Takeaways – A podcast about learning from the wisdom of others

Mike Chernine is the Principal and CEO of IndiCap, a development company focused on industrial projects ranging from 50,000 square feet to more than one million square feet. With seven million square feet in the pipeline across Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Reno, Mike has become a major force in Western industrial development and a trailblazer in reading where the Las Vegas market is headed before others see it.

Takeaways 75: Dan Adamson - It's Easy by Hayim Mizrachi

As the current Mayor of Las Vegas, Shelley Berkley stands as a true political trailblazer. She began her career in law and public service at a time when female representation was scarce.  By actively paving the way for future generations, she built a distinguished legacy that includes tenures in the Nevada Assembly and the Board of Regents, as well as service in Congress.  After further leading Touro University as CEO and Provost, she has returned to her roots, proudly serving as Mayor of her hometown.

Marc Badain is currently the President of the Athletics of Major League Baseball and a central figure in Las Vegas’s emergence as a global sports mecca. Described as the "guy on the ground," he has served as a vital bridge between franchise owners and the local community. Mr. Badain was instrumental in relocating the Raiders to Las Vegas and overseeing the construction of Allegiant Stadium, transforming the city's skyline and economic diversity forever.

NAIOP Southern Nevada Breakfast Program January 15, 2026 Program Speakers Peter Kroner, Director, National Industrial, Market Intelligence - Avison & Young John Restrepo, Principal - RCG Economics Moderator: Kyle Nagy, Founder and Director - CommCap Advisors Sponsored by Martin-Harris Construction

Michael Greene and Jerdin Lindquist sit at the next generation of Las Vegas office brokerage: Greene with 18+ years in corporate finance, gaming, lodging, and private equity before joining MDL Group; Lindquist with a crowd-facing hospitality background, UNLV real estate track, and relationship superpowers. Together, they represent talent crossing into CRE with modern vision and data-driven discipline.

Michael Naft is a Clark County Commissioner for District A, overseeing some of Southern Nevada’s most complex and high-profile areas, including parts of the Las Vegas Strip, unincorporated communities, and regional infrastructure. Appointed in 2019 and later elected, he has become a key civic leader—helping guide landmark moments like Las Vegas hosting its first Super Bowl while modernizing how local government serves a rapidly growing region.

NAIOP Southern Nevada Breakfast Program October 16, 2025 Program Speakers Andrew Woods, Director, Center for Business and Economic Research, UNLV Danielle Casey, President and CEO, Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA) Steve Hill, President/CEO, Las Vegas Convention and Visitor Authority (LVCVA) Moderator: Jamie Schwartz, Director, Industry and Business Engagement, UNLV Office of Economic Development Sponsored by The Southern Nevada Water Authority

Breakfast Program September 18, 2025 Program Speakers Steve Boyce, VP Mission Critical - Novva Data Centers Jeff Brigger, Director of Business Development & Major Accounts - NV Energy Colby Pellegrino, Deputy General Manager for Resources - Southern Nevada Water Authority Steven Roberts, VP Construction Development - Switch Moderator: Brent Nasset, Site Development Consultant - Kimley-Horn NAIOP Northern Nevada Chapter President Sponsored by Carpenter Sellers Del Gatto Architects

If you’ve been around Las Vegas commercial real estate for any length of time, you’ve heard of Kevin Buckley and David Johnson. Both have shaped the city’s landscape, from deals on the Strip to the suburbs, to influencing generations of brokers who followed. In this episode, the two industry veterans reflect on their journeys: the early days when the city was smaller, the friendships that fueled careers, and the life lessons that still guide them today.

Nick Palmeri, owner of Gaetano’s Ristorante in Henderson, isn’t just a chef or a businessman, he’s the keeper of a legacy. His story is one of family, resilience, and incredible work ethic! When COVID brought Las Vegas to a standstill, Nick refused to close his doors. Instead, he reinvented his operation overnight, fought to keep his team employed, and proved that real hospitality doesn’t quit, even when the world does.

Dan Palmeri, SIOR, is one of the most recognized office tenant rep brokers in Las Vegas. He is currently Executive Vice President at CBRE and his path to success didn’t start pitching big assignments in corporate boardrooms. It began as a kid working in his family’s Italian restaurant, where hard work, grit, and resilience were served alongside pasta and wine. From peeling potatoes as a kid to negotiating multimillion-dollar corporate leases, Dan has carried those early lessons into a career defined by hustle, reinvention, and doing business on his own terms.

Breakfast Program July 17, 2025 Program Speakers Lawrence Barnard, President-Children's Hospital of Nevada, Assistant Vice President of Pediatrics, Desert Region, Intermountain Health Jeff Ruidl, Senior Vice President, Hammes Partners Bill War, Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, Green Valley Health and Wellness Suites Moderator: Dan Palmeri, SIOR, Senior Vice President, CBRE Sponsored by: Whiting-Turner

Breakfast Program June 19, 2025 Program Speakers Chris Lexis, SIOR, Principal, Avison Young Jason Otter, Founding Partner, LOGIC Commercial Real Estate Tonya Gottesman, Vice President, CBRE Moderator: Terri Sheridan, Economic Development Director, City of North Las Vegas Sponsored by: NVEnergy

Breakfast Program August 21, 2025 Program Speakers Edward Aloe, President & CEO, CALCAP Shawn McCoy, Ph.D., Director and Associate Professor, Lied Center for Real Estate | University of Nevada, Las Vegas Josh Nelson, Chief Investment Officer, The Calida Group Moderator: Adam Schmitt, First Vice President, CBRE | Multifamily Investment Properties Sponsored by: Panattoni Development Company

Bo Bernhard, Vice President of Economic Development at UNLV and a fifth-generation Las Vegas native, has spent his career studying the industries that make the city tick — and exporting that expertise around the globe. From shaping the way other global cities think about tourism and entertainment to guiding major development projects in Thailand, Boston, and beyond, Bo brings a mix of academic insight and hometown pride. In this episode, he unpacks why 2025 is a “big year” for Las Vegas and how its DNA of hospitality, kindness, and bold reinvention is poised to shape the global economy.

John Tippins is the founder and CEO of Northcap, a real estate firm deeply woven into the transformation of downtown Las Vegas. With nearly two decades of experience and over $2 billion in completed transactions, John has become more than a broker—he’s a steward of shaping the City of Las Vegas. In this episode, we follow his rise from humble beginnings to real estate trailblazer, the mentors who shaped his mindset, and how a single lunch meeting turned into $700 million in business. John’s story is one of grit, relationships, vision—and a relentless commitment to being of service.

***Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of domestic violence, including strangulation and survivor experiences. Listener discretion is advised. As the CEO of SafeNest, Nevada’s largest nonprofit dedicated to ending domestic violence, Liz Ortenburger has transformed a struggling organization into a multifaceted force of hope and healing. What began as a $3.7 million nonprofit teetering on financial uncertainty has grown under her leadership into a robust, mission-driven enterprise — one that blends compassion with smart business acumen.

Breakfast Program May 22, 2025 Program Speakers Marc Badain, President, Athletics Todd Bishop, Vice President, CAA ICON Nick Tomasino, Chief Construction Officer, LVXP Moderator: Nate Jacobs, LEED AP BD+C, Vice President, McCarthy Companies, Inc. Sponsored by: Cox Business

From entrepreneurial success to transforming thousands of lives on the streets, Tiger Todd’s journey is anything but ordinary. A self-taught philosopher, teacher, and social innovator, Tiger’s life pivoted when he stepped into a Las Vegas park nearly 30 years ago—armed with curiosity, and compassion. What followed became a decades-long mission to unravel and reverse the root causes of American homelessness.

NAIOP April 2025 - Breakfast Program  The participants included: Guy Martin, President, Martin-Harris Construction Frank Marretti, Founder, G2 Capital Development John Restrepo, Principal, RCG Economics, LLC   Moderator: Steve Neiger, CCIM, Principal, CAST This program was sponsored by American Nevada Realty

Amalie Zinsser doesn’t just build communities — she lives and breathes them. From pioneering coworking spaces across the Western U.S. to connecting the dots between culture, place, and purpose, Amalie has found her calling in helping people belong. On this episode of Takeaways, Amalie shares her unlikely journey from harvesting organs scene to spearheading Kiln’s expansion in Las Vegas — and her powerful philosophy that business works best when people are happy.

March Breakfast Program: Fast Lane to the Future: Transportation, Infrastructure & Growth. Panelists included: Asha Jones, VP of Public Affairs, Brightline West David Swallow, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Regional Transportation of Southern Nevada (RTC) Tracy Larkin Thomason, P.E.,Director, Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) Moderator: James Bristow, P.E., Managing Member, Midnight Sun Consulting This program was sponsored by Schnitzer Properties

The participants included: Jeff LaPour, Principal, LaPour Jess Molasky, Chief Operating Officer, Ovation Development Stan Wasserkrug, Principal, InterCapital Asset Management Moderator: Megan McInerney, Associate Vice President | Las Vegas Office Division Colliers This program was sponsored by Martin Harris Construction

February Breakfast Program, Strip Hospitality: What makes a winning hand? Tonia Chafetz, Vice President of Leasing and Retail Operations, Caesars Entertainment Alex Dixon, Chief Executive Officer, Resorts World Michael Hirschfeld, BLVD Project Leasing, Vice Chairman, JLL Moderator: Deana Marcello, Executive Vice President | Las Vegas, Colliers Sponsored By: City of North Las Vegas

Tom Thomas is the Managing Partner of Thomas & Mack Co., an investment and commercial real estate development company. In addition, he serves as an Area Seventy of the LDS Church where he oversees the resources of the Church in the greater Clark County area and into Arizona.

Cassie and Adi Mor are the husband-and-wife duo behind The Mor Group, a full-service Real Estate brokerage that specializes in residential Property Management and Investments. In an industry known for tough negotiations and strict contracts, they’ve carved out a space where relationships come first and positive energy is non negotiable. Strap in for this episode. It’s full of fun and candor!

Victor Fuchs came to the United States from Ukraine by way of Italy, thanks to funds from the Jewish Federation. Today is the President of Helix Electric, the country’s second-largest non-union electrical contractor. Escaping the anti-semitism of the post-WWII Soviet Union, he and his parents came to this country with next to nothing, a funny spelling last name, and the determination to have a better future.

In this episode of Takeaways, we’re doing something a little different. This installment is a replay of the inaugural episode of Through The Door: An Insider’s Perspective on Running a Business, hosted by Megan Comfort, Executive Vice President and Small Business Manager at Nevada State Bank. I had the honor of being Megan’s very first guest, and together, we explored the lessons I’ve learned from the ground up — from starting cold as a rookie broker to leading MDL Group as CEO today.

Richard Camarota has been cooking nearly his whole life. In the post-COVID era, he’s gone from the back of the kitchen to the front of the house, opening a line of high-end restaurants that’s shaken up the Vegas scene. He’s the Operations Director and Managing Partner for McClain Kamarota Hospitality, alongside James Beard and award-winning Chef Shawn McClain. Some of their restaurants include Bala inside The Sahara, Libertine Social inside the Mandalay Bay, Wineaux with Master Sommelier Nick Hetzel, and more.

What’s New and Exciting in Southern Nevada Economic Development? Speakers included: Shani Coleman, Director of Economic Development, Clark County Jared Smith, Director of Economic Development and Tourism, City of Henderson Moderator:Cassie Catania-Hsu, NAIOP Southern Nevada President, Managing Director CBRE Sponsor Southern Nevada Water Authority.

Kevin Burke is the CEO of Burke Construction and a Partner at Matter Real Estate Group. He’s a champion of higher education and a dedicated volunteer with decades of experience in leadership. Kevin was born in Kansas and graduated from Kansas State University with a mechanical engineering degree. From early hands-on experiences in nuclear power projects to working for Procter & Gamble, his career showcases a dynamic blend of engineering and leadership in high-stakes environments. Today, he navigates two high-profile companies while maintaining a strong sense of community, particularly through his extensive volunteer work.

The Vision of LANDing a deal in Las Vegas The participants included: K Roohani, Owner, Seven Valleys Realty & Construction Scott Bleazard, Land Acquisition, VP, KB Home – Las Vegas Chris Armstrong, Executive Vice President, Olympia Companies Moderator: Owen Sherwood, VP, Commercial Sales Manager Fidelity Title – National Commercial Services This program was sponsored by Carpenter Sellers Del Gatto Architects

Guy Martin started his career in construction the summer he turned 13. Working with his dad, Frank Martin, he grew up watching him work hard and build things really well. He always knew that he wanted to run the company one day, and today, he is the President of Martin-Harris Construction. The 48-year-old company employs over 300 people in Nevada and builds everything except for single-family detached residential and on-strip hospitality. His Christian faith serves as the foundation not just for his life, but his corporate success. Kindness, gratitude, love and faith are the backbone of Guy’s drive to build community, lead future generations, and do more with what he was given. With a forty-year career in general construction under his belt, Guy worked his way up through “every department but accounting.” Now that he runs the place, his business plan is simple: have fun, make money, and the order is important.

NAIOP August 2024 - Breakfast Program Commercial Real Estate and AI: Meeting the New Demands Missy Young, Senior Fellow and Former Chief Information Officer, Switch Q&A, Hayim Mizrachi, CCIM, CEO | Broker | Principal, MDL Group Sponsored By: American Nevada Company

Deryk Engelland hardly needs an introduction as one of the original Las Vegas Golden Knights Misfits, playing from 2017-2020. On the ice he is known for his tough fighting skills. Off the ice he is known as one of the nicest people you can meet. His current title is Special Assistant to the owner of the Golden Knights. His community work has his heart, and is the heart of our community.  In the wake of October 1, Deryk and wife Melissa created Engelland’s Heroes, a foundation raising money for underserved communities and first responders across the Las Vegas Valley. Over time, his work has molded into the Vegas Golden Knights Alumni Foundation which is focused on supporting first responders, underserved youth and the undernourished.

NAIOP July 2024 - Breakfast Program The participants included: Stacy Watkins, President and CEO, Lexicon Bank Robert Ybarra, Executive Vice President, CBRE Capital Markets, Inc. Ivan Ferraz, Executive Director, Wells Fargo Bank, NA The program was moderated by Matt Hoyt, Vice President of Finance and Operations, LaPour This program was sponsored by Gatsky Commercial Real Estate

Brad Howard, a serial entrepreneur and online retail veteran, shares his journey of building and selling successful businesses. He discusses his experience with Amazon private label platforms and the challenges he faced with a patent lawsuit. Brad also talks about his current ventures, including a claw arcade business and his involvement in various organizations and philanthropic efforts.

Southern Nevada Elected Leaders: Building Partnerships with Commercial Real Estate. The panelists explored how each jurisdiction approaches commercial real estate development, offering an analysis of land availability, development processes, and construction regulations, while providing a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and challenges in each jurisdiction. The panel included: Mayor Pamela Goynes-Brown, City of North Las Vegas Chairman Tick Segerblom, Clark County Commission Councilman Dan Shaw, City of Henderson Moderator: Tim Castello, Castello Group Thank you to our sponsor Cox Business for their support.

Mark L. Fine is an active real estate developer and master planning developer in Las Vegas for 50 years. He played a central role in developing Green Valley, Las Vegas’ first large-scale master planned community, Summerlin, Queensridge North and South. He was a Senior Advisor with Focus Properties, working with BLM on Mountains Edge, Inspirada, and more. He focuses on building with heart and creativity and has been integrally involved in building some of Las Vegas’s most notable communities from the ground up.

A Broker's Spotlight on the Market" featuring the 2024 Spotlight Brokers of the Year Steve Neiger, CCIM Principal | Managing Director CAST Taber Thill, SIOR Executive Vice President Colliers Garret Toft, SIOR Vice Chairman CBRE Moderator: Reed Gottesman SVP, Regional Manager Schnitzer Properties Thank you to our meeting sponsor NV Energy for their support. Hope to see you soon.

Rob Moore is a fourth-generation Las Vegan and noted storyteller. He is currently involved in Acquisitions and Development for Crawford Group/Green Valley Grocery. He’s owned and worked with companies including Realty Holdings Group, RL Moore and Associates, Cushman and Wakefield, and Sun Commercial. He is a Past President of IREM and the previous Board of Trustees for The Springs Preserve, just to name a few. He’s now the third generation within the oldest Rotary Club and has been involved with the Boys and Girls Club since the 1980s.  Rob is a swimmer, avid golfer, prankster, storyteller, and genuine friend. He learned the science of selling by watching and learning from those who came before him. His early days as a Certified Property Manager helped him discover that being a broker was actually a better fit. His career interests were always in real estate, but his community and family roots run deep.

Last week, we hosted our April Breakfast Program: "How Pro Sports + Entertainment = A Bigger Economic Impact". The panelists shared insights on how world-class entertainment and the proliferation of professional sports in Southern Nevada has had a meaningful economic impact on the community. The panel included: Marc Badain President Oak View Group Las Vegas Betsy Fretwell Chief Operating Officer Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix Lisa Motley Vice President Sports and Special Events Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Moderator: Brooke Malone Vice President, Investor Relations Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance Thank you to our meeting sponsor Southland Industries for their support.

Lisa Brady is a unicorn. With over 20 years of experience in the commercial real estate business, she has served in various roles from sales agent to operations, to leasing and even property management. She’s worked with national and local corporations. She’s dedicated herself to this industry and is currently serving on the Board of NAIOP Southern Nevada. Lisa is Vice President and Market Officer for Prologis, the largest industrial REIT on planet Earth. In every new room she enters, she always asks, “Do I add value?” In her off time, Lisa gives back to her community. She competitively dragon boat raced in the annual St. Rose Regatta Dragon boat race for ten years. She likes to spend time directly helping people and gives back in multiple ways. A self-professed rabid Golden Knights fan, Lisa is also big on cooking and baking, and an avid traveler. She is focused and caring, a mentor to many, and a great friend and through and through.

"Healthcare in Southern Nevada: What’s Next?" March Breakfast Program. The medical office real estate asset class has been a darling in the investment community and that strength continues in the Southern Nevada medical office market. Panelists spoke about what medical office and hospital projects are in the pipeline in order to keep up with Southern Nevada’s population growth. Plus, measures to improve healthcare throughout the valley. Matt Latuchie Vice President - Strategy & Planning HCA Healthcare Maureen Schafer President & CEO Nevada Health & Bioscience Asset Corporation (NHBC) Jeffery Talbot, PhD Vice President for Research Roseman University of Health Sciences Moderator: Dan Palmeri, SIOR Senior Vice President CBRE Thank you to our meeting sponsor R&O Construction for their support. Hope to see you soon.

Ofir Ventura is many things. A motivated entrepreneur, attorney, investor, inventor, philanthropist, mentor, and friend. He’s a certified overachiever who graduated early at both UNLV and law school. Then dove headfirst into gaming, law, real estate, patents, crypto, and more. He’s developed casino table games, NFT projects and competed in jiu-jitsu. But his proudest achievements are reflected in his generous spirit and philanthropic work.  Ofir is a family man, generous friend, and an angel investor who believes in helping other businesses and people succeed. In active pursuit of mastering cutting-edge trends and methods, his mindset is built on the phrase, “Just do it.” He’s always learning, growing, doing, and pushing forward. This natural level of aspiration has led to both success and a lot of life lessons along the way.

NAIOP Southern Nevada Breakfast Program Thursday, February 8, 2024 What's Going On? An Industry Perspective! Kevin Burke Burke Construction Group, CEO Sebastian Torres Vice President CommCap Advisors Brenden Keating Co-Managing Director Boston Omaha Asset Management Chairman Logic Commercial Real Estate Moderator: Connie Brennan Publisher, CEO and Owner Nevada Business Magazine

Breakfast Program Thursday, January 18, 2024 Developers Roundtable A 2024 Kick Off Matthew Nelson, CCIM, CLS Vice President - Brokerage Services J. A. Kennedy Real Estate Company Mathias Hughes Vice President - Investment Officer Prologis Frank Stephan President - Nevada Region Howard Hughes Moderator: Sabrina Borghoff Vice President - Business Development Martin-Harris Construction The Orleans Hotel & Casino 4500 W Tropicana Road - 2nd Floor Convention Area French Quarter Ballroom Las Vegas, NV 89103 Sponsored By: Martin- Harris Construction

Carol Cline-Ong is a Henderson born cowgirl, turned corporate leader who defines work ethic and excellence. She’s the Co-Founder of MDL Group, which started in 1989. Her contributions to the community and industry manifest in organizations like Spread the World NV, Boys Scouts of America Troop 256, Police Athletic League, Council for a Better Nevada, Opportunity Village, CASA Foundation, CREW, and much more. Carol has also achieved the pinnacle with a BOMA Lifetime Leadership Award in 2017. Carol is a tireless leader, dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and Orange Theorist. She has fond memories of growing up on Lake Mead Avenue in Henderson, barrel-racing her horse as a cowgirl, attending Basic High School. Her journey to the top in her industry is a lesson in seizing opportunities and being willing to learn every step of the way.

Stefanie Tuzman is President and CEO of Jewish Nevada (AKA Jewish Federation) and oversees the JCC Jewish Community Center. With her BA in Organizational Communication from Western Michigan University and a few professional journeys along the way, she has dedicated her career to the Jewish nonprofit world. Words to describe Stefanie include passionate, self-aware, tenacious, anxious, social media influencer, connector, fundraiser, CEO, wife, and most of all, Mom. She would describe herself as just a girl, trying to do good in this world.