Through the Door: The Insider's Perspective on Running a Business

What if healthcare worked more like a membership service than an insurance claim? Megan Comfort, Director of Business Banking at Nevada State Bank, sits down with Dr. Ati Hakimi, founder, CEO and physician at Vegas Direct Primary Care, to explore a model that is challenging conventional healthcare. Hakimi discusses why she left corporate medicine, how direct primary care is helping patients access...

In the latest episode of “Through the Door,” Megan Comfort sits down with Steve Krystek, CEO of the PFC Group of Companies, a Las Vegas-based security and training firm and multi-company enterprise serving clients across the country.  With more than 30 years in military, law enforcement, and protective services, Krystek shares how he built PFC from a side venture into a multi company enterprise ro...

Megan Comfort, Director of Business Banking at Nevada State Bank, sits down with Jeremy Aguero, Principal Analyst with Applied Analysis, for a wide‑ranging discussion on Nevada’s economic outlook and key findings from Nevada State Bank’s 13th Annual Small Business Survey. The episode takes listeners inside what small business owners are seeing on the ground and what it reveals about broader econom...

Megan Comfort, Director of Business Banking at Nevada State Bank, welcomes Matthew McMurry, Director of Operations at Leading Edge Scaffold, for an in‑depth conversation on leadership, entrepreneurship, and managing large‑scale construction operations. McMurry reflects on his career in the trades and how hands‑on field experience influences his approach to safety, problem‑solving, and team develop...

Megan Comfort, Small Business Manager at Nevada State Bank, sits down with Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo for a focused conversation about leading the state as its chief executive, the principles shaped by a lifetime of public service, and his outlook for Nevada’s economic future. Governor Lombardo reflects on lessons from the military and law enforcement, explains how clear communication and system...

Host Megan Comfort sits down with Olympic medalist and world champion swimmer Katie Grimes to talk discipline, joy, mental resilience, and the mindset required to perform at the highest level. Katie traces her path from swimming for fun at age six to qualifying for the Games at 15, competing in COVID‑restricted Tokyo, and the friendships and team culture that shaped her growth. She reflects on bal...

Megan Comfort, Small Business Manager at Nevada State Bank, sits down with Lisa Sutton Gunderson—Entrepreneur, Real Estate Investor, and Venture Capitalist—for an in-depth conversation about building and scaling businesses across multiple industries. Sutton Gunderson shares her journey from attorney to multi-business owner, starting with an alcohol-infused cupcake company that grew into a national...

Megan Comfort sits down with Fuilala Riley, President and CEO of HELP of Southern Nevada, to explore how the nonprofit grew from a small team into a 160-employee organization tackling homelessness and poverty in Southern Nevada. Riley shares her journey from volunteer to CEO, the organization’s holistic approach to supporting individuals and families, and the vital role businesses and community co...

Megan Comfort sits down with Lori Nelson-Kraft, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs for the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. With decades of experience in communications and community engagement, Nelson-Kraft shares how Las Vegas became the flagship U.S. destination for Formula 1 and how the race has grown into a year-round economic and cultural force. She discusses the city's unique ap...

Megan Comfort, Small Business Manager at Nevada State Bank, sits down with Steven Snow, Pacific Regional Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). A former startup employee and founder of an automotive consulting firm, Snow brings a firsthand perspective on the challenges small business owners face. He shares how those early experiences shaped his mission to expand access, re...

In the latest episode of “Through the Door,” Megan Comfort sits down with Juanny Romero, CEO and founder of Mothership Coffee Roasters—one of the few woman-owned coffee brands in the country. A child of immigrants and a self-made entrepreneur, Romero has spent the past 15 years growing a business that reflects her values. Romero opens up about scaling with soul, building inclusive spaces, and lead...

Just in time for National Dog Month, the latest episode of “Through the Door” features Megan Comfort, Small Business Manager at Nevada State Bank, in conversation with Lisa Imbesi, owner of Pawsh Palace — an all-suite, state-of-the-art luxury pet care and wellness facility in Las Vegas where the dogs are the VIPs. A former nightlife hostess, Lisa set out in 2015 to create the Ritz-Carlton of pet h...

In “Episode Ten: Building Businesses Using the Entrepreneurial Operating System,” host Megan Comfort, Small Business Manager at Nevada State Bank, sits down with Shelley Woodrow, a third-generation entrepreneur and Certified Implementer of the Entrepreneurial Operating System® —a business framework designed to help organizations gain clarity, accountability, and traction. Woodrow shares her journe...

In “Episode Nine: From Busser to Brunch Boss,” host Megan Comfort welcomes Nik Poptchev, Co-Owner of AmeriBrunch Cafe, to share his remarkable journey from Bulgarian immigrant and Chicago busser to successful Las Vegas restaurateur. Poptchev recounts how AmeriBrunch Cafe evolved from a modest coffee shop into a bustling Downtown Las Vegas brunch hotspot, driven by a commitment to authentic hospita...

In “Episode Eight: Data to Empower Your Business,” host Megan Comfort sits down with Jeremy Aguero and Brian Gordon, principals of Applied Analysis, to explore the company’s 28-year journey as one of Nevada’s most respected economic consulting firms. Lifelong friends turned business partners, Aguero and Gordon share how they’ve built a values-driven organization rooted in integrity, innovation, an...

In the latest episode of "Through the Door," Jared Lawson, Managing Member of RSP Plumbing, EarthSculpt Landscaping, and Karst Construction, joins host Megan Comfort to discuss his remarkable journey from a young laborer to a thriving entrepreneur. Lawson shares insights into overcoming the challenges of the construction industry, the critical role of transparent communication with emplo...

Kristen Corral, Co-Founder of Tacotarian and Good Morning Kitchen, joins host Megan Comfort to share her unique journey from Las Vegas performer to successful restaurateur. Kristen reveals her secrets to success, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, impactful marketing, and maintaining an authentic brand. She also discusses business expansion, franchising plans, and a humorous anecd...

In the latest episode of "Through the Door," Megan sits down with Matt Bontrager, CPA and Managing Partner of TrueBooks. Matt launched his accounting and tax services business in January 2020, right before the pandemic hit. Despite the challenges, his firm thrived thanks to their virtual setup, increased demand for financial services, strong online presence, and range of educational prod...

Thomas A. Thomas, Managing Partner of Thomas & Mack Co., joins Megan to share his invaluable tips for enduring business success. Discover how strategic thinking, conservative debt management, and building partnerships based on shared values have driven his remarkable career. With an extensive background in banking, Thomas serves on NSB's Advisory Board. Don't miss out on his insights...

Carlos Gonzalez is the Founder and President of C-Los Industries, a successful construction company based in Las Vegas. With a career spanning several decades, Carlos has worked in the trades since he was 18, gaining extensive experience in manufacturing and construction. His entrepreneurial journey began after years of working for other companies, where he learned the importance of scalability, f...

Jonathan Jossel, CEO of the Plaza Hotel & Casino, joins Megan to chat about becoming Nevada’s youngest gaming license holder, reimagining a Las Vegas landmark, and maintaining “day one energy.” Since becoming CEO in 2014, Jossel has focused on enhancing the Plaza’s guest experience, recently completing the Main Street Reimagination project with new venues such as the Carousel Bar and Pinkbox D...

MDL Group |  Hayim Mizrachi, CEO, Principal & Broker: Hayim Mizrachi, CCIM is a proud Las Vegas Native and graduate from UNLV. He has been practicing commercial real estate since graduating university and obtained his CCIM designation early in his career. Hayim is CEO | Principal | Broker of MDL Group where he oversees all brokerage activity including sales and leasing. Outside of work, Hayim...

Join us for our new podcast series, “Through the Door: The Insider’s Perspective on Running a Business,” curated for Nevada business owners and leaders. Each episode features interviews with thought leaders who share stories of their journeys and experiences and provide insights and strategies for growth and success. Our podcast serves as a source of inspiration for entrepreneurs and executives wh...