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What happens when two successful business leaders decide to channel their skills toward helping America's military veterans? Frank Fertitta IV and Landon Gyulay reveal the powerful story behind founding Easy Day Foundation, an organization determined to make every day easier for those who've served our country.

The name "Easy Day" comes from a Navy SEAL expression, but carries a deeper meaning. As Frank explains, "The easy days should be ahead for these guys, not behind them." This sentiment drives their mission to support veterans transitioning back to civilian life—a journey that's anything but easy for many who've served.

Both founders share deeply personal connections to military service through their WWII veteran grandfathers. Frank recounts how his grandfather bombed Berlin on his 21st birthday, while Landon reflects on growing up "as far away from enemy front lines as possible" thanks to others' sacrifice. These stories, combined with alarming statistics—17 veteran suicides daily and over 35,000 homeless veterans—compelled them to act.

Rather than duplicating existing services, Easy Day Foundation focuses on what these business minds do best: creating high-impact events that raise both awareness and substantial funds. Their partnership with the American Music Awards for a Memorial Day broadcast represents this strategy in action. Every dollar donated during the telecast will flow directly to their carefully selected partner organizations, creating a comprehensive support network for veterans.

"There are days when it's a huge pain to run a 501(c)(3)," Frank admits, "but then you meet someone like Lisa Hallett—a Gold Star widow raising three children after losing her husband on a humanitarian mission—and you remember exactly why we're doing this."

Want to make a difference in veterans' lives? Join the movement by watching the American Music Awards on May 26th, visiting easydayorg to donate, or following @EasyDayFoundation to learn how you can help ensure those who served have easier days ahead.

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Behind every successful restaurant lies a story of grit, determination, and unwavering passion. Zach Tolan's journey from teenage dishwasher to celebrated chef-entrepreneur perfectly captures this spirit of culinary perseverance.

The founder of Vanilla Rice Hibachi House began his culinary career at just 15 years old, washing dishes alongside his 12-year-old brother for cash under the table. What started as a simple way to earn money transformed into something much more profound when a manager's dismissive words—"dishwashers don't get raises"—lit a fire within young Zach. Those words, now the title of his forthcoming book, became the catalyst for his entrepreneurial journey.

As Zach developed his hibachi cooking skills, he discovered something unexpected: his natural talent for entertainment. Working at a traditional hibachi restaurant, he became so popular that he'd receive up to 30 requests per night from guests specifically asking for "that white guy" to cook for them. Yet amidst the onion volcanoes and flaming showmanship, Zach noticed something curious—his friends who visited frequently would eventually say, "Bro, just cook the food. We don't need the show." This insight sparked the innovative concept behind Vanilla Rice: delicious hibachi cuisine without forcing customers to sit with strangers or endure unwanted theatrics.

Zach's approach to business challenges reveals his fighter's mentality: "I look at business as a boxing match. Every day I wake up, I'm gonna get swung at. Have I been swung at like this before? Do I know how to counter it?" This resilient perspective, coupled with unique training methods where he teaches cooks from scratch rather than hiring experienced chefs, has propelled Vanilla Rice toward his ultimate goal—building a national brand that stands alongside giants like Chipotle and McDonald's.

What began in his mother's backyard has evolved into a thriving multimillion-dollar operation, with expansion plans already underway. As Zach says with confidence, "We've already done the hardest part." Follow @VanillaRiceLV on social media to watch this culinary underdog story continue to unfold. Are you ready to experience hibachi reimagined?

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Visionary entrepreneur Philippe Ziade takes us deep into the revolutionary world of AI-powered hospitality with his groundbreaking Otonomus hotel concept, set to open in Las Vegas on July 1st. This episode unveils how technology is fundamentally transforming guest experiences while creating unprecedented value for real estate developers.

Philippe's journey from Lebanese immigrant studying engineering at UNLV to innovative developer illustrates the quintessential American success story. After starting with a marble company working on the Palms Casino, he navigated the 2008 financial crisis by pivoting to distressed properties, where operational challenges led him to develop technological solutions. Those early innovations eventually evolved into the sophisticated AI systems powering Otonomus.

What makes Otonomus revolutionary? Picture a property where guests specify exactly what they want—from room configuration to service preferences—and AI puzzles it together in real time. Through what Philippe calls "digital avatars," the system learns each guest's preferences, creating increasingly personalized experiences with every interaction. Imagine walking into a hotel room that already knows your preferred temperature, lighting, and amenities before you even arrive.

Despite the technological sophistication, Philippe emphasizes that Otonomus isn't about replacing humans but enhancing them. "We're in the augmented era," he explains, where digital systems extend our capabilities while preserving the irreplaceable human elements of hospitality. This philosophy extends to Otonomus dining offerings, including Nyla, an elevated Lebanese restaurant named after Philippe's mother.

Beyond Otonomus, Philippe shares his ambitious vision for Las Vegas's evolution into a true global metropolis with branded residential towers, financial districts, and cultural centers. His perspective on Vegas as a blank canvas for innovation will inspire anyone passionate about urban development and the city's unlimited potential.

Listen now to discover how the intersection of real estate, technology, and hospitality is creating the future of travel experiences. Whether you're a technology enthusiast, hospitality professional, or simply curious about how AI is reshaping our world, Philippe's insights will transform how you think about your next hotel stay.

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Attorney Meesha Moulton takes us on her remarkable journey from Toronto to Las Vegas, where she built a thriving immigration and personal injury law practice from humble beginnings. With only $3,000 in her pocket after law school, Misha stayed at a budget motel on Boulder Highway while studying for the Nevada bar exam – a far cry from the successful law firm she would eventually establish.

The conversation delves deep into the current immigration landscape, with Moulton offering nuanced insights that cut through political rhetoric. She explains how recent policies have effectively criminalized undocumented status itself, creating widespread fear even among those with straightforward paths to legal residency. "These are not kidnappers and murderers," Moulton emphasizes, highlighting how media coverage often fails to capture the reality that most immigrants are simply seeking better opportunities and deserve due process.

For those navigating personal injury cases, Moulton reveals the inner workings of the legal process – from initial consultations to settlement negotiations with insurance companies. She shares practical advice like the value of dash cams as evidence (though she humorously notes they're "not great when you're at fault") and explains how her firm approaches case selection with an emphasis on client service over volume.

Beyond legal insights, Moulton offers powerful business wisdom, identifying overthinking as "one of the biggest culprits of why people don't actually pursue what they're passionate about." Her personal philosophy minimizes the time between idea and execution, focusing instead on disciplined implementation. As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, she acknowledges the ongoing challenges but approaches them with determination rather than discouragement.

Subscribe to hear more inspiring stories from entrepreneurs and professionals who are transforming Las Vegas, one success story at a time.

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Ever wonder how someone transforms from running teenage house parties to building a mobility scooter empire in Las Vegas? Shaun Powell's entrepreneurial journey is a masterclass in recognizing opportunity and building systems that create freedom.

Four years after his first appearance on the Vegas Circle Podcast, Shaun returns with an entirely new business venture and vision. As the founder of Vegas Mobility Solutions, he's carved out a successful niche providing medical equipment to tourists visiting the Strip, but that's just one chapter in his remarkable story.

Shaun's entrepreneurial spirit emerged early, starting with a job at Quizno's at age 12 (yes, he lied about his age) and evolving into organizing entertainment events in high school that drew crowds of 500-1,000 people. His natural networking abilities connected him with now-famous artists like Brent Faiyaz while his clothing brand Cash Cartel and entertainment ventures created opportunities most teenagers couldn't imagine.

What makes Shaun's approach unique is his systematic thinking. Self-described as "the most productive lazy person," he transforms potential limitations into strengths by creating efficient systems that allow his businesses to run smoothly whether he's present or not. This approach gives him the freedom to be fully present for his daughter Friday through Monday while still growing multiple businesses.

The conversation takes an exciting turn when Shaun reveals his next venture – developing a luxury resort just an hour outside Las Vegas. His vision for an "oasis" experience that serves both tourists and locals looking for a nearby escape demonstrates his gift for identifying market gaps and creating solutions.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a business owner seeking better work-life balance, or simply fascinated by unconventional success stories, Shaun's journey offers valuable insights about seizing opportunities, building effective systems, and finding that crucial balance between making money and enjoying life.

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What does it take to build mental toughness in professional athletes? Deon Hodges pulls back the curtain on the world of elite sports performance training in this eye-opening conversation.

As a partner at AI Hospitality and leader of their IBI performance facility in Las Vegas, Hodges has carved out a unique space in the competitive fitness landscape by focusing on substance over flash. "We're not magnifying the 'look at me' aspect," he explains, distinguishing his approach from the Instagram-ready workouts that dominate social media. His facility has become a destination for NFL, NBA, UFC, and WNBA athletes seeking serious training in a city known for distractions.

Hodges' journey into exercise science began with personal adversity when he tore his ACL during spring football practice in high school. This setback introduced him to physical therapy and sparked his interest in sports science as a career path. Now, he uses that experience to connect with athletes during their most vulnerable moments. "The problem is not the problem—it's how you respond to it," he shares, reflecting on how he supports professionals through injuries and setbacks.

What's particularly refreshing about Hodges' philosophy is his emphasis on simplicity and fundamentals. Rather than creating complicated routines designed to impress, he focuses on education and building sustainable habits. "My biggest thing is how can I educate you when you're not with me," he says, highlighting his commitment to empowering athletes rather than making them dependent on his guidance.

Beyond training methodology, Hodges offers valuable insights about business development through his work with AI Hospitality. He stresses the importance of vulnerability and asking questions instead of pretending to know everything—wisdom that applies far beyond the gym floor. As Las Vegas continues to evolve into a sports mecca, Hodges and IBI Performance stand ready to support the next generation of athletic excellence.

Follow Deion on Instagram and X at @_DHodges and visit IBI Performance to experience their premium training approach firsthand.

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Bruno Gralpois captivates with an inspiring journey from barely speaking English as a French immigrant to becoming a marketing powerhouse managing billion-dollar budgets for Microsoft and co-founding Agency Mania Solutions. His remarkable story weaves through Seattle's tech boom, experiencing IPOs, acquisitions, and eventually receiving Steve Ballmer's marketing excellence award at Microsoft.

The conversation reveals fascinating insights about the global marketing landscape, including the milestone that advertising spending surpassed $1 trillion in 2024. Bruno breaks down how major corporations allocate marketing budgets—typically 12% of revenue—dividing funds between media placement (60%), production (20%), and agency fees (20%). This expertise comes from years of working with Fortune 500 brands like Nestlé, American Express, and Toyota.

Bruno shares thought-provoking perspectives on artificial intelligence in marketing, noting the tension between agencies eagerly adopting AI tools and more regulated client industries approaching them cautiously. His balanced view highlights AI's transformative potential for production costs while acknowledging the complex governance issues surrounding its implementation.

The most compelling moments come when Bruno discusses his book "Success Freak: Kick Ass in Seven Days," challenging conventional definitions of success. Rather than focusing solely on wealth, fame, and power, he advocates for developing a personal definition as the essential first step toward fulfillment. This philosophy, combined with his emphasis on choosing willingness over aptitude when hiring, offers listeners actionable wisdom relevant to both entrepreneurs and corporate leaders.

Ready to redefine your own success? Listen now and discover how Bruno's unique blend of European perspective, American entrepreneurship, and global marketing expertise can transform your approach to business and life.

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