If running Google Ads feels like surgery, that’s because it kind of is.

“You're putting in dollars for somebody, and they're expecting to get money out. That is a big responsibility. It's almost like being a doctor.”

In this episode of Pursue Vegas, we pull back the curtain with Sergio Chavez—the guy behind ilovegoogleads.com, founder of the Vegas Voices Podcast, and a digital marketing strategist who’s been in the game since 2008 (back when no one knew what a conversion rate was).

Sergio’s not just talking pixels and pay-per-clicks. He’s talking about how to actually show up—in business, in service, and in a city where connections matter more than clout.

“Just be willing to show up and serve… This town has been very welcoming to me.”

We talk about how real success isn’t built on viral moments—it’s built in the hours no one sees. Behind every 15-second reel is 15 hours of work. Behind every campaign is the responsibility of delivering actual results. That’s the part most people skip, but not Sergio.

And Vegas? It’s his playground. “It's your simulation. It's your GTA 5.”

From real estate hustle to reputation-building online, Sergio shares what it takes to thrive in this city—without selling your soul to the algorithm. He’s one of those people actually doing the work… not just talking about it. And through his podcast, he’s amplifying the voices that are shaping Vegas behind the scenes—not just the influencers in front of the camera.

We go deep on performance marketing, personal growth, and how digital advertising isn’t just about clicks—it’s about clarity, commitment, and service.

"If you give light to others, the light's going to shine on you."

Key Takeaways:

• Running ads is high-stakes—Sergio treats it like surgery.
• Las Vegas is an entrepreneurial simulation. The opportunities? Endless.
• People see the 15-second reel, not the 15 hours of work behind it.
• Real growth happens when you integrate personal development with professional performance.
• The Vegas Voices Podcast is amplifying the stories shaping our city.

Resources:

• Sergio Chavez on Instagram
• Vegas Voices Podcast
• I Love Google Ads

Whether you're a business owner trying to scale or a creative looking for traction—this episode reminds you that clarity, commitment, and service still win in the long game.

Thanks for tuning in to The Pursue Vegas Podcast!

Zach Tolen didn’t just work in a restaurant—the restaurant raised him.

In this episode of Pursue Vegas, we sit down with the man behind Vanilla Rice Hibachi to talk about what it really takes to go from scrubbing dishes at 15 to owning one of the most hyped hibachi spots in Las Vegas.

“Even on your worst days as an entrepreneur, you’re still living your dreams,” he says.

Zach’s journey isn’t polished. It’s raw, real, and built from chaos. From food truck breakdowns to bootstrapping a brand people now line up for, he shares how he turned a side hustle into a full-blown movement. Spoiler: it wasn’t luck—it was grit, consistency, and showing up like your name’s on the building.

We dive into:

• What it means to evolve from cook to CEO
• Why branding and social media aren’t optional in the Vegas food game
• How he’s laying the foundation to franchise like the greats—Chipotle, Chick-fil-A style “I still hop on the grill from time to time, but I want to be a businessman, not just a cook.”

If you're in the trenches of building something—or trying to find the courage to start—this one’s your blueprint. Hustle is the entry ticket. Staying power is the strategy.

What You’ll Take Away:

• Consistency builds trust. In food and business—people come back when they know what to expect.
• Systems = Freedom. Zach went from chaos to clarity with processes that let him scale.
• Hype fades. Hustle doesn’t. Building a brand takes more than a logo—it takes a long game.
• Vegas rewards bold. Your brand better talk loud and hit hard if you want attention.
• You don’t need it all figured out. You just need to start.

Resources:

• Vanilla Rice Hibachi
• Follow on IG: @vanillaricelv
• Behind-the-scenes: @realvanillarice

Hit play and learn from someone who’s not just chasing a dream—he’s cooking it up daily, with a spatula in one hand and a scaling plan in the other.

Thanks for tuning in to The Pursue Vegas Podcast!

"Vegas has allowed me to rebuild myself twice. It's the city where you can always reinvent who you are."

In this episode of Pursue Vegas, we sit down with comedian, content creator, and creative shapeshifter Hailey Brooks to talk about comedy, character work, and carving your own lane in a city that thrives on reinvention.

Originally from Philly, Hailey came to Vegas in 2016—and like many of us—she didn't arrive with a roadmap. She started in journalism, dabbled in immersive theater as the Mad Hatter, and eventually found her voice in stand-up comedy. Her show Silent But Deadly at Area 15 is unlike anything you’ve ever seen: imagine silent disco meets stand-up set.

"The silent disco comedy blends seeing real reactions. It’s an immersive comedic experience that others should try."

We talk about how Vegas gives creatives the space (and weirdness) to evolve, how she became a viral Vegas tourism character, and what it’s like building a comedy career in a town that isn’t exactly known for traditional stand-up circuits.

"On stage, I realized I could make people laugh with my own jokes, setting me on a path to stand-up comedy."

We also explore the gender dynamics of being a woman in comedy, how content creators are reshaping the Strip’s brand, and why live events are making a big comeback post-pandemic.

"You can't be serious in Vegas. It's all about evolutionary creativity."

If you’ve ever wanted to laugh, cry, or wildly pivot your life into something that feels more you, this conversation is your permission slip.

Key Takeaways:

• Hailey’s journey is proof that reinvention is a Vegas specialty.
• Immersive comedy is more than a gimmick—it’s the next wave.
• Women in comedy face real challenges, but also bring unmatched perspective.
• Vegas gives you the freedom to try on new identities and make them stick.
• Content creation and comedy are blending in powerful ways in 2024.

Resources:

• Hailey Brooks on Instagram
• TikTok: Haley’s Happy Hour
• Area 15

Las Vegas doesn’t just create characters—it lets you become one.

Tune in to this hilarious and heartful episode with Hailey Brooks, and hear how comedy, creativity, and chaos are shaping a new kind of Vegas experience.

Thanks for tuning in to The Pursue Vegas Podcast!