21 minute read
EXECUTIVE FEATURES
Deluxe Version FITNESS SPOTLIGHT
SIDNEY WILSON SIDNEY WILSON
FITNESS & DETERMINATION FITNESS & DETERMINATION
Celebrity fitness trainer Sidney Wilson knows a little something about determination. Raised by an abusive father, Wilson spent much of his childhood in Auburndale, Florida, figuring things out on his own. “Nothing was handed to me,” said Wilson, who has 12 siblings. “When I was 13 years old, my grandfather passed away, and the doctor said he didn’t eat healthy. As a young kid, that stuck with me.” Today, Wilson tells his clients that diet is the key to living a healthy lifestyle. “You can go to the gym and bust your ass, but your body won’t change to its full effect until the diet changes,” he said. Wilson is well known for getting his clients the quickest results in the shortest amount of time.
“Diet is 80 percent, and water intake is key.” Wilson follows his own advice. He started out as a fitness model for Wilhelmina Models in New York City, where he moved to with his sister when he was in his mid-20s. A week after arriving, he said his sister left, and he had to find another place to live. He slept on trains in between a job at a local gym. “I was going from Brooklyn to the Bronx on the daily,” he said.
He put in time learning the ropes at the gym until one day a manager from Equinox fitness hired him. He trained there for three years and garnered a high-profile following. “Someone from Murder Inc. Records came in and asked for the best trainer, and they told him it was me,” said Wilson, who put himself through school and studied social media management. “I started working with him, and it had a snowball effect. I went on to train people from Bad Boy Records.”
Wilson, who will be 44 in June, hasn’t slowed down since. He brought his program to Las Vegas ten years ago and works with clients at Movement Fitness. His training focuses on the Vicious program, which boasts the motto ‘nothing less than 100 reps.’ It caters to every level of fitness.
“You don’t have to do 100 reps at one time, but do what you can do,” he said. “Rest and then do some more.” The program mixes in various forms of cardio, yoga, Pilates, Plyometrics and stretching.
With more than 150,000 followers watching his life through Instagram, it’s easy to see his time is spread thin. He said he works out seven days a week, trains more than 45 people and travels on the weekends for modeling photo shoots.
When he’s not working, he’s spending time with his wife, Chelsea Wilson. “She understands my livelihood and struggles and what drives and motivates me,” he said. “I’ve done it before without anyone, but now I have someone to talk to.”
NAVIGATING SUCCESS WITH KRIS HELMICK
—By Sarah Jenkins
Strenuous deadlines. High-pressure cases. Challenging advocacy cases. All characteristic scenarios typical for a day in the life of Attorney Kris Helmick, of Pacific West Injury Law. Fitness is often cited as a natural antidote to stressful and complex work scenarios, and avid fitness advocate Helmickrecently saw an opening in the industry.
Prompted by gym closures this past year, the concept for Fit Club LV was born between Helmick and his business partners, Ryan Diaz and Gavin McHale (pictured right.) Thus far, it’s been an overwhelming success.
Could expansion mean multiple Fit Club LV locations in the near future? “[We’re] always thinking about the future, for sure” Kris says….. “eventually, we want to open up another location in town and probably another one in Arizona…”
As Pacific West Injury Law founder and lead attorney, Mr. Helmick walks clients through their personal injury cases every step of the way.
“When most new clients come into my office, they are stressed out and honestly don’t know what to do or how to deal with the insurance companies.” He says. “At the end of the consultation, they express to me they feel like a ton of weight has just been lifted off their shoulders and feel confident they can now just focus on getting better, knowing their case is being properly handled.”
Mr. Helmick says he experiences gratifying moments through his practice on a regular basis. In the end stages of representing a client, he says, “that moment at the end of a client’s case, where I am able to give them their check and see their expression of gratitude is really what makes everything worth it at the end of the day. No better feeling than being able to help people.”
Follow Fit Club LV On Instagram @fitclublv www.pacificwestinjury.com.
Photographed By Joshua Stevens.
Deluxe Version BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
SUCCESS FOLLOWS MINDFULNESS WITH JONATHAN MAXIM
— By Danica Serena Stockton
Managing Director of K&J Growth Hackers, Jonathan Maxim, shares, “As entrepreneurs and go-getters, spirituality, living in the moment, and enjoying life are often thrown by the wayside, in lieu of “making it”… But, if you’re not having fun with it, what’s the point?”.
With the natural increase in competition as barriers to entry fall in business, stress levels continue to rise among everyone today. Combine that with unrealistic benchmarks from social media and societal pressures, it’s easy to find ourselves stressed out and questioning “why work so hard?”
Maxim recounts, “For 4 grueling years, I was a tech founder and had a fitness app that gives users rewards for working out. As a young and green founder, I had to get really creative with my marketing strategies and began exploring viral techniques to get that immense growth we were seeking. On one occasion, [The app] got 14,000 downloads overnight. This really opened my eyes. I saw how much potential there was for me, but also for any other creative tech company. This led to a Forbes writer reaching out and publishing a story, and other start-ups in my coworking space started asking me to do the same for their company. As torn as I was to focus on my own startup, I really wanted to help other budding founders.
At the start, I was working on a deal [with a famed comedic celebrity] who wanted to invest $2.2 million in the app, but after the LOI and term sheet, the deal got shot down by legal since he was already an investor in and sponsored by the Nike Run App – a direct competitor. When that fell apart, I decided to sell my fitness app and joined forces with a competing growth hacker, named Kale Panoho to found K&J Growth Hackers in 2017. [To date], we have launched around 150 campaigns for brands like TikTok, Monster Energy, and Universal Music Group – all remote from New Zealand and Los Angeles.”
After overcoming the burnout and anxiety that accompanied his celebrity investor’s inability to invest due to his former contractual obligations, Maxim prioritized stress management and mindful practices. He encourages other entrepreneurs and professionals to do the same via his podcast, Zen Business.
Maxim explains, “The podcast studies successful entrepreneurs who meditate. I focus on the crossover between mindful habits and [consequential career success]. What are other people doing to stay balanced and focused when they are under immense pressure?”
Maxim discusses the derivative of his calling, “Early-stage tech founders are often overworked and underpaid. After a “wake up call” moment (put nicely), I decided to try meditation and yoga. From then on, I began to see my career flourish – with less effort. Soon I started an annual retreat called the BioHackers Escape. I realized this is what would fill my cup. I watch people smile more often, and get to be there to experience their spiritual awakenings. There’s nothing more fulfilling. With my business, I can empower people’s lives beyond work so they can have true fulfillment from any endeavor.” Maxim pours himself into K&J Growth Hackers, and into other entrepreneurs to help manage stress in healthier ways. While K&J’s main focus is marketing and has helped clients reach milestones such as helping TikTok gain 18,000 downloads in 30 days and gaining international recognition – the business is still a lifestyle business at heart.
The recent pandemic forcefully shifted countless businesses online, the digital space opened up. As a result, K&J was designated #28 on the Inc5000 2021 list of fastest-growing companies.
While life and business present continual unique challenges that none of us can predict, there’s something to be said for keeping a centered poise. No matter what’s going on outside, mindfulness techniques can help keep us focused on staying true to ourselves and avoiding the distractions and anxieties life throws at us.
“Whether you’re entry-level or executive level, remember that your best self lies within. Nothing anyone else says or does can change who you are. So take a deep breath, and realize your power. The world will unfold for you” explains Jonathan.
Today, K&J is focused on a smaller base of deeper client engagements and holds common shares among several of their portfolio companies. Jonathan continues to launch unique marketing strategies for eCommerce, B2B lead generation, and tech companies as his main focus today.
To learn more, visit www.kjgrowth.com, @itsjmaxim on IG, and Zen Business Podcast on Spotify and Apple.
Deluxe Version BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
KATIE MEADOWS & JOHNNY RICHARDSON
THE RICHARDSON GROUP
PREMIER REAL ESTATE WITH HEART FOR THE COMMUNITY
In the game of real estate, there are large corporate groups, with thousands of agents, all looking to take your money. Or there are smaller groups, with world-class teams willing to invest in you and your dream.
In Las Vegas there is only one real estate agency that can do that – The Richardson Group. They specialize in providing their clients with effective solutions for selling their homes. With innovative marketing using modern photography, videography, and technology along with proven, traditional methods.
Owner/CEO, Johnny Richardson, grew up in a small town in New Jersey, later moving to Philadelphia, Atlantic City, and finally Las Vegas. “My sales career began in my 20’s. I started in the car industry, as a salesperson and eventually management. In 2008 I was recruited by a timeshare company and worked for them for six-year. After that, a friend of mine convinced me to come and work for him in the insurance business and I did that for about two years” said Johnny Richardson, Owner/CEO of Richardson Group.
Richardson also had another passion, Real Estate. “I had never really worked a job I genuinely like, none of them fulfilled me. I kept wanting to go into Real Estate, but everything kept pulling me away. Finally, I was like that is it, I’m running after real estate” he said. Richardson quickly became one of the fastest-growing agents in his first year. “What I found is everything that I went through from the car business to timeshare to insurance. That was not a setback it was an education. I started the Richardson Group in 2018 and in 2019 we joined with eXp Realty LLC, a global real estate firm” he said. His passion for Real Estate does not stop there in 2020 Richardson created an innovative mentoring program to train up and coming real estate agents on how to run their own businesses.
The group is expanding, opening another office in Las Vegas this year. Although this workhorse does not take many days off; but when he does, it is all about community.
“Operation Underground Railroad a national non-profit organization to assist victims to get out of underground sex trafficking. We additionally worked with CARE Complex to help others get out of homelessness.”
– By Ashlee DeMartino
Deluxe Version BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Daniela Madrid Daniela Madrid
SHOWS US ALL THAT A MULTI-BUSINESS WOMAN CAN ACCOMPLISH SHOWS US ALL THAT A MULTI-BUSINESS WOMAN CAN ACCOMPLISH
Daniela Madrid is in demand, as Owner and Managing Attorney of Madrid, Hadges, and Associates. Add in her title as owner/realtor for Hadges House through Realty One Group, and Superwoman might be a more apt title.
Madrid Hadges & Associates offers multiple areas of legal representation: Personal Injury, Business Law, Criminal Defense, and Real Estate.
Prompted by former clients seeking real estate transaction assistance, Daniela was inspired to offer real estate services in addition to her Attorney areas of expertise. In Real Estate, Daniela regularly navigates the complex process of purchase agreements, as well as recovering clients’ earnest money deposits.
Daniela attributes her having lived in Las Vegas for over 21 years to familiarity with the city from both a Real Estate Perspective, to advocating for clients she represents through Madrid, Hadges, and Associates. She has litigated hundreds of cases and successfully argued contested motions in federal and state courts. “I think it started from the fact that there were a lot of language barriers in my family. So any time that they needed something resolved, I had to translate for them and advocate on their behalf. I felt the need to get them justice,” she says of her desire to go into Law.
Ms. Madrid is also passionate about philanthropy and giving back to the Las Vegas community, with a focus on women in particular.
“My main goal is to help others. When you become my client, you’ll be treated like family” she says.
— By Sarah Jenkins
Deluxe Version BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Meet Ziena Kohli Meet Ziena Kohli
As Owner and Operator of Las Vegas-based ZK Outpatient Rehab Center, no two days look alike for Zeina Kohli. Offering a fullspectrum of Physical Therapy and Outpatient rehab services, her firm sets the standard for personalized, one-on-one care.
Zeina says her career trajectory was inspired by her passions for fitness and healing. “I knew I was going to have a career in the medical field, “ she says. “It made sense to me to combine my love of fitness and healthcare and figure out a way to heal people through that.” When it comes to Chronic Pain, there are numerous factors, which can motivate patients to seek help. Two major factors Zeina cites are injury and/or insufficient treatment.
“We definitely look into the history of the injury, and what has led to the pattern of why it is now chronic,” she says.
Patient-centric therapy to combat chronic pain that includes stretching, ergonomic training, and comprehensive patient education. Zeina says a major motivating factor working in the Physical Therapy space is to serve as a proponent for traditionally underserved communities, such as minorities and the elderly. Oftentimes, these communities have a disproportionate number of people suffering from diabetes, obesity, and strokes.
Raised in both Nigeria and India, Zeina says her viewpoint was naturally shaped by exposure to inequality of care for certain segments of the population. She stresses having seen that Physical Therapy is a TOP priority for those in recovery, and she is proud to bring those services to Las Vegas.
For more information visit zkorcvegas.com
— By Sarah Jenkins
Deluxe Version BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
ALL FOR ONE & ONE FOR ALL
— By Taylor Burk
Representing each client with honor, as if a part of his own family, is business as usual for Nick Pomponio, owner and head attorney of Pomponio Injury Law. Nick and his firm remain undefeated in their dedication to represent every individual needing his assistance. His practice takes precedence in client-focused services and proactive methods to settle injury law cases quicker than most, and for maximum amounts.
“My clients come from all walks of life,” Pomponio states. “Some are prominent community leaders or local celebrities, while others are young children, everyday common people, or even individuals who are down on their luck and perhaps find themselves without a home or job. Regardless of their background, I realize that their lives have been negatively affected due to their accidents and injuries.” Pomponio’s primary goal is to get his clients’ well-being back on track, as quickly as possible, and realizes the lasting effects of conducting client-focused business so much so that he admits many clients have become personal friends over the years.
Pomponio is an example of a leader who spearheaded his motivation, precision, and drive to challenge himself mentally and physically, as a former professional hockey player, into the competitive practice of law. Pomponio’s unshakeable commitment to serve clients equally, as if his only client, remains one of the vast reasons why he is an in-demand referral, especially to those who have unfortunately had their cases mishandled and dismissed by other firms. Pomponio explains, “I can’t count the number of times that I have had clients transfer to my firm in the middle of their case due to them being unhappy with their current attorney. I have even had clients who were told by other law firms that they did not have a case. In those scenarios, I was still able to get great results for my clients. In most cases, it simply takes extra work – unfortunately, many other law firms do not want to put in the extra work.” Previous clientele (pictured above) agree that Nick’s aggressive negotiation style and heart-centered will to win is what sets him apart from those who fail to achieve the rate of his success.
“I treat each of my clients as if they were a family member or close friend,” Pomponio expresses. “I feel that is what they deserve, and that’s what I will continue to provide each of them.” Pomponio is fully committed to going the extra mile for his clients, amounting to results that speak for themselves. Many might wonder what propels Pomponio to constantly go above and beyond and his answer is as real as it gets: ”My clients are happy – and that’s what counts.”
Pomponio attributes much of his growth to his current and prior client referrals. Unlike many law firms, Pomponio is involved in each and every one of his client’s cases, making himself available from the very first consultation through the resolution of the case. “While I have great employees who assist with the daily case needs, I have my hand in every case, directing traffic as the case moves towards resolution.” Pomponio is upfront with his intentions for each client to focus on feeling better, while his firm handles the rest, as seamlessly as possible, for all involved. The ripple effect of Pomponio’s expertise and results are clearly seen by the growth of his satisfied clientele.
Deluxe Version FITNESS SPOTLIGHT
THE ART OF ZUMBA WITH THE ART OF ZUMBA WITH Dr. Teddy Sim Dr. Teddy Sim
— By Ashlee DeMartino
In the 1990’s a new dance and fitness craze took over gyms and studios across the world -ZUMBA. Starting in Brazil by Alberto “Beto” Perez it combines Latin and world rhythms with dance to create what is called interval training, meaning it alternates between fast and slow rhythms.
Dr. Ted Sim of ChriopracTED is not only one of the BEST Chiropractors in Las Vegas but in his spare time he is also a ZUMBA Instructor. Dr. Sim sat down with DVM’s Ashlee DeMartino to talk about the benefits of ZUMBA.
Dr. Sim, how did you get started with ZUMBA? To be honest, I came across ZUMBA to escape the stress I was experiencing at a particularly trying time in my life. During my Chiropractic Exams, I had reached a point where my mind and soul were exhausted. Looking for a minor escape from the constant studying and testing, I went to the gym. It was there that I discovered this magnificent fitness format. Why do you like ZUMBA so much? Zumba ultimately brings people of different backgrounds together. I love the fact that Beto created a program where, seemingly ordinary people can feel like a superstar. The students that I get to teach often come with many concerns in their lives, and some need a moment to focus on themselves and nothing else. Zumba offers that escape. Not only do students work on their physical health, but they also focus on their mental health by having a moment to reflect. Also, Zumba creates a non-judgment zone where you can be unapologetically you. To me, that is amazing. How does ZUMBA help with one’s fitness? Primarily, the goal of Zumba Fitness is to improve cardiovascular exercise. By using interval training, the program helps to condition the heart to increase endurance.
Why would you tell someone to take a ZUMBA class? In a world where so many can feel alone or feel like the outsider, Zumba brings people together who would otherwise have nothing else in common. I would tell someone to take Zumba because it teaches you how to be free in your body. What I have learned is that people are much better and stronger than they think. I have created the most beautiful pieces of choreography merely by being silly. When I bring it to students, it is a hit. That means that the Zumba floor is meant for everyone, so if you think you will be silly, come. You never know what that “silliness” might inspire your creativity.
Where can we experience ZUMBA with you? Currently, I teach at Lifetime Fitness in Green Valley on Sundays at 10:30 AM for Las Vegas Area residents intereted in joining a session with me.
Deluxe Version COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
THE SHERO FOUNDATION HONORS MONICA COBURN
— By Dayna Roselli
FORMER VICE-CHAIR OF SHERO FOUNDATION PAVES A WAY FOR UPCOMING LEADERS AND REMAINS A STRONG LEADERSHIP PARTNER.
For Monica Coburn, philanthropy is not just a large part of her life, but a calling. As a business owner and Nevada business advisor, with over 20 years in banking high net worth organizations of over 5 million in revenues, Monica saw great opportunities to give to causes in need. Monica and Kimberly met through their business endeavors. Kimberly was on the inaugural founding board for Dress for Success and engaged Monica to join the executive team.
The vision for SHERO started with Boss Lady Vegas a reality TV show concept for woman business owners to compete and raise much-needed funds/awareness for girls in vulnerable situations.
Over time, the idea matured into a nonprofit concept with Monica Coburn as Vice-Chair of SHERO. The mission of SHERO is to serve young girls and women who have been in abusive situations, trafficked or exploited, and to help provide resources to get them out of the situation. A secondary arm of the foundation is the foundation’s Resource Center, which fosters a collaborative approach in conjunction with similar organizations serving Female abuse victims.
All too often, Coburn says, well-intentioned nonprofits end up metaphorically shooting themselves in the foot vying for limited donor resources. The idea to collaborate built on the concept of strength in numbers, with the backbone ideology being every nonprofit supporting abuse victims could in theory work together to help the same at-risk populations. To date, SHERO has worked in conjunction with over forty other nonprofits to serve at-risk women in abusive or exploited situations (Some examples of these are Seeds of Hope, Project 150, St Jude’s Ranch For Children, and Rape Crisis Center.) The SHERO Foundation does a variety of direct outreach in the community, doing everything from providing hygiene kits to clothing and bus passes.
What’s the most rewarding part of serving on the Board for SHERO?
“Being able to provide…whether it’s a bus pass to a student… or hygiene items… to a young girl who otherwise would not go to school… we’ve also featured survivors of trafficking and abuse who’ve been part of our annual gala, and to hear them share their stories of how SHERO made an impact…[it’s rewarding] knowing that we are making an impact directly,” says Coburn.
One hundred percent of SHERO resources are grassroots-driven, based on private and corporate donations, as opposed to government funding.
This year’s annual SHERO gala was virtual this year due to COVID, and organizers are already looking forward to next year’s fundraising benefitting local nonprofits, as well as direct funds to be dispersed from SHERO. What’s in the future for the foundation? Two major goals are a future brick and mortar resource center, as well as housing for displaced women and children.
For more information, check out SHEROFOUNDATION.org
