Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about your company.
Bob Villoria: Started up on a fluke in 2003, it grew rapidly where it became necessary to add a sales staff. While interviewing about 15 applicants for sales, I was approached by someone wanting to buy it. I sold it only to find that after about a year, they abandoned it. I reclaimed it, started it back up again and have now grown it to be statewide serving Las Vegas, Carson Valley, Reno/Sparks and Lake Tahoe. We provide businesses with greater exposure with mini-billboards throughout the marketing area. Our racks are found in high traffic locations like all the hotels, restaurants, gyms, anywhere people gather or pass by. Through the use of our "mini-billboard" system, we offer businesses greater exposure for less expense creating greater ROI Guaranteed! We are right now in our staff expansion mode. We would like to hire at least a dozen account managers in all areas of the state.
NNBW: What role do you play in the company?
Villoria: Too many. Wearing many hats when you are first growing a company is common; however, we are now at that point where we have to add staff. My daughter runs things in Vegas until I find someone to take over, and I have a couple of seasoned account reps up here, but I still find myself doing pretty much everything right now.
NNBW: How did you get into this profession?
Villoria: With every business I've owned over the years, I've initially handled all the sales and marketing, so marketing has pretty much been in my blood.
NNBW: What are some of the skills and abilities necessary for someone to succeed in this job?
Villoria: Someone can do very well in this job if they are good at helping other people succeed. That's really what we're all about. Sure it's sales, but the bottom line for me is helping small business do better. If we can get a business more exposure where consumers see them regularly (branding), build their confidence in that company so that they feel comfortable buying from them, then we have succeeded in our endeavor to make business better.
NNBW: If you could have had any other profession what would it have been? Why wasn't it your first choice?
Villoria: Actually, I am a personal and business coach already and have a private practice though I have taken a hiatus from it while I build this company. Someday I expect to get back to it as well as writing.
NNBW: What do you like to do when you're not working?
Villoria: Not working? ... what is that? Actually, I've learned (sometimes the hard way) that you have to separate work from your personal life. My family and health always comes first now, and as a result work comes easier.
NNBW: Have any advice for someone who wants to enter your profession?
Villoria: Never take no for an answer. Remember that no matter how small, there is something you can do to help another.
NNBW: What person, living or dead, would you most like to have dinner with, and why?
Villoria: Jimmy Carter. Intelligent conversation on a variety of subjects.
NNBW: Would you rather be younger, thinner, richer or smarter? Why?
Villoria: Gee, can I have it all? ... And know what I know now? You bet!
NNBW: What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Villoria: To learn to be able to say "I need you because I love you," rather than "I love you because I need you."
NNBW: What do you like most about your job? What do you like least?
Villoria: Helping others to do well. Receivables ... ugh.
NNBW: What are five things you can't live without?
Villoria: My wife, my daughter, my son, my afternoon delight ... Starbucks, and lovin'. Can I say that?
NNBW: If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why would you want it?
Villoria: Mind control in a position of world power, like a diplomat or such to other nations so that I could make some of these world leaders stop acting like grade school children and work towards greater unity with each other. Geez ... sounds like a Miss America speech.
NNBW: What does the content of your refrigerator say about you?
Villoria: First, that my wife is the best cook on the face of the planet, and secondly that Bob has finally started eating healthier.
The basics:
Name: Bob Villoria, owner and general manager of RMVCARD LLC
How long have you been in this job? Since 2003
How long in the profession? I've been in sales and marketing over 35 years, owning my own businesses
Education: Some college law and psychology courses
Best book you've read? "Going Home"
What's on your iPod? Don't have one
The best movie ever? "Dances with Wolves"
Spouse, kids or pets? Married 25 years with a hers-mine-and-ours type situation. Four children total, all grown with the youngest (our daughter) about to graduate from UNLV as a photojournalist. Our mix border collie named Kit is also definitely one of the kids.
