Wendi Schweigart is the co-founder and director of marketing of NDL Group Inc., a Las Vegas construction company. She also just founded a new women’s charity, Project Marilyn Inc.
Q: What are you reading?
A: I’m currently reading “The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg. I find habits and how they affect your life and business fascinating. Habits are your brains way of saving energy and roughly 40 percent of what you do happens on autopilot. Duhigg outlines that the root of all habits lie in a simple three-part loop. The cue, the routine and the reward. The lesson is that if you want to change a habit you need to change the routine portion of the loop. I’m still trying to decide which of my undesirable habits I’m going to tackle first.
A: My favorite place to take clients to is The Cuppa at Gramercy. It is an amazing local coffee spot with a terrific atmosphere. Any day of the week you can find an eclectic group networking over one of Holly’s delicious creations. Next time you’re in ask for a charcoal latte. It’s dark and sweet and worth every single calorie.
Q: How do you decompress after a long week?
A: After a long week I enjoy nothing more then going to the movies with my husband and our 7-year-old son. Of course, we always see something kid-friendly, which I totally blame on him, but I secretly LOVE kid movies and, if it’s a musical, even better. We indulge copious amounts of popcorn, gummy bears and Slurpees. The sheer fact that you’re in a movie theatre lends itself to relaxing; dark, no talking and no phone!
Q: What do you do to workout?
A: If you ask my husband, he would say talking is my main form of working out. But I’d have to say I love to walk. Sounds terribly boring but I can’t explain the simple pleasure I get from putting on my headphones and setting out. No schedule and no agenda. I mindlessly stroll my neighborhood or a new park that I’ve stumbled on. I could walk for miles and miles. It is definitely a good workout for mind, body and soul.
Q: What is the biggest challenge facing Southern Nevada?
A: I feel the biggest challenge facing Southern Nevada is our education system. As a mother of a second-grader, I always get a horrified look when I tell people I’m going to put him in public school. Sheer terror. Why is that? The Clark County School District has a very difficult time recruiting and retaining experienced educators. Despite valiant efforts and additional funds provided by the state Legislature, we have many vacant teaching positions. All children attending public school deserve to be in a classroom with an experienced teacher. Growing up in the Las Vegas Valley, I attended public school and had an amazing experience. I hate to see how badly our system has deteriorated. However, as a parent, I recognize that our school system only goes so far no matter how good it is. Parents need to take an active role in their children’s education. Education is a lot more then being in a classroom and taking a test. Life experiences count for a lot.
