Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about your company and the duties of your position:
Jon Canton: Hot August Nights is a nonprofit organization that puts on our main event in August — which attracts thousands of classic car enthusiasts to gather and enjoy a week of music, cars and other great events — along with a variety of others like Spring Fever Revival in May. There is also the nonprofit Foundation arm whose mission is to provide children in need or at-risk with a more meaningful and productive life through the availability of continuing and higher education.
I will be managing the setup and logistics of the event venues that are located throughout Reno, Sparks and Virginia City.
NNBW: How did you get into this profession?
Canton: I originally got a job at a resort hotel working in convention services with my main priority being a free ski pass.
NNBW: What do you enjoy most about working in your field?
Canton: I get to work with a wide variety of people and businesses throughout the entire community.
NNBW: What’s the most challenging part about your job?
Canton: To be honest, I am so new to this job I’m not sure yet. At this time I’m just learning how the entire organization works, as there are a lot of moving parts.
NNBW: What advice would you give anyone who wants to get in your profession?
Canton: You will need to expect the unexpected every day.
NNBW: What was the best advice anyone ever gave you either professionally or personally?
Canton: My dad always taught us the importance of self-confidence and believing in your abilities.
NNBW: What kind of specific skills or educational advancement have you found are necessary to be successful in your field?
Canton: Customer service and the ability to manage all types of personalities has been extremely helpful.
NNBW: Is there one thing that you learned over your career that’s become vitally important in your job?
Canton: Communication is one of the most important factors.
NNBW: What was your first job?
Canton: I worked in a machine shop during high school.
NNBW: What are your hobbies? How do you spend your time away from work?
Canton: Snow skiing, hiking, anything outdoors.
NNBW: How do you manage your time between the responsibilities of your profession and your personal life?
Canton: Luckily, the philosophy here is that family and health are most important.
NNBW: Do you have a favorite vacation spot?
Canton: I enjoy travelling to new places. My favorite spot so far is probably New Zealand.
NNBW: Is there a place around the world you have never been to that you would like to visit?
Canton: I would like to visit Belize or South America next.
NNBW: If you had enough money to retire right now, would you? Why or why not?
Canton: I wouldn’t retire completely but I would take some time off to travel.
NNBW: If you had the chance to have dinner with someone, who would that be and why?
Canton: My grandfathers who I never met.
NNBW: Is there anything in your life that you wish you could do over again? Why?
Canton: I think I would’ve pursued sports as a profession.
NNBW: Last concert or sporting event attended?
Canton: Raiders game last December.
NNBW: Why did you choose a career in northern Nevada? What do you like about living/working here?
Canton: I moved to northern Nevada to work in the hospitality industry and it wasn’t until then that I realized how much this area has to offer. I love the weather and our surrounding mountains, desert and lakes.
