Name: Micki Johnson
Title: Executive Director
Company: Southern Nevada Chapter of National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP)
Type of Business: Commercial real estate trade organization. NAIOP represents the interests of commercial developers, encourages interactions between real estate professionals and enhances the public’s and public officials’ awareness of the importance of commercial real estate.
Years in Nevada: 17
Years with Company: Position was created July 1, 2000
Biggest Business Challenge:
My ongoing challenge is to continue to promote NAIOP’s interests, both in Nevada and in Washington, DC. Before the position of executive director was created, with the president and officers changing every year, there was no sense of continuity in our relationships with the public and with public officials. Now I am using my network of contacts to build relationships with politicians, government staff and the press. It’s gratifying to pick up the phone to call an elected official and have that person recognize my name and take the call.
Greatest Professional Accomplishment:
Becoming the first executive director for the Southern Nevada Chapter of NAIOP.
Worst Failure:
Not listening to the warnings of my inner voice.
Most Valuable Lesson Learned:
My years of business experience have taught me two main things: to be a good listener and to always keep my word.
Company Goals:
Our mission statement is to represent and promote quality commercial development in Southern Nevada. NAIOP’s goal is to become the premier commercial real estate organization in the state.
Best Business Advice:
Surround yourself with the very best people; then trust their opinions and let them do their jobs. If you can find someone to be your replacement, then you can move on to bigger and better things.
Name: Krys T. Bart
Title: Executive Director
Company: Airport Authority of Washoe County (AAWC)
Type of Business: AAWC owns and operates Reno/Tahoe International Airport and Reno Stead Airport.
Years in Nevada: 2
Years with Company: 2
Biggest Business Challenge:
Merging a private sector business approach into a highly regulated public (and often politically influenced) environment. Airports present a business case to airlines regarding the business climate of the airport, but they are restricted by federal law from marketing the community. The airport is dependent on other community entities to work together for air service/community marketing. Merging the air service expectations of the community with the reality of the airport role is very challenging.
Greatest Professional Accomplishment:
Bringing nationally recognized professionals together to form a highly motivated and unified team.
Worst Failure:
After successfully negotiating a public-private partnership to develop an 18-hole golf course, the project could not be built because underground environmental contamination was discovered. This was a loss to the airport, which owned the land, and to community residents who were anxious for another golf course. It was also a personal defeat for me.
Most Valuable Lesson Learned:
Good business decisions don’t just happen. They require data and an understanding of your operating environment. Finally, you must have the fortitude and personal energy to stick with what makes sense.
Company Goals:
To provide exceptional air service and customer service to support the diverse needs of Northern Nevada.
Best Business Advice:
Surround yourself with people who have skills that complement your own, empower them to do their best, and make them part of the decision process.
Name: Chuck Alvey
Title: President and CEO
Company: Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN)
Type of Business: A private, non-profit organization promoting the economic development of Washoe County
Years in Nevada: 10
Years with Company: 2
Biggest Business Challenge:
Overcoming the negative image of the Reno area. Many outsiders think of Reno as a Wild West town, the divorce capital, with gambling and prostitution on every corner. Some think it’s a suburb of Las Vegas, or that we are in a hot, dry desert. I also have to deal with a negative Reno self-image – many residents don’t appreciate what the area has to offer.
Greatest Professional Accomplishment:
I’m proud to have played a part in bringing major companies to the area, especially Overhead Door Company, because I was involved in that from the first meetings to the final ribbon-cutting.
Worst Failure:
I’ve learned not to dwell on my mistakes and failures, but one disappointment I’ve had was not getting a particular jet manufacturer to locate here. We really tried with that company, but just couldn’t pull it together.
Most Valuable Lesson Learned:
Be fair, honest and forthright. If you have a problem or issue with someone, tell that individual about it and see if it can be resolved instead of talking behind his or her back or complaining to other people. The direct but polite approach is always best.
Company Goals:
To build prosperity for Washoe County by diversifying the economy. While we are growing, we also want to keep our small-town feel.
Best Business Advice:
Find a goal, follow through on it, keep on target and don’t give up.
Name: Paul Dykstra
Title: President and CEO
Company: GES Exposition Services
Type of Business: Las Vegas-based general services contractor for the exposition and trade show industry
Years in Nevada: 7 months
Years with Company: 1
Biggest Business Challenge:
Hiring and retaining great people, what we call our “A players.” We need to remember not to take people for granted, and to create discernible differences between our company as an employer and other companies, so that people will want to stay.
Greatest Professional Accomplishment:
I left a sister company of GES to come here, and when I left, a majority of the senior executives were people I had hired and helped train. It felt good to know I had chosen great people who could handle things without me.
Worst Failure:
In the ’90s, I was in a financial role in a company that had a number of issues and lots of turmoil. I tried to do more than I physically could handle, and really got burned out. It turned out for the best, because it led to an opportunity to move out of finance into a different position, which eventually prepared me for upper management. I also learned that I couldn’t do it all myself, and that it’s important to work as a team.
Most Valuable Lesson Learned:
In today’s world, a company is only as good as its weakest link, so be sure to surround yourself with the best people.
Company Goals:
To create a value-driven organization, to provide consistently high-quality service, to foster an environment in which risk-taking is not only welcomed but expected.
Best Business Advice:
Surround yourself with great people, set mutually agreed-on “stretch” goals for the team, and then get out of their way and let them pursue the goals.
