Sean Farnsworth
By Callie Thomas
Athletes have an acute connection between mind and body. With the proper training and state of mind, they’re driven to meet the most rigorous physical challenges and have the tools to maneuver through many of life’s obstacles. Athletes become the ideal mentors by motivating other athletes through their life experiences and wisdom. 89123 resident Sean Farnsworth puts that into action by being an athlete and an inspiration to his students at Greenspun Junior High.
For the past 21 years, Farnsworth has been “paying it forward” not only by encouraging the students in his physical education classes but by reaching out to the community and raising funds for charitable organizations. Using his athleticism, whether it’s cycling, running cross country or jumping rope, Sean makes a difference. “I absolutely love what I do, even after two decades,” says Farnsworth. His position at the school has also allowed him to become involved in several community activities, including Jump Rope for Heart. “I shaved my head on KLAS channel 8 for that one,” says Farnsworth, who also donates his time coaching soccer for Henderson United Youth Soccer. He’s been actively involved with the Josh Stevens Foundation, which encourages acts of kindness, and also finds time to feed the hungry by donating to the Three Square Food Bank.
Sean puts the pedal to the metal each year during the annual 103-mile century ride at RTC Viva Bike Vegas. The event brings cycling enthusiasts across the country together to join the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada in a ride that benefits local charitable organizations. “I run and ride in as many events, like RTC Viva Bike Vegas, as I can that raise money for worthy causes,” says Farnsworth. The Viva Bike Vegas ride benefits three local charities: Nevada Cancer Institute, After-School All-Stars Las Vegas and Nevada Child Seekers.
It’s hard to keep up with this busy coach, but he invited us along for the ride to get a bit more insight on how this mentor rolls.
What influenced you to become a teacher?
“I really became a teacher to repay a debt. I had a coach in high school who turned my life around. He got me into running and that got me into college. When I got my first teaching job, I went back to thank the coach who made the life I have now possible.”
That meeting must have been special. What did he say?
“When I thanked him and said I didn’t know how I could ever repay what he had done for me, he looked at me and said that I couldn’t, but that I could do the same thing for someone else. I have never forgotten that conversation.”
He was truly an amazing influence in your life.
“Yes. One of the things my coach said often was that who you are speaks so loudly that no one can hear what you say. It’s something I think about often.”
You are so generous giving your time and talents to a number of charities in the city. I understand that your family has also become involved in several organizations.
“My family never turns down a friend or someone in need. In fact, we have helped complete strangers and never turn away an animal in need of rescue. We believe in the “pay it forward” idea—helping in any way possible and expecting nothing in return.”
Can you tell us about some of the organizations you’ve supported as a family?
My daughter, wife and I finished the Red Rock 5K. My wife ran and my daughter and I walked with friends. The proceeds went towards after school programs for kids.”
With all that activity, how do you unwind?
“Exercise – the more the better.”
Athleticism is definitely in your DNA. I almost hesitate to ask, but if you weren’t in your present career what would you see yourself doing?
“I have the greatest job in the world and I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
Loren V. Kiner
By Callie Thomas
It’s hard to believe, but it’s been over 30 years since gas stations actually had someone there to pump your gas for you, not to mention clean your windshield and even check your oil. No, it’s not a tale out of the Twilight Zone. This used to be the real-life way of doing business. The Imperial Auto & Truck Service Center in Henderson is setting out to practice this refreshingly new (or rather, old) way of doing things. Owner and 89074 resident Loren Kiner lives by simple principles that he applies to his business as well as his life: loyalty, trust, integrity and community.
Loren and his wife Lynda moved to the valley about 15 years ago, originally hailing from Ohio, where they owned three service centers and repaired vehicles for more than 18 years. “Selling our business and relocating to Henderson has been a great joy for us,” says Kiner. “We really enjoy making new friends and developing ties to the community.” Kiner and his auto business acumen have been welcomed by his customers, many of whom have also become friends. “I like giving that special touch of repairing something that might have been missed such as a taillight or a missing knob and just fixing it without monetary compensation. Our goal is to have people leave with more than they expected, right down to the little details that mean so much.”
Kiner’s business has continued to grow, and as a result, he is able to help the community by doing business with customers that do business with him, providing services to school fundraisers and by supporting the Girl Scouts. “We’re building a community in our community of those you can count on,” he said.
Loren took a few minutes away from his busy schedule to give us the chance to “look under the hood” and get to know him, his family and why he’s devoted to giving back.
I understand that Imperial Auto & Truck actually has its own scholarship program?
“That’s true! Because we had so many Imperial students graduating from high schools here in Nevada, we began a scholarship program to award two high school seniors planning to attend a Nevada college. They submit an essay on how they plan to benefit the community with their career. We then select the two winning entries each year.”
Do you support any other organizations?
“Yes, every holiday we help organize a program that I call ‘Imperial Wheels for Meals’ that helps Catholic Charities. Patrons bring in a $30 gift card from Smith’s Grocery Store in exchange for our technicians performing several wheel and tire services worth more than $100. We in turn donate the cards to Catholic Charities to provide meals for those who would be without at the holiday season.” To see how you can help, call 568-4053.
One might say you are a man of great integrity.
“Not much in this life impresses me more than a man’s integrity of his words. I believe my upbringing and those that I have been privileged to know have taught me that a man’s word is his greatest possession, next to his trust in God.”
What would you say you are most passionate about?
“I’m passionate about living and maintaining a lifestyle that my customers and friends want to be a part of—one of quality and honesty.”
How do you unwind after a busy week? Where might we find you on a typical Saturday night?
“Friday evenings are spent with family and friends dining together at Sunset Station. After having five children and five grandchildren (numbers six and seven are on the way), our Saturdays are spent around Wrangler hockey, 51’s baseball games, dining out or just playing cards around the kitchen table.”
What’s the one belief that you hold most true?
“I believe in building lasting relationships in our family and with our friends.”
Jim Twomey
By Callie Thomas
The wheels have been turning in the mind of 89052 resident Jim Twomey for some time. After making a living in the corporate world for almost 25 years, he finally decided to follow his passion for cycling, so he hung up the business suit and opened his own bike shop instead. “I’ve wanted to do it for about 20 years,” says Twomey. JT’s Bicycle Shop was born and continues to thrive, largely because of the personalized service that Twomey instills in his staff. “It seems simple,” he says, “but good customer service is getting harder to find.”
Before moving to Nevada, Jim was the president of a local bike club. Once he landed in Henderson, he helped to start the Green Valley Cyclists Bike Club. “Biking has been a hobby, a chief form of exercise and a way of making friends for as long as I can remember,” he said. “I’m proud to support the growing biking community in Southern Nevada through my bike shop and community cycling events like RTC Viva Bike Vegas.” The annual ride brings cycling enthusiasts across the country together to join the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada to ride up to 103 miles to benefit local charitable organizations.
“I enjoy doing whatever I can to pass on my love of cycling and combine it with a great charity,” Jim said. “It brings a lot of personal satisfaction.”
At the recommendation of a friend, Twomey became involved with The Shade Tree Homeless Center for Abused Women and Children, and with assistance from his store manager, Eric Neuhaus, JT’s Bicycle has sponsored an annual benefit for the last four years. The shop gives participants in the event an opportunity to try out the latest bike models in a supplier’s demo truck. Prizes are raffled off, which include a new bicycle from one of their vendors, Giant Bicycles. All proceeds from the benefit go to The Shade Tree.
When he’s not entrenched in the world of cycling, Jim likes to be involved with his family, who share his love of sports and athleticism.
Tell us about your family—any other cycling enthusiasts?
“My wife Kathi works in the store a couple of days a week with me and is also a cyclist. Our daughter Katherine lives here in Vegas with her husband Sean, and both are swimmers and runners; my son-in-law is a tri-athlete. I have two grandchildren – seven year old Gretchen, who loves to ride horses, and my grandson Charlie is four and into karate.”
Wow, you have a very active family! Do you ever just get to kick back and unwind? How do you de-stress from a busy week?
“My wife and I like old movies from the ‘30s and ‘40s, and we are big fans of Alfred Hitchcock films.”
Hitch produced so many great movies—bet it’s hard to pick just one on a Saturday night. What do you like to do on Saturdays?
“On Saturdays, I work at the shop. On Saturday night, you might find me with my wife at an Italian restaurant.”
That sounds good! If you could do it all over again, what other job would you like to do?
“If I could start all over, I think I would like to be a forest ranger.”
That’s easy to see—as a cyclist you’ve gotta love the outdoors. Any other hobbies?
“My wife and I go to Cedar City, Utah each year for the Shakespeare Festival. We usually see all the plays.”
Your interests are very diverse. Is there anything that you could tell us that you think your friends would be surprised to know about you?
“I once studied in a seminary to be a priest.”
There’s no way to top that, but I bet you have some words of inspiration for us?
“Life is like riding a bicycle—in order to keep your balance, you must keep moving.”
Mehdi Zarhloul
By Callie Thomas
It’s no secret that good food has a way of touching your soul. A great dish can make an ordinary day seem special, fill a holiday with generations of tradition and give comfort on a cold, wintery day (even in Las Vegas, where 60 degrees qualifies as “cold.”) It’s clear that 89012 resident Mehdi Zarhloul has put his heart and soul into each and every dish he’s created during his 20 year career in the food industry. “Food is my passion,” says Zarhloul. “I obsess about ways I can improve my guest’s experience.”
Zarhloul was raised in Casablanca, Morocco and immigrated to the United States at the age of 16. Here, he says, he was able to “live the American dream” by pursuing his culinary passion. Mehdi has worked in many casual and fine dining restaurants under various titles, including Assistant Food and Beverage Director at the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. In 2005, he stepped down from that position to follow his dream of opening his own restaurant business. “I noticed there was an untapped niche for Mediterranean food, and after researching and experimenting for some time, I opened the Crazy Pita,” he said. “It’s a fresh, casual Mediterranean concept with made to order grilled skewers, rotisserie chicken, salads and pita sandwiches that are blended to create an inspired and wholesome cuisine.”
While the business opened in a difficult economic climate, it has since thrived, earning scores of accolades, including being ranked the #1 Mediterranean restaurant in Las Vegas by AOL. Crazy Pita was also ranked in the Top 100 list of Best Concepts in America, and this past March, the ISCS ranked it in the top three retailers of the year.
The busy entrepreneur sat with us and gave us a little more insight into the secrets behind the success of Crazy Pita and his own “crazy” life.
Why do you think people keep coming back to the Crazy Pita?
“Hopefully it’s the delicious food, but it’s also the extra effort and acts of kindness our team extends throughout the community that make us successful.”
How do you and your team reach out to the community?
“We’re a major supporter of the Josh Stevens Foundation, which was founded after 13-year-old Josh Stevens died of a tragic accident. Josh’s time on earth was much too short, but his kind heart and spirit live on through the Foundation, which advocates helping others through acts of kindness. Every October, the Crazy Pita celebrates Josh’s birthday, and all proceeds from his favorite pita go to support the Foundation. I hope community members will think of the Crazy Pita, whether it is supporting a little league, local school or police and fire benefits.”
On a typical Saturday or Sunday, where might we find you?
“If I’m not working, I’m either cooking dinner for my wife or trying out a new restaurant.”
You really are passionate about dining! What’s the best dish you’ve ever eaten in town and where?
“The chocolate Eskimos at the Vernadah restaurant in the Four Seasons Hotel.”
What would you say is your most memorable Las Vegas experience?
“The day I proposed to my wife at the Alize restaurant in the Palms Hotel.”
Is there something you could tell us that you think others in the community don’t know about you?
“I like to drive around as if it’s Sunday every day and listen to Shirley Bassey with the volume turned up.”
Small world. Shirley Bassey has a Vegas connection, too, going back to her debut at the El Rancho in the late ‘50s. What else inspires you? Do you have a favorite quote?
“And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” – Abraham Lincoln
Nevada Women’s Philanthropy
By Callie Thomas
Books have been written, wars have been fought, and mountains have been moved–all because of the power of women. If there’s a will, there’s a way, and the determination of an exceptional group of women has had an overwhelming influence on the health and well-being of the people of Nevada.
In 2006, six women harnessed their exceptional abilities to create the Nevada Women’s Philanthropy (NWP). Dena duBoef, Heather duBoef, Marcelle Frey, Dana Lee, Trina Pascal and Tawny Sanders joined forces to launch an organization that would grant nonprofit dream projects to address the needs of the greater Las Vegas community. The motivated women support emerging issues facing the community, from art and education to the environment, social services and health. “We started NWP to create a large impact grant with pooled funds from our members,” said founding member and past president Dana Lee. “Through the help and wisdom of our members, NWP has matured into an organization that has become more meaningful than any of us had ever dreamed.”
NWP, which is now 71 members strong, was originally modeled after the Everychild Foundation in Los Angeles and is based on the belief that a group of women can put mind over matter and award grants that make a serious difference in the community. All of the funds for the organization are derived from member dues in lieu of fundraising events. Individual donations are pooled to provide one large grant that will create an impactful investment in the community.
NWP President Susie Lee considers each donation as a valuable investment. “Each grant is a reflection of NWP’s faith in that nonprofit organization,” she said. “We look for responsible organizations that are serving a critical un-met need. It’s an extremely intense process for all of us.”
Each year Southern Nevada nonprofits are invited to the NWP Outreach Symposium where the committee and nonprofit representatives discuss the grant amount, past winners and project criteria. The Grant Screening Committee scrutinizes each proposal and narrows the list to half a dozen for site visits. From there, just two candidates are selected as finalists. After each organization presents their ideas to the entire NWP faction, votes are cast by secret ballot, and the group that receives the most votes receives the grant. Grant amounts have ranged from $180,000 to $450,000 each year. Over the course of its existence, NWP has granted $1.9 million to deserving nonprofits. This year the Salvation Army received a $325,000 grant, and the Community Counseling Center of Southern Nevada was awarded the NWP Founders Grant for $30,000. Past recipients include the Rape Crisis Center, NWP Signs of Hope Counseling Center, Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada (LACSN) and the Public Education Foundation, to name a few.
NWP members have had profoundly personal experiences while supporting Nevada charities. Member Robyn Ratcliffe-Mancini learned about LACSN during the NWP grant screening process. “They shared with our team the serious challenges faced by children in our foster care system, which includes numerous placements per child, no automatic representation and examples of kids with special needs,” she said. “My husband and I were moved to support them independently as well. NWP opened the door for my family to connect with LACSN, and I’ve joined their board of directors. My daughter, a Girl Scout, volunteered over 80 hours with the organization and helped create a resource book for teens in foster care to help them navigate the system. She was one of four girls in Southern Nevada to earn the Girl Scout Gold Award in 2011.”
Members are proud of their contribution to the state and helping to improve the lives of others. “It has been an honor to be an active member on the board of NWP since its inception,” said incoming president Carrie Henderson. “The evolution of our organization continues to inspire me with what a group of individuals can create with a common vision to make a difference in our community.”
Dick Feeney
By Callie Thomas
If Frank, Dean or Sammy were alive today, they’d probably call resident Dick Feeney a swingin’ cat and entertainment genius. Currently the producer of The Rat Pack is Back, a tribute to three of the most iconic performers in Vegas, the twenty-six year Vegas resident knows a thing or two about developing and selling a show. He’s had the entertainment bug most of his life, and in the early 80s he produced his first critically acclaimed show, Lullaby of Swing, in Honolulu, Hawaii. He eventually moved to Vegas in 1985 and became the Associate Producer of An Evening at La Cage at the Riviera and continued to produce a string of shows, including Crazy Girls, Showgirls, Bottoms Up, The World’s Greatest Magic Show and Viva Las Vegas, among others. Feeney added television producer to his list of accomplishments with the shows The Entertainment Page, Las Vegas Tonight and Karaoke Krazy.
For his contributions to entertainment in the city, Feeney was awarded a star on the Las Vegas Walk of Stars. Play tourist along the Strip and you’ll find the producer’s recognition on the sidewalk in front of the New York, New York Hotel and Casino. But bringing award-winning shows to Vegas is not Feeney’s only claim to fame; it’s his generosity to local charities that makes him a standout in the community. Through cast and entertainer appearances, along with thousands of dollars in ticket donations, his shows have given back to charitable organizations including Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Nevada Cancer Institute, Candelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation, MDA, Ronald McDonald House and more. That’s why we decided to “take five” with Mr. Entertainment Feeney to find out just what makes him tick.
Have you ever performed in any of your productions?
“I grew up in the Boston area, Rockland Massachusetts, toured with the popular band Lewis & Clark Expedition and later formed my own group called Gemini. I performed from the age of 17 until I left the stage at 33. Although my main instrument is trumpet, I also played saxophone, trombone and performed as lead singer and dancer.”
Speaking of family, does everyone get into the entertainment act?
“Well, my oldest son Christopher, who’s now 29, is a CPA and actor with a new Miller Lite beer commercial in New York. My fabulous wife Melissa manages and runs the Flying Elvi Company, as well as being my partner and a terrific mother to our three small children: Katherine, age ten, Matthew, eight, and Samuel, who is five.”
You mean the famous Elvis jump in the 1992 movie Honeymoon in Vegas?
“Yes! They were first featured in the movie with Nicholas Cage and Sarah Jessica Parker. Ten Elvis Presley clad jumpers skydived into the movie and have since made hundreds of appearances at events across the country from altitudes of 5,000 to 12,000 feet, freefalling at speeds up to 160 miles an hour.”
That’s quite a feat. Of all of your accomplishments, what are you most proud of?
“I would say–aside from my wonderful family–producing over 30,000 performances that have brought enjoyment to millions of show-goers.”
Do you have any inspiration for others or a favorite quote you live by?
“Life is not a rehearsal. You have to give it your all (100%) every time out. Don’t hold back for the next take; it may never come.”
Doug Bradford
By Callie Thomas
“Leadership to me means duty, honor, country. It means character and listening from time to time.” – George Herbert Walker Bush, 41st President
In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt formed the United Service Organization, more commonly known as the USO, which unified several support organizations that had mobilized to assist the growing U.S. military that was heading into World War II. The objective was to provide the emotional sustenance and recreational opportunities needed by our troops.
The USO has evolved since the days of Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Jack Benny and scores of others who have entertained our service men and women. And while it remains steadfast to its original mission, developing new programs that meet the ever-changing needs of the troops and their families is also very important. Today, the USO continues to lift the spirits of America’s troops and their families and serves as America’s support link.
Resident Doug Bradford knows what it’s like to be in the military, having served in the Navy himself. In fact, it seems to be a family tradition; his father, two brothers and father-in-law are all Navy, and Bradford’s eldest son is in full training to be a Navy Seal who will deploy next fall. So it is easy to understand the passion and dedication Bradford has in his current position as the Center Director for the new USO Las Vegas Center at McCarran Airport.
Bradford was not only the right choice for his role with the USO Las Vegas because of his personal experiences in the military, but also because of his natural talents as a communicator. The 26-year resident was a general assignment reporter for KLAS-TV8 and his reporting beat was cops and courts. After about three years he was hired as Public Information Officer for the City of Las Vegas where he was responsible for all media relations for the Mayor and City Council. Doug has also worked as Director of Public Communication for Clark County and as a Government Affairs Consultant for both Nevada Power and Science Applications International, specifically on the Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Project. “I believe in the power of information and making a difference in the community,” says Bradford. “Every job I’ve had in Las Vegas has revolved around informing people about the community in which they live.”
His enthusiasm is evident when describing the USO Las Vegas Center at McCarran Airport, which opened on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2010. “In just 82 days the center was operating and providing a variety of services for our men and women in the military,” he said. The 2,830 square foot USO Lounge includes desktop and laptop computers, video gaming systems, 12 lounge chairs in the movie theater/sports lounge as well as cell phone use and a nicely stocked snack bar. “Everything in the center is provided for the troops free of charge. The mission of the USO Las Vegas is to give our service men and women a touch of home and to say thank you for their sacrifices as they fight against terrorism.” In September 2012, the USO LV hosted its 25,000th visitor…in just 10 short months.
The USO is a private, nonprofit organization which relies on the generosity of its donors. They provide services at airports and military bases around the world and even send celebrity entertainers, snacks, sports equipment and the like to the forward-deployed troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Aside from the entertainment function, the USO also helps wounded warriors, as well as the families of fallen soldiers. “I have an affinity for helping my brothers-in-arms by doing what I can,” Bradford said. “I am honored to serve our Armed Forces and their families.”
Doug has also been involved with many local charities, including Spread the Word Nevada Kids to Kids, a literacy organization, and the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, where he served as Chairman of the Board. And then there’s Operation Godspeed, a group which raised over $1.2 million to build a non-denominational chapel at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery. He is as proud to help others as he is in sharing his experiences with his family, which includes wife Lauren and sons Mark and Chase. “I have worked with and met some outstanding people who share the same joy I get when working with charities. I encourage everyone to find a way to help their fellow Las Vegans. Giving back to your community is the least you can do.” For information on donating to the center, email Doug at dbradford@uso.org or call 702-261-6590.
Sandy Kalm, MD
By Callie Thomas
There are horse whisperers and dog whisperers, but it’s interesting to consider that there might actually be a child whisperer; someone who helps translate and voice children’s feelings to their parents to better understand their needs. Coming from a long line of child whisperers, Resident Dr. Sandy Kalm has a natural ability to uncover what ails those that can’t speak for themselves. Her father is a child/adolescent psychiatrist, her brother is also a pediatrician, and her cousin is a pediatric neuro-oncologist. While her family shares a common passion for helping kids, it would seem that she was gifted with an exceptional talent for reaching her patients on another level. She’s currently on duty at Good Night Pediatrics, a nighttime urgent care. She enjoys watching her patients grow and flourish and advocates good communication skills. The care facility lets the kids take books home with them after a visit. The program has been so popular that they are in need of replenishing their book supply and are planning a drive very soon. Kalm has also become involved with the Henderson Library through their Reading with Rover program.
Dr. Kalm has a three-and-a-half-year-old Sheperd-Sharpei registered therapy dog named Ingrid, so it’s easy to connect the dots. Ingrid doesn’t exactly read to kids, but kids will love to read to Ingrid–probably because she’s such a good listener. By bonding with the dog, children feel comfortable enough to read out loud. Kalm is excited to work with her assigned reading child and help them improve their reading this fall. Ingrid and Dr. Kalm are a dynamic duo and also lift the spirits of HealthSouth Hospital patients by making the rounds and visiting them in their rooms as well as in gyms to motivate and encourage their rehabilitation. Dr. Kalm and Ingrid took a time out with us so we could get to know them a little better.
You have such a special understanding of the children that you treat. Some would say it’s magical.
“There’s an element of magic about our book collection at Good Night Pediatrics! Kids will say they want a book about spiders, or Dora, or anything they can think of and suddenly…PRESTO! They’ll find one right there on the shelf. Amazing!”
We think you really do have special powers! Any other unusual events or traits you’d like to share?
“I played the flute for at least a decade in my native Salt Lake City. I’ve played in the Jewish Christmas Band for the St. Vincent De Paul Center while people in need ate a delicious Christmas lunch. It was the most amazing experience–volunteers that usually feed the homeless every day were off for Christmas. The Jewish community came together and spent three days cooking these amazing traditional dishes and served them while we entertained with our music. Oh, and once when I was in medical school in New York I dressed up as a clown to visit kids in the hospital.”
It’s easy to see you enjoy giving back to the community. How do you enjoy the fruits of your labors?
“I love spending time with my family–my husband Howard, my step daughters Molly and Kayla and, of course, Ingrid. There’s also a wonderful farmer’s market on Fridays and $6 Tuesday movie nights in my community.”
Any words of wisdom for others in the community?
“Always expect the unexpected.”
Paula Lawrence
By Callie Thomas
Move over Emily Post and Judith Martin, a.k.a. “Miss Manners,” there’s a new madam of manners in town. Meet resident Paula Lawrence; she’s poised, polished and empowered to teach Las Vegans a thing or two about people skills. A lot has changed in the way of proper protocol since Post’s 1922 breakthrough book on etiquette. As a master etiquette consultant, Lawrence gives large corporations, small businesses, students and professionals a modern dose of social dos and don’ts. Two years ago she founded Keynote Academy to help her students discover that a positive image, impeccable manners and appropriate communication skills are truly invaluable. Particularly in this economy, when more people are in the market for a new job or changing careers, an increased social IQ can be a powerful tool in networking and landing interviews and jobs.
Lawrence has taken her teachings mobile, and you can probably find her meeting with clients around conference, coffee and even dining tables to help build confidence and social awareness. She also shares her know-how with those in need throughout the city. She serves on the Board of Directors of Dress for Success of Southern Nevada. Their mission is to provide professional attire and a network of support for disadvantaged women in order to promote their economic independence. She’s also a Program Developer and Speaker for Hero School, Inc. It is said that to teach independence, you must be independent. With successful business owners heralding the way, those less fortunate have the opportunity to reach their potential by learning through real life mentors. Lawrence takes the idea of “it takes a village” and lives the message by connecting with people, creating opportunities and teaching life skills to add value throughout the community. Here we share a glimpse into the life of this busy professional.
Is it hard to stay eternally positive and poised in your everyday life?
“I surround myself with positive people who choose to grow and make a difference. My family and friends are integral to my life. My teenage daughters Riley and Casey make me laugh every day.”
You got into the etiquette business in a pretty unusual way. Want to tell us about it?
“Well, I worked in the private security industry for eight years managing, hiring and training private security/body guards. I learned quickly that regardless of the law enforcement experience or weapons expertise, the officers with the most professional appearance and command of social graces were the most requested and highest paid. So, I taught grown men how to shake hands, tie a tie and speak professionally. I was inspired to start Keynote Academy as a result.”
What do you like to do when you’re not on the clock?
“You can usually find me at a Coronado or Green Valley High School Volleyball game watching my daughters play or dining out with friends.”
What would you say is the best kept dining secret in your neighborhood?
“You have to go to the International Culinary College at the Art institute for lunch. Really delicious gourmet meals prepared by students.”
If you had the power to change the world, what would you do?
“Help the world become a kinder, happier, more polite place to be…and sit up straight already!”
John Good
By Callie Thomas
“Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
What kid (or adult for that matter) wouldn’t love to explore the tomb of an Egyptian mummy like Indiana Jones? Wouldn’t it be great if these curious explorers also had the ability to use handy new state-of the-art technology that would allow them to “scan” a mummy replica and view actual medical imaging taken of a real mummy? They can, and so can you, thanks to resident John Good, the current board chair for the Las Vegas Natural History Museum who developed the Treasures of Egypt exhibit which opened last year. The exhibit features artifact recreations from King Tut’s tomb donated by the Luxor Las Vegas. It is one of only two sets of Tomb of Tutankhamun replicas authorized by the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities. Treasures of Egypt is just one of the many manifestations of John Good’s passion for science and education.
Good had a successful career as an advertising professional in Los Angeles before deciding to take a position at the National History Museum of LA County, where he was able to embark on his true passion. He oversaw the development and funding of special exhibits, including five National Science Foundation-funded projects. His accomplishments and dedication led to additional nonprofit and community appointments. Good served on the Long Beach Arts Council, as well as board member and president of Getty House Foundation and as co-chair of Smithsonian Week.
In 2002 Good decided to open his own company, Exhibit IQ, and in 2007 he relocated the business to Las Vegas, as many of the fabricators that created his unique exhibits were working in Vegas shows and themed casino resorts. “We strive to make science and cultural programs interesting and inspiring in order to engage the public,” says Good. “It provides an opportunity for them to become better informed and for students to consider science or culture-based careers.”
Exhibit IQ has produced science and cultural exhibitions and programs for museums, zoos, aquariums, universities, libraries and corporations around the world. “Our goal is to make science and cultural topics exciting and relevant through innovative design and strong connections to pop culture, like connecting science content with popular science-based TV shows or well known celebrity figures,” he said.
Good has taken his desire to inspire our youth and motivate more science and technology interest by co-founding and co-directing the Las Vegas Science Festival. The annual one week event celebrates science and technology in Southern Nevada. “The inaugural event in May hosted more than 50 events, partnered with more than 80 organizations and saw more than 15,000 participants. We already have set April 29 through May 5 for the 2012 Science Festival.”
Exhibit IQ continues its mentoring philosophy by supporting the West Technical and Career Academy in Summerlin. Select students formed a group to learn more about a project Exhibit IQ was working on with the Physics Department at UC Berkeley and skateboarding superstar Tony Hawk. The project demonstrates how physics principles like gravity, force, velocity, acceleration, inertia and balance make radical tricks possible in sports like skateboarding, BMX and snowboarding. The students suggested what they would include in the exhibit and designed a prototype of a moving exhibit element themselves. After performing tests they debuted it at the Las Vegas Science Festival on Expo Day. “Their recommendations are being used in the development of the final exhibit,” Good said. The students will also attend the opening of Tony Hawk Vert Science at Berkeley in 2012 and meet the famous skateboarding legend in person.
“It is important our youth see that there are many options for them in science, technology, engineering and math,” he said. “The next generation will be called on to solve significant challenges from climate change to water and energy issues, health care advances and next generation technology. We need to make sure that today’s kids are inspired and trained to meet those challenges. I hope that the little bit I’m able to give back to the community will make a difference.”
