IN PROFILE: Cheryl Kilbourn

BUSINESS: New manager for Gentry Finance

AGE: 58

BACKGROUND: “I’ve always been in finance of some kind. I’ve been in banking, insurance and loans and have a bachelor’s degree in business administration.”

FIRST JOB: “I worked as a file clerk for an insurance company in Missouri.”

YEARS IN BUSINESS: “I’ve lived in Pahrump for over eight years and been in the workforce just as long. We participate in the Salvation Angel Tree program and are considering being a drop spot for Toys for Tots this year.

PERSONAL: “I really love spending time with my great-grandson, who lives here. The other two are in California. We are out almost every weekend hiking obscure canyons, visiting ghost towns, touring museums and things like that. I love to fish but have yet to find a good fishing spot.”

BUSINESS CLIMATE: “This business fills a gap. We are in a depressed economy and although people don’t like high-interest loans, there are a lot of people here who don’t qualify for a bank loan but need the money.Christmas is coming, too. People borrow for the holiday season and pay it off with income tax returns.

“I think once the Town Board is gone in January, it will be easier for other businesses to come here. Maybe incorporation isn’t a bad idea — if it helps the local economy rebound.”