Vegas Circle The Vegas Circle

Embark on an inspirational tale of ambition and fashion with EJ Luera and Arjay Bouri, the masterminds behind the streetwear phenomenon, Feature. Our candid conversation uncovers the roots of their 20-year friendship and how they've navigated the treacherous waters of the fashion industry from the recession to their rise as style moguls. From sneaker boutique beginnings to luxury brand expansions, EJ and AJ unpack the strategic moves and resilience that have shaped their journey, offering a raw look into the highs and lows that come with building a brand from scratch.

As the narrative unfolds, we traverse through the complexities of retail evolution, and the duo sheds light on their savvy business maneuvers – be it braving an eight-year wait to secure top-tier accounts like Nike, or planting their flagship store in the eclectic heart of Chinatown. They generously share their wisdom on sustaining a boutique's core identity while scaling up and venturing into the luxury retail scene. Our guests don't shy away from discussing the tough battles against bots in sneaker releases, the artistry of apparel design, and the intricate balance of personal branding in retail.

Wrapping up, EJ and AJ turn the spotlight onto the vibrant city that's been their launchpad: Las Vegas. They pay homage to the local culinary delights, hint at exciting sports collaborations, and discuss the significance of community roots for a global brand like Feature. This episode is more than a peek into the fashion industry; it's an ode to the spirit of Las Vegas, the power of enduring partnerships, and the dream of leaving a global footprint that all started with two friends and a passion for streetwear. Join us for a story not just about shoes and style, but about friendship, community, and the drive to make a mark on the world.

Pull up a chair and get ready to savor the insights of Philip Tzeng, the social media maestro turning the Las Vegas food scene into a digital smorgasbord. As "Las Vegas Fill," he shares his flavorful tale from casual Yelp connoisseur to Instagram's culinary kingpin, spicing up our palates with an insider's look at his transition from poker tables to restaurant tables. Phil isn't just dishing out mouth-watering posts; he's dissecting the art of capturing the essence of every bite for his voracious audience.

During our hearty exchange, Phil divulges the nitty-gritty of a food influencer's life, from coordinating tastings to the ethics of food consumption. He's serious about minimizing waste while maximizing taste, choosing to spotlight fewer, standout venues rather than a buffet of eateries. His smartphone is his wand, transforming simple foodie moments into relatable, crave-inducing content. For those eager to feast on his visual and gastronomic banquet, Phil's story illustrates the dedication behind each delectable post.

As we wrap up our culinary journey, Phil offers a glimpse into the future of social media, where VR and AI promise to whisk us away to immersive dining experiences from the comfort of our headsets. He serves up a recipe for success in the digital sphere, emphasizing consistency and learning from the giants of content creation. For aspiring influencers or anyone hungry for the intersection of social media and epicurean delights, this episode with Las Vegas Fill is a buffet of wisdom not to be missed.

Step into the culinary theater as Adam Gomes, the visionary behind Via Brazil Steakhouse, joins us for a captivating session at the chef's table. With a tale that weaves through the bustling streets of New York City and settles in the heart of Las Vegas, Adam brings to life the story of a family-owned gastronomic gem. Experience the dedication it takes to thrive in the competitive landscape of Summerlin, where only the most tantalizing of flavors and the warmest of welcomes endure. Adam's commitment to hands-on leadership and fostering a deep bond with patrons courses through our conversation, offering insights into what transforms a meal into a memory.

Venture behind the scenes where the art of menu curation comes alive – a dance between innovation and tradition, driven by the feedback of those who matter most: the staff and the customers. Adam takes us through the journey of selecting the succulent picanha and the crafting of empanadas that burst with authentic Brazilian zest. The alchemy of cocktail creation is revealed, where inspiration can spark overnight, and a new enchanting elixir finds its way to the menu. As for the road ahead, Adam imparts the wisdom of adaptability and the allure of expansion, while holding true to the family values that have been the cornerstone of Via Brazil's success. His narrative is an invaluable compass for aspiring restaurateurs charting their own paths, reminding us that an unshakeable belief in oneself and an openness to learn is the secret sauce to lasting achievement.

Discover how an NFL star maneuvers the complex intersection of elite sports and savvy entrepreneurship with Austin Ekeler. We sit down with the prolific running back whose playbook extends far beyond the turf into the business realm. Austin gives us a personal tour through his strategic touchdown in Las Vegas, revealing how the city's tax perks and networking scene bolster his pursuits off the field. His candid reflections on the transition from a Division II school to NFL fame, and the crucial lessons in financial savvy and foresight, make for an inspiring narrative for anyone eyeing success in multiple arenas.

We delve into Austin's power play in juggling the intensity of professional athleticism with the intricacies of spearheading tech ventures. He shares the playbook on avoiding setbacks like scope creep and the significance of a strong support team in business, just as on the field. Austin doesn't shy away from discussing the off-season – a critical period for growth, where he hones his skills not with the pigskin, but with spreadsheets and investment strategies. Through his story, learn the value of staying focused on your primary career while strategically chasing additional ventures, a tactic Austin masters with the precision of a finely-tuned athlete.

Finally, the episode wraps up with a look at the role mentorship has played in Austin's journey. From his cousin Bill to industry pros like David Meltzer, we understand the weight of aligning with mentors who resonate with your goals. Austin's Vegas recommendations provide a glimpse into his life off the field, infusing the conversation with the city's dynamic flavor. And as we part ways, we're reminded that the insights shared by Austin aren't just applicable to aspiring business moguls, but to anyone ready to tackle their ambitions with the same fervor they bring to their passions.

Discover the pulse of Las Vegas real estate and the wisdom behind wealth management with Rich Robledo, a trailblazer in the industry. This episode catapults you into the heart of a city transforming into a tier-one metropolis, as Rich unveils the cultural and medical advancements steering its growth. Amid the glitz of multimillion-dollar deals and a private jet boom, we also confront the stark economic contrasts that shadow such prosperity. Las Vegas stands at a crossroads, and Rich's narrative captures the essence of its evolution, offering a treasure trove of insights for anyone captivated by the magnetic allure of city markets.

Embark on a journey through financial recovery and the steadfast importance of mentorship, as Rich shares the vital lessons etched by the 2008 crisis. Hear firsthand accounts that underscore the resilience needed to flourish post-adversity, and grasp the invaluable advice for navigating future uncertainties. Rich's candid reflections on homeownership, renting, and the psychological anchors they provide, serve as a guiding compass for achieving financial vigilance. This is a masterclass in stepping beyond fear, seizing opportunities in tumultuous times, and the disciplined art of personal finance.

Step into 'Cigars and Conversation,' a unique event crafted by Rich to knit together the fabric of industry leadership and mentorship without the immediate lure of financial gain. This episode peels back the layers of work-life balance, revealing how one can carve out moments that enrich family ties and personal fulfillment. Rich's approach to parenting, his circle of diverse advisors, and the life lessons that emerge in the simplest of daily activities offer a blueprint for a life well-lived. As a parting thought, we tease the possibility of Rich's political aspirations, a potential new chapter where he aims to wield his expertise for the greater good of Las Vegas and beyond.

Have you ever landed on foreign soil with dreams bigger than your wallet? Natalia Badzjo did just that, and she joins us to recount her extraordinary journey from arriving in the U.S. with $400 to her name, to becoming a Las Vegas entrepreneur. Her story weaves through 15 years of shaping the customer service landscape at Wynn Resorts, to opening not one, but two thriving restaurants with her husband, Brian. Natalia's insights into setting lofty goals and the balancing act between a demanding job and chasing entrepreneurial dreams are beyond inspirational—they're a roadmap to turning ambition into achievement.

Succulent, smoky, and satisfyingly simple—Texas barbecue isn't just a meal, it's a way of life. This episode sizzles with the savory secrets behind Big B's Texas Barbecue, the family-owned haven where Natalia and Brian serve up more than just a plate of food; they dish out a cultural experience. Discover the meticulous magic behind authentic Texas barbecue, and how a background in finance and international marketing isn't just advantageous but essential in the world of wood-smoked wonders. You'll also get a taste of Big B's expansion plans, proving that even in the restaurant business, the right formula can lead to mouthwatering success.

To round off our conversation, we peel back the curtain on the crucial role of education, real-world know-how, and the art of making and nurturing connections. Whether you're a graduate grappling with the numbers or a corporate climber with a side hustle in mind, Natalia's narrative sheds light on the transformational power of networking and the necessity of a strong community. Learn how a strategic approach to social media and traditional word-of-mouth can elevate a business from good to legendary. For those teetering on the edge of entrepreneurship, let this episode be the nudge you need to leap into your own legacy.