For Rafat “RJ” Khalaf, business isn’t just business, it’s a family legacy. When he entered the Executive MBA program in summer 2023, RJ knew he wanted to elevate his family’s business, KALIFANO, which has been a staple in the world of crystals, metal art, and sculptures since 1912. Las Vegans would recognize KALIFANO by the massive metal sculptures of pop culture figures that appear in the storefront windows. It’s a historic business, and with RJ’s graduation in December on the horizon, he’s as close as he’s ever been to achieving his dream.

From Family Roots to Leadership

Growing up in a family-owned business, RJ was immersed in the day-to-day operations from an early age.

"I literally grew up in the business," he recalls. "I was labeling jewelry, working in our retail locations — I've been involved as long as I can remember."

Hands-on experience gave RJ a unique perspective going into the EMBA program, and he quickly found that his real-world knowledge of the retail industry gave him a unique business perspective, one that he’s been able to share with his fellow cohort members. Like the rest of his class, he’s been able to challenge the traditional approach to learning with insights and skills that can only be learned on the job.

"One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of context," RJ says. "When you grow up in a business, you have so much hands-on experience, and that might be contrary to what business school dogma might encourage.

“You’re able to challenge orthodoxy and reinforce certain elements of learning."

This practical approach to education has allowed RJ to immediately apply what he’s learning in the classroom to the family business, enhancing his leadership style, communication skills, and decision-making processes, among other characteristics, he says.

Focused on KALIFANO's Future

As the first person in his family to pursue a graduate degree, RJ can already see how the EMBA program has sharpened his business acumen.

"So many of the things we do in the business — we’ve been successful, but I think we’ve spent extra time learning things the hard way because we didn’t have the access to the knowledge an EMBA program provides," he explains.

“This education has equipped him to ask deeper questions about the business and identify areas for improvement.

One area that has been particularly transformative for RJ, and KALIFANO, is finance.

"I’ve never taken a finance class before, and now I’m taking classes where I’m able to very objectively analyze things," he says.

This newfound financial expertise has been crucial as KALIFANO reaches an inflection point, RJ adds, with exciting growth opportunities on the horizon. Now, he feels more equipped than ever to lead the company’s transition.

"The way that I think about things is at a much higher level now than it was 18 months ago," he notes. "Building a network, having access to university resources, and being able to be an EMBA grad from UNLV carries a lot of weight.”

Balancing Family and Ambition

As he prepares for the final leg of the EMBA program, RJ is reflecting on the journey with pride and gratitude – the latter he mentions in the same sentence as his family. None of RJ’s achievements, he says, would be possible without the unwavering support of his wife, who has also taken on dual roles as parent to the couple’s baby boy, and as a student pursuing her master’s degree in social work.

Their shared commitment to family and education has not only strengthened their bond but also set a powerful example for their son.

"It’s been a challenge — more time at school, studying – but in a meaningful and worthwhile way," he says of the couple’s dual educational pursuits. “I’m really proud of both of us for having our master’s degrees.”