Name: Kristin McMillan
Title: President/Managing Shareholder
Company: Hale Lane
Type of Business: Full-service law firm with offices in Las Vegas, Reno and Carson City.
Location: Las Vegas
Years in Nevada : 20
Years with Company: 8
Biggest Business Challenge:
In a market where business is thriving, it is a challenge to constantly think and plan strategically for the future. This is particularly true in the business of law, where short-term results and rewards are often the main focus.
How do you spend your time when you’re not working?
I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, traveling, food- and wine-tasting. In the community, I have been involved with Las Vegas soccer programs for over 10 years, as a fundraiser and “Mom” to two active soccer players. I am also active in the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce.
What is your most memorable case?
While I find my current work with regulatory issues interesting, I go back to a case that reminds me of the positive impact lawyers can have on individual lives. I represented an elderly woman who had been placed in a senior group home by her conservator due to her age and memory loss. It was an undesirable environment and she yearned to return to the home she had shared with her late husband. In court, when she was cross-examined to test her memory, she was asked, “Do you know your lawyer’s name?” She thought for a few moments, then announced loudly, “My lawyer is Kristin.” From then on, she touched the hearts of everyone in the courtroom. The judge allowed her to return to her beloved home, with proper care, to enjoy the last days of her life.
Favorite Business Book : Good to Great, by Jim Collins
Best Business Advice : Discipline is the key to success.
Name: Jerry M. Airola
Title: President
Company: Silver State Helicopters
Type of Business: Helicopter service company, including law enforcement, firefighting, tours, charter, film and flight academy.
Location: North Las Vegas and eight locations throughout Southwest
Years in Nevada: 9
Years with Company: 5
Biggest Business Challenge:
Finding the right people to hire and train. We developed a flight academy to allow us to hire and train local people rather than hire pilots from other states and countries. We also have two training facilities in Utah, two in Arizona and four in California.
What do you like best about your job?
Every day is different. The opportunities are endless. I enjoy traveling between our offices because there are such cultural differences between the various locations. And, of course, flying helicopters is the ultimate thrill. It’s physically and mentally challenging every day. There’s no such thing as conquering the profession – there’s always room to change and grow.
How do you spend your time when you’re not working?
With my family. I have a close relationship with my immediate and extended family and I enjoy activities with them. I have seven children, with one more on the way, so there is always some school or outside event to attend. My daughters are involved in rodeo competions and dance, and my sons participate in various sports.
Of the different tours you conduct, which is your favorite?
The Red Rock area. It is an affordable tour, and it is beautiful. We see the best of the Red Rock area wildlife and never lose sight of the Strip. In fact, the tour ends with a flight up the Strip.
Favorite Business Book:
Passion, Profit and Power, by Marshall Sylver.
Best Business Advice:
First, be 100 percent committed to everything you do. Second, always reserve the right to change your mind.