Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us a little about Wild West Sound Company.
Brad Bolotin: Over the years we've provided northern Nevada in the best products available from home theater products, audio and video products to theater seating. Wild West's staff consists of 11 employees. We have our own installation team of four well-rounded, very knowledgeable installers, a custom designer and professional sales staff as well as the best office and administration staff available.
NNBW: What role do you play in the company?
Bolotin: Very active with our sales force as well as working directly with customers, designers, architects, builders and vendors to provide the very best in audio/video products available.
NNBW: What kind of boss are you?
Bolotin: Unfortunately, I micro-manage too much. I'm extremely detail-oriented and I like for my staff to reach their potential.
NNBW: How did you get into this business?
Bolotin: I grew up in a family-owned retail furniture shop and have always had a personal interest in stereos. In the 1970s my friends and I started to get into high-end audio and video.
NNBW: What do you enjoy about it?
Bolotin: I enjoy the new technology and the satisfaction of helping our customers. I love the feedback I get from our customers receiving the best in audio/video and it makes me happy to hear they are completely satisfied with the product they've purchased from us.
NNBW: What do you find annoying about it?
Bolotin: The technology changes so quickly, and staying up on the most leading edge products sometimes becomes challenging but it also discerns us from the big box stores since we're providing a better product.
NNBW: What are some of the challenges that face your profession in the next few years?
Bolotin: The economy has been a real challenge and the fact that the custom home building business has come to a complete halt in Washoe County and Tahoe.
NNBW: What effect will the changing economic environment have on your company?
Bolotin: I believe as long as the economic condition turns around, after 31 years in business, there is the opportunity for Wild West to evolve.
NNBW: How do you spend your time away from the office? Why are these activities important to you?
Bolotin: Away from the office, most of my time is spent with my wife and four children whose ages range from 11-26. I am extremely involved in the various activities that they participate in.
NNBW: If you could have a do-over in your career, what would you differently the next time around?
Bolotin: Probably nothing, I love what I do.
NNBW: What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Bolotin: My grandfather told me, "Hard work never killed anybody."
NNBW: Do you have any final thoughts?
Bolotin: Wild West Electronics has recently moved into a beautiful new location at 8060 Double R Blvd. We've expanded our services to not only include audio/video surround sound and custom home theater, but will now be providing home automation systems, Crestron low voltage lighting, central vacuum, business and home security, computer networking and surveillance.
The basics:
Name: Brad D. Bolotin
Professional position: Wild West Sound Company Inc. - CEO
How long have you been in this job? 31 years
How long in the profession? 34 years
Education: BA from University of California, Santa Cruz
Best book you've read? "Moneyball" by Michael Lewis
What's on your iPod? Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Coldplay
The best movie ever seen? "The Deer Hunter"
