Archives for January, 2009

At Least the Weather was Nice!

Just returned from Gulfstream in Miami where our colt Backbackbackgone was fast early and slow late.  He had some breathing issues, so he stayed behind to have minor throat surgery.  At least the weather was fantastic, and Sean Gerson hosted the team in a beautiful suite with lunch and open bar. 
 
The executive placement business continues to be slow.  I have to work twice as hard to make half the money.  Although it’s frustrating to get phone calls from people that forgot my name and would not return MY calls the last three years, my heart still goes out to them.  Not a good time to be an "executive in transition."
 
Next on the agenda is a trip to Los Angeles and Orange County where I’ll visit with clients and host a Godfather "Sit Down" at the House of Blues West Hollywood.  From there, up to San Francisco to host a second event.  Finally, over to Las Vegas for week of client appointments and Oscar Night America (Academy Awards Party benefitting The Arthritis Foundation).
 
From a balmy 75 in Miami to snow and ice in Lone Grove, Oklahoma.  That was kind of tough to take!

Backbackbackgone!

Our colt Backbackbackgone is running Saturday January 24 at Gulfstream in Miami, and the Godfather is heading down to head up the cheering section.  You will never guess who is joing me at Gulfstream.  I’ll give you a hint – he was a Daydream Believer.  The Godfather will wave at you from the Winner’s Circle.

On the event front, The Godfather’s "Sit Down" at the House of Blues Dallas this week is SOLD OUT.  In February, I’ll host events at the House of Blues West Hollywood and City Club San Francisco.  The next two Las Vegas based events are at the Las Vegas Hilton in April and Red Rock Resort in June.

On the job front, congratulations to Brandon Mikkelsen (Fontainebleau Resorts) and Brian Strickland (Worlddoc).  I have several other candidates close to job offers, so with God’s grace, hope to get a few more outstanding executives back in the game this quarter.

Finally, on the charity front we have several wonderful events coming up.  The Arthritis Foundation will host Oscar Night America on February 22 at Rain inside the Palms Las Vegas.  This is the Official Academy Awards party.  For tickets, contact The Godfather at mwayman@godfatherlv.com.  Three Square is hosting DISH on April 3 at the Las Vegas Springs Preserve.  For more information go to www.threesquare.org.  Make a Wish will have their annual gala May 9 at Planet Hollywood.  Check out snv.wish.org.

Happy New Year!

We certainly started the year off right when Backbackbackgone ran them off their feet in the Golden Bear Stakes at Golden Gate Fields.  Winner winner chicken dinner!  Next up is the Sunshine Millions January 24 at Gulfstream.  The Godfather will be in the house – any excuse for a trip to Miami in January.  Congratulations to my friends Mike Shustek, Don Stanley and Dawn Mellen on their recent horse racing wins as well.

I will be in Las Vegas for two weeks during January visiting clients and friends.  Job market continues to be thin, however I am laser focused on putting good people back to work in 2009.  For all the latest job openings, click on "The Foundation".  Congratulations to my latest executive placements – Brian Strickland at Worlddoc and Brandon Mikkelsen at Fontainebleau Resorts.  We have two more executives close to an offer, so I hope to have more good news shortly!

The Godfather event series kicks off in January at the House of Blues Dallas.  This event is SOLD OUT.  Next up will be House of Blues West Hollywood and City Club San Francisco in February.  There is a tentative event for CIOs in Las Vegas during February, and a locked in Las Vegas event for March (Verona Suite at the Las Vegas Hilton….Nice!).

Here’s wishing for a rising stock market and falling gasoline prices in 2009!