Meet Las Vegas’ Power Players of 2022
From jewelry to real estate, her are Las Vegas’ powerful figures.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY AND STUDIOS
Oren Leston
Sky Diamonds, Town Square Las Vegas, CEO
Oren Leston’s interest in the diamond industry was sparked by the amazing journey he gets to take with his clients every day. As CEO of Sky Diamonds, he plays an important role in creating cherished memories in their lives. “Purchasing diamond jewelry is a very personal process and I enjoy taking every step of the way with our customers,” he says. “It’s my privilege to participate in making special moments happen with their loved ones.”
Sky Diamonds’ business model is unique for its direct-to-consumer supply chain, which allows them to offer the most competitive prices. They have direct access to rough diamonds handpicked from conflict-free mines, which are then cut and polished at their headquarters in Tel Aviv before being distributed to their Las Vegas showroom for a seamless retail experience. They also offer unique guarantees, like free lifetime warranties, cleanings, sizing, maintenance and appraisals for insurance purposes. Through their Sky Diamonds Foundation, the company’s philanthropic endeavors are focused on environmental programs, including the World Wildlife Fund.
When it comes to purchasing a diamond engagement ring, there’s no substitute for visiting a showroom in person and feeling the emotional connection when you hold the ring in your hand. Sky Diamonds inventory includes every size, shape and quality certified by the most respected American gem labs. From custom engagement rings to an extensive selection of diamond jewelry, like earrings, pendants, tennis bracelets and fashion rings, they’re always on top of the latest styles and innovations. On the horizon, Leston looks forward to opening more showrooms across the country. And for anyone thinking of popping the question, they’re offering interest free financing throughout the month of June.
While the last couple of years have been challenging, the diamond and fine jewelry industry has remained surprisingly robust. “As everyone learned how precious life is, appreciation of its most treasured moments has grown,” Leston says. “Diamonds and fine jewelry are unmatched for celebrating and remembering loved ones.”
6539 S. Las Vegas Boulevard, C112, Las Vegas, NV 89119 702.527.3775, skydiamonds.com
Eve Storm PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAY ALAMO
Eve Storm
START PAC President, CEO
As president and CEO of START PAC, Eve Storm is carrying on the legacy of her family’s business, first established in 1997. As the world’s leading manufacturer of ground power units, portable starting units and power supplies, START Pac was originally created for aircraft before expanding its product line into the locomotive and heavy machinery industries. Today, the family-owned, Las Vegas-based company has a global reach with 22,000 customers across the aviation, locomotive, military and mining industries in more than 130 countries.
“I truly love going into the office every day. I have the best team and we get along like family,” says Storm. “I also love working closely with customers to make sure they get the best service possible and the absolute best ground support equipment on the market.”
Under Storm’s leadership, START PAC has seen 60 percent growth in the last three years and she’s recently struck a partnership with AviBuy in the UK, an aviation platform for aircraft parts, further expanding the company’s international reach. A true renaissance woman, Storm is also completing a doctorate in psychology. “I always finish what I start,” she says. “The word quit is not a part of my vocabulary.”
Not only does START PAC manufacture and supply the world’s most efficient, robust and cost effective range of portable and mobile ground power units and battery packs, they also pride themselves in providing equally superior customer service. “We’re here to serve our clients and build long-lasting relationships based on trust and respect,” says Storm. Committed to giving back to the community, START PAC also funds scholarships in the aviation industry and supports charitable organizations, including the SHERO Foundation, Andrea Bocelli Foundation, St. Jude’s Ranch for Children and the ASPCA.
So how does Storm feel about being a female power player in a male-dominated industry? “I love jazzing things up,” she says. “I know my product line so well that I sometimes shock the unwitting men with my heels and dress. It’s always fun to see a tinge of shock on their faces once we get into technical information.”
4357 W Sunset Road, Las Vegas, NV 89118 844.901.9987, startpac.com
Michele Sullivan PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAY ALAMO
Michele Sullivan
Sotheby’s International Realty, Luxury Real Estate Broker
Michele Sullivan’s entrepreneurial spirit and experience in the world of luxury started with her mother who owned high-end women’s fashion boutiques. “I learned from a young age how to provide and deliver an experience that would create a customer for life,” she says. As a luxury real estate broker with Sotheby’s International Realty, Sullivan has taken these lessons to heart as one of the top producing agents in Las Vegas. A native of Orange County who’s lived in Las Vegas for more than 20 years, Sullivan’s also licensed in California where she serves the Southern California market. “My biggest success is to reimagine the luxury consumer experience throughout their real estate journey,” she says.
With a passion for architecture, design and luxury homes, she recently toured America’s most expensive home, which was auctioned off for a whopping $141 million by Sotheby’s partner company Concierge Auctions. “I have the opportunity to help my clients buy and sell ultra-luxury homes that some brokers will never get the chance to step foot into,” she says. “I enjoy using my social media platform to invite my audience into these homes through live videos.”
Always a savvy marketer and trend forecaster, Sullivan is focused on building real estate in Web 3.0. “It’s a very new concept for most,” she says. “The best explanation is taking real life and technology and intertwining the two.” Committed to the local community, she also works with St. Jude on their annual fundraiser.
msluxuryhomes.com, @msluxuryhomeslv
Dennis Prince PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM DECKER
Dennis Prince
Prince Law Group, Founder, Lead Trial Counsel
A formidable figure in Nevada courtrooms, Dennis Prince grew up in Las Vegas and takes pride in playing a part in the city’s incredible growth and development. As founder of Prince Law Group, he and his team of powerhouse attorneys handle everything from personal injury, to insurance law and commercial litigation. A jury trial specialist, Prince has been named Nevada Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Nevada Justice Association and is responsible for more than $100 million in verdicts and settlements on behalf of his clients. “We get the most satisfaction from successfully obtaining substantial justice for our clients who are typically fighting against multi-billion dollar insurance companies, large corporations or other very sophisticated entities,” he says.
In addition to winning high-profile jury verdicts, Prince has also played a hand in shaping the law on behalf of injured clients on appeal with the Nevada Supreme Court to promote consumer rights and safety. “We strive to bring power to the less powerful members of our community,” says Prince, who also makes himself available for pro bono work.
With a unique combination of courtroom experience and deep legal knowledge, Prince Law Group has a proven track record and reputation that continually brings them important and substantial cases. In the dynamic and ever-evolving legal world, Prince is always on the cutting edge of new technology, progressive mindsets and changes in laws on both the state and national level. Prince says, “The ability to do so keeps us a step ahead of our peers.”
10801 West Charleston Boulevard, Suite 560, Las Vegas, NV 89135 702.534.7600, thedplg.com
Dix Jarman PHOTOGRAPHY BY AND STUDIOS
Dix Jarman
Sunburst Shutters & Window Fashions, CEO
As CEO of Sunburst Shutters & Window Fashions, Dix Jarman is carrying on a family legacy that began nearly 45 years ago. His uncle founded the company with the simple mantra: do it better than the competition. “That means better products, better warranties, better service and a better overall customer experience,” he says. “We stand behind that with everything we do.”
It was his uncle’s focus on customer satisfaction that made a profound impression on Jarman and inspired him to join the business, himself. To this day, the best part of his job is the people he meets and the relationships he’s built along the way. “Many customers have become lifelong friends and that’s one of the things I value most,” he says.
Sunburst specializes in custom window treatments, from gorgeous interior shutters to blinds, shades and more. Jarman changed the industry when he introduced Sunburst’s patented Polywood shutters, which not only look stunning in homes and businesses, but also provide the best control of light, temperature, noise and privacy of any window treatment in the industry. Always on the cutting edge, they’ll soon launch a “smart shutter,” compatible with home automation systems. “I’m an innovator,” says Jarman. “ I ’m always looking for ways to improve.”
Dedicated to the local community, he leads by example as a Boy Scouts volunteer for over 25 years. The Sunburst team also volunteers their time and donates funds to numerous organizations, including youth groups, school government, school sports and food banks.
5626 Rafael Rivera Way, Las Vegas, NV 89118 702.367.1600, sunburstshutterslasvegas.com
Soozi Jones Walker Bobbi Miracle Salina Ramirez PHOTOGRAPHY BY JUSTIN HARRISON
Soozi Jones Walker, Bobbi Miracle, Salina Ramirez
Commercial Executives Real Estate Services President, Broker, CCIM, SIOR; Senior Vice President, CCIM, SIOR; Sales, CCIM
When it comes to Las Vegas commercial real estate, Soozi Jones Walker and her team at Commercial Executives Real Estate Services are the gold standard. Along with Senior Vice President Bobbi Miracle and Salina Ramirez in sales, this top producing team specializes in acquisi tion and disposition of commercial properties, as well as tenant representation and leasing. Their expertise spans office, medical office, retail, land and industrial products.
An industry veteran of over 40 years, Walker cut her teeth in Orange County where she worked for the Irvine Company during the original master planning of their community and the development of the Orange County Airport. She gauges her success through the longstanding relationships she’s nurtured with her clients. “We’ve earned a reputation for cooperating with both our clients and other agents,” says Walker. “We constantly search for the newest trends in the industry and share it for everyone’s benefit. As a result, our clients remain in the forefront.”
She’s also passionate about stewarding in the next generation of commercial real estate professionals. Walker’s been an instructor at the CCIM Institute for over 20 years and also teaches in Clark County and the State of Nevada. Miracle is the current president of the Southern Nevada CCIM Chapter and has also served with the Southern Nevada SIOR Chapter and the Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors – Commercial Alliance. Meanwhile, Ramirez gives back to the community through her non-profit JoyCare, which helps young adults with mental health issues. “Las Vegas is the most dynamic real estate market in the world,” says Walker. “We’ll be here leading the way when the next development emerges.”
7785 W Sahara Avenue, Suite 202, Las Vegas, NV 89117 702.316.4500, cevegas.com
Justin Bruni PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAY ALAMO
Justin Bruni
Wedgewood Homes, Senior Vice President
A Navy veteran and Las Vegas native, Justin Bruni first met Wedgewood as a student at the University of Nevada Las Vegas during a career fair. The opportunity would set him on a professional path that he’d follow for the next 17 years. Today, as Senior Vice President at Wedgewood Homes, Bruni is a leader in the real estate company that has been responsible for revitalizing communities through the acquisition, renovation and resale of single-family homes for more than 35 years.
With Las Vegas as their first expansion market, Wedgewood now operates in over 32 markets across 22 states. “Our people are the secret sauce that everyone is trying to write code around these days, but you just can’t in this industry,” says Bruni. He and his powerhouse team are laser-focused on improving communities one home at a time—and by doing so, they’re also contributing to the much-needed housing supply shortage across the United States. Wedgewood also forges all-important relationships with local realtors and last year contributed over $100 million in gross commissions to their agent partners.
Bruni is currently rolling out Wedgewood Homes Realty to further enhance their relationship with real estate professionals and provide better solutions to the communities they serve. “Affordability is a huge factor with people getting pressed between higher rents or higher interest rates,” he says. “This makes our work so important. Reimagining, renovating and reselling the homes we buy ensures the continued flow of housing back into homeowners’ hands.”
2320 Potosi Street, #130, Las Vegas, NV 89146 702.851.4150, wedgewoodhomes.com
For more information, contact Michelle today at 702.860.8995 or send her a message at ms(at)msluxuryhomes(dotted)com. You can also visit her website to see her listings of Summerlin homes for sale.