What if leadership wasn’t about doing more—but about thinking differently?
In Episode 4 of Bank Shot, Chad Hoffman sits down with Dean Blair, Executive Director of the Clark County Fairgrounds, for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, sales, and mindset. Drawing from decades of experience across sales, community leadership, and event management, Dean shares how rethinking the familiar can transform results.
Why this episode matters
You’ll hear:
- Why creating memorable experiences builds loyalty and long-term success
- How innovation often starts by asking, “What else could this be?”
- Why leaders who enjoy their work create stronger teams and cultures
- How caring deeply about people means you only have to “sell them once”
Innovating what people think they already know
Most people think they understand what a fairgrounds is. Dean Blair saw something more.
Under his leadership, the Clark County Fairgrounds has evolved into a year-round event destination—one that surprises visitors with experiences they don’t expect, international boat races to sea lions performing on-site.
Dean explains that innovation doesn’t always mean abandoning tradition. Sometimes it’s about looking at a familiar space with fresh eyes and being willing to try something different. When leaders are curious and open to experimentation, even long-standing institutions can be transformed.
Experience is the real product
One of Dean’s most practical insights is simple but powerful: if people have a great experience, you don’t have to keep selling to them.
Dean and his team focus intensely on care—being present, paying attention to details, and making sure every event succeeds. That level of commitment builds trust. And trust leads to retention.
That mindset applies to any role: customers, clients, teams, or partners. When leaders focus on delivering real value and paying attention to details, loyalty becomes a natural outcome.
Finding joy in the work
Dean also shares why enjoying your work matters more than leaders often admit. When work is rooted in purpose and joy, effort feels natural—not forced.
Leaders who genuinely enjoy what they do set the tone for their teams. That energy shows up in how people serve others, solve problems, and take pride in their work. Joy isn’t a distraction from success—it’s often a driver of it.
Leadership that lasts
A defining moment in the episode comes when Dean reflects on a lesson he learned early in his career: a truly successful leader builds something that doesn’t miss a beat when they step away.
Great leadership isn’t about being indispensable. It’s about teaching, empowering, and preparing others so progress continues no matter who’s in the room. Leaders who invest in people create organizations that last.
A Conversation for Leaders at Any Stage
This episode isn’t about formulas or frameworks. It’s about mindset, curiosity, and caring enough to do things well.
If you’re looking to improve your leadership, create better experiences, or simply rethink how you show up in your work, this conversation offers plenty to reflect on.
Listen to Episode 4 of Bank Shot: Creating Moments That Bring People Back anywhere you get your podcasts and walk away with ideas you can apply to your own leadership, team, and customer experience. Click the icons below for our podcast page on Apple or Spotify.
