IN PROFILE: Dr. Barbara Biermeyer DVM

BUSINESS: Co-owner Nye County Veterinary Hospital

AGE: 49

BACKGROUND: “I graduated college in 1985 with a bachelor’s degree and from Perdue University veterinary school in 1990. Vets don’t usually get a lot of business training until they open a practice. I took over Pahrump Valley Animal Hospital.”

FIRST JOB: “I worked for the Youth Conservation Corps Camp in southern Indiana.”

YEARS IN BUSINESS: “I moved to Pahrump 22 years ago and have been in business here since then. I work with one of the Boy Scout troops here as an assistant leader. The practice gets involved with support of animal rescue organizations here. We give them gift certificates for free exams as raffle prizes and have donated to other area rescues.

“The practice also has a limited community service program using donated materials.”

PERSONAL: “I have a passion for scuba diving.”

BUSINESS CLIMATE: “Pahrump is a diverse community which provides the opportunity to work on all levels of our business. On the down side, it is a really small community. There are no local high-paying jobs and that limits what we can do for our patients.

“On the whole, it helps the local economy to use the services we have here. The high fees during the boom of the economy led to large fees and red tape which is a deterrent for other businesses to move here.”