Josh Westerman and Darbie O’Donnell-Westerman, both graduates of Pahrump Valley High School in 2014, have embarked on a remarkable journey of entrepreneurship and personal growth since graduation. Their story is one of adaptability, resilience, and a shared commitment to pursuing their passions, even when the path wasn’t always clear.
During high school, both Josh and Darbie were already in the workforce. Josh worked various jobs, including a stint as a dishwasher at the Nugget, while Darbie was employed at a local TV station as a news editor and master control technician. However, after graduation, their lives took a sharp left turn when they decided to move to California with a friend, hoping to explore new opportunities. While they initially intended to attend college, life had other plans, and they both found work instead. Josh began working for a garage door company, and Darbie secured a job as a photographer at Six Flags Magic Mountain, where she quickly rose to the position of photography supervisor.
Their time in California was brief, and the couple soon realized that the high cost of living and distance from family and friends made it challenging to build the life they wanted. They returned to Las Vegas, where Josh resumed his previous job as a supervisor at a limo company, and Darbie started her own photography business. It was during this period that a life-changing opportunity arose. A friend introduced them to the idea of purchasing a sign company in Pahrump, Quality Signs, despite their lack of experience in the industry.
“We had no knowledge of printing or signs, but we were 22 and ready to take the leap,” Darbie recalls. “We had a four-hour meeting with the owner, DJ, and he gave us three days to decide. It was a sink-or-swim moment, and we chose to dive in.”
The couple took on the challenge, with Josh quitting his job and Darbie leaving hers to focus on their new venture. The learning curve was steep, but they were quick learners and determined to make the business a success. DJ stayed on to train them for three months and continued to assist as a part-time installer for several years, which was a tremendous help, especially when Josh discovered his fear of heights—a significant hurdle in a business that required climbing ladders to install signs and billboards.
Their hard work paid off, and they successfully ran Quality Signs for nearly five years before selling the business in 2022 for five times their original purchase price. This sale led them to their current venture, Westfield Jewelers. These ownership experiences have taught them valuable lessons in entrepreneurship, resilience, and the importance of surrounding themselves with supportive mentors and peers.
Darbie’s love for photography, which began during her high school years working at the TV station, continued to flourish. She still operates her photography business, I D.O. Photography, and has become well-known in the community for her work, including being the photographer for Pahrump Valley High School’s graduation ceremonies.
Reflecting on her time in high school, Darbie credits her involvement in the band and her teachers, particularly Mr. Williams, for helping her develop the confidence to tackle challenges head-on. “He believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself,” she says, recalling how Mr. Williams pushed her to take on honors physics despite her initial reluctance. “It gave me the courage to push myself in ways I never thought possible.”
Josh, on the other hand, fondly remembers his time in auto shop and as one of the founding members of the RPG Club at PVHS. His passion for cars, sparked in high school, continues to this day, and he spends his free time working on and modifying vehicles. “Auto shop helped me learn a lot about cars, and it’s something I’ve carried with me ever since,” Josh notes.
Their journey from high school students to successful entrepreneurs has been filled with unexpected twists and turns, but Josh and Darbie have embraced each opportunity with determination and optimism. They are also focused on balancing their professional and personal lives, especially after the birth of their daughter, Morgan, who has brought new perspective and priorities into their lives.
“Work will always be there, but moments with our daughter won’t happen again,” Darbie emphasizes. “We make sure to take time for ourselves and our family, even if it means closing the business for a week to celebrate her birthday.”
In addition to their entrepreneurial ventures and family life, Josh and Darbie have maintained strong connections with their friends from high school. As their lives have evolved, they’ve found that these friendships have deepened, especially as many of them are now experiencing similar life stages, such as building careers and raising children. Darbie, who is part of the committee planning their 10-year high school reunion, reflects on how these shared experiences have brought their group closer. “After high school, we all drifted apart for a while, but as we started having kids, we reconnected. It’s been really nice to grow together as parents and continue supporting each other through the ups and downs of life,” she says. This shared journey has strengthened their bonds, allowing them to navigate the challenges of adulthood with a familiar support system by their side.
Looking to the future, Josh and Darbie remain open to new opportunities and challenges. They are always on the lookout for the next venture, understanding that every experience, whether successful or challenging, has a purpose. “Everything happens for a reason,” Darbie says. “We’ve learned that things play out exactly how they’re supposed to, even when it doesn’t seem like it at the time.”
As they continue to navigate the world of entrepreneurship, Josh and Darbie remain grounded in the lessons they learned in high school and throughout their careers, and are committed to building a life that reflects their values, passions, and love for their family.
