Face to Face - March 2002

Face to Face

Name: Kathy Smith

Title: President

Company: VPoint Engineering

Type of Business: Master-planning, surveys, civil engineering, mapping, construction staking

Location: Henderson, Reno

Years in Nevada: Native Nevadan

Years with Company: 8

Diversification in the market. VPoint’s reputation has historically been in the private development market; obtaining zoning entitlements, engineering and surveying for the major developments in Nevada. With the addition of our Reno office in 1997, VPoint became one of the top firms for water distribution system design engineering in the state, also acting as street and utility manager for public entities.

It’s not just a job to me - it is a way of life. I truly enjoy every day, dealing with private clients, entities and my employees. Not to say that things don’t get very hectic, but I feel blessed that I work with such great people.

It’s hard to define when I am and am not working. I enjoy lunches, and after-hours with clients and agency personnel. On weekends I spend time with my daughter and boyfriend riding horses and hiking. Those are the two things that really ground me as to what’s important.

That I am a good leader of a top-notch planning, engineering and surveying firm who learns and takes action by listening to her employees, clients, friends and the changing marketplace.

Favorite Business Book:

I don’t read business books. I learned how to run a business at a very early age from my father and brother who had a construction company. My favorite book is Seat of the Soul, by Gary Zukav.

Listen very carefully to other business people, employees and colleagues, and determine for yourself the future market and your course of action.

Name: Brad Mishlove

Title: CEO

Company: Landscape Services, Inc.

Type of Business: Landscape contractor specializing in working for large developers and commercial contractors.

Location: Las Vegas

Years in Nevada: 12

Years with Company: 10

Biggest Business Challenge:

Developing the workforce to meet our company’s high standards of customer service and commitment. It is also a challenge to predict how our industry will look in five years and in 10 years - I’m sure we will be doing things differently.

I enjoy meeting people, working with some great companies and getting involved in interesting projects. It is also satisfying to work with our local charities.

Playing with my 3-year-old daughter, spending family time, exercising and reading.

I would like to help other entrepreneurs run their businesses better, and assist those who have great ideas, but are afraid to start their own business.

Friday (payday) comes every week. 2. You are only as good as your worst employee.