Face to Face - April 2003

Face to Face

Name: Marvin Miller  

Title: Vice President  

Company: Burke & Associates General Contractors  

Type of Business: General contractors, builders of hotels, schools, retail and industrial buildings  

Location: Las Vegas  

Years in Nevada: 11 years  

Managing the growth of the firm. We have grown so much that we face challenges in finding enough qualified people to serve our established clients and our diverse new client base at the high standards we set for ourselves. We try to control the market instead of letting the market control us, but it hasn’t been easy.

I spend a lot of time in the community, handling public relations, community affairs, charity events and government issues. This position allows me to meet a diverse group of people, from presidents of major corporations to the trade workers on our construction projects. I have been blessed with many friends from very different backgrounds.

Most of my free time is spent with my wife, Judge Jessie Walsh. When we aren’t busy, I do love a game of golf.

I want to be remembered as a man who treated everyone with respect.

Listen to the needs of others. You just may learn how to be a better person.

Name: Felicia Record O'Carroll

Title: Shareholder

Company: Kafoury, Armstrong & Co.

Type of Business: Certified Public Accountant

Location: Reno

Years in Nevada: 49

Years with Company: 26

My biggest business challenge was learning to balance the responsibilities of being a single parent with the responsibilities of being a shareholder at Kafoury, Armstrong & Co. As the first female partner elected, I wanted to make sure I carried my own weight. I soon learned that at Kafoury, Armstrong & Co. everyone helps one another, so I didn’t have to do it alone.

Public accounting is an ever-changing field. The tax laws are continually changing, as are the professional standards that govern audit and attest services. Because my practice includes both tax and audit/consulting components, I am constantly learning new things. This ensures that I don’t get bored. Also, the diversity of my client base gives me the

opportunity to interact with some of the most remarkable people in the community.

I have a 15-year old son who has always been very committed to sports, especially baseball. Being active in his interests has been a prime focus of mine. Baseball, golf and travel have more than managed to keep us busy.

I would hope my legacy would be a testament to the fact that women can successfully raise a family and manage a business at the same time. It’s all about believing in yourself.

Favorite Business Book (title and author): How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie. The book had a tremendous impact on my life.

Enjoy what you do. If you don't enjoy what you do, you’ll never be able to give it your best – and clients deserve your best. If you aren’t happy with your job, try something else.