Connect.Vegas

In this episode of the Connect Vegas Podcast , host Ben Laifsky interviews Andrew Woods, director of the Center for Business and Economic Research at University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The conversation explores how applied economic research shapes decision-making across Southern Nevada, from population forecasting to long-term infrastructure planning. Woods explains the center’s role as a bridge bet...

Ben Laifsky interviews Sean Gigremosa, CEO of Claritiv, about how Claritiv helps trade show and conference exhibitors capture conversation context at scale. Sean explains the pivot from a product-management tool to a white-glove, hardware-plus-platform solution that records booth conversations, extracts intent and pain points, and produces prioritized, personalized follow-ups and performance insig...

Ben sits down with longtime Las Vegas mortgage professional David Yurkovchak to talk about his 20+ year journey in the industry, his passion for financial literacy , the realities of qualifying for a home in a unique market like Las Vegas, and how the city itself has evolved from a transient casino town into a true community and sports hub.  Highlighted Topics David’s background in mortgages and 2...

Welcome to Connect Vegas , the podcast that interviews the leaders and creators who build our community—the people who make Las Vegas into the best place to live, work, and visit. I’m your host, Ben Laifsky , and in this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with my friend Gina Yager , CEO and founder of GYC Vegas . Gina is one of the most respected PR professionals in town, with over 25 yea...

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 exci...

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,...

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 educa...

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: Overview of UNLV Sports Innovation Institute :  Serves as a hub for research, co...

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: 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 Busine...

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 maj...

 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 e...

Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of the Connect. Vegas podcast, host Ben Laifsky sits down with Francesca Gilbert, a veteran realtor in Las Vegas with 36 years of experience. Francesca shares her journey from moving to Las Vegas in 1978 to becoming one of the city’s leading real estate professionals. They discuss the evolving real estate market, the importance of customer service, and Fra...

In this episode of Connect Vegas , host Ben Laifsky interviews Shahab Zargari, a Las Vegas-based filmmaker, marketer, and faculty member at UNLV’s College of Fine Arts. They discuss Shahab's multifaceted career, from founding a record label to producing award-winning films and TV commercials. Shahab also shares his passion for filmmaking and reflects on how his early love for cinema and marke...

Here’s a summary of Episode 9 of the Connect Vegas podcast featuring Karen Alonso, Vice President of Marketing for United Way of Southern Nevada: Highlights: Karen Alonso's Role and Impact : Karen Alonso oversees marketing and leads the Women United Affinity Group at United Way of Southern Nevada, focusing on community impact through three pillars: student success, workforce development, and...

In this episode of Connect. Vegas , host Ben Laifsky interviews David Navarro , Nevada Regional President of Enterprise Bank & Trust . They explore David's career, banking insights, and his deep connection to the Las Vegas community. Here are the key highlights from their conversation: David’s Role and Banking Expertise :  David explains the different types of banks (community, regional,...

In this episode of Connect. Vegas , host Ben Laifsky speaks with Josh Leavitt, the CEO of Tech Alley and Intagly. The discussion dives into Josh's journey as a serial entrepreneur, community advocate, and startup leader in Las Vegas. The episode focuses on the development of Tech Alley, a monthly meetup event for tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and those interested in startups. Josh also sha...

In this episode of the Connect. Vegas podcast, host Ben Laifsky interviews Andy Abramson, CEO of Communicano, a value creation communications agency based in Las Vegas. The discussion covers Abramson's extensive experience in guiding companies to successful exits, emphasizing his expertise in branding, storytelling, and strategic communication. Key takeaways from the conversation include: Val...

In this episode of Connect. Vegas, host Ben Laifsky interviews Dave Burlin, a dynamic figure in the Las Vegas community with a diverse background that includes roles as a Marine Corps veteran, wedding DJ, and entrepreneurship advocate. Here are some highlights: Veteran Support: Dave discusses his work with Vets in Tech, helping veterans and their spouses gain tech certifications and find high-leve...

Introduction to Bill Houghton: Bill Houghton, founder and CEO of Horizon Print Solutions, was the first person Ben met when he moved to Las Vegas in 1999. Horizon Print Solutions provides a wide range of printing and branding solutions for businesses, from business cards to vehicle wraps. Bill's Background and Horizon Print Solutions : Bill founded Horizon Print Solutions in 1992, focusing in...

In this episode of Connect Vegas, host Ben Laifsky interviews Alex Raffi, CEO of Imagine Communications, author, illustrator, and artist. They delve into the importance of creativity, the role it plays in various industries, and how Alex's experiences have shaped his creative journey. Alex shares insights on fostering creativity within organizations, the impact of his artistic background, and...

In this episode of Connect Vegas, host Ben Laifsky interviews Monica Coburn, CEO of Nevada Business Advisors.  They discuss Monica's mission to help businesses succeed, the diverse industries she serves, and the core services offered by her company, such as financing, certifications, and strategic connections.  Monica also shares her journey from Hawaii to Las Vegas, her early career in banki...

Is your team spending too much time on prospects who don't convert?  Or are they chasing the wrong prospects?  Or are you losing sales you shouldn't be losing?  ScaleUP Advisors helps clients address these and many other sales and leadership challenges. In this inaugural episode of the Connect Vegas podcast, we talk to Rob Jeremaisson of ScaleUp Advisors, who brings Sandler sales and lea...