Building Dreams Las Vegas Panelists (L-R) Durette Candito, Lisa Czajka, Stacey Gualandi, Claire Nagel, Nate Jones, Lizzy Thomas

Building Dreams: The Company You Keep

By Doug Puppel / Photography by Cashman Photo

In uncertain times, be certain about the company you keep.

That advice came in several forms from speakers at Building Dreams Las Vegas, an Oct. 15 gathering presented by Chic Compass that brought together leaders in real estate, design and business.

The event put those words into practice, attracting an eclectic mix of talent and experience to exchange ideas, share perspectives and build relationships.

Chic Compass publisher Ann Parenti welcomed attendees to the 16th-floor gathering at the Las Vegas Design Center, challenging them to make meaningful connections and maximize the return on their mutual “investment of time, energy and money.”

Keynote speaker Jess Molasky, chief operating officer of Ovation Development, broadened that challenge. He described a developer's role as recognizing “things the city needs before it knows it needs them.”

He urged attendees to take the same initiative in strengthening Las Vegas.

“Give your time and energy. Don’t wait to be asked,” Molasky said, emphasizing that strong communities “build every rung on the ladder.”

That spirit of empowerment carried into a panel discussion moderated by journalist Stacey Gualandi. Leaders in lending, real estate and interior design emphasized preparation, informed decisions and the value of trusted expertise in uncertain times.

“People are coming to understand the realities of the economy and have to decide for themselves when to make a move,” said Lisa Czajka, loan officer for Premier Mortgage Resources.

Rather than fixating on mortgage rates, she encouraged a back-to-basics strategy for prospective homebuyers: “Make a plan; make a budget.”

Czajka also cautioned against overreliance on artificial intelligence, which she insisted “is not going to replace” the expertise and judgment of an experienced mortgage professional.

“Don’t trust AI to tell you the whole truth,” she said. “Find the right professional and bounce what you’ve learned off of them.”

That caution extended beyond financing. Lizzy Thomas of Set the Stage Henderson emphasized the limitations of technology in helping prospective buyers experience a home.

“AI staging may appear polished online, but it does not help buyers understand the home’s spatial context during an in-person showing,” she said. “Physical staging, by contrast, helps buyers envision their lifestyle in the space.”

Panelist Joyce Smith, senior vice president of commercial banking at MidFirst Bank, drew nods and laughter when asked for advice on navigating today's choppy business waters.

“Use professionals,” she said, gesturing toward an audience filled with them.

Beyond business relationships, Building Dreams demonstrated the power of coming together for a common cause.

Cain Brody and his team at the Las Vegas Design Center generously sponsored the event. A sponsorship from Cashman Photo provided a team of photographers to document the day. Several showrooms and specialty vendors added to the day to support a fun passport tour of Building A.

The event also supported The Just One Project through Youth for Youth, a youth-led philanthropic initiative co-founded by sisters Skai and Roxy Jones. Skai, who served as chairwoman of Building Dreams Las Vegas, worked alongside Parenti to help bring the event to life.

Since its founding in 2021, Youth for Youth has raised and donated more than $155,000 to Nevada nonprofits supporting local youth. Building Dreams was part of the organization's larger fundraising campaign leading up to its Dec. 5 holiday concert, benefiting The Just One Project. This year's goal is to raise $100,000 to support Southern Nevada families facing food insecurity and other challenges.

The Just One Project also invited attendees aboard its bright pink Groceries on the Go Bus, a mobile grocery store bringing fresh, affordable food directly to underserved neighborhoods throughout Las Vegas.

“The only way we can continue our crucial work is through the support of the community and events like today and people like Skai Jones and her team,” said Brooke Neubauer, founder and CEO of The Just One Project.