Business Profile: Allan Parker
BUSINESS: Counselor for the Nevada Small Business Development Center
AGE: 76
BACKGROUND: “I grew up in New York City and went to college at Syracuse University. I was also in the Air Force for 4 1/2 years as a lieutenant. I then worked for about 35 years in corporate America for big and small companies.”
FIRST JOB: “I’ll never forget my first job. I was in high school and it was a summer job. I worked in New York City as a mail runner. They gave me a package and I ran from one building to another making deliveries. It allowed me to make some money when I was in high school. I’ll never forget that.”
YEARS IN BUSINESS: “I graduated college in 1960 and by the time I got out of the Air Force, I was about 27 years old. If I subtract 27 from 76, it comes to around 49 years. I never really retired, so to speak. Although we did come to Pahrump 14 years ago to retire. I took a job as a business counselor, which is what I do today. I basically help people start businesses, or help existing businesses if they need to expand or find financing.”
PERSONAL: “I’m an A-plus personality that wants to lead a B-type life, but unfortunately it never got to the B level. I always have to be on the go and always have to be doing something. I try to eat right and exercise quite often because I have a gym at home. I try to keep my mind mentally alert and my body physically fit.”
BUSINESS CLIMATE: “On the local scene, we see some signs of activity here. They’re building homes again in Mountain Falls, we have the new Holiday Inn Express under construction. We also have the new China Wok, and the interesting thing is they don’t have enough parking. “
