Q: What is the biggest challenge facing Las Vegas in the next five years? A: Taking advantage of the current strong economy while also planning for economic downturns or a potential recession.
When the recession hit there were many qualified workers who left and have not returned. In the construction industry, and specifically my industry, as an underground utility contractor, we are faced with the challenge of locating and fostering talent that is a fit for the work we do. I am hopeful that with our current growth in Southern Nevada we will be able to attract a new wave of construction talent.
Education is one of our biggest challenges. Las Vegas is one of the largest public-school systems and one of the weakest. Change is required to strengthen our public education.
I have been thinking a lot about how we start building the seeds for the success at a younger age. While it will take more than five years, we need to start this process to our primary schools. I believe that we need to develop programs, habits and paths as early as possible for the next generation, so they are equipped to compete in the tomorrow’s economy.
Q: What is the biggest challenge facing Las Vegas in the next five years? A: Thousands of young people are preparing to enter the workforce or seek higher education in the next five years. Are we really doing enough to prepare them for that? We would do well to consider the consequences of their lack of preparation.
Q: What are you reading? A: About a year ago, I ran across Simon Sinek’s interview on “Millennials in the Workplace.” After that, I heard his 2009 TED Talk “Start with Why.” I’m now reading the book, which explores the foundation of passionate leadership and dissects the motivation behind organizations and executives that succeed and inspire loyalty when other similar situated leaders and companies fail.
Q: How do you decompress after a hard week? A: We have a swimming pool for the first time, so I have been enjoying floating with an upward view of the sky and palm trees, and listening the sounds of the birds and waterfalls. It is so meditative, hypnotic and restorative.
Q: What is the biggest challenge facing Southern Nevada? A: The lack of affordable housing for those living at or below the poverty line. As downtown has become gentrified and old hotel and motels turned into condos and boutique hotels it’s becoming difficult for those who rely on disability or social security to find affordable housing. As a result, the homeless problem is getting worse here.
Q: How do you decompress after a long week? A: Riding is obviously up there, or I like to go boating on the lake in the summer. However, I also love to work in our shop on our personal vehicles, doing everything from upgrading and maintaining what we drive on the streets to maintaining and prepping the off-road equipment and toys.