Face to Face - September 2006

Face to Face

Name: Erick C. Sanchez

Title: President

Company: General Design & Construction Co., Inc.

Location of Company: Las Vegas

Years in Nevada: 26 / Native

Years with Firm: 5

Type of Business:

Commercial general contracting, project management, steel supply and fabrication.

Biggest business challenge;

Expanding and managing growth is always a top priority, and a challenging but rewarding facet of the business. Finding quality subcontractors and suppliers is also proving to be challenging these days, since they are in increasingly high demand with the construction market booming and so many large projects either underway or in the pipelines.

What do you like best about your job?

I take pride in leading a company that provides a quality product and is devoted to meeting our clients’ individual needs. Seeing the excitement and satisfaction from a client is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable experiences anyone could ask for. Also, building projects that become a significant part of the Las Vegas community is very rewarding.

How do you spend your time when you’re not working?

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, as well as getting involved in various community groups and organizations. I volunteer my time on the board of trustees to the Shade Tree Shelter for women and children. As a native Las Vegan and the president of a local business, I make a point to be involved and keep current in the local political and business communities.

What would you like your legacy to be?

I hope to be remembered as a successful and motivated business person, as well as a leader in the Las Vegas community.

Best Business Advice:

Be honest with yourself, your company and its employees. A business that is strong and complete from within will be best fit to serve its clients.

Name: Don DelGiorno

Title: President

Company: KB Home Nevada Inc.

Location of Company: Las Vegas

Years in Nevada: 23

Years with Firm: 17

Type of business

Homebuilder

Biggest Business Challenge:

Last year, KB Home delivered almost 4,000 homes in Southern Nevada. That means we built a home about every two hours in 2005. Keeping up a pace like that year after year is an enormous challenge, and it’s a testament to the dedication and motivation of the incredibly talented team I’m honored to lead.

What do you like best about your job?

Every day is different and my tasks constantly change. In addition, I find a great deal of personal satisfaction in watching our team members grow professionally and reach their career goals.

If you could start over and choose a different profession, what would it be?

I’d become a high school history or math teacher and lacrosse coach. I spent a few years coaching lacrosse at Centennial High School, and it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The kids taught me quite a bit about myself.

How do you spend your time when you’re not working?

I try to get outside as much as possible by fly-fishing on one of the many scenic rivers in Nevada or Utah, or hunting game in Idaho or Wyoming.

What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the Nevada housing market over the last few years?

There has been a shift in the types of homes being built today, with more attached homes, townhouses and condos, as well as mid-rise residential developments. I believe you’ll see more and more innovative designs aimed at keeping homeownership within reach of as many families as possible.