Face to Face - September 2001

Face to Face

Name: Joel F. Bower, M.D.

Title: Vice President Medical Affairs

Company: St. Rose Dominican Hospital

Location: Henderson

Type of Business: Hospital. St. Rose has operated a 143-bed hospital in Henderson since 1947, and its new 141-bed Siena campus opened in 2000.

Years in Nevada: 30

Years with Company: 30

Developing the initiative and confidence to begin a business (medical practice) with no previous experience, and then developing the expertise to be successful financially and clinically.

After building a successful medical practice as an ob/gyn physician, during which time I delivered approximately 5,000 babies, I was able to transition to being a hospital-based physician executive seven years ago. I am retiring in October after 30 years with the hospital.

Inability at times to make timely decisions.

Importance of developing and maintaining a wide scope of interpersonal relationships.

St. Rose Dominican Hospital must continue to provide quality, compassionate health care to the entire Southern Nevada area.

Best Business Advice:

Financial decision-making should be temporized with appropriate intra-personal considerations and complemented by adequate discussion.

Name: Karen Marshall

Title: Business Development

Company: Roel Construction Company

Location: Las Vegas

Type of Business: Commercial general contractor specializing in construction management, design-build, tenant improvements, forensic consulting and structural concrete.

Years in Nevada: 29

Years with Company: 1

Transitioning from the public sector (Nevada Development Authority) to the private sector. However, the satisfaction of providing customer service easily translates. When I was with NDA, I could point at corporate signs and say, "We helped that company come here." Now I can drive around town and say, "We built that building."

Being recruited by a major, well-regarded firm like Roel is a huge compliment. I was very fortunate to be associated with NDA for 17 years, where I established many wonderful personal and professional relationships that are still extremely valuable to me.

I can’t think of a specific failure, but I always have a fear of letting someone down. Making a promise that I couldn’t keep would haunt me.

Communicate, communicate, communicate. Whether with family, co-workers or clients, frequent and open dialogue strengthens relationships and avoids misunderstandings.

Roel is very committed to expanding its presence in Nevada and growing its Nevada operations, as well as providing a high-quality, Roel-built project each and every time.

I’m a huge believer in the Golden Rule – do unto others as you would have them do unto you. If you adhere to it, you’ll always be responsive, provide excellent service and a clear conscience.

Name Rick Shaff

Title President and CEO

Company iGo Corporation

Location Reno

Type of Business – Developer and multi-channel marketer of accessories including batteries, adapters and chargers for notebooks, cell phones and handheld devices.

Years in Nevada – 41 (Nevada native)

Years with Company 1

Biggest Business Challenge:

To refine our business model to fit what iGo has become, and to adapt to the changing economic environment. The mobile market continues to expand rapidly. Our challenge is to not only to keep pace with this expansion but to keep ahead of the technology curve.

Greatest Professional Accomplishment:

Being able to associate with so many talented and committed individuals. Accomplishments are not the result of just one person. Success comes from hard work and dedication from the employees, customers, vendors and partners. So many people play very important roles.

Worst Failure:

Not finding the correct balance between work and family.

Most Valuable Lesson Learned:

To rely on all of the people associated with your company. One person cannot do everything on his or her own.

Company Goals:

To be the premier mobile and wireless accessory solutions expert and provider of reasonably priced, model-specific accessories that mobile individuals need to stay productive.

Best Business Advice:

Always do what is right, never compromise your morals and always make time for yourself and your family. Your individual integrity and moral standards are non-negotiable.

Name: Tod W. Little

Title: Chairman and CEO

Company: Silver State Bancorp

Location: Henderson

Type of Business: Community bank. Silver State Bancorp is the holding company for Silver State Bank, with seven branches in Southern Nevada.

Years in Nevada: 5

Years with Company: 5

Starting the bank from scratch was tough, but fun. I don’t think we’ve faced our biggest challenge yet, which is managing through an economic downturn. Currently, our main challenges are managing growth and finding quality employees.

Setting up the bank five years ago and getting it firmly established. It now has $300 million in assets, over 100 employees, seven branches in Southern Nevada and loan offices in Reno, Salt Lake City and Portland.

Not venturing out on my own earlier. I worked for a big bank for 17 years, and didn’t have the intestinal fortitude to leave my comfortable position and do something on my own.

Don’t start thinking you can be right 100 percent of the time, because you can’t. Stick with your instincts, regardless of what others may try to convince you to do.

Silver State Bank wants to continue to grow and expand as business conditions allow. Nevada has the best economy in the U.S., and we want to be a part of it for many years to come.

Treat your customers well and the rest will take care of itself. Treat your employees like gold, because they are.