Henderson Lexus financial services manager has some old Vegas stories

Growing up in Las Vegas, Lexus financial services manager Richard Kaye said he remembers going backstage at the old Sahara Hotel to meet his idols — jazz drummers Louie Bellson and Buddy Rich and vibraphonist Lionel Hampton. He had a special VIP pass at the time, thanks to his father, Norman Kaye of the legendary musical group the Mary Kaye Trio.

“Everyone was very friendly and outgoing back then,” Kaye said. “Everyone knew each other and it was a fun time to be growing up in Las Vegas. I remember as a young boy going to Phyllis McGuire’s house in Rancho Circle and seeing this older gentleman, her boyfriend, sitting in the corner. That was (mob boss) Sam Giancana.”

Besides his singing career, Norman Kaye also developed a lucrative real estate business that at one time boasted three offices in Las Vegas and several internationally. Norman Kaye Realty employed 356 employees during its years of operation from 1957 to 1982.

Richard Kaye credits the development of his business skills to working in his father’s real estate office as the office manager, later as the sales manager and eventually a broker. He spent four years in the trenches helping to grow his father’s business.

“The best advice my father ever gave me was, ‘What you are known for is what your legacy will be,’ Kaye said. “He also said to be a man of your word and to tell the truth – because it’s easier to remember the truth. I heard that a lot.”

The friendliness and tight community spirit of old Las Vegas are the same qualities that attracted Kaye to Lexus of Henderson. Having spent 24 years in the car business, he touts Lexus as being the best place he ever worked.

“The people here and the environment are family orientated,” Kaye said. “Lexus treats their employees well and they are great to their clients.”

Kaye said he especially enjoys working in the finance department because it’s where everything that was negotiated on the sales floor becomes finalized and clarified.

“After all the clients’ hard work, we are the ones to make sure everything is in writing, exactly the way the client wants,” Kaye said. “Finance is the most important step because it’s the culmination of the terms agreed upon and where everything promised is delivered. Lexus of Henderson is all about the experience. It’s catering to the client’s every whim.”

The dealership is at the Valley Auto Mall, 7736 Eastgate Road in Henderson. For more information, call 702-228-7736 or visit www.lexusofhenderson.com.