From: Norm Johnson
For: Column 10=27-2015
I recently met a very interesting gentleman at a media event. I didn’t know him at all. He looked like an interesting guy, one I wanted to meet. So, naturally the reporter in me took over, and I introduced myself to Louis Mamo. Remember this name gang; it’s a name you’ll be hearing a lot about over the next few months.
First off the 66-year old has the energy of a teenager. He moved to our village about a year ago on a mission for one of his overseas clients, which turned out bad. But, like he said, “I fell in love with the city all over again, and the energy it exudes,” and decided to stay. Although he used to be a frequent visitor, it had been a number of years since his last visit. At the time of his decision, he was a very busy man, owning and managing a number of diversified companies in Florida.
A little about Mamo’s background is needed here. Lou’s education began at Miami Dade College and ended up at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, where he accelerated his education by completing a four year degree in three years. He was heavily recruited by a number of accounting firms, and ended up joining Chicago-based Arthur Anderson LLP—formerly one of the “Big Five.” Eventually the energetic financial expert got tired of traveling all over the world, and joined Hollywood Inc., one of the largest holders of land in South Florida, where his education continued under the tutelage of William (Bill) Horvitz. Needless to say, our forward thinking guy figured it was much better to work for himself, and he opened his own accounting firm, Louis Mamo & Company, and purchased one of the first IBM computer systems in Florida, which led to his company’s rapid growth,
So, now you know a little about this man’s background. Why was he at a Las Vegas media event? Simple, from the beginning of his work as a financial advisor, he met a lot of celebrities and entertainers. He was fascinated by the world of entertainment, and always had in the back of his mind to get involved in “Show BUSINESS,” after all, over the years he had helped raise funds for various entertainment projects by placing products in movies, television shows, while working in the financial market. Lou also helped secure financing for a number of major independent films.
Now we jump to the evening I met the entrepreneur. He had moved his company to our Village where he believed he could offer his company’s business solutions services. The first thing he did was to talk an old business associate, Howard Brody, who had moved back to Las Vegas several months earlier and become a part of his new adventure.
“Even though I was semi-retired when I moved here, I just couldn’t sit around and stare at a TV set,” Mamo flashed his big smile. “I just had to be involved in something. So I decided I would invest in a few projects.”
Lou and his Vice-President, Brody, began searching the local talent market, meeting promoters, agents and entertainers. The first thing he learned was that very few entertainers have any financial plans for their future. “I felt and saw immediately where I could be of great help to a number of entertainers, who had a ton of talent, but were going nowhere, and possibly only needed a financial boost. I had the money and expertise to assist them, so that’s what I’m doing today.”
While Lou Mamo continues to enjoy his semi-retirement, his motto of “no client is too small or too big,” will enable his Las Vegas office to be of service to all business owners and entertainers, regardless of their size or fame.
Among some of the projects Mamo and Brody are currently involved with are representing Zan Art Design, producer of the art exhibit “LIT: A Portrait of Bob Dylan by Lesley Schiff,” which is currently wrapping up in Boston; assisting with the publishing of a book on the life of former New York Jets and NFL star, Ray Abruzzese; and working as business manager for local Dolly Parton tribute star Sandy Anderson, and Jennifer Romas, the award-winning choreographer, producer and star of SEXXY at the Westgate Resort.
Louis Mamo is the real thing. You can contact him through his Web site at www.LMC123nv.com.
THIS AND THAT QUICKLY:
The world will definitely be your oyster on November 6th and 7th from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., when Centaur Art Galleries presents a special two-day show featuring the latest passion from acclaimed jewelry designer Sigrid Insull – her beautiful one-of-a-kind signature pearl necklaces. Insull, who will be present both days and will be donating a percentage of sales to Keep Memory Alive, which supports the mission of Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, is the first-ever permanent jewelry artist to become part of Centaur Galleries. What makes Insull’s jewelry so unique, in addition to the beauty and perfection of the pearls from the South Seas, is the fact that she incorporates precious and semi-precious gemstones and antique Asian and European amulets and medallions in her proprietary designs. It is from these antique pieces that she gets her inspiration when designing a necklace.
“My jewelry is not for the faint of heart,” smiles Insull. “It is classic, dramatic and rare.”
“One is struck by the layering of her jewelry pieces,” says Denise Wilbourne, event organizer for Centaur Galleries. “Sigrid incorporates global artifacts into her custom designs then works with her jewelers to create her 24-karat gold or platinum necklaces, each one being one-of-a-kind. A master does not fear others’ lands but utilizes the beauty of the diversity of cultures. Sigrid has a unique ability to combine rare pearls, African corals, or lavender jade strands with Tibetan, French, African, Chinese and other world antiques. Those of us who are privileged to wear her creations know that we have risen above the ordinary.”
Insull moved to Las Vegas from Los Angeles two years ago with her husband William Lucking, a longtime character actor most recently seen as a regular on the TV series Sons of Anarchy. She credits her penchant for designing with her own theatrical background, having worked for more than 20 years as a costume designer in New York and Hollywood. She has created costumes for Broadway as well as for film and television and has designed jewelry for such notable celebrities as Catherine Deneuve, Cher, Olympia Dukakis, and Kathleen Turner. She also has her own interior design business, Sigrid Insull Design. As a permanent artist of Centaur Art Galleries in Las Vegas, Sigrid often works with clients to create custom jewelry. The show is open to the public. Centaur Art Galleries, recently moved from the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace and is now located at 4345 Dean Martin Drive.
“Santa Bob” Dempsey has combined Christmas with marriage by becoming a wedding officiate duly licensed by the State of Nevada and the North Pole. Starting in December, “Santa Bob” can now marry a couple anywhere in Nevada who wants the Christmas spirit to surround their wedding vows, including decorations, gifts, and of course, Santa himself. Santa Bob is, in reality, Bob Dempsey, award-winning owner of Dempsey Graphics and a leader in the Las Vegas graphic design scene since 1981. Dempsey has taught design for more than 18 years at the College of Southern Nevada. More importantly, he has performed as Santa for the past nine years, including stints at stores (Saks Fifth Avenue), companies (Zappos), venues (Brooklyn bowl) and nonprofits (Opportunity Village, Springs Preserve). Just like year round Christmas stores, “Santa Bob” will officially help tie the knot (and the mistletoe) seven days a week (even Christmas Day!).
“I had been playing the part of Santa for years and realized there are a lot of people who love Santa and want to incorporate him in their wedding vows,” said Dempsey. “Why not combine two joyous occasions and spread the joy?” Elves and reindeer are extra. As is Mrs. Claus (Audrey Dempsey), who adds a marital touch of her own! For more information, visit http://vegassantabob.com or call 702-497-4971.
Well, gang, that’s it for another week. I’m outa here!
