The right conversation at the right time can change everything.

In this episode of Pursue Vegas, we sit down with Edgar Rodriguez, a Marine Corps veteran turned Las Vegas community builder, to talk about what it means to lead, serve, and build something bigger than yourself.

As the Nevada leader of Bunker Labs, Edgar is at the forefront of empowering veterans to launch and grow businesses. But his work goes far beyond entrepreneurship—it’s about connection, collaboration, and building infrastructure that actually serves the people who live here.

"We put a lot of work into building the veteran community to where it's at today. And it still got a lot of work to do," Edgar says. And he’s right—Las Vegas is growing fast, but it’s still missing key pieces: mental health resources, pediatric care, and inclusive spaces that help communities thrive.

Through his experience in Leadership Las Vegas, Edgar gained deeper insight into the systems that shape the city—and where those systems need a serious upgrade. “To me, I think that's the biggest challenge personally: more collaboration.”

We talk about post-COVID resilience, what makes a good leader (hint: it's not just who talks the loudest), and how to build meaningful relationships that extend beyond the transaction.

"Your reputation, especially in this town, is everything."

This conversation is for anyone who wants to create more impact—whether you're a founder, community advocate, or just someone who gives a damn about where Las Vegas is headed.

Key Takeaways:

• Veteran-led businesses are becoming a backbone of local innovation.
• Collaboration > competition: real progress comes from shared vision.
• Las Vegas needs to invest in healthcare, education, and mental health infrastructure.
• Leadership starts with listening, not just leading.
• The most powerful impact comes from showing up consistently and authentically.

Resources:

• Edgar Rodriguez on LinkedIn
• Master the Network

Las Vegas doesn’t just need more business owners—it needs more builders.

Tune in to this powerful episode of Pursue Vegas to hear how Edgar Rodriguez is helping veterans (and all of us) lead with purpose, service, and community at the core.

Thanks for tuning in to The Pursue Vegas Podcast!