Face to Face - February 2002

Face to Face

Name: Carlos V. Duno

Title: CEO  

Company: Clean Fuels Technology, Inc. (CFT)  

Type of Business:

Alternative fuels. A-55 Clean Fuels are emulsions of oil and water that meet government mandates for lower oxides of nitrogen and particulate matter emissions.  

Location: Reno  

Years in Nevada: 10  

Years with Company: 1  

Biggest Business Challenge:

In all my years in business, the biggest challenges have come from working to stay competitive and innovative, never being static and complacent. With CFT, I am excited by the prospect of growing a business from the ground up, transforming a small company with a dynamic, promise-laden technology into a successful, fully commercialized firm with a global reach.  

What do you like best about your job?

At CFT, I have the opportunity to work with a new product that has the potential to benefit all of us by reducing harmful air pollution and helping provide cleaner, breathable air for Nevadans and all people. The best benefit is knowing that what you do helps make life better for others. Along with this, I also have the privilege of working with a great team of individuals who are dedicated to making this product a success.  

How do you spend your time when you’re not working?

I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, exercising and listening to classical music.  

What would you like your legacy to be?

 I am not so concerned with my own personal legacy as much as ensuring that CFT is a strong, solid, successful company that can offer beneficial products to a worldwide market. If I am remembered at all, I would hope that it would be as a person who helped inspire and bring out the best in his employees, and whose leadership provided a viable and strong foundation for continued, future success.

Favorite Business Book:

The Fifth Discipline, by Peter M. Senge

Best Business Advice:

Nothing in the world is difficult if one sets one’s mind to it.

Name: Cliff Miller

Title: President/COO  

Company: M.J. Christiansen Diamond Centers  

Type of Business: Fine jewelry, with four retail locations in Southern Nevada  

Location: Las Vegas  

Years in Nevada: 1 1/2  

Years with Company: 1 1/2  

Biggest Business Challenge:

Building a company from scratch. In 1997, I started a new venture in Louisville, Ky. Revenues went from zero to $44 million in two years, with 42 stores, plus a staff and infrastructure suitable to drive 100 stores.  

What do you like best about your job?

Retail presents a new challenge and a clean slate each and every day. There is no "free time" – your mind is constantly engaged.

How do you spend your time when you’re not working?

 I spend time with my family and when opportunity presents, I love to golf.  

What would you like your legacy to be?

 To have had a positive impact on as many individuals as possible. I would also like to be viewed as an honest, trustworthy competitor and leader.

Favorite Business Book:

The Art of War, by Sun Tzu  

Best Business Advice:

 Work hard, work smart and surround yourself with individuals who are driven to succeed.

Name: Bob Kasner

Title: Senior Vice President

Company: Paragon Asset Management Co.

Type of Business: Investment advisors

Location: Henderson

Years in Nevada: 24

Years with Company: 5

Biggest Business Challenge:

 Helping potential clients overcome their fear of making changes.

What do you like best about your job?

I like working for myself. I enjoy helping businesses increase their profits in a quantifiable way, and it’s rewarding to help individuals invest their money safely and provide the income they need. I also have enough time to volunteer for many charitable committees.

How do you spend your time when you’re not working?

 Most days I exercise for an hour or two. I do volunteer work. I enjoy dining out, attending sporting events, playing golf and reading.

What would you like your legacy to be?

That I was able to help many other people live better lives.

Favorite Business Book:

Den of Thieves, by James B. Stewart

Best Business Advice:

Keep in touch with your current clients and treat them at least as well as when you were first pursuing them to get their business. Continue seeking new clients as long as the service you provide does not deteriorate.

Name: Samm Owens

Title: President and Broker

Company: Countrywide Commercial Investments, Inc.

Type of Business: A Las Vegas-based commercial real estate brokerage firm specializing in land sales and acquisitions.

 Location: Las Vegas

Years in Nevada: 30

Years with Company: 10

Biggest Business Challenge:

Starting my own real estate company when I was the only broker. I used to worry that no one would call, but fortunately, that never happened.

What do you like best about your job:

The best part of my job has been experiencing the growth of Las Vegas from a small town into a global city. I feel privileged to help people involved with the development of Las Vegas accomplish their goals.

How do you spend your time when you’re not working:

I enjoy traveling, reading, spending time with my family and cooking with my grandchildren.

What would you like your legacy to be:

 Managing to be successful in business while also balancing time to raise a good family. I’ve always tried to do what’s best for my business and my family and instill values in my children and grandchildren to positively influence their lives.

Favorite business book:

Common Stocks – Uncommon Profits, by Phil Fisher

 Best Business Advice:

Set high standards and never compromise.