Gutsy small-business owners face economic storm head-on

You never know where you'll run into brave people in Las Vegas. The other morning I met a group of courageous souls at Ricardo's Mexican Restaurant.

They weren't Marines on leave, cops after a shootout or firefighters following a three-alarm blaze. They were mostly small-business owners, people with big dreams and small budgets who refused to be frightened off by unprecedented economic storm clouds.

The gathering of perhaps 60 was touted as a new-members meeting of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, but when I took my place and listened to all that effusive optimism set against a backdrop of a grim Southern Nevada reality, I knew I was in the presence of some gutsy characters.

Gutsy, and just a little crazy.

Some were just starting businesses. Others have been in town for years. Perhaps out of a need for a little wartime camaraderie, they had decided to seek membership in the chamber.

The chamber offers a long list of services, including business-interest lobbying when the Legislature is in session.

On that morning at Ricardo's, what I saw were people from either end of the economic spectrum representing incredibly varied business interests. They were trying to meet what would possibly be a dreary business day with a spring in their step.

There was no shortage of cheerleading in the room. At one point, former chamber president and indefatigable Vegas pitchman Denny Weddle exclaimed, "Go out there, make a lot of money, turn this dad-burn economy around, and say, 'I'm a proud member of the Las Vegas Chamber.' "

Go Vegas, beat Recession.

You get the idea.

Some newcomers just seemed happy to be among friendly faces.

There was Dan Elder, who moved three months ago to Las Vegas from snowy Nebraska to become the general manager for the Arrow Stage Line motor coach company.

"I'm new to the industry and newer still to Las Vegas," Elder said. "My family's trying to sell our house back in 8 inches of snow in Nebraska."

For Discount Tire Store managers Brent Gifford and Nelson Hernandez, the morning provided an opportunity to try their hand at networking and drumming up business. The recession has them working overtime to reach customers and market their stores at a time of increased competition for every dollar.

"There's a lot of competition," Gifford said. "For us the biggest challenge is getting them in the door."

When jobs were plentiful, that wasn't a problem. Now Gifford sees shoppers watching their budgets and looking for bargains. He also meets folks who'd like to buy four tires but can't afford it.

"A lot of people don't have a whole lot of money right now," said Gifford, who manages the new Discount store at 432 W. Lake Mead Parkway in Henderson. "We're willing to do what we can to try to help them out the very best we can."

Meanwhile, Morgan Miller probably could have picked an easier year than 2006 to start her design-your-own-shoes store. Since then, she has opened stores in Dubai, South Beach and at the Forum Shops at Caesars. Her father and partner, Gary Miller, said it's all part of taking a great idea, applying smart business practices and striving to be the best.

"It all begins, in my opinion, with having a passion for your business," he said. "Unfortunately, many people work to make a living to survive. If you don't have a passion to be in business, then I feel you shouldn't be in business."

Even Gary Miller, a veteran of the bare-knuckle New York men's clothing business, caught the energetic, optimistic vibe in the room.

But soon enough, the pep talks and networking were over.

Then the real work began for some of the bravest souls in the city.

John L. Smith's column appears Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. E-mail him at Smith@reviewjournal.com or call (702) 383-0295. He also blogs at lvrj.com/blogs/smith.