Growth Lab

In this episode, I sit down with Kristen Mayer, CEO & Founder of KMI Wealth, investor, entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for women in finance.We dive into Kristen’s journey of reinvention, from her early roots in journalism and global education, to building a life centered around family and entrepreneurship, to ultimately stepping into the financial services world and creating her own firm with purpose. Kristen shares how her experiences shaped her belief that wealth is more than money, it’s freedom, alignment, and the ability to design life on your own terms.We talk about what it really looks like to build something from the ground up, how women can step into financial confidence, and why changing the narrative around money is one of the most powerful ways to impact future generations.If you’re ready to think differently about wealth, step into your power, and realize it’s never too late to create your next chapter… this one’s for you.Thank you to our sponsor, Tahoe Nevada Love! Use code GrowthLab25 at ⁠tahoenevadalove.com⁠.Find KRISTEN MAYER:⁠www.kmiwealthadvisors.com⁠NICOLLE GUST:⁠www.instagram.com/yourrenorealestateexpert⁠⁠www.facebook.com/yourrenorealestateexpert⁠⁠www.yourrenorealestateexpert.com⁠Follow GROWTH LAB:⁠www.instagram.com/growthlabpod⁠⁠www.facebook.com/growthlabpod⁠

In this episode, I sit down with Shivani Peterson mortgage advisor at All Western Mortgage, public speaker, and unapologetic feminist force in our Reno community.Yes, we talk industry, but this conversation goes so much deeper. Shivani brings her signature clarity and confidence to the table, goving us insight on her personal journey and a mom, entrepreneur and all around badass. She is a champion for women and inspires us all to own our voice, and build wealth on their own terms.We dive into mindset, money, leadership, and why education is power. Shivani shares how being informed and prepared isn’t just about buying a home, it’s about rewriting the narrative around money, confidence, and what’s possible.If you’re ready to feel informed, inspired, and fired up, this episode is for you.Thank you to our sponsor, Tahoe Nevada Love! Use code GrowthLab25 at ⁠tahoenevadalove.com⁠.Find SHIVANI PETERSON :shivanipeterson.com⁠⁠www.instagram.com/shivpeterNICOLLE GUST:⁠www.instagram.com/yourrenorealestateexpert⁠⁠www.facebook.com/yourrenorealestateexpert⁠⁠www.yourrenorealestateexpert.com⁠Follow GROWTH LAB:⁠www.instagram.com/growthlabpod⁠⁠www.facebook.com/growthlabpod

In this episode, I sit down with Isha Casagrande, fashionISHA, confidence coach, Jazzercise Queen, stylist and founder of The Confident Style Method™, the proven 90-day transformation helping women 40+ reclaim their confidence from the inside out.We dive into how style, mindset, and movement come together to shift the way you see yourself, how you show up, and how you navigate your life. Isha breaks down why confidence isn’t about clothes, it’s about alignment, embodiment, and rediscovering your power.If you’re ready to stop second-guessing yourself and step into the most confident version of you… this one’s for you.Thank you to our sponsor, Tahoe Nevada Love! Use code GrowthLab25 at tahoenevadalove.com.Find ISHA CASAGRANDE:ishacasagrande.comwww.instagram.com/ishacasagrandeNICOLLE GUST:www.instagram.com/yourrenorealestateexpertwww.facebook.com/yourrenorealestateexpertwww.yourrenorealestateexpert.comFollow GROWTH LAB:www.instagram.com/growthlabpodwww.facebook.com/growthlabpod

In this episode, I sit down with Reno’s own culinary legend, Mark Estee, chef, restaurateur, and community builder, to unpack what it really takes to grow a mission-driven brand. We’re diving into Reno’s vibrant food scene with Mark who is the force behind Reno Local Food Group. From farm-to-table flavors to iconic restaurants, Mark has been serving up community connection through food. From scrappy kitchen starts to creating beloved local institutions, Mark shares the systems behind great teams, resilient leadership through tough seasons, and why serving people (not just plates) is the ultimate growth strategy. If you’re building anything in Northern Nevada, and want the playbook for grit, generosity, and long-game impact..this one’s for you.Thank you to our sponsor, Tahoe Nevada Love! Grab your gear at a special discount just for podcast listeners with code GrowthLab25 at ⁠tahoenevadalove.com⁠.Find MARK ESTEE:⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/markesteechef⁠⁠⁠⁠www.renolfg.com⁠⁠ NICOLLE GUST:⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/yourrenorealestateexpert⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/yourrenorealestateexpert⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.yourrenorealestateexpert.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow GROWTH LAB:⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/growthlabpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/growthlabpod

In this episode I sit down with the amazing Staci Dooley, MSN, APRN-C Who has started Personalized virtual care for women struggling with hormone imbalances, weight loss struggles, and overall wellness. Staci has been a nurse practitioner for 15 years, specializing in family practice and, more recently, helping women navigate perimenopause and menopause. Her passion is making people feel theirabsolute best—because life is too short to feel anything less.She believes that feeling good isn’t just about medicine—it’s about lifestyle, balance, and knowing you have someone in your corner. Whether you’re looking for guidance on hormones, wellness, or just a little extra support, I’m here tohelp you feel strong, confident, and empowered.Thank you to our sponsor, Tahoe Nevada Love! Grab your gear at a special discount just for podcast listeners with code GrowthLab25 at tahoenevadalove.com.Find Staci Dooley:⁠www.instagram.com/staciadooleywww.stacidooley.com NICOLLE GUST:⁠www.instagram.com/yourrenorealestateexpert⁠⁠www.facebook.com/yourrenorealestateexpert⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.yourrenorealestateexpert.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow GROWTH LAB:⁠www.instagram.com/growthlabpod⁠⁠www.facebook.com/growthlabpod

Join me for a conversation with Sabrina McCool and Aly McDermott, President and Treasurer of Mamas for a Cause. As Board Members of this organization, these two women are incredibly invested in community connection. In this episode, we’re covering how to juggle a full-time career (or several!) with passionate involvement in non-profits, the importance of maintaining connections among women, and rolling with the punches to create the best event possible.Mamas for a Cause is an annual event that started as a small potluck and has evolved to include hundreds of women every year. Join us for this year’s “Cirque de la Vie” fundraising dinner on April 26th, 2025, benefitting the Conrad Breast Center, which will be the first comprehensive breast cancer center in Nevada. Get all the details on the Mamas for a Cause website.Thank you to our sponsor, Tahoe Nevada Love! Grab your gear at a special discount just for podcast listeners with code GrowthLab25 at tahoenevadalove.com.Find MAMAS FOR A CAUSE:www.instagram.com/mamasforacausewww.facebook.com/mamasforacausewww.mamasforacause.comFollow NICOLLE GUST:www.instagram.com/yourrenorealestateexpertwww.facebook.com/yourrenorealestateexpert⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.yourrenorealestateexpert.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow GROWTH LAB:www.instagram.com/growthlabpodwww.facebook.com/growthlabpod

In a much-anticipated episode, I sat down with Ashlee Smith, founder of Ashlee’s Toy Closet. A fixture in Northern Nevada’s nonprofit community, Ashlee is passionate about helping kids affected by natural disasters and other tragedies keep up that spark of joy. Listen in to hear why recent wildfires are even harder on kids than others in the past, how Ashlee juggles her full-time job and her full-time commitment to her nonprofit organization, and why she likes to host family-oriented fundraiser events, such as the upcoming Side-by-Side Parade on December 14th. Thank you to our sponsor, Tahoe Nevada Love! Grab your gear at a special discount just for podcast listeners with code GrowthLab25 at tahoenevadalove.com. Find ASHLEE’S TOY CLOSET: www.instagram.com/ashleestoycloset www.facebook.com/ashleestoyclosetinc www.ashlees Find NICOLLE GUST: www.instagram.com/yourrenorealestateexpert www.facebook.com/yourrenorealestateexpert ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.yourrenorealestateexpert.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow GROWTH LAB: www.instagram.com/growthlabpod www.facebook.com/growthlabpod

Sit down with me and Marcell Lagrone, founder of ReDirect Athletics, for a conversation about overcoming roadblocks, athletic competition at a high level, operating as a family unit with his wife Tish, and the details about ReDirect Athletics' outreach programs for kids. We dive deep into the scary parts of jumping into entrepreneurship, and the beauty of having a partner who won't let you drown. ReDirect Athletics is a Reno/Sparks nonprofit that services at-risk youth through fitness and boxing. Marcell has a true passion for encouraging kids to make the right choice, making sure they have a good support system at home, and preparing them for the real world. Thank you to our sponsor, Tahoe Nevada Love! Grab your gear at a special discount just for podcast listeners with code GrowthLab25 at tahoenevadalove.com. Find REDIRECT ATHLETICS: www.instagram.com/redirect_athletics www.facebook.com/ReDirectAthletics www.redirectathletics.com Find NICOLLE GUST: www.instagram.com/yourrenorealestateexpert www.facebook.com/yourrenorealestateexpert ⁠⁠⁠www.yourrenorealestateexpert.com⁠⁠⁠ Follow GROWTH LAB: www.instagram.com/growthlabpod www.facebook.com/growthlabpod

In this episode, I sat down with my go-to gal for all things health: Dillon Lambert, independent family nurse practitioner at Revive Health Integrative Wellness. Beyond owning a “farm-ette” and walking her goats on a leash, Dillon has dedicated her career to learning about holistic wellness and helping her patients with this knowledge. Listen in for the scoop on avoiding “medical gaslighting”, the new-wave alternative to that evening glass of wine, and ways to keep our kiddos on the path to success. Dillon’s business model is unique in today’s healthcare climate. Her goal is to make holistic healthcare more accessible, with or without insurance. Keep an eye out for her upcoming courses, check out her blog, and learn more about her unique service offerings at dillonlambert.com. Thank you to our sponsor, Tahoe Nevada Love! Grab your gear at a special discount for podcast listeners with code GrowthLab25 at tahoenevadalove.com. Find DILLON LAMBERT: instagram.com/thezenaprn thebiggestlittleacre.weebly.com www.dillonlambert.com Find NICOLLE GUST: instagram.com/yourrenorealestateexpert facebook.com/yourrenorealestateexpert ⁠⁠www.yourrenorealestateexpert.com⁠⁠ Follow GROWTH LAB: instagram.com/growthlabpod facebook.com/growthlabpod

Sit down with me and Rob McCalla, owner of Reliance Landscaping. As an entrepreneur, Rob offers a different perspective to the Growth Lab podcast. Listen in to learn about what goes into the entrepreneurial mindset of managing a team without micromanaging, how he got his business started while in high school, some intriguing nuances of Reno's microclimates, getting his hands dirty even as an owner, and maintaining positive relationships with competitors. As an involved community member, Rob also speaks to his role with the Nevada Military Support Alliance. Plus, get some relevant spring landscaping tips! Rob isn't afraid of hard work, paid or volunteer. This episode is a great motivator for aspiring and successful entrepreneurs alike. Find RELIANCE LANDSCAPING: facebook.com/RGMNEVADA reliancelandscapeinc.com Find NICOLLE GUST: instagram.com/yourrenorealestateexpert facebook.com/yourrenorealestateexpert ⁠⁠⁠www.yourrenorealestateexpert.com⁠⁠⁠ Follow GROWTH LAB: instagram.com/growthlabpod facebook.com/growthlabpod

Listen in to my conversation with Grant Denton, TedX Speaker and founder of the Karma Box Project, a nonprofit that focuses on helping recovering addicts to get back involved with the community. In this episode, Grant and I discuss how to get community members invested in a civic project, the impetus behind taking it up to the next level of a nonprofit in 2020, and his take on how to truly help the homeless in Northern Nevada. Grant brings a tremendous amount of insight to this episode about how to effectively help people make radical changes in their lives and how to cultivate genuine community buy-in for important projects like this one. Plus, listen in for Grant’s take on the roles of pain, grit, and self-esteem in our day-to-day lives. Thank you to our sponsor, Tahoe Nevada Love! Grab your gear at a special discount for podcast listeners with code GrowthLab25 at tahoenevadalove.com. Find GRANT DENTON & KARMA BOX PROJECT: instagram.com/grantadenton instagram.com/karmaboxproject1 facebook.com/karmaboxproject ⁠www.karmaboxproject.org Find NICOLLE GUST: instagram.com/yourrenorealestateexpert facebook.com/yourrenorealestateexpert ⁠⁠www.yourrenorealestateexpert.com⁠⁠ Follow GROWTH LAB: instagram.com/growthlabpod facebook.com/growthlabpod

In this episode, I sat down with Kacey Queen, Co-Founder of Nevada Moms. Kacey’s company started out as a blog and she’s created a whole community to support and connect moms across Nevada. As a mom of three herself, she’s prioritized offering resources to moms of all backgrounds. Listen in to learn about why and how Kasey decided homeschooling was right for her family, how she and Leanna Carson came up with the idea for Nevada Moms, and the strategy that goes into finding current events for families. We also get into the reality behind looking put-together as a mom and continuously sourcing content for Nevada Moms. Check out the Nevada Moms website to grab a Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt! Thank you to our sponsor, Tahoe Nevada Love! Grab your gear at a special discount for podcast listeners with code GrowthLab25 at tahoenevadalove.com. Find NEVADA MOMS: instagram.com/NorthernNevadaMoms facebook.com/NorthernNevadaMoms www.nvmoms.com Find NICOLLE GUST: instagram.com/yourrenorealestateexpert facebook.com/yourrenorealestateexpert ⁠www.yourrenorealestateexpert.com⁠ Follow GROWTH LAB: instagram.com/growthlabpod facebook.com/growthlabpod

Jay Kenny is the owner of Doughboy’s Doughnuts and is a REALTOR® at Dickson Realty. You might also know him as a Nevada baseball player and a Reno City Council candidate. In this episode, I sat down with him to talk about how he got into the doughnut biz (yes, cops are involved), how he’s instilling a strong work ethic in his two sons, and the truth about getting into the real estate business. Jay tries to find a way to pay it forward every day and loves to joke around with everyone he encounters. Listen in for nuggets about running for office at the local level, addressing community issues, managing multiple demanding commitments, and doing it all. This is a heart-warming and informative conversation about taking care of the people around us and building a business that supports a family-centric lifestyle. Don’t forget! We love our sponsor. Grab your Tahoe Nevada Love gear at a special discount for podcast listeners with code GrowthLab25 at tahoenevadalove.com.   Find JAY KENNY: www.doughboysreno.com www.jaykenny.dicksonrealty.com   Find NICOLLE GUST: instagram.com/yourrenorealestateexpert facebook.com/yourrenorealestateexpert www.yourrenorealestateexpert.com   Follow GROWTH LAB: instagram.com/growthlabpod facebook.com/growthlabpod   Find TAHOE NEVADA LOVE: instagram.com/tahoenevadalove facebook.com/tahoenevadalove www.tahoenevadalove.com

In this very exciting episode, I sat down with Growth Lab’s first sponsor: Tahoe Nevada Love! Founders Ashley and Adam Sayre have worked hard to create an amazing brand centered around our Northern Nevada community. Listen in for the scoop on where the Sayres’ entrepreneurial spirit comes from, what it’s like to build a business with a spouse, as well as some of the struggles of being small business owners. This episode is an in-depth behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to ideate, launch, and grow a business. Plus, get a sneak peek at TNL’s next endeavor! Grab your Tahoe Nevada Love gear at a special discount for podcast listeners with code GrowthLab25 at tahoenevadalove.com. Find TAHOE NEVADA LOVE: instagram.com/tahoenevadalove facebook.com/tahoenevadalove www.tahoenevadalove.com Find NICOLLE GUST: instagram.com/yourrenorealestateexpert facebook.com/yourrenorealestateexpert www.yourrenorealestateexpert.com Follow GROWTH LAB: instagram.com/growthlabpod facebook.com/growthlabpod

I brought Mike Wood of RE/MAX Professionals on the pod even though he is my competition! We discuss being competitive and trying not to compare ourselves to others (and each other), the importance of “hunger” in our industry, managing a team, and society’s propensity to support an underdog until they actually succeed. We also address the most salacious rumors about us swirling around town! Real estate agents, you’ll pick up a plethora of advice from this one. Listen in to learn more about Mike and me on a personal level and get the real scoop on how competitors communicate in the Reno real estate industry. Find NICOLLE GUST: instagram.com/yourrenorealestateexpert facebook.com/yourrenorealestateexpert www.yourrenorealestateexpert.com Follow GROWTH LAB: instagram.com/growthlabpod facebook.com/growthlabpod

Meet Gina Hasler, owner of GMH Photography. Listen in to learn about Gina’s annual ‘Santa Experience’ event – in August! – and get the scoop on why she’s trying to pare down a bit and the truth about why she started her nonprofit, Be Still. We also talk about how to balance all of our community involvement as moms with our entrepreneurial endeavors and touch on how Gina’s family gets roped into her wild photography set ideas! Everybody has a little magic inside of them, but Gina truly brings Mary Poppins energy wherever she goes.   Find GMH PHOTOGRAPHY: instagram.com/gmh_photography facebook.com/gmhphotography [email protected]   Find NICOLLE GUST: instagram.com/yourrenorealestateexpert facebook.com/yourrenorealestateexpert www.yourrenorealestateexpert.com   Follow GROWTH LAB: instagram.com/growthlabpod facebook.com/growthlabpod

I sat down with photographer extraordinaire Jeramie Lu to discuss the secret sauce of entrepreneurship. Listen in to learn about why Jeramie doesn’t see himself as a creative, how he deals with internet trolls, why he loves helping new photographers learn the trade, and what motivates him to make the most of his time, from both a personal and professional perspective. We touch on why photography should be FUN and how Jeramie navigates digital marketing as an introvert. This is a peek behind the curtain of Jeramie’s successful business and social media presence! Take a few minutes to learn about Jeramie as ‘just a regular guy’. Find JERAMIE LU: instagram.com/jeramie_lu_photography facebook.com/JeramieLuPhotography www.jeramielu.com   Find NICOLLE GUST: instagram.com/yourrenorealestateexpert facebook.com/yourrenorealestateexpert www.yourrenorealestateexpert.com   Follow GROWTH LAB: instagram.com/growthlabpod facebook.com/growthlabpod

Meet Cortney Young, owner of ADR Partners, an award-winning mediator and arbitrator, a ’20 under 40’ awardee in 2017, one of Sierra Nevada’s 20 most powerful women, published author, and speaker. Listen in to my interview with Cortney to learn about mediation and arbitration – and what the difference is – including how to navigate divorce in the most agreeable way possible, as well as balancing a high-conflict career with a peaceful personal life, catching up with the Governor in a Southwest boarding line, truly defining our story and who we are, and why she hasn’t raised her rates since 2014. Find CORTNEY YOUNG: instagram.com/adrpartners_ linkedin.com/in/cortney-young-b6a32873 (775) 305-0691 www.adrpnv.com Find NICOLLE GUST: instagram.com/yourrenorealestateexpert facebook.com/yourrenorealestateexpert www.yourrenorealestateexpert.com Follow GROWTH LAB: instagram.com/growthlabpod facebook.com/growthlabpod

I sat down with Korine Viehweg to find out more about how she’s serving the community while balancing her loving family of five children and a husband. In this episode, we discuss the moment she knew it was time to quit her job, finding the right level of “whelmed”, the dynamics of finding care for children with special needs, how she’s expanded her foundation’s base by 500% in ten years, navigating the shutdown as an essential basis, and how YOU can get involved with this amazing organization. Korine is the Executive Director of Northern Nevada RAVE Family Foundation, which provides respite to families caring for children with special needs and trains high school volunteers to work with these very special children. Find RAVE: instagram.com/ravefamilyfoundation facebook.com/NevadaRAVE www.NNRFF.org Find NICOLLE GUST: instagram.com/yourrenorealestateexpert facebook.com/yourrenorealestateexpert www.yourrenorealestateexpert.com Follow GROWTH LAB: instagram.com/growthlabpod facebook.com/growthlabpod

Brian Sundeen wants to make sports programs readily available for kids! In this episode, I got the scoop on his plans for a future recreation facility, the downfalls of flying under the radar, navigating hiring challenges, managing a busy life and family, keeping programs affordable, and learning to ask for help. Brian is the Director and Founder of Northern Nevada Sports & Recreation (NNSR). He’s driven by his passion for sports and loves what he does. You may also know him as my Sparks buyer’s agent on the Nicolle Gust Real Estate Team! Find NNSR: instagram.com/nnsr2012 facebook.com/NorthernNevadaSportsandRec email: [email protected] www.NNSR.org Find NICOLLE GUST: instagram.com/yourrenorealestateexpert facebook.com/yourrenorealestateexpert www.yourrenorealestateexpert.com Follow GROWTH LAB: instagram.com/growthlabpod facebook.com/growthlabpod

We’re starting off strong in this episode with a pet-able beard! Please welcome Will Reyes, beard wearer and small business owner. We talk about Will’s transition from painting as a side gig to as a full-blown career, as well as his future plans for expansion, tips for growing a luscious beard, how becoming a father changed his mindset, the ebb and flow of entrepreneurship, and the truth about why Will works out. Will owns Battle Born Painting, which offers interior and exterior painting services, cabinet refinishing, and more, as well as Battle Born Concrete Coatings. He’s a vocal proponent of mentorship and a partner of the Paint it Forward initiative. Find BATTLE BORN PAINTING: instagram.com/battlebornpainting1864 facebook.com/battlebornpainting1864 www.battlebornpainting.com Find NICOLLE GUST: instagram.com/yourrenorealestateexpert facebook.com/yourrenorealestateexpert www.yourrenorealestateexpert.com Follow GROWTH LAB: instagram.com/growthlabpod facebook.com/growthlabpod

In this inaugural episode, I welcome Amy Burkett to discuss doing business in the Reno/Tahoe area, being intentional about including women entrepreneurs, the pressure in the local fitness industry, prioritizing wellness, and creating genuine connection. Amy is the ultimate Reno entrepreneur, starting out as a massage therapist in 2002 and expanding her expertise into fitness coaching, wellness, and business coaching. She's known since age 20 that she would always work for herself! Amy owns Reno Breathe Bar and is expanding into business coaching as Into Fruition. Find AMY BURKETT: instagram.com/amyrburkett instagram.com/intofruition.ltd www.renobreathebar.com Find NICOLLE GUST: instagram.com/yourrenorealestateexpert facebook.com/yourrenorealestateexpert www.yourrenorealestateexpert.com Follow GROWTH LAB: instagram.com/growthlabpod