Connect.Vegas

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In this episode of Connect.Vegas, host Ben Laifsky speaks with Josh Leavitt, the CEO of Tech Alley and Intagly. The discussion dives into Josh’s journey as a serial entrepreneur, community advocate, and startup leader in Las Vegas. The episode focuses on the development of Tech Alley, a monthly meetup event for tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and those interested in startups. Josh also shares insights into his 3D printing business, Intagly, and the challenges and successes he has faced as a startup founder.

Key Highlights:

  1. Introduction to Tech Alley:
    • Tech Alley is a nonprofit organization that aims to build and strengthen the startup community in Las Vegas through monthly events. It focuses on knowledge-sharing sessions for entrepreneurs and technologists from students to seasoned professionals.
    • The initiative was inspired by the need to consolidate scattered meetups across the city, allowing people to learn, network, and share knowledge in a single location.
  2. Origin of Intagly:
    • Intagly, Josh’s 3D printing marketplace, connects people who need 3D printing services with those who own 3D printers.
    • The business idea emerged from his involvement in Nevada’s STEM advisory group and his interest in fostering creativity and problem-solving in the community.
  3. Josh’s Background and Entrepreneurial Journey:
    • Josh grew up in Las Vegas and has always been drawn to entrepreneurship. From a paperboy to working in construction and the gas station business, he developed a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial mindset early in life.
    • His career path led him to become deeply involved in Las Vegas’ tech community, founding Tech Alley to foster innovation and collaboration among local entrepreneurs.
  4. Challenges and Successes of Startups:
    • Josh emphasized the importance of execution over ideas, noting that Tech Alley helped him learn how to build a company without large investors.
    • He also shared his experiences in scaling Intagly, from developing the platform to solving operational challenges while keeping the business model scalable.
  5. Building Community through Tech Alley:
    • The principles of Tech Alley are inclusivity, accessibility, and consistency. Events are free, open to everyone, and held every third Saturday of the month.
    • Tech Alley has become a significant hub for Las Vegas’ tech scene, connecting local and visiting entrepreneurs, and is now expanding to other cities.

Significant Quotes:

  1. On Building Tech Alley:
    • “The idea was to make sure sharing knowledge is simple. We host monthly events where entrepreneurs and technologists come together in one spot.”
  2. On Entrepreneurship:
    • “Ideas are easy. Execution is everything.”
  3. On Tech Alley’s Community Impact:
    • “Tech Alley reignited what Tony Hsieh was trying to do, making Vegas a recognized tech and startup hub.”
  4. On Starting Intagly:
    • “I didn’t plan on starting a 3D printing company, but after sharing the idea, I realized I wanted in.”
  5. On Overcoming Challenges:
    • “We had to make the platform scalable. If it took even one second of our time per order, it wouldn’t work.”
  6. On His Approach to Failure:
    • “I love hearing stories of failure because running a business is hard work. Success is great, but the lessons from failure are even more important.”

This episode offers valuable insights into community-building, innovation, and entrepreneurship in Las Vegas, with Josh Leavitt as a key figure driving change in the local startup ecosystem.