Are You an Outlaw? Meet Brian Dickson

Who has redefined what it means to think outside the law (aka OUTLAW) and is helping each of us in the process?

Meet Brian Dickson. Brian is the Director of Marketing for the Nevada-based law firm of McDonald Carano. Since joining the firm five years ago, Brian has introduced, created and managed a handful of business development programs (including a few fun games) to enhance overall results of the firm. Brian has helped the firm to set and achieve numerous goals to support their marketing initiatives. Brian is a lifelong Nevadan, with family roots back to the early 1930’s in Las Vegas. It’s no surprise that Brian spent the first decade plus of his career in Las Vegas, around the casino business (with a focus on sports wagering).

We asked Brian a few questions, and his answers can be found below. Enjoy getting to know this Outlaw!

Q: Where would you like to live?
A: During the winter, in Costa Rica and elsewhere in South America. During the Summer, a split between Lake Tahoe (Nevada) and Alaska.

Q: What is your idea of happiness?
A: My happiness is an ongoing realization of the “small things” I have played a part of, resulting in the success and/or joy of others. Nothing makes me happier than realizing I’ve played some small role in the success and/or joy of others!   

Q: What is your motto?
A: You’ll always miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.  

Q: What is your greatest fear?
A: Being sent to prison or jail.

Q: To what faults do you feel most indulgent?
A: Impatience.

Q: Finish this sentence: “If I could have one super-power, it would be…”
A: Time travel. Absolutely Time Travel! Seriously, going back to any point in time and not making all of the same mistakes depicted in Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure.

Q: Who are your favorite authors/ what are your favorite books?
A: Rolling Stone Magazine. I’ve been a fan of this periodical for years and went to college to study journalism with the plan of becoming a reporter for Rolling Stone. Instead, I got wrapped up with a Las Vegas-based professional gambler, during college and for more than a decade afterward, before transitioning over to the legal industry. Additionally, I enjoy nonfiction books from subjects ranging from science, to military to automobiles (recently, finally finished Generation Kill).

Q: If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
A: Don Hewitt, creator of 60 Minutes and the first televised presidential debate (1960)!

Q: What got you into working in the legal industry?
A: I needed to find work (too young and too poor to retire) and thought, based upon what was happening to my longtime boss and dear friend Billy Walters, knowing and helping lawyers with the business side of their law firms may prove helpful.

Q: Your favorite musician or band?
A: Cross Canadian Ragweed. So many fond memories while listening to their various CD’s. Sinatra is definitely second runner on my favorites list.

Q: What is your current state of mind?
A: Calm, cool and collected.

Q: Your favorite virtue?
A: Compassion.

Q: What would you consider your greatest achievement? 
A: I’ll let you know once it happens.

Q: Finish this sentence: “If I won the lottery tomorrow I would…”
A: Work to develop a world-class culinary and kitchen management operation, with the specific focus of training and developing culinary staff for the homeless shelters across America and beyond. Great food can be constantly produced, on a small budget, when training, processes, talent and desire collide. There is no reason the homeless should not consistently enjoy a great meal as they work on their path forward. To see these shelters and facilities improve their food (costs and quality) would be amazing! And, I’d have plenty of time to do this, because I’d obviously quit my job and spend time doing this and traveling more often.

Q: Who would you have liked to be?
A: Jimi Hendrix. Not a long life, but an interesting one!