Face to Face - December 2002

Face to Face

Name: Leslie G. Parraguirre

Title: President  

Company: Colours, Inc.  

Location: Las Vegas  

Years in Nevada: Lifelong  

Years with Firm: 14  

Type of Business:

 Interior Design, with varied projects including custom estate properties, model home merchandising, medical/office, restaurants and bars, retail spaces.  

Biggest Business Challenge:

Having clients who are happy and an amazing staff of creative (if not hysterical) individuals who make it all worthwhile.

I travel to the beach and mountains, always with my girls, husband and Grammy Wanda.

That the work I do on behalf of the children in this community makes a difference in their futures. I have volunteered my design services for several projects at Child Haven, including the Agassi Center for Education, and also did the interiors for the Andre Agassi charter school.

Best Business Advice:

Never forsake your family time, never forget to pray and give thanks every day. Growth and development may be painful, but they are always part of the process.  

Name: Jim Miller  

Title: President and CEO  

Company:  Washoe Health System  

Type of Business:  Inpatient and outpatient healthcare services  

Location:  Reno  

Years in Nevada: 48  

Years with Company:  19  

Biggest Business Challenge: Certainly, meeting the growing healthcare needs of our growing community, in terms of physical facilities, technology and employee recruitment and retention, presents an ongoing challenge. This challenge is all the greater in an economy where people want to pay less for more.

I am energized by leading an organization that offers expert, quality patient care and the most advanced technology in a compassionate, caring environment.

A high priority is spending time with my family. I am also involved in community service efforts through serving on a number of boards.

What Would You Like Your Legacy to Be?

 To make a meaningful, long-term difference in our community by providing a great place for our patients to receive care and a great place for our employees to work.  

Favorite Business Book:

Good to Great – Why Some Companies Make the Leap … and Others Don’t, by Jim Collins  

Best Business Advice:

Our customers are our greatest asset – they are our purpose for being here. If we hire employees who embrace our purpose as their own, we match employees’ talents to their jobs, and we mentor so employees can do what they do best every day, our customers’ needs will be met or exceeded and we will fulfill our purpose.