Face to Face - October 2002

Face to Face

Name: Lisa Hammond

Title: CEO, Founder

Company: Femail Creations

Type of Business:

Mail order catalog and Website, specializing in handcrafted gifts created by women artists

Location: Las Vegas

Years in Nevada: 20

Years with Company: 7
BIGGEST BUSINESS CHALLENGE:

One of my challenges is lack of capital and maintaining a steady cash flow. It’s often difficult for women to get financing for a new business, and we functioned for several years on a hope and a prayer. I also have to compete with companies that import. Constantly rising postage costs are a challenge because we mail out so many catalogs.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT YOUR JOB:

I enjoy making a difference in the lives of women and girls by supporting women artists. Our charity work is also very fulfilling. We feature a charity in every issue of our catalog, and have helped raised funds for many causes – everything from breast cancer to helping women in Bosnia.

HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR TIME WHEN YOU ARE NOT WORKING:

To really get a day off, I have to leave town, so I head to the beach for downtime.

WHAT WOULD LIKE YOUR LEGACY TO BE:

That I not only grew Femail Creations from just the seed of an idea, but that we also helped hundreds of artists and business owners grow their companies as well. In the end, it matters that we made a difference and gave back.

FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK:

Growing a Business, by Paul Hawkins.

BEST BUSINESS ADVICE:

Follow your passion and be persistent. Take your turn – the world needs the gifts and talents that are unique to only you.

Name: Todd Schwandt

Title: President/Entrepreneur

Company: Nevada High Country Outfitters: JAZ Ranch, Pine Lodge Restaurant, Hotel Lamoille

Type of Business:

Hunting and fishing trips, award-winning steak and seafood restaurant, three-room hotel.

Location: Lamoille, Elko County

Years in Nevada: 32

Years with Company: 17
BIGGEST BUSINESS CHALLENGE:
My biggest challenge is keeping up with growth. My guide business started small, but quickly grew to guiding 200 people a year. I had to hire more people and buy more horses, trailers, trucks and equipment. Four years ago, my wife and I bought a restaurant and hotel – even though we knew very little about running that kind of business – so the first year was really a learning experience.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT YOUR JOB:

Being outdoors. I get paid to catch trout with a fly rod at 6 a.m. I also enjoy meeting people. I love to see the international visitors’ eyes when they see how much beautiful open country we have in Nevada.

HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR TIME WHEN YOU ARE NOT WORKING:

I serve on several different boards and committees to help promote outdoor recreation and tourism in Elko County. For vacations, I go to Cancun and lie on the beach for a week.

WHAT WOULD LIKE YOUR LEGACY TO BE:

I think my most important legacy will be my reputation. I want to be remembered for my efforts to bring more people to Elko County. I hope to give a trip so good that people wouldn’t want to do it the next time on their own.

FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK:

Trump: The Art of the Deal, by Donald Trump and Tony Schwartz

BEST BUSINESS ADVICE:

Always think outside the box. Don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t do something – go for it.