Six of Southern Nevada’s standout professionals met up at Amari Italian Kitchen & Wine Shop over their drink of choice to share the passion and principles behind their success. From law to medicine, hospitality to tech, these leaders emphasize resilience, adaptability, and community. Their stories, forged through triumphs and setbacks, offer a blueprint for turning challenges into opportunities. Here’s how they’ve shaped industries, inspired others, and continue to pass the torch of knowledge to the next generation.
Benjamin Durham, Owner and Attorney, Benjamin Durham Law Firm
For Benjamin Durham, the experience living in South America changed his life forever.
"I was 19, and being in a foreign country for the first time was a bit of a culture shock," said Benjamin. "It turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life. There were months when I didn't speak English and really got to know the community I was living in. I felt like I had matured 10 years when I got back."
Benjamin, who later became a criminal attorney, said that his ability to speak Spanish has made all the difference.
"I make connections with people in the Hispanic community that I probably couldn’t have otherwise," said Benjamin. "They trust me and my team and it's not just about the language, we also are breaking that cultural barrier."
Benjamin said his choice to become an attorney was inspired by a desire to help his family after witnessing injustices against his father in his youth.
"Being able to help people is why we do what we do. I went into law not really sure where I was going to end up, but looking back, I am really proud to see what we have done."
Dr. Joseph Lasky, Medical Director, Cure 4 The Kids Foundation
“There are some sad reasons for why we do what we do. But in the majority of cases, we have a positive outcome, and for that, I am thankful.”
Dr. Joseph Lasky said that every day he continues to be inspired by the people he meets, especially his patients.
"I recently got an email from a former patient who is now 19," said Dr. Lasky. "We treated her for childhood leukemia when she was around 14. She said she had just been accepted into nursing school and wanted to come to our clinic to get her vaccines, and we said of course! It's super rewarding to hear these kinds of stories."
At Cure 4 the Kids, Nevada's only pediatrics cancer and rare disease treatment center, Dr. Lasky and his team are dedicated to providing innovative and compassionate care and curing pediatrics cancer in the valley. For Dr. Lasky, the big part of his organization's success is the willingness to embrace change.
"Like they say, you have to build the bike while you are riding it," said Dr. Lasky. "You have to have grit and be adaptable and know how to get things done despite the challenges you face."
Burton Hughes, General Manager Subaru of Las Vegas
For Burton Hughes, life is all about the "Ohana" and the "Aloha" spirit.
"Ohana means family in Hawaii," said Burton, who grew up on the Big Island. "Throughout my life, I keep Ohana at the center of my existence and I bring the Aloha spirit into everything I do."
The General Manager of Subaru of Las Vegas, Burton is getting ready to celebrate 20 years at his dealership and credits his strong faith and life philosophy behind his success.
"I tell young people to ask one question before they take on any career," said Burton. "Ask why you want to do it. If it's just to make money, you are in the wrong place. At least that's true at our dealership. If you love what you do, and want to help and serve people, the money will come. But your heart has to be in the right place."
For Burton, his heart is with God (he is also a pastor) and his family—wife, children, and six grandkids. But he said the Vegas community is also his family. So, it's fitting that every time he opens the door of his dealership, he tells every customer, "Welcome Home."
Jason Rocheleau, Owner & Operator, Heart & Vine Hospitality
Jason Rocheleau, a hospitality veteran with over two decades of experience, remains driven by collaboration and new ventures. "I love collaborating with people and launching new projects," he said, citing upcoming events at Amari Italian Kitchen & Wine Shop and partnerships with Chef Adam Sobel of Aether Group. "It’s an honor working with different teams to create unique experiences."
Throughout his career, Jason has run successful restaurants for renowned chefs such as Wolfgang Puck and Michael Mina, establishing a strong foundation in the food and beverage industry. Today, among his many ongoing projects, he takes pride in leading his team at Amari, a neighborhood-inspired Italian eatery located at UnCommons. "Amari reminds me of the restaurants I grew up with in Connecticut," he shared. "The community loves our food and ambiance, but it’s the people who work here that make this place special."
Looking ahead, Jason is preparing to bring Amari’s warm, community-focused ethos to Charleston Peak Winery and Storyhouse Distillery.
His secret to lasting success? "We’re seeing a lot of theatrical stuff on social media, but those things come and go. It really comes down to understanding your guests and what keeps them coming back.
John Lowes, Senior VP & Chief Technology Officer, Tangerine Global
For John Lowes, his interest in technology goes back to when he got his first computer at 14.
"It was 1979 and it was the TRS-80, a desktop sold at Radio Shack," said John.
Fast forward decades later and John built that interest into a successful career. He was among the first employees at Wynn Las Vegas, where he helped build out its guest-facing technology system. He went on to become the Director of Guest Technology at MGM Resorts. For the last 11 years, John has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Tangerine Global, a media solutions and network services provider to both commercial and residential markets.
"I have seen a lot of change over the years when it comes to technology," said John. "My biggest surprise? Having a computer device that now fits in my hand. The speed at which things have progressed has been the most amazing thing."
For John, he said to succeed in this industry, you can't stop learning. Whether you are 14 or 84, the technology around you will keep evolving and it's' your responsibility to keep up.
"The key is to keep your eyes open," said John. "As the industry changes, we have to reinvent ourselves and adapt."
Jack Ball, President/Founder, Cover It Window Fashions
Jack Ball said his business has been through it all - the tragedy of 9/11, the market crash of the late 2000s and the recent COVID Pandemic. Despite the ups and downs, Jack has kept "Cover It Window Fashions" thriving in Las Vegas and it's approaching its 30th anniversary.
"We started this business to be the best in the industry and we believe that's exactly what we did," said Jack. "We are the longest-running exclusive Hunter Douglas dealer in town and our clients know we offer both quality products and customer service."
Aside from Hunter Douglas shades and blinds, Cover It Window Fashions offers the finest in drapery design and fabrication.
Jack said he loved seeing Las Vegas grow in the last three decades.
"It's exciting how this city has evolved," said Jack. "To have a business that has grown along with it is great."
When it comes to his advice for young entrepreneurs, Jack said always expect the unexpected and never give up.
"If you are going to run a business, you have to understand that times aren't always going to be good. But the secret is to keep going and acclimate to the conditions."