In this episode of Connect Vegas, host Ben Laifsky sits down with Pete Radd, a multi-talented Las Vegas musician, jingle producer, and recording artist. Pete shares his journey from performing piano at the Bellagio to producing iconic jingles heard across the nation. He dives into the lasting power of a great jingle in a modern media landscape, the art of collaborating with clients, and the exciting evolution of his career into recording relaxing piano music now available on all major platforms. Along the way, Pete offers thoughtful insights into marketing, branding, and the magic of combining audio and strategy to create lasting impressions.

Highlights

• Pete’s career journey: From live pianist to studio producer and recording artist
• The strategic role jingles play in modern marketing campaigns
• Why mid-sized markets are driving jingle demand today
• How Pete collaborates with clients to craft the perfect jingle
• Examples of jingles Pete created for UNLV Tickets, Glenn Lerner Injury Attorneys, and Findlay Chevrolet
• The art of embedding phone numbers and websites into jingles
• Why visual presentation is crucial even for audio branding
• Pete’s views on how Las Vegas has evolved since the 1980s
• Favorite Las Vegas organizations and networking groups
• Advice on personal branding and social media posting
• Pete’s recommendation of Linchpin by Seth Godin as a must-read for creating career value

In this episode of the Connect Vegas Podcast, host Ben Laifsky sits down with James Richey, founder of JouleFit, a revolutionary fitness technology company based in Las Vegas. James shares his journey from mechanical engineering to entrepreneurship, and how he combined his lifelong passion for fitness, robotics, and data science to create a smarter, faster, and safer way to work out. Together, they discuss JouleFit's mission to transform fitness through AI-driven, robotic equipment — and how their ambitious plan could influence health outcomes on a global scale.

If you’ve ever wished you could get a full-body workout in just 15 minutes (without even breaking a sweat), this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

• What JouleFit Offers:
  • A spa-like fitness studio with facial recognition
  • Robotic machines that automatically adjust to each user's body
  • 15-minute, data-driven workouts requiring only two sessions a week
• The Science Behind It:
  • Real-time force matching with robotic actuators (no weights)
  • 50,000+ data points collected during each workout
  • Gamified experience tracking your personal best performance
• James’s Background:
  • Grew up in Indiana without TV, focused on outdoor activities and reading
  • Mechanical engineering career combined with lifelong love of sports
  • Inspiration from Body by Science by Dr. Doug McGuff
• Vision for JouleFit:
  • Opening flagship locations in Las Vegas
  • Building 10,000 locations over the next 10 years
  • Collecting massive health and wellness data sets to optimize personal fitness and health outcomes
• JouleFit's Unique Approach:
  • Suitable for busy professionals, older adults, and athletes
  • Eliminates intimidation of traditional gyms
  • Focus on safe, injury-free training even for seniors
• Las Vegas Insights:
  • Growth of the tech and biotech community in Las Vegas
  • Favorite local spots like Red Rock Canyon and top networking groups like Fusion 42 and Tech Alley

In this episode of the Connect Vegas Podcast, host Ben Laifsky sits down with Adam Lopez, an experienced IT professional and the President of CMIT Solutions of Las Vegas. Adam shares insights into cybersecurity, small business tech needs, and his mission to make IT approachable for everyone—from large enterprises to everyday users. With a background in casino IT and a passion for community education, Adam is working to shape the future of cybersecurity and IT training in Las Vegas.

Listeners will walk away with a better understanding of modern cybersecurity threats, actionable ways to protect their business, and an appreciation for how local IT providers like CMIT Solutions are supporting Southern Nevada’s business landscape.

Key Topics Covered:

• CMIT Solutions Overview: Local managed service provider offering IT helpdesk, cybersecurity, and endpoint monitoring for SMBs and larger clients.
• Cybersecurity Challenges: Common threats like phishing, smishing, and QR scams; why people are the weakest link in security.
• Affordable Protection: Preventative tools like EDR and multi-factor authentication—even basic plans for as low as $19.99/month.
• Security Operations Center (SOC) Vision: Adam’s plan to build a nonprofit SOC/SIEM in Las Vegas focused on training and youth development.
• Background in Casino IT: 20+ years in major gaming companies like Caesars, Hard Rock, and Golden Entertainment.
• Education and Community Impact: Collaborations with Tech Impact, LVEP, and veterans’ organizations to train and place new IT talent.
• Proactive IT Philosophy: Moving from break/fix to preventative care, with a strong focus on local customer service.
• Business Ownership Journey: Transition from corporate roles to building his own CMIT franchise and lessons learned from entrepreneurship.
• Favorite Local Recommendations: Meals at Viva Zapatas and North Italia, city views from Foundation Room and Sunset Road, and appreciation for Las Vegas’s fast-paced growth.

Key Quotes:

• “Unfortunately, we’re always the pound of cure. People often call us after something has already gone wrong.”
• “Phishing is still the number one threat—but smishing and QR phishing are growing fast.”
• “Vegas is still a small town. We all know someone in every industry. It makes this city special.”
• “Customer service is number one. We’re not here for a dollar—we’re here to be your partner.”
• “Opportunities don’t just happen. You create them through hard work, perseverance, and lifting others as you rise.”
• “Training and education are the cheapest—and best—ways to prevent cyber attacks.”
• “It’s okay to ask questions. IT shouldn’t be intimidating. Questions are free.”
• “We’re trying to stop these SOCs from going offshore by building talent here in Las Vegas.”

This episode of the Connect.Vegas Podcast, hosted by Ben Laifsky, features a conversation with Jay Vickers, Chief Operating Officer of the UNLV Sports Innovation Institute. The discussion highlights the pivotal role of the Institute in Las Vegas’ growth as a global sports and entertainment capital.

Key Highlights:

1. Overview of UNLV Sports Innovation Institute:
   • Serves as a hub for research, collaboration, and education in the sports industry.
   • Facilitates internships and partnerships with major sports organizations like the Raiders, UFC, and Golden Knights.
   • Hosts events like SEIcon to foster innovation, collaboration, and deal-making in sports.
   • Initiatives like the SPEED Lab (Sports Performance Education Economic Development) bring mobile education and resources to underserved communities.
2. Notable Achievements:
   • Collaboration with Syracuse University and other entities for impactful research.
   • Hosting a groundbreaking fully paid internship program for the Super Bowl Host Committee, enabling students to gain invaluable hands-on experience.
   • Catalyst Grant Program, reinvesting nearly $1M in research and innovation at UNLV.
3. Las Vegas as a Philanthropic and Sports Hub:
   • Celebrates Las Vegas’ transformation into the sports and entertainment capital of the world.
   • Emphasizes the city’s small-town values and strong philanthropic community.
4. Jay’s Personal Journey:
   • From growing up in Thomasville, GA, and Tallahassee, FL, to earning a scholarship at Notre Dame.
   • Transitioned from corporate roles to higher education and sports innovation.
   • Advocates for broadening awareness of diverse career opportunities in sports beyond playing and coaching.
5. Leadership Insights:
   • Stresses the importance of mentorship, continuous learning, and empathy.
   • Incorporates core values—Heart: Hardworking, Excellence with Integrity, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork—into his leadership style.
6. Future Goals:
   • Plans to impact healthcare through athletic care initiatives.
   • Committed to furthering student and community opportunities in sports and innovation.

In this episode, host Ben Laifsky interviews Leah Martin, a prominent business attorney and principal of Leah Martin Law. Leah shares her professional journey, insights into business law, her love for networking, and her personal interests. With offices in Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Reno, Leah’s firm specializes in supporting businesses at all stages, from formation to growth and litigation. She also highlights her passion for helping businesses succeed through tailored legal strategies.

The conversation dives into Leah’s upbringing, career development, and love for hiking and reading, as well as her involvement in community organizations and networking groups. The episode balances professional advice with personal anecdotes, making it a valuable listen for business owners and professionals alike.

Highlights

Professional Insights

• Business Law Services: Leah’s firm handles business formation, licensing, contracts, trademarks, estate planning, and litigation.
• Client Relationships: The firm values collaboration, working closely with clients to tailor solutions to their unique needs.
• Contracts Matter: Leah emphasizes the importance of well-drafted contracts to avoid costly litigation.
• Common Misconceptions: Business attorneys aren’t just for bad news—they are crucial for growth and strategic planning.

Personal Background

• Early Life: Leah grew up in small towns in Indiana and Nevada, fostering creativity and independence.
• Career Path: Inspired by books like those by John Grisham, Leah pursued law but shifted from environmental law to business law after exploring various legal fields.
• Hiking Enthusiast: Leah enjoys hikes in the Las Vegas area, citing Lone Mountain and River Mountain Trail as favorites.
• Avid Reader: Leah recommends books like The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod and Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell to inspire productivity and balance.

Networking and Community

• Active Networker: Leah is involved in chambers of commerce, including Leadership Henderson, which she credits for deep professional and personal connections.
• Nonprofit Support: She praises organizations like Project Marilyn and the CARE Complex for their impactful community work.

Personal Philosophy

• Leah encourages taking action toward goals, advocating for incremental steps to achieve success.

Highlights:

• Introduction to Blackfire Innovation: Nicole describes Blackfire as a laboratory and showroom for cutting-edge technology in hospitality, gaming, and entertainment. Established through a partnership between UNLV and Caesars Entertainment, it showcases innovations from both major companies like LG and T-Mobile and UNLV students.
• Key Facilities and Programs:
  • SBDC: Nevada Small Business Development Center offers free confidential advising for small businesses.
  • Rebel Forge: A startup incubator for UNLV students, helping them launch their own businesses.
  • Makerspace: Supports small businesses preparing for trade shows and provides tools for prototyping.
• Profile of Blackfire’s Tenants: Focus on businesses innovating in hospitality, gaming, or entertainment, with examples like robotic cleaning solutions and immersive gaming tables.
• Unique Events and Partnerships:
  • Nevada Hotel & Lodging Association Expo: Annual event at Blackfire featuring innovations in hotel and lodging technology.
  • Demo Days: Events focused on showcasing a specific technology, with Brylon’s immersive display and robotics panel featuring LG and other companies.
  • Pitch Mayhem and Speed Networking: Regular events at Blackfire for startups, including pitch competitions and networking with industry professionals.
  • Capital Equity Symposium: Upcoming event dedicated to startup funding, addressing Nevada's need for more capital investment opportunities.
• Nicole’s Background: Born and raised in Henderson, Nicole shares her journey from aspiring child actor to her role in UNLV's Office of Economic Development.
• Personal Insights and Advice:
  • Favorite Books: Tuesdays with Morrie and Oh, the Places You’ll Go as reminders of life’s journey and balance.
  • Philosophy on Life: “Life is about choices”—advice from her father that guides her career and personal growth.

In this episode of Connect.Vegas, host Ben Laifsky speaks with Jeanette Jones, founder of Cottrill Research, about her fascinating work in competitive intelligence and market research. Jeanette, a professional librarian and researcher, shares insights into how she helps companies stay competitive in an increasingly complex data-driven world. Her journey from setting up corporate libraries at major institutions like Arthur Andersen and Bank One to founding her own research firm illustrates her deep expertise in gathering and analyzing business-critical information.

Jeanette talks about the evolution of research, from the days of printed binders to the vast and often overwhelming amount of online information available today. She explains how Cottrill Research stands out by providing clients with valuable, authoritative insights that are not easily found using standard research tools. Jeanette’s work focuses on competitive intelligence and supply market research, and she emphasizes the importance of understanding the credibility of information sources in today’s media landscape.

The conversation also touches on her early life, growing up in Marietta, Ohio, her career path, and her current love for Las Vegas, where she and her husband moved in 2010.

In this episode of the Connect.Vegas podcast, host Ben Laifsky interviews Kirsten Larsen, a mindset coach and founder of Peace of Wellness, a coaching practice based in Las Vegas. Kirsten shares her journey from being an occupational therapist to becoming a coach, helping clients—both individuals and companies—develop healthier mindsets and interpersonal skills. Throughout the episode, Kirsten emphasizes the importance of personal wellness, authentic self-expression, and breaking negative thought patterns. She also discusses her love for helping people discover what truly serves them in life and business.

Highlights:

1. Transition to Mindset Coaching: Kirsten shares how she transitioned from occupational therapy to mindset coaching. She describes working with high-performing individuals, especially those dealing with anxiety, personal crises, or seeking direction in life after major events like breakups or career changes.
2. Corporate Workshops: In addition to one-on-one coaching, Kirsten provides workshops for companies that focus on communication, conflict resolution, and trust-building to enhance team dynamics and corporate culture.
3. Focus on Accountability: Kirsten emphasizes that her coaching sessions often revolve around holding clients accountable, reflecting back their goals, and helping them stay on track by shedding maladaptive habits.
4. Unique Clients and Approach: She shares her experiences working with various clients, including high-performing professionals, and her unique ability to foster trust and openness, especially with male clients.
5. Men's Group: Kirsten talks about the men’s group she launched to provide men with a space to connect and openly discuss challenges in areas like mental health, control, and relationships. She also mentions launching a podcast based on these themes, where she brings in male guests to discuss their perspectives on relevant topics.
6. Personal Reflections: Kirsten reflects on her upbringing in Nebraska, her early work experiences, and how her love for helping others led her to the field of therapy and coaching. She also discusses her strong family values and passion for sports, particularly football.
7. Future Goals: She shares her long-term goal of becoming a foster parent, having already completed the training twice, but facing personal setbacks that have delayed the process.