governance, business transactions, securities and gaming. As part of his practice, he represents publicly and privately held corporations and acts as lead counsel on mergers and acquisitions, public securities offerings, financing and restructuring transactions. In addition to his legal practice, he has represented hotel-casino resort operators and key employees before the Nevada State Gaming Control Board and the Nevada Gaming Commission. Bonner is active in the community serving on the board of directors at several organizations.
What do you love about Nevada?
We have a culture of opportunity, growth, optimism, and friendliness; good weather; a “small town/small state” business community that still exists where connecting with key players remains within reach. And, as I have gotten older, I admire that Nevada keeps reinventing itself as market forces and consumer tastes change.
What attributes do you respect in leaders?
I respect leaders who have integrity, intelligence, sound ethics, the ability to execute [and who] care for their own people, their customers/clients and the communities in which they serve.
How has your mentor helped shape your leadership style?
My dad, John W. Bonner, was an Irish immigrant who lost his father at a young age and grew up “dirt poor” but lifted himself and his young family out of poverty. He ultimately became a respected trial lawyer, and the Nevada Democratic party chair, among other roles. He was appointed by President John F. Kennedy as U.S. Attorney for Nevada. He was a loving father and the most honest man I ever knew.
What did you think you were going to be when you were a kid?
Initially, I wanted to be an airline pilot, but wearing glasses by age 11 pretty much killed that idea. After that, law seemed to be in my future.
What advice has stuck with you over the years?
When you display anger in a negotiation, the other side is winning. Don’t lose your temper.
What do you hope for your future?
I am at the stage in life where I want health and happiness for my children and grandchildren and a return to sanity in our political institutions so that my family will have the privilege of growing up in the great country that I did.
What advice do you have for young attorneys?
Understand that, to be a good lawyer, one has to work hard to obtain the expertise and, no matter what, maintain one’s personal integrity and human decency.
Why is community involvement important for a leader?
We have to pay back the community that gives us a place to live, work and prosper; we have to try to make our community a better place for our families and fellow citizens.
What do you want your legacy to be?
When I was a young lawyer and someone learned that my dad was John Bonner, the individual invariably told me what a great and honorable man my dad was—I hope my children and grandchildren hear the same about me.
Kerry Bubolz
President and Chief Executive Officer
Vegas Golden Knights
Foley Entertainment Group
Sports
Primary Industry
Las Vegas
Principal Location
October 2016
Nevada Citizenship
“Your reputation is your repetition.”
Overseeing all business aspects for the Vegas Golden Knights (VGK), Kerry Bubolz was the first president and chief operating officer for the franchise. Now in their seventh season, and having just won the Stanley Cup Championship, Bubolz has been instrumental in the team’s success. Since working with the team, Bubolz has also helped team owner Bill Foley in the expansion of Foley Entertainment Group adding more teams, such as the Henderson Silver Knights, the Vegas Knight Hawks indoor football team and the Vegas Golden Knights Foundation, among others. Previously working with the National Basketball Associaton’s Cleveland Cavaliers, Bubolz has a history of navigating business operations and community engagement for sports teams.
What do you love about Nevada?
The people, weather and the can-do business attitude of the city, county and state are different than anywhere I’ve lived before. Work gets done in Nevada.
What attributes do you respect in leaders?
I respect leaders that can remain calm in the heat of battle and not let their emotions affect their decision-making. Few leaders have the unique ability of holding a real tangible grasp of diverse parts of their business.
How have your mentors helped shape your leadership style?
Len Komoroski, former Cleveland Cavaliers CEO, had a deep knowledge of his business and the ability to play out decision-making two or three steps forward to ultimately pick the best path. Mike Tatoian, CEO, Dover Motorsports, was always available. He stood at the gates during events to welcome fans and had a natural ability to connect with them. I use what he taught me daily when working VGK home games.
What advice has stuck with you over the years?
Listen to understand, not to respond.
How have the Knights changed the community of southern Nevada?
VGK created one common thing that connects the community together. I call it the “Golden Thread”. You walk through the grocery store and see someone in VGK gear and give a little nod. The community feels that bond.
What do you hope for your future?
I hope for continued prosperity of the Vegas Golden Knights organization and enterprise. I also want to watch my kids thrive.
How did you celebrate the Stanley Cup Win?
I was down on the ice with my wife Melissa. We walked and talked, and I hoisted the Cup. I got a hat, scarf and a hug from Mark Stone.
What advice do you have for someone considering a career in sports?
Gameday is the reward of your hard work. Once you don’t enjoy that anymore, you need to pick another path.
Why is community involvement important for a leader?
All thriving organizations’ ability to have long-term success is connected back to the community they serve. Therefore, a leader’s community focus is critical. It is one of the most important things they do.
What do you want your legacy to be?
I want to be remembered for showing up every day with my lunch pail: putting in a consistent effort day in and day out. “Your best ability is your availability.”
Tyler Corder
Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer
Findlay Automotive Group
Automotive
Primary Industry
Las Vegas
Principal Location
January 1993
Nevada Citizenship
“If you do good, good things will come back to you.”
Born and raised in Montana, Tyler Corder moved to Las Vegas in 1992 when he was named branch manager for GMAC Auto Financing, now known as Ally Financial. Two-years later he joined the Findlay Automotive Group and now serves as the chief operating officer and chief financial officer for the organization which consists of 35 dealerships across five states. In addition to his work for the automotive group, Corder leads “Findlay Cares” a program which supports southern Nevada charities through donations and volunteerism. He also serves on several boards in the community including the Foundation for an Independent Tomorrow and the Vegas Chamber.
What do you love about Nevada?
I love that Nevada is very accepting of newcomers. Since most of us came from somewhere else, it’s nice to see how easy it is for people to get involved and become part of the community.
What made you choose a career in the automotive industry?
I actually got into the car business by accident. Out of college I was looking for a job and GMAC [Auto Financing] was hiring auto loan collectors. I accepted a position there because I needed a job.
What surprises you most about your career path?
I think the growth of Findlay Automotive has surprised me. I felt we’d be successful if we hired the right people, operated honestly and ethically, and gave back to the community. But still, our growth has been a little surprising to me.
What attributes do you respect in leaders?
I respect leaders that focus on their people. Treat your people right, make them feel like they are part of a team, and they’ll do the right things to make your business successful.
How has your mentor helped shape your leadership style?
The late Rich Abajian was general manager of Findlay Toyota. He taught me that business is a lot like sports. You need competitive people on your team. You need people that hate to lose.
What did you think you were going to be when you were a kid?
I grew up in a very rural part of Montana. It was hard to see beyond that life. But I was interested in business, and I knew I wanted to get involved in a business where I could lead a team of people.
What advice has stuck with you over the years?
I once had a boss who said we never need to have a meeting to decide to do the honest and ethical thing. That advice has served me well over the years.
What is something about your industry an outside observer might not be aware of?
New cars are a commodity. All dealers pay the same price for cars from the factory. Any dealer that claims to have better discounts than another is probably not being truthful. The difference between dealerships is simply in the service they provide.
Why is community involvement important for a leader?
I feel it’s our obligation to try to make the community a better place. We’ve been successful and it is incumbent upon us to give something back to the community.
How have you tried to earn respect throughout your career?
Respect is earned when people know they can trust you. I always tell the truth. If I say I’ll do something, I do it.
Jaime Cruz
Executive Director
Workforce Connections
Workforce Development
Primary Industry
Las Vegas
Principal Location
November 1987
Nevada Citizenship
Acta Non Verba – Actions Not Words
Having lived in southern Nevada for the past 36 years, Jaime Cruz is invested in the success of the region. He currently serves as executive director for Workforce Connections, a local workforce development board. Having grown up in Peru, Cruz immigrated to the U.S. in 1987 and became a naturalized citizen in 1994. Cruz has a background in mechanical engineering, but understands the challenges that many face in trying to improve their careers. He serves on the board of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance, the Vegas Chamber and the National Association of Workforce Development Boards, among others.
What do you love about Nevada?
The population in Nevada reflects what the nation will look like in about 20 years. It is a purple state with an independent streak, where it’s still possible to “meet in the middle.”
To what do you attribute your success?
We stand on the shoulders of those who influenced us and helped shape our character: grandparents, parents, teachers, friends and our kids. I feel fortunate to stand on very broad shoulders, starting with my mom who immigrated to this country and worked very hard to provide better opportunities for her family, all the way to my kids who inspire me to do my very best every day.
What surprises you most about your career path?
I am a mechanical engineer, so it’s no surprise I worked on merchant ships and in large casino hotel resorts. However, I could not have predicted that I would work in workforce development. Ironically, it’s the period of my career that is giving me the most enjoyment and satisfaction.
What did you think you were going to be when you were a kid?
My dad was a professional soccer player, and my childhood dream was to follow in his footsteps. I played competitively through high school and college. Unfortunately, only a very small percentage of kids get to be professional athletes.
What do you love about your job?
The impact we have on people’s lives. I love the stories of jobseekers and employers who receive assistance in our American Job Centers. Whether it’s helping equip someone with the skills required to get a good job or helping an employer find the right worker the first time, we thrive on the positive impact of our work.
Why is workforce important to Nevada?
Without a ready workforce, we cannot support the creation of new businesses or the expansion of existing ones. For sustainable economic development, we need sustainable workforce development. It’s as simple as that.
How have you tried to earn respect throughout your career?
I try to make sure my actions always match my words. I say what I mean, and I mean what I say. I want people to know that with me, you get what you see.
What do you want your legacy to be?
My son and daughter are my proudest achievements. I see my legacy in their decision-making process, their actions, their successes and how they handle adversity. It makes me proud that they are both amazing young adults with a bright future in front of them. They will help make Nevada even a better state than it is today.
Nancy Fennell
Chief Executive Officer
Dickson Realty
Real Estate
Primary Industry
Reno
Principal Location
March 1987
Nevada Citizenship
“Start the day with gratitude.”
Although she has found success in real estate, Nancy Fennell’s degree is in textile chemistry and her early career was with Bloomingdale’s Department Store in their buyer’s training program. Originally from North Carolina, Fennell and her husband eventually migrated West and landed in Reno in 1987. After moving, they partnered on a real estate venture with Mark and Fianna Dickson Combs. That venture was Dickson Realty. Since then, Fennell has continued to grow the organization and today serves as CEO while working alongside her son, niece and nephew.
What do you love about Nevada?
I appreciate the state’s diverse landscapes, including our rugged mountain ranges, vast valleys and sandy deserts. Beyond the landscapes, it’s the people of Nevada who make this state truly exceptional. They reflect the same diversity as the land itself, embodying qualities like resilience, beauty, tranquility and a strong spirit of entrepreneurship.
What surprises you about your career path?
What surprises me about my career path is the unexpected journey it has been. I initially started in textile chemistry. What astonishes me the most is how everything I had learned and experienced in my diverse career journey before moving to Reno has proven to be incredibly valuable in the real estate industry.
What makes someone a good leader?
In my view, a good leader possesses a profound understanding of every aspect of their role and the business they lead. This understanding serves as the foundation upon which they build a vision for the company’s culture.
What did you think you were going to be as a kid?
As a child, my earliest ambitions were quite different from what I ultimately became. At one point, I aspired to be a professional skeet shooter, drawn to the idea of mastering the precision and skill required in this sport.
What do you love about your job?
What I truly love about my job is the opportunity to help people find a place where they can feel safe, nurture their families, establish friendships and acquire a substantial financial asset that appreciates over time. It’s an extraordinary experience for me, one that I cherish.
What advice do you have for someone at the beginning of their career?
At the start of your career, it’s not uncommon to explore fields that might not ultimately align with your long-term goals, and that’s perfectly okay. My advice is to approach each job with the commitment to be the best at it, regardless of whether it’s your dream job or just part of your journey to discover your true calling.
What do you want your legacy to be?
I aspire for my legacy to be a reflection of the values and qualities I hold dear. First and foremost, I hope to be remembered as a good person who made a positive impact on the lives of those around me. I want to be celebrated as a loving wife, a nurturing mother, a devoted grandmother, a loyal friend and a compassionate employer. Moreover, I aim to leave a legacy that emphasizes the importance of helping others, a responsibility we all share, and a gift we can give to our communities and the world.
Joe Lombardo
Governor
State of Nevada
Government
Primary Industry
Statewide
Principal Location
1976
Nevada Citizenship
The 31st Governor of Nevada, Joe Lombardo has committed his career to bettering Nevada. Lombardo was born in Japan and, as part of a military family, moved frequently. Eventually his father was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base where they made a home. Lombardo graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas before serving in the United States Army and the Nevada National Guard. He then joined the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) and simultaneously earned his Master of Science in Crisis Management from UNLV in 2006. After serving 26 years with the LVMPD, Lombardo was elected Sherriff of Clark County. He served two-terms as sheriff to Nevada’s largest county before being elected Governor in 2022.
What do you love about Nevada?
The diversity of its people. From Ely to Esmeralda, my favorite part of traveling across our great state is meeting my fellow Nevadans and hearing their unique stories and backgrounds.
What is surprising about your career path?
Something that often surprises people is that I’m originally an engineer by trade. I earned my engineering degree at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and I worked as an engineer once I graduated. While I liked engineering, I ultimately felt unfulfilled. Then, one night, I went on a ride along with a friend at the police department, and I immediately felt called to serve others in law enforcement. I applied to join LVMPD, got accepted, and never looked back. Nearly 25 years later, I was elected sheriff of Clark County – and it all started with a ride along.
How has your mentor shaped your leadership style?
I was lucky to grow up with a great mentor – my dad. My dad taught me the importance of leading from the front, and he instilled a deep sense of accountability in me.
What did you think you were going to be when you were a kid?
Growing up, I always wanted to be in the military like my dad, who served in the Air Force for over 30 years. I was honored to fulfill that dream by serving as an officer in the Army before going on to serve at Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
Why did you decide to run for office?
After serving at LVMPD for 25 years, I decided to run for sheriff because I wanted to continue my service to my community. I decided to run for governor because our state was headed in the wrong direction, and I knew I had the leadership and experience to get us back on track.
What do you hope for Nevada’s future?
I want Nevada to be one of the best states to live in, to work in, to learn in and to raise a family in. Our best and brightest days are ahead of us.
What advice do you have for someone considering a career in public service?
The best advice I could offer to someone considering a career in public service is to stay true to yourself. To me, staying true to yourself is leading with confidence, integrity and sincerity.
What do you want your legacy to be?
While reforming our state’s education system is my top priority, I also want to make meaningful and long-lasting progress in public safety and economic development initiatives. On a more personal level, my most important legacy is my relationship with my wonderful wife Donna, our children, and our grandchild.
M.J. Maynard
Chief Executive Officer
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Transportation
Primary Industry
Las Vegas
Principal Location
August 1980
Nevada Citizenship
“If not me, then who? If not now, then when?”
Serving as chief executive officer for the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Southern Nevada, M.J. Maynard previously worked in the hospitality industry for over 25 years. She’s been with RTC for 17 years and is considered a national leader in transportation. She has been a part of the American Public Transportation Association’s 25-member executive committee as well as on the board of directors for the Intelligent Transportation Society of America and Women’s Transportation Seminar International. In southern Nevada, Maynard is an active supporter of community nonprofits and has served on the board of Three Square and Hope for Prisoners, among others.
What do you love about Nevada?
I love the grit, glamour,and mystique that brings millions of tourists to our state. For those of us who live here, we embrace that uniqueness like a badge of honor and are passionate and determined. When we pull together as a community, we are unstoppable.
What surprises you most about your career path?
As professionals, we have a tendency to envision success in a particular chosen field, which can be limiting. I began my career pursuing my passion in hospitality. My vision was to be successful and retire from that industry. However, an unexpected opportunity led me to a second career. Taking a leap, I transferred my skills and embraced the transportation industry. I never once imagined early in my career that I would be in transportation or the CEO of a public agency.
What makes someone a good leader?
Good leaders understand that organizational success is rooted in their employees. Good leaders embrace their workforce and provide support, resources and opportunities for their team’s growth, enabling them to successfully deliver on behalf of the business or community.
What did you think you were going to be when you were a kid?
Growing up, due to difficult familial circumstances, life was challenging, so my vision of what I could be was somewhat limited. I was the only person in my family to graduate from college and from there I really started to believe I could do anything if I put my mind to it.
What advice has stuck with you over the years?
Never stop learning and challenging yourself. If you’re comfortable in your career, you may not be growing.
What do you love about your job?
I love that I work for an organization that strives to be the very best version of itself each and every day, and most importantly, on behalf of our customers and our community at large.
Why is community involvement important for a leader?
It’s all about taking action; it is this type of involvement that makes a community what it is. I’m guided by the motto “If not me, then who? If not now, then when?”
How does mentorship impact future leaders?
I’ve had the good fortune of managing hundreds of people throughout my career and I’m most proud of seeing those that I’ve mentored along the way excel and succeed.
Alan Molasky
Chief Executive Officer and Founder
Ovation Development Corporation
Real Estate
Primary Industry
Las Vegas
Principal Location
Battle Born
Nevada Citizenship
“Good decision-making takes time. Slow down. Be thoughtful. Do your research.”
Born and raised in Nevada, Alan Molasky was witness to the tremendous change his father, Irwin Molasky, was able to effect in Nevada with the Molasky Group of Companies. He became a partner in his father’s firm before eventually forging his own path with Pacific Properties and Development Corporation, Pacific Homes, Ovation Property Management and Winterwood Land Development Corporation. Ovation has since grown and has designed and built 36 multi-family communities in southern Nevada, which are valued at more than $1 billion. A philanthropist, Molasky also recognized a need for affordable housing in the region and has committed a portion of Ovation’s resources toward developing high-standard housing for those on fixed incomes.
What do you love about Nevada?
I love nature, so places like Lake Tahoe, Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, Lake Mead and Mt. Charleston are naturally, all my favorites. I also appreciate the fact that you can get from Las Vegas to just about anywhere on the west coast in an hour or two. And finally, despite our growing population, Nevada still feels like a small town. Its pro-business environment was created in part by people coming together to get things done. There is so much to love about the Silver State.
How has your mentor shaped your leadership style?
My father was an amazing mentor. I enjoyed endless opportunities to sit in his office and observe the way he conducted business. At a young age, I was struck by the fact that he spoke to everyone, first as a person, then as a business constituent. He always took a personal interest in others, and he made sure he fully understood an issue before making a decision.
What advice has stuck with you over the years?
Slow down and ask more questions if you need more information before making a decision. One should never feel pressured to make a quick decision, and I am known for taking my time, doing more research and making thoughtful and deliberate decisions. I believe that fact has served me and my company well.
What do you hope for your future?
I am very focused on the sustainability of buildings that we develop. When I was 18, I received a grant from HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) for a solar home, and ever since, I have been hooked on the idea of sustainability. Acknowledging the environmental impact of the buildings we live in, I am committed to reducing that impact while maintaining quality of life and aesthetics.
Why is it important to provide affordable housing?
This housing crisis has long-reaching and devastating impacts on society. In fact, a lack of affordable housing can lead to homelessness, which creates other significant issues for individuals, families, and communities. I highly value the fact that Ovation is a major player in southern Nevada that is tackling the problem by building not only an abundance of affordable housing, but affordable housing that is beautiful, comfortable and on-par with market-rate projects.
What do you want your legacy to be?
I am incredibly proud to have built so many homes and multifamily communities – both market-rate and affordable, that have changed peoples’ lives. I believe home is foundational to healthy individuals, families, and community. So, a legacy of building homes for Nevadans from all walks of life, is for me, the ultimate career capstone.
Phillip Ralston
President
American Nevada Company
Development/
Commercial Real Estate
Primary Industry
Henderson
Principal Location
Summer 1973
Nevada Citizenship
“Get out and see the world!”
Earning his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 1984, Phillip Ralston has seen the southern Nevada community change over the years. In 1992, he joined American Nevada Company (ANC) where he now serves as president. ANC has developed master-planned communities, including Green Valley, Seven Hills and Aliante. In addition to his history with ANC, Ralston stays involved in professional and community organizations. He’s a founding board member of Financial Executives International, Nevada chapter and has served on RTC, Southern Nevada Water Authority and Las Vegas Valley Water District stakeholder committees for two decades.
What do you love about Nevada?
I came to Las Vegas as a pre-teen. I have seen southern Nevada grow continuously since then. I love our state’s ability to attract businesses and people from everywhere, to make southern Nevada home.
What surprises you most about your career path?
I am surprised when I look back by the number of people with whom I have crossed paths, who have had some direct or indirect impact on my career and the choices I made to get here.
What did you think you were going to be when you were a kid?
I wasn’t the sort of kid that had a plan. When I went to college, I worked full time and encountered a person who was the CFO of a casino/hotel. He encouraged me, which resulted in my selection of an accounting major.
What advice has stuck with you over the years?
Seek out a positive mental attitude. It doesn’t happen by accident.
What do you love about your job?
Throughout my career, I have been surrounded by people who have been passionate about what they do. This resulted in good work environments where I have been able to pursue business goals in strong team environments.
How did American Nevada shape the Henderson area?
American Nevada has had a profound impact on the development and growth of Henderson (and southern Nevada). The development of Green Valley started in the ‘70s and was followed by Green Valley Ranch and Seven Hills in the ‘90s and early 2000s. Those developments totaled about 10,000 acres of residential and commercial development on what previously was moonscape.
Why is community involvement important for a leader?
So much of a company’s success is based on, or comes from, its community. It seems natural to turn around and act on my community’s behalf in an effort that doesn’t require a profit or personal gain.
What are your projections for commercial real estate in Nevada?
There are many sectors of commercial real estate in any market. They don’t always thrive or suffer at the same times. While each sector may experience challenges from time to time, I believe each will continue to be cyclical, and southern Nevada will continue to grow.
What do you want your legacy to be?
When my daughter, Erin, tells my story, I want her to be proud of what I was able to accomplish, and how I was able to accomplish it. I hope I can be an example for her to lead a happy, productive, prosperous life.
Brian Sandoval
President
University of Nevada, Reno
Education
Primary Industry
Reno
Principal Location
1970
Nevada Citizenship
“Be proud of the place you live, and live so that your place is proud of you.” – Abraham Lincoln
Currently serving as the 17th president of the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), Brian Sandoval is well known in the state of Nevada. In addition to being the first alumnus to serve as president of UNR, and the first person of Hispanic origin in the position, Sandoval was also the 29th governor of Nevada from 2011 to 2019. Sandoval graduated from UNR in 1986 with a degree in English. He went on to earn a Juris Doctor degree from the Ohio State University. Since becoming president of UNR in 2020, Sandoval has focused on long-term collaboration for the school to help it address
the state’s changing needs.
What do you love about Nevada?
The people. The people in all parts of our state. The people of Nevada carry a proud, confident pioneer spirit with them wherever they are, and whatever they do. And the geography. Nevada is simply the most beautiful place I’ve ever been.
What surprises you most about your career path?
All of it! I’ve been really blessed in my life. I’ve always felt that hard work, integrity, caring deeply about others and being a servant-leader has helped me throughout my career path and my life.
What makes someone a good leader?
It has to do with understanding that you are there to serve other people, and not to promote yourself. One of the real fundamental tenets of being a good leader is being a person that people can trust.
What did you think you were going to be when you were a kid?
When I was a little kid out in Sparks, I loved animals and was surrounded by sheep, chicken and cows. I was deeply involved with 4-H, and I wanted to be a veterinarian. As I grew a bit older, I wanted to be a teacher and coach. My brother (Ron) wanted to be a lawyer when he was younger. It’s ironic, because eventually I became a lawyer and my brother became a veterinarian.
What do you love about your job?
As president of the University, it’s being around students, because it gives me so much hope and optimism for the future. The students, and the ability to help Nevada are what I love about my job. I feel like all our students leave our campus and have an incredible impact on Nevada and our world. Our 5,000 graduates a year are 5,000 points of positive light for Nevada.
What advice has stuck with you over the years?
To be true to yourself. And to be willing to make the hard decisions, even if it would make people mad at you. Also, be proud of who you are and where you come from.
Why is community involvement important for a leader?
It feeds the soul. I used to have a saying that was on my desk as governor from Edward Everett Hale, “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And what I can do, I ought to do. And what I ought to do, I will do.”
How does mentorship impact future leaders?
You need not lead by example, but live your life by example. Throughout my life in public service, I’ve been accused of being “Mr. Nice Guy,” and I don’t apologize for that. There is this impression that nice people get run over. And it’s not that way. Being a nice person is analogous to being an honest person that people can trust with integrity – and those are the traits you need to be successful.
Par Tolles
Owner, Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Tolles Development
Real Estate
Primary Industry
Reno
Principal Location
1994
Nevada Citizenship
“Earn all you can, save all you can and give all you can.” – John Wesley
Par Tolles has a rich history in development in northern Nevada. He’s held leadership positions with Basin Street Properties, Dermody Properties, Trammell Crow Company and CBRE. In 2016, Tolles founded Tolles Development and now serves as owner, founder and chief executive officer of the company. Tolles Development is a multi-disciplinary development and management firm that works to build strong communities with properties ranging from office, retail and industrial uses. Tolles Management is also the largest third-party property management company in northern Nevada. In addition to his work building communities, Par is co-founder of the Village on Sage Street, a public/private transitional housing development, and serves on the Board of Directors for several nonprofits including Volunteers of America and Northern Nevada HOPES, among others.
What do you love about Nevada?
You can move the needle in Nevada. It is a state that rewards the hard-working and industrious. And, as important, you can snow ski, wakeboard, play golf and fly fish in the same day – find a state that can beat that!
To what do you attribute your success?
My four partners: Kyle Rea, David Mieding, Tyler Lantrip and Cory Hunt. I believe they are the best and the brightest young professionals in the business, I trust them emphatically and they will continue to shape Nevada in creative and inspiring ways for many decades to come.
How have your mentors shaped your leadership style?
I have been fortunate to have had many mentors in my life, but my dad had the longest impact. He ran a bank in Palo Alto for 40 years and when I started my career two blocks away, I had several people tell me to drive by the bank at 7:30 am– I did and there he was in a 3-piece suit with a leaf blower on his back… every morning. He was the epitome of a servant leader. Preston Butcher (Founder of Lincoln Property Company) is an icon in the business. He gave me my first opportunity, and has remained a consistent voice in my life. Trammell Crow is my industry hero.
What did you think you were going to be when you were a kid?
Ha, I wanted to be Jimmy Connors or James Taylor…. a weak backhand and a bad voice helped me find a real estate career.
What advice has stuck with you over the years?
Expect that 30 percent of your perfect job won’t be enjoyable. Even rockstars have to practice and professional athletes must train. If you love 70 percent, plus, of what you do, you are batting 1,000 percent. Learn to find meaning in the grind!
Why did you step in to help with homelessness in northern Nevada?
The evolution and inattention to mental health and addiction have become a clear and present danger that is eroding the fabric of our most vibrant cities. If you work in any western central business district and have a heart, it is very hard not to have it broken by what you will see daily.
What do you hope for your future?
That our company remains prudent but aggressive while creating thoughtful developments that contribute far more than their intended purpose.
What do you want your legacy to be?
That I was an integral part of the team in northern Nevada through compassion, but also accountability and provided a model for solving homelessness in the West.
Missy Young
Chief Information Officer
Switch
Technology
Primary Industry
Las Vegas
Principal Location
August 2005
Nevada Citizenship
“The only thing that matters at the end is how we treated people.”
Chief information officer at the world’s only exascale retail colocation ecosystem, Missy Young has been at the very forefront, and often times leading the charge, of innovation in the data center world. Switch, which began as the world’s most innovative data center has evolved and changed the game when it comes to cloud connectivity and technology. Young is responsible for driving the company to create a fundamental and sustainable change in the way clients implement intelligent data strategies. In addition to her work in technology, Young serves on the board for The Just One Project, FIRST Nevada Robotics and the Foundation Board of Opportunity Village, among others.
What do you love about Nevada?
I love that Nevada is still a small town in many ways. I love that I see people I know all over the place. I love how much of Nevada is still wilderness and I love how Las Vegas has grown!
To what do you attribute your success?
I took no shortcuts through the years of hard work to help build our company. I was fiercely loyal to our team and our mission. I intentionally worked to evolve myself as a leader.
What surprises you most about your career path?
I never thought I would be part of taking a company public and ringing the bell at the New York Stock Exchange! Such a cool moment in our history.
What makes someone a good leader?
A good leader sees herself as a servant to the team. A good leader plays the long game and make decisions based on what’s best for their people and for the company. A good leader also doesn’t take herself so seriously.
Who has been a mentor to you and how have they shaped your leadership style?
My boss, Rob Roy, has mentored me for 19 years and always inspired me to be better, to work smarter and to truly have empathy for others. He always showed faith in my ability to get things done, so I’ve tried to pass that faith along to others on our team.
What advice has stuck with you over the years?
True humility doesn’t mean thinking less of yourself, it means thinking of yourself less.
What did you think you were going to be when you were a kid?
I was going to lead a rebellion against the empire in space with a motley crew of outlaws, pilots and droids.
What do you love about your job?
I love the people I work with. Our company is the best in our industry which is always exciting, but it’s truly the joy of working with such wonderful people that I love the most.
How do you encourage young people to go into technology?
The data says that AI and robotics will eliminate 85 million jobs in the next 2-3 years, but it will create 93 million new jobs at the same time. Look for certifications and degrees in any subjects related to machine learning, data science, network engineering, cybersecurity, mechanical engineering, programming, etc.
Why is community involvement important for a leader?
A leader must be in touch with exactly how their company is impacting their community. The best way to do that is to get involved at the ground level.
How a Cohesive Payment Strategy Can Benefit Your Business
By PNC Bank
Improve treasury operations and client satisfaction by combining traditional payment types with new technology, such as immediate payments and intelligent payment routing.
As the payments ecosystem continues to evolve, accounting departments, treasurers, and other financial decision makers may find themselves questioning which payment types make sense for their business needs – or even which payment types are accessible to them. ACH, wire transfers, and checks are all standard payment methods that are common in business use today, and they can each be leveraged to meet specific business needs or demands. Add to the mix the growing list of immediate payment options, and the picture becomes more complex.
“Even as technology continues to change the payments landscape, it’s important to remember that newer payment types, such as direct-to-debit card payments and peer-to-peer payment options will be leveraged alongside traditional payments, such as ACH, wire, card, and even checks,” said Sarah Billings, senior vice president and head of Payments and International for PNC Treasury Management. “We now have a larger toolbox for payments with new and better options to improve experience and efficiency.”
The need for accuracy and efficiency in payment processes becomes especially clear when considering the limited size of most companies’ accounting or treasury teams. According to a survey PNC Bank commissioned jointly with GTreasury, 70% of treasury departments have five or fewer team members and are already stretched to manage operational processes. While there may be opportunities to make use of the full payment solution spectrum – ACH, wire, check and immediate payments – these teams may lack the bandwidth to assess the options and change payment processing flows.
This is where financial institutions can step in to do the heavy lifting, according to Denette Suddeth, PNC Regional President and head of Commercial Banking for Nevada. “A knowledgeable banking professional understands the intricacies of payment processes and can simplify how businesses approach solutions to be most effective,” said Suddeth.
At PNC, this process takes place through Intelligent Routing, a service that automatically determines the most suitable payment method to address individual payment scenarios based on factors such as delivery time, cost, or other requirements that a business might specify. Intelligent routing, which won the Celent Model Bank 2023 Award for Payments Processing, allows payments to be sent via wire transfer, Same Day ACH, traditional next-day ACH, and real-time payment (RTP®), and it also provides information back to the business about how each payment was processed, providing confidence and transparency for the payer.
“Solutions like Intelligent Routing reflect the increasingly digital nature of business and the growing expectation for streamlined, automated business processes,” said Billings. “Leveraging technology or financial partners to decision the appropriate payment method provides businesses with more opportunity to explore strategic business opportunities and even evaluate how emerging payment methods, such as immediate payments, can drive business efficiencies and results.”
For instance, while the growth of immediate payments is on the rise – in July 2023, The Clearing House’s RTP network completed its 500 millionth transaction and the Federal Reserve launched its FedNow Service – some businesses have yet to integrate it into their operations, whether because they think that doing so will add complexity to their payments processes, or because they don’t fully understand how to incorporate immediate payments into their broader strategy.
“We’ve found that while businesses are interested in the benefits of immediate payments, they’re not sure how to integrate it into their current payment processes,” said Denette Suddeth, PNC Regional President and head of Commercial Banking for Nevada. “We at PNC can assist with incorporating immediate payments into current processes, helping to ensure a smooth transition.”
PNC is here to help you with your payments strategy to improve business processes and drive performance. For more information, contact Denette Suddeth, PNC Regional President and head of Commercial Banking for Nevada, at denette.suddeth@pnc.com.
PNC is a registered mark of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (“PNC”). © 2023 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved.