For Anthony Greco, founder of the Pahrump Small Business Association, the mission is clear: protect and uplift the small, independent businesses that give the community its unique character. His drive to create the organization came from firsthand experience—decades of owning and running mom-and-pop operations himself, coupled with a growing frustration over how such businesses are often overlooked in favor of larger, well-funded franchises.
Greco explained that his idea was born out of his own disappointment with the local Chamber of Commerce. After paying to be a member, he discovered that he wasn’t being informed about meetings and was essentially excluded because his politics didn’t align with those in charge. He decided to create an association that would be open, transparent, and built specifically to serve independent business owners. “What you see is what you get with me,” he said. “If you ask me a question and want a real answer, you’re going to get it.”
At the heart of the Pahrump Small Business Association is a service Greco knew would be invaluable to local contractors and home-based businesses—providing them with a safe, professional mailing address that doesn’t require giving out their home location. Each member receives a unique post office box number based on the year, month, and day they join, ensuring no duplicates. That box also comes with resident agent services, something that typically costs $300 per year. Greco offers it for $100, explaining, “I’ve been a mom-and-pop since 1976. This is for people like me.”
But his support goes far beyond mailing addresses. With 50 years in business coming up on July 3 of next year, Greco wanted to mark the milestone in a way that would have a lasting impact. Instead of offering discounted advertising—which might compete with other local publishers—he decided to give it away completely free. “My gift to the business community is $50,000 a month worth of advertising for the next 11 months,” he said. “That’s $550,000 in free promotion to help people who can’t afford to get their name out there.”
His commitment stems from understanding the struggles of small businesses firsthand. Many owners don’t have an advertising budget, and those hanging on by a thread could be saved by increased visibility. He also sees this effort as a counterbalance to the growing number of national franchises moving into Pahrump. Greco is outspoken in his criticism of local leadership for prioritizing these big chains, which often pay large impact fees but take profits out of the community. “What happens to the local coffee shops when you bring in another franchise? Or the local diners?” he asked, citing examples of long-standing businesses that have been pushed out or hurt by chain competition.
Greco has seen the power of consistent, community-focused advertising work before. He recalled a time when he promoted Mom’s Diner through his radio station, and within ten days, nine customers came in asking how they could get that kind of exposure. “It’s repetition,” he said. “They might not be looking for you today, but when they are, they remember hearing your name.”
The association is strictly for independently owned businesses with fewer than 30 employees. No franchises. No major corporations. Greco refuses funding from local government or large utility companies like Valley Electric to maintain independence and integrity. “Why would I ask them for my own money?” he said, pointing out that many nonprofits operate without true transparency, sometimes giving as little as 5% of donations to their stated cause. His philosophy is that charity and community service should be genuine, not profit-driven.
Greco’s business experience is extensive. In the 1980s, he ran the largest towing company in Staten Island, New York, operating 11 tow trucks and achieving national recognition for efficiency with major motor clubs like Allstate, Amoco, and AAA. Now, instead of crawling under cars, he focuses his energy on media, advocacy, and community involvement. He operates a radio station—KPFF, associated with the Pahrump Film Festival—that he uses as a platform to inform residents about local government decisions and promote small businesses.
His approach to community service also includes youth engagement. He dreams of giving local students their own TV channel where they can create and run their own programs, potentially sparking interest in media careers. “Maybe the Pahrump Film Festival will find the next Martin Scorsese,” he said, noting that kids often lack direction simply because they haven’t been exposed to opportunities.
Despite his enthusiasm, Greco acknowledges that his outspoken political views have made him a target for criticism, and sometimes those attacks have closed doors for him. Still, he continues to push forward with his mission, confident that helping mom-and-pop businesses is worth the effort. “I don’t need money at this point in my life,” he said. “I just want to live without aggravation and help my community.”
For Anthony Greco, that means standing up for local business owners, keeping the focus on transparency and independence, and ensuring that the small-town character of Pahrump isn’t lost to corporate expansion. The Pahrump Small Business Association isn’t just another networking group—it’s a shield and a voice for the people who make Pahrump’s business community unique.
