WC Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Season 5- Episode 20: Amy Respini and Jason Thomas Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we welcome Amy Respini of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance and Jason Thomas of the Vegas Chamber, two powerhouse talent liaisons embedded within key business-facing organizations to support employer growth and regional economic development. Amy, who grew up between Southern California and Oregon, brings a background in psychology, mediation, and banking, along with early leadership experience serving on a Head Start board while still in college. Jason, a Los Angeles native and former UNLV quarterback, transitioned from juvenile probation work to workforce development, using his background in mentorship and community service to connect employers with job seekers. Together, they serve as the “tip of the spear” in a nationally recognized model that embeds workforce experts directly in chambers to make support seamless, responsive, and hyper-local.

Both Amy and Jason help businesses tap into a whole ecosystem of no-cost resources, such as state and federal hiring incentives, training reimbursements, and access to job-ready talent. Amy recalls helping a new business owner hire her first employee and secure over $12,000 in incentives. Jason highlights a salon owner who, with ongoing support, just experienced her first profitable quarter. Whether supporting startups or established firms, they guide employers through workforce strategies that can unlock up to $30,000 in savings, a reinvestable source of capital that fuels long-term sustainability and growth. They also serve as bridges between chambers, municipalities, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, and community partners to ensure businesses have what they need at every stage.

Outside of work, Amy is a music enthusiast who still plays saxophone during the holidays, and Jason is a family man whose UNLV journey led to meeting his wife, a fellow student-athlete. Both are driven by their shared commitment to service, relationships, and long-term impact. Their advice to young people? Be open to opportunity, learn to build connections, and lean into purpose.

For in-person networking, don’t miss the Vegas Chamber Mayoral Luncheon on August 12 at the Orleans, or LVGEA’s Perspective event on August 7 at ARIA, where hundreds of business leaders will gather to shape the region’s economic outlook.

EmployNV Business Hub:
www.employnvbusinesshub.org
Amy Respini:
amyr@lvgea.org
(702) 350-2078

Jason Thomas:
JThomas@vegaschamber.com
(702) 533-8255

LVGEA
Las Vegas Perspective | Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance

Vegas Chamber
Events & Programs | Vegas Chamber

Season 5- Episode 19: Lori Wilkinson Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we welcome Lori Wilkinson, Vice President and Employee Benefit Consultant at Brown & Brown, and a fellow Vegas Chamber trustee. Raised in McDermitt, Nevada, a town with a population of 13 in her graduating class, Lori’s upbringing on her family’s cattle ranch instilled in her the values of hard work, collaboration, and resilience. After attending Dixie College and graduating from Utah State University, she launched a successful career in consumer goods with companies such as Nestlé, Mars, and Coca-Cola, eventually returning to Nevada to co-found Waymark Insurance Services. Her firm was acquired by Brown & Brown in 2015, where she continues to consult on innovative employee benefit strategies.

Lori’s approach to benefits focuses on “whole-person health,” helping employers go beyond traditional medical, dental, and vision to include mental health, financial wellness, legal planning, and identity protection. She emphasizes the importance of tailoring benefits to workforce demographics and leveraging data to address real-life issues, such as childcare or access to care. Her mission is to help employers remain competitive while providing meaningful support to their teams.

Outside of work, Lori and her husband enjoy cooking, spending time outdoors, and caring for their family’s fruit trees. She also serves on several boards, including Nevada Ballet Theatre, Capstone Christian Academy, and Capability Health & Human Services. Her advice to young professionals is to work hard, be courageous, stay curious, and surround yourself with mentors of all ages and backgrounds.

Brown & Brown:

Brown & Brown | Insurance & Risk Management

Season 5- Episode 18: Quentin Abramo Jul 02, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Workforce Connections podcast, we welcome Quentin Abramo, President and Founder of Faciliteq. Born in the Bronx and a graduate of the University of Arizona with a degree in history, Quentin’s professional path has taken him from aspiring architect to a leader in workspace design and modular construction. His early career included key years at Haworth, one of the world’s leading office furniture manufacturers, where he witnessed firsthand how innovation, such as the ability to run power through panels, reshaped the industry. That experience fueled his passion for creating flexible, efficient, and people-centered work environments.
Quentin’s company specializes in underfloor air distribution, modular walls, and raised access floor solutions that support clean air, lower energy costs, and quick space reconfigurations. He shared how this kind of infrastructure makes it easier for businesses to adapt to shifting workforce needs, especially across generations. From iconic projects like the Lou Ruvo Center and UFC headquarters to large-scale collaborations with Credit One, Clark County, and the City of Las Vegas, Quentin's work continues to shape how organizations think about building more innovative, healthier workplaces. The upcoming Civic Plaza project is one he’s especially proud of, having helped influence both the interior and exterior design.
Beyond his professional achievements, Quentin lives an active life rooted in creativity and wellness. He’s a lifelong runner, mountain biker, and hobby woodworker, with dreams of one day building frames for his mother’s poster collection in a retirement woodshop. He and his wife share a home in Denver with their four rescue dogs and enjoy travel and time outdoors. Quentin also values giving back, supporting veteran-owned businesses, and staying engaged with the revitalization of downtown Las Vegas.
As Faciliteq celebrates its 20th anniversary this October, Quentin reflects on the legacy he's building and the importance of preparing the next generation of leaders. His advice for young professionals is grounded in experience: follow your passion, stay resilient, and don’t let fear keep you from starting something new. He believes success isn’t about chasing money, it’s about finding purpose, doing meaningful work, and waking up each day excited for what’s ahead.
Faciliteq:
https://www.faciliteq.com/

Season 5- Episode 17: Dr. Renee Coffman Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, we welcome Dr. Renee Coffman, President and Co-Founder of Roseman University of Health Sciences and a board member of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA). Dr. Coffman shares her inspiring journey, from growing up in a small farming town in Ohio to earning her pharmacy degree at Ohio Northern University and later completing her Ph.D. at Purdue University. Her early passion for teaching and healthcare eventually led her to co-found Roseman University in Las Vegas with her husband, Dr. Harry Rosenberg. What began with $15,000 and a shared vision has grown into a nationally recognized institution offering programs in pharmacy, nursing, dental medicine, and soon, veterinary medicine.

Dr. Coffman explains Roseman’s innovative Six-Point Mastery Learning Model, which requires students to achieve 90% or higher in each subject before advancing. This immersive, single-subject approach ensures graduates are highly competent and confident healthcare professionals. She also highlights Roseman’s dedication to workforce development through initiatives like ESPIRE, which introduces middle school students to healthcare careers, and programs that support adult learners and military veterans pursuing second careers.

Roseman University will welcome its first class of MD students on July 21st, 2025, and is developing Nevada’s first Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program to help meet statewide and regional healthcare needs.

Outside of her professional work, Dr. Coffman enjoys traveling and carefully planning each adventure. She was preparing for her first visit to Iceland at the time of this recording. Her advice to young people: Always do your best, stay open to new opportunities, and don’t be afraid to take responsible risks. Some of life’s most rewarding paths begin that way.

Roseman University:
www.roseman.edu

Season 5- Episode 16: Dr. Camilla Dorand Jun 16, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Workforce Connections podcast, host Jaime sits down with the inspiring Dr. Camilla Dorand, born in São Paulo, Brazil. At just six years old, she moved to Nigeria due to her father's political arrest, lived with her uncle near Santos (home of soccer legends Pelé and Neymar), and returned to Brazil at age ten. She learned English at an American school in Nigeria before re-learning Portuguese in Brazil.

Camilla began working at 14 and ultimately earned a law degree in 2000, after failing the bar twice; she passed the third time, launched her legal practice, and completed a master’s in legal studies to teach. She later transformed her life: losing 90 pounds inspired her to pursue personal styling. Under the name Mila Matias, she hosted radio and TV shows, authored two books, and became Brazil’s national image consultant. After surviving thyroid cancer, she moved to the U.S., earned her PhD in counselor education, became a licensed therapist and hypnotherapist, and in 2021 purchased Red Rock City Lifestyle and South Vegas City Lifestyle magazines.

Outside her professional work, Camilla enjoys meditation, HIIT classes, crochet, travel (including a recent trip to Germany to reconnect with family), and nurturing her spirituality. Her magazines focus on community building, highlighting nonprofits, local leaders, and positive storytelling. Upcoming features include the “Gents Issue” for Father’s Day and the Red Rock 5th anniversary celebration in November. She’ll also attend an open house for the new Civic Plaza in Las Vegas this fall.

Camilla advises young people: “Don’t take yourself too seriously. Go have fun, believe in yourself, and do your best.” You don’t need a perfect plan at 18. Focus on discovering who you are. Whether through counseling, coaching, or volunteering, what matters most is taking steps toward your true self with courage and curiosity.

Red Rock City Lifestyle:
https://citylifestyle.com/redrock

Civic Plaza Grand Opening in Las Vegas:
https://www.lasvegasnevada.gov

Season 5 - Episode 15: Debra March Jun 04, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Workforce Connections podcast, Debra March joins the conversation to reflect on her dynamic career and ongoing contributions to Southern Nevada. Debra shares her unique path from growing up in Detroit and graduating from an all-girls Catholic high school to becoming Nevada’s first female park ranger, then working as a social worker, real estate regulator, and economic development leader. These diverse roles prepared her to serve as Mayor of Henderson, where she led transformative projects including revitalizing Water Street, new recreational and sports facilities, and key economic initiatives like the Raiders headquarters and Haas Automation expansion.
Today, Debra continues to make an impact as Chair of the Urban Land Institute of Nevada, where she leads monthly programs focused on placemaking and sustainable growth. She also consults on regional planning initiatives like Southern Nevada Strong, serves on the board of Boys Town Nevada, and supports community events such as the Raiders’ Black & Silver Gala.
Outside of her professional work, Debra enjoys cycling, hiking, and kayaking at Lake Mead, and recently took up pickleball with friends. Her advice to young people and future leaders? “Stay curious, keep learning, and don’t underestimate what you’re capable of, even if your path doesn’t look traditional.” She believes deeply in the value of lived experience, encourages others to get involved in their communities, and says yes to opportunities that stretch them.
Urban Land Institute of Nevada
Home | Urban Land Institute
Boys Town Nevada
Nevada | Boys Town Nevada
Southern Nevada Strong
Southern Nevada Strong

Season 5- Episode 14: Victor Fuchs May 27, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, we welcome Victor Fuchs, President and CEO of Helix Electric and fellow trustee of the Vegas Chamber. Victor shares his powerful journey as an immigrant from Odessa, Ukraine. His family arrived in San Diego in 1978 with just $2,000, seeking freedom from antisemitism and a better life. Victor learned English through a paper route and tutoring, graduated from high school in San Diego, and went on to study pre-med at UC San Diego. After briefly attending UCSF dental school, he realized his passion wasn’t in medicine. In 1987, he joined his uncle’s electrical company and later opened the Las Vegas office in 1995. He became President in 2001 and officially became CEO at the end of 2023.

Victor emphasizes Helix Electric’s people-first culture: “If we take care of our people, they will make us successful.” With over 1,200 employees, Helix offers industry-leading benefits, including four weeks of PTO, and invests heavily in training through “Helix University.” The company also partners with ABC Nevada, a leading apprenticeship program, and invested nearly $900,000 in workforce training last year. Their earn-and-learn model provides career paths for workers straight out of high school, including those without prior experience in the electrical field.

Victor also highlights Helix’s strong commitment to community service. The company hosts multiple charity golf tournaments annually, raising over $100,000 yearly for local nonprofits such as Hope for Prisoners, Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada, Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada, Opportunity Village, 22 Warriors Foundation, and the KLUC Toy Drive. Helix recently helped build a trades training facility inside the Indian Springs prison through its partnership with Hope for Prisoners, assisting individuals in gaining fundamental skills in construction trades before reentering the community.

Outside work, Victor enjoys skiing with his family, golfing, tasting wine, and dining out. His favorite Las Vegas restaurants include Harlo, Guesthouse, Chef Marc’s Trattoria, and Edo Tapas Bar. His advice to young people, especially those with immigrant backgrounds or big dreams, is to work hard, give extra time to grow, and never forget to care for your people and community. “Forget the 40-hour week,” he says. “If you want to build something meaningful, you must invest the time to learn, give back, and lead purposefully.”

Helix Electric
Helix Electric - Electrical Contracting Company

Hope for Prisoners
Home - Hope for Prisoners

Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada
Home - DSOSN

Opportunity Village
Opportunity Village - Disability Services & Support Organization in Las Vegas & Henderson
Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada
Make-A-Wish® Nevada

22 Warriors Foundation
Warriors Suicide Prevention Foundation - WSP Foundation, Warriors Suicide Prevention Foundation, American War Mothers Nevada State, PTSD, TBI, Veterans Suicide, Suicide Prevention, Action Against Suicide, WSP Foundation, 22 Warriors Foundation, Veteran Non-Profit, Veteran Suicide Prevention Non-Prfofit, 22 Suicides Daily, Nevada Veteran Non-Profit, Nevada Veteran Suicide Prevention Non-Profit, Action Not Words, First Reponder Suicide Prevention, Nevada First Responder Suicide Prevention, #WSPFoundation, #Untilthe#Becomes0, #Until22Becomes0, #WSPFoundation, Warriors Suicide Prevention Foundation,, Warriors Suicide Prevention Foundation, WSP Foundation, Suicide Prevention, Nevada, 22 Warriors Foundation, Veteran Suicide Prevention, Nevada Non-Profit, 22 Warriors Foundation

Season 5- Episode 13: Mayor Shelley Berkley May 09, 2025

Show notes

In this special episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, we sit down with Mayor Shelley Berkley, a proud Las Vegas native and lifelong public servant whose deep roots in the city continue to shape her leadership. She shares how her upbringing in Southern Nevada, her education at Valley High School and UNLV, and her early start in politics have fueled her passion for helping people and building a stronger community.
Just months into her role, Mayor Berkley has already taken bold steps, resolving the long-standing Badlands dispute and advancing the sale of Cashman Field, which will be developed into affordable workforce housing. She also shares her plans for Civic Plaza, a centralized hub in downtown Las Vegas that will bring together city agencies, workforce partners, and public services in one accessible location. A significant focus of her leadership is addressing homelessness with dignity, and she discusses the city’s Campus for Hope initiative, which provides transitional housing, job training, and wraparound services to help residents reintegrate into the workforce.
Mayor Berkley also highlights the city’s free spay and neuter event happening May 9–10, in partnership with Hearts Alive Village and Heaven Can Wait Animal Society. She shares her long-term vision for Las Vegas to be not only the entertainment capital of the world, but also a leader in arts, technology, and innovation. She emphasizes the importance of investing in K–12 education and encouraging young people to consider careers in public service as a way to give back and build a meaningful future.
Outside of her official duties, Mayor Berkley enjoys spending time with her family and dog, attending live music events, and staying active in the community. Her advice to young people is heartfelt and straightforward: “Find a career that excites you and gives you purpose—especially if it means helping others.”

State of the City:
https://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/News/Blog/Detail/mayor-berkleys-state-of-the-city-address

Hearts Alive Village:
Affordable Veterinary Care Hearts Alive Village

Heaven Can Wait Animal Society:
Heaven Can Wait Animal Society | Low-Cost Animal Spay and Neuter

WC Podcast- Shelley Berkeley:
Audio: Season 4-Episode 14: Shelley Berkley
Video: Season 4-Episode 14: Shelley Berkley

Season 5- Episode 12: Tom Power Apr 28, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Workforce Connections podcast, we are joined by Tom Power, President and CEO of Sunshine Minting, Inc., a global leader in the minting and precious metals industry. Tom shares his remarkable journey, beginning on the island of Newfoundland and growing up in Ontario, Canada, where he developed a strong work ethic working summer jobs in local factories. His career evolved from the food production industry to the world of precious metals, where he built over 36 years of experience, eventually leading Sunshine Minting’s growth and expansion into Southern Nevada. Today, Sunshine Minting is one of the largest suppliers of silver and gold products for sovereign governments and private clients worldwide.

Beyond his business leadership, Tom is passionate about workforce development and economic diversification. He emphasizes the need to rebuild career pathways, especially at the high school level, and highlights the success of K-TECH, a career technical education model he helped launch in Idaho. Tom also shares insights on the future of manufacturing in Southern Nevada, the importance of strengthening the talent pipeline, and why manufacturing is a vital multiplier for local economies. Tom advocates for the manufacturing sector's role in shaping a resilient future through his leadership roles with the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance and support for regional workforce initiatives.

Outside work, Tom enjoys golfing, boating on Lake Coeur d’Alene, and spending time with his wife, two sons, and three grandsons. A proud supporter of the Henderson Silver Knights, the Las Vegas Aviators, and youth sports teams across the region, Tom believes deeply in giving back to the community. His advice to young people is simple but powerful: stay passionate about your work, never stop learning, and don’t fear mistakes — they are the best teachers on the road to success.

Sunshine Minting:
WE ARE SMI | Sunshine Minting

Nevada Business Magazine:
Tom Power Articles - Nevada Business Magazine

Season 5- Episode 11: Mike Rhea Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Workforce Connections podcast, we’re joined by Mike Rhea, Chief Revenue Officer at Intelligent Technical Solutions (ITS). Mike shares his journey from growing up in a military family and thriving in martial arts and football to eventually shifting into banking and breaking into tech sales without earning a college degree. Raised in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area and a former student at Virginia Tech, Mike's story is one of resilience, adaptability, and grit. What started as a retail job evolved into a passion for building and scaling businesses, with Mike playing key roles in helping multiple companies grow exponentially in revenue and reach.

Today, Mike leads national revenue efforts at ITS, a rapidly expanding managed service provider supporting small to mid-sized businesses. Under his leadership, ITS is reshaping how companies view IT by delivering more than just support—they’re offering strategic, forward-thinking solutions that help companies to grow smarter and more securely. Through ITS’s three core offerings, Managed IT, ITS Secure (cybersecurity), and ITS Verify (cyber insurance protection)—Mike and his team aim to serve as proactive technology partners, helping clients stay ahead of challenges instead of just reacting to them.

Mike is a devoted husband and proud father of two outside the office. Mike puts family first, whether planning a surprise trip to Cabo for his wife, attending soccer games and daddy-daughter dances, or encouraging his kids’ entrepreneurial spirit. He’s also committed to personal growth through reading, learning from mentors, and surrounding himself with high-level thinkers. His advice for young people is powerful: Be intentional about who you take advice from, stay focused, and speak as if you’ve succeeded. Mike’s story is a reminder that with belief, drive, and the right mindset, success isn’t just possible; it’s within reach.

Intelligent Technical Solutions (ITS):
Intelligent Technical Solutions | Managed IT Services

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