Rather than host one of my private mixers this quarter, I’ll be hosting Noah’s UNLEASHED, a charity event to benefit Noah’s Animal House @ Shade Tree on October 20.

Noah’s Animal House provides temporary boarding for the dogs & cats of the clients of The Shade Tree Shelter (domestic abuse). In addition, foster parents are available for special pets that require more living space, such as farm animals. Veterinary services are on hand at time of arrival and during the animal’s stay. The kennel was built on the existing land of The Shade Tree, to allow frequent visitation and security for the owners. Check out http://www.noahsanimalhouse.org/.

This mixer will include appetizers, open bar, silent/live auction…and a few surprises! Sponsorships are $2,500 (VIP Booth w/10 tickets) and $1,000 (VIP Booth w/6 tickets). Individual tickets are $100. Now I know you have $100!!

If there was ever a great excuse to visit Las Vegas, this is it. I will have a Casino Rate (VIP) for rooms at the Hard Rock, and the guest list for the event is 500 of the biggest movers and shakers in America. Don’t miss out! For more information, contact me directly.

Events
BBQ at Bitter Root Ranch for Opportunity Village (September 10)
Boys & Girls Club 50th Anniversary Party (September 24, Palms Hotel & Casino)
Noah’s Animal House @ Shade Tree Benefit (October 20, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino)
Olive Crest Ladies of Distinction Luncheon (December 2)

Career Opportunities
SVP, Operations ($300,000, USA)
SVP, Marketing ($250,000, USA)
VP, Marketing ($250,000, West Coast)
VP, Engineering – Amazon, eBay, Google Type ($200,000, Las Vegas)
VP, Technology – Gaming/Hospitality ($200,000, International)
VP, Technology – Hospitality ($200,000, International)
Director, Surveillance ($200,000, International)
Chief Marketing Officer ($180,000, Las Vegas)
VP, Non-Gaming – Heavy F&B ($180,000, Midwest)
VP, Casino Marketing ($185,000, Las Vegas)
VP, Operations – Gaming Manufacturing ($150,000, Los Angeles)
Director, Marketing – Slot Marketing, Events ($150,000, Las Vegas)
VP, Facilities ($150,000, Las Vegas)
Director, Game Studios ($150,000, Las Vegas)
Director, Table Games ($120,000, Midwest)
Director, Hotel Operations ($110,000, Midwest)

This and That
Las Vegas Trivia – How many songs are incorporated into Cirque’s LOVE at the Mirage? Also, how many flowers are there in the summer exhibit at the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens at the Bellagio. If you have not seen the exhibit – GO! Absolutely amazing, and the adjacent Bellagio Cafe is one of the great secret restaurants of Las Vegas.

Race Horses – Our filly LetLifeComeToYou ran them off their hooves at PARX this month. Our filly Tilted Kilt makes her debut at Del Mar on September 1. You go girl!

Quote of the Week – Bert and Ernie have no sexual orientation. (Sesame Street)

Godfather Sales Tip – Always remember this, bad business is bad business. Difficult, challenging customers never get any better. A close personal friend bid for business with the same client three years in a row and was never awarded the contract. My advice – quit bidding! My experience is that those that want a "discount" always end up being clients that don’t return phone calls and pay late. Let someone else spend 80% of their day dealing with them.

Wisdom of the Week – What is the use of living, if it be not t strive for noble causes and to make this muddled world a better place for those who will live in it after we are gone. (Winston Churchill)

Las Vegas Trivia Answers – There are 120 songs in LOVE. There are 94,608 flowers in the Bellagio Atrium.

If it’s July then it must be time for my annual trip to Del Mar!

Heading down next week to relax for a few days.  Have two horses running at Del Mar this year.  Currahee and Tilted Kilt.  Always great to get out of the 105 degree Las Vegas sun for a few days.

Have a wonderful summer, and if I can help in any way, please feel free to call!

Events
———
BBQ at Bitter Root Ranch – Western hoedown at Frank Martin’s cutting horse ranch to benefit Opportunity Village.  One of my favorite events every year, this is a mixer with BBQ, open bar, silent auction and entertainment.  Get your tickets HERE.

Noah’s Animal House Benefit – It is ON!  New event scheduled for Thursday October 13 at the private pool at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.  Sponsorship is $5,000 and includes a cabana for 10.  Individual tickets are $100.  More information shortly!

Wisdom and Inspiration
——————————–
Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead…I press on. (St. Paul)

Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. (Matthew 10:39)

Career Opportunities
——————————
General Manager – Product Development, Software ($200,000, International)
VP, Engineering  – Amazon, eBay, Google Type ($200,000, Las Vegas)
VP, R&D – Hardware/Software ($180,000, Las Vegas)
VP, Casino Marketing ($185,000, Las Vegas)
VP, Operations – Gaming Manufacturing ($150,000, Los Angeles)
Business Manager – Gaming Background, Private Wealth Experience ($150,000, Las Vegas)
VP, Hotel Operations ($140,000, Las Vegas)
Director, Purchasing – Casino or Hospitality ($125,000, SoCal)
Account Executive – Gaming Sales ($125,000, Las Vegas)
Software Developer – Lead  – C++ ($125,000, Las Vegas)
Software Developer – Lead  – .NET ($125,000, Las Vegas)
Director, Strategy – Gaming/Hospitality ($100,000, Las Vegas)

THANK YOU to all 280 of you that attended!  And to MAW Development Director Jeanne Frederick, Chairman Melissa Warren and Host Kendall Tenney.  We were blessed to have the one and only George Maloof in the house.  He was a one man show, generously donated five live auction packages.  We love you George!  So here are the live auction winners:

Rory Bedore (777 Gaming) won a Red Rock Golf Club Membership
Mark Wayman won the Hugh Hefner Sky Villa
Katie Lever (Shuffle Master) won a night with the Stanley Cup and the Real World Suite
Neil Davidson (Bally Technologies) won a trip to NYC to help George with his NBA draft pick AND lunch with Oscar Goodman

There were also large donations from:

Dan Wink (Bank of America)
Ernie Moody (Action Gaming)
Jon Wolfe (House Advantage)
Ginny Shanks (Pinnacle Entertainment)
Sal Semola (Hard Rock)

Check out pictures from the event here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/godfatherlv

Be the Change…An Evening of Hope – I will be co-hosting this Olive Crest (foster kids) fundraiser with Kelly Clinton-Holmes Friday night at 6:00 pm. Performances by Domenick Allen of Foreigner and Clint Holmes. Venue is the Verona Sky Villa on the roof of the Las Vegas Hilton. Tickets are $100 and I have FOUR left.  Contact me at mwayman@godfatherlv.com for more information.

Mark Your Calendars!  Thursday October 13 is my next private mixer benefitting Noah’s House (pet portion of Shade Tree – domestic abuse).  Venue will be the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas.

Be the Change…An Evening of Hope – I will be co-hosting this Olive Crest (foster kids…awww!) fundraiser with Kelly Clinton-Holmes on June 3 at 6:00 pm.  Performances by Domenick Allen of Foreigner and Clint Holmes.  Venue is the Verona Sky Villa on the roof of the Las Vegas Hilton.  Sponsorships are $1,000 (4 tickets) and $500 (2 tickets), or you can purchase individual tickets for $100 – there are only 40 left.  Contact me at mwayman@godfatherlv.com for more information.

And thank you to the 60+ clients/friends that confirmed for the private, by-invitation Make-A-Wish Dinner.  I am overwhelmed by your kindness…makes me want to cry!  And THANK YOU to all the folks that donated to our live/silent auction.  May the Lord bless you richly for your generosity!

Career Opportunities
——————————
VP, Marketing ($350,000, Las Vegas)
CFO ($275,000, Las Vegas)
Director, Sales – Technology ($200,000, Las Vegas)
VP, Human Resources – Casino ($150,000, Las Vegas)
Software Architect – .NET ($150,000+, Las Vegas)
Director, Oracle Applications ($140,000, Las Vegas)
Casino Controller/Director, Finance ($100,000, Michigan)
Director, Marketing – Casino ($90,000, Las Vegas)
Project Manager ($90,000, Las Vegas)

Upcoming Events
————————
Be the Change – An Evening of Hope for Olive Crest (June 3, Las Vegas Hilton)

Greetings from the Godfather!

Before I get to the latest job openings, there are three great charity events I want to pass your way. By the way, all events for the balance of 2011 will include a charity component. Tickets will be $100. Big Brothers Big Sisters in October and Noah’s House in December.

Opportunity Village Celebrity Poker Tournament (April 9, Caesar’s Palace) – VIP Brunch is $50 and it’s $300 to play in the tournament. Buy tickets and get more information at www.opportunityvillage.org. Great cause!

Make-A-Wish Dinner (May 19, Red Rock Country Club) – SOLD OUT

Be the Change – An Evening of Hope for Olive Crest (June 3, Las Vegas Hilton) – My next mixer is a fundraiser for Olive Crest (foster kids). Performances by Domenick Allen of Foreigner and Clint Holmes. Venue is the Verona Sky Villa on the roof of the Las Vegas Hilton. Tickets are $100. Contact me at mwayman@godfatherlv.com for more information.

Career Opportunities
——————————
VP, Marketing ($350,000, Las Vegas)
CFO – Casino ($275,000, Las Vegas)
VP, Sales – Casino ($250,000, Las Vegas)
Software Architect – .NET ($150,000+, Las Vegas)
Director, Supply Chain ($160,000, Las Vegas)
Sales Account Executive – Slots ($150,000, Las Vegas)
Casino Controller/Director, Finance ($100,000, Las Vegas)
Director, Marketing – Casino ($90,000, Las Vegas)
Project Manager ($90,000, Las Vegas)

Upcoming Events
————————
Opportunity Village Celebrity Poker Tournament (April 9, Caesar’s Palace)

Make-A-Wish Dinner (May 19, Red Rock Country Club)

Be the Change – An Evening of Hope for Olive Crest (June 3, Las Vegas Hilton)

—————————————————-
THANK YOU to everyone that attended the Godfather “Sit Down” at the House of Blues West Hollywood!  You can see pictures from the evening at http://www.flickr.com/photos/godfatherlv.

We had 75 spectacular attendees.  There were old friends like:
Rudy Sarzo, Blue Oyster Cult
Fred Coury, Cinderella
Rolonda Watts, Actress
Tommy Morgan, Producer
Patricia Kara, Actress
Shawn Walsh, Private Equity
David Berkus, Venture Capitalist
Jeffrey Marks, Entrepreneur
Barney Cohen, Producer
Michael Palmer, Vantage Capital
Susan Johnston, Select Film Services
Brent Bushnell, Entrepreneur
Zohra Shahalimi, Costume Designer

There were new friends:
Stan Behrens, Canned Heat
Corey Feldman, Actor/Producer
Danielle James, Actress (True Blood)
Greg Bell, former NFL Star, Athletes for Life
Kai Buehler, CEO, MMS
Majid Abai, CEO, Pringo
Scott Kaufman, CEO, Humantelligence
Jennifer Kushell, CEO, Young and Successful Media
Five CIOs – Gerhard Karba (Westfield), Leo Collins (Lionsgate), Naresh Lachmandas (City of San Diego), Zorina Ohanian (Sony Pictures), Robert Fort (Guitar Center)
Baron Jay, Actor
Jordan Roberts, Ferrazzi Greenlight
Doug Wolfgram, CEO, IntelliProtect
Jessica Uberuaga, Actress

I am truly grateful to the following:
God.  First and foremost, I thank God for the opportunity to meet all of you.  I am both honored and exceedingly blessed!
Tony Rose of Rose, Snyder and Jacobs(www.rsjcpa.com) – Tony co-sponsored the event.  Translation – he paid for all the food and drinks.  Thank you Tony!
Allen Cintron of CommVault (www.commvault.com) – Allen was our other co-sponsor.  Thank you Allen!
House of Blues West Hollywood – Marcus Nicolaidis and Denise Ronayne – We love the Foundation Room at the House of Blues!  Thank you so much for the hospitality.
Jim Steinfeldt – Nothing like having a famous Photographer take my photos.  Thank  you Jim!
The BEST Guests! – The value proposition for Godfather “Sit Down” is the opportunity to meet 75 high quality people – all in one place, all in one night.  And we did not disappoint!!  Thanks to each of you for attending and bringing along so many wonderful new guests.

Upcoming Events
————————
Opportunity Village Celebrity Poker Tournament (April 9, Caesar’s Palace)
Olive Crest Mixer (June 3, LV Hilton)
Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowling Fundraiser (June 25, Sunset Lanes)

Steve Dacri, arguably the greatest "up close" magician in history, passed away February 11.  A regular on Johnny Carson, Merv Griffin, Candid Camera and at the Magic Castle, he was a close personal friend and one of the finest men I ever met.  Most recently Steve had a magic show at the Las Vegas Hilton.  We attended charity events together and Steve would perform his amazing magic pro bono.  If you have attended my private Las Vegas mixers, you have seen Steve perform his incredible illusions.  My two favorites were the "bunny trick" that featured Styrofoam rabbits that magically multiplied, then joined forces as one huge rabbit at the end of the trick.  And the "dagger illusion" in which Steve threw a deck of cards into a cigar box, then when they all started shooting high into the air, he magically stabbed a card previously selected by an audience member with his dagger.  Pure magic!  Steve Dacri was a legendary performer, but more importantly, he was a Prince among men.  Rest in peace my Brother.  I think I just heard Jesus say, "how does he do that bunny thing!!"

Career Opportunities
——————————
Casino GM ($250,000, Las Vegas)
VP, Entertainment ($200,000, Las Vegas)
Casino GM ($200,000, Las Vegas)
Enterprise Architect – Software ($160,000, Las Vegas)
Sales Account Executive – Slots ($150,000, Las Vegas)
Director, Marketing ($125,000, Midwest)

Upcoming Events
————————
The Elvis Suite at the Las Vegas Hilton (February 17) – SOLD OUT!  Event sponsored by Benjamin Kuntz (CareerBuilder), Wade Harris (CommVault) and Pat Murphy (Brocade).

House of Blues West Hollywood (March 2) – SOLD OUT! Event sponsored by Tony Rose (Rose, Snyder & Jacobs) and Allen Cintron (CommVault).

Mardi Gras for St. Rose Hospitals (March 5, Bellagio)

Opportunity Village Celebrity Poker Tournament (April 9, Caesar’s Palace)

Morris Day and the Time (April 9, Red Rock Resort)

The first two events of 2011 are scheduled and one has already SOLD OUT.

February 17 we will be in the Elvis Suite on the roof of the Hilton in Las Vegas.  This event is completely sold out – 100 of the most interesting and influential people in America.  We have Casino Presidents, a NASCAR Driver, the former Mayor and a dozen celebrities.

March 2 we will be in the Foundation at the House of Blues West Hollywood.  Still have a few open guest spots for this one, however they won’t last long!  These are private, invitation-only events for my clients and close friends.  My only agenda is for my friends to meet each other.

VEGAS Magazine Ones to Watch – The Godfather is mentioned in VEGAS Magazine this month as "The Ones to Watch", however the URL is "Most Powerful People You Never Heard Of".  Not sure if I should be offended or excited!  Palms CMO Jason Gastwirth is on the list with me, so it’s an honor to be selected.  Check out the list at http://www.vegasmagazine.com/home-page/articles/most-powerful-people-youve-never-heard-of.

Horse Racing, Part 1 – Congratulations to the connections of Zenyatta, winner of the 2010 Horse of the Year Eclipse award.  As you may know, I have a special connection to Zenyatta.  Sponsored a "wish" through Make-A-Wish for a young girl that wanted to meet jockey Mike Smith.  Check out the heart tugging video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AM8p3iImqec.

Horse Racing, Part 2 – I’ll be in Ocala, Florida in March to acquire one or two race horses.  Buy-in is approximately $10,000 up front for 20% of a horse and $600 a month for training.  They will run at Santa Anita, Hollywood Park and Del in California with trainer Michael Machowsky.  If you have interest, call me!

Help Wanted! – Last week I needed a $400,000 GM for a Midwest property.  This week I need a $400,000 GM for a West Coast property.  Also looking for a VP, Human Resources at $175,000 for a Las Vegas base client.  If you know of a great candidate, and will personally vouch for them, please point them my way.

Known Associates – Have a great Operations Manager available with extensive background on the gaming manufacturing side at $100,000.  Have three REALLY strong General Manager candidates available.  Need to use one for a GM role I’m working on, however two of the three will be available at $250,000.

Career Opportunities
——————————
Casino GM ($400,000, Midwest)
Casino GM ($400,000, West Coast)
VP, Table Games ($250,000, Las Vegas)
VP, Human Resources ($175,000, Las Vegas)
Enterprise Architect – Software ($160,000, Las Vegas)
Sales Account Executive – Systems Sales Experience ($150,000, Las Vegas)
Director, Loyalty Rewards ($90,000, Las Vegas)

Upcoming Events
————————
The Elvis Suite at the Las Vegas Hilton (February 17) – It does not get much more spectacular than this venue on the roof of the Hilton. Event sponsored by Benjamin Kuntz (CareerBuilder), Wade Harris (CommVault) and Pat Murphy (Brocade).

House of Blues West Hollywood (March 2) – The Foundation Room on the Sunset Strip is the exclusive venue for Godfather Hollywood events. Event sponsored by Tony Rose (Rose, Snyder & Jacobs) and Allen Cintron (CommVault).

Many people are happy that 2010 is behind us, but I say these ARE the good old days! Do you have your health? Because if you don’t, nothing else really matters. Do you have family and friends? Real important! Do you have a roof over your head and food on the table? Exceedingly blessed! Do you have a job? You are ahead of 15 million Americans. So yes, we can always find something that is not the way we want it, but overall we have it pretty darn good.

Outlined below are all my current career opportunities. Also, the two upcoming Godfather "Sit Downs" at the Las Vegas Hilton and House of Blues West Hollywood.

Wishing you and yours a very happy New Year!

Career Opportunities
——————————
Casino GM ($400,000, Midwest)
VP, Hotel Operations ($250,000, Las Vegas)
VP, Table Games ($250,000, Las Vegas)
Enterprise Architect – Software ($160,000, Las Vegas)
Sales Account Executive – Systems Sales Experience ($150,000, Las Vegas)
VP, Player Development ($150,000, Las Vegas)
Director, Asian Marketing ($150,000, Los Angeles)
Online/Internet Gaming Consultant ($150,000, Las Vegas)
Director, Tax ($125,000, Las Vegas)
Director, Finance ($125,000, Las Vegas)
Director, Marketing ($125,000, Los Angeles)
Software Architect ($125,000, Texas)
Sound Programmer ($115,000, Las Vegas)
Program Manager ($110,000, Las Vegas)
Hardware Engineering Manager ($110,000, Reno)
Director, Credit ($100,000, Reno)
Director, Hotel Sales – Must have eCommerce ($70,000, East Coast)
Sr. Software Engineer ($100,000, Las Vegas)
Sr. Quality Engineer ($100,000, Las Vegas)
Mathematician ($100,000, Las Vegas)
Director, Loyalty Rewards ($90,000, Las Vegas)
Game Programmer ($85,000, Las Vegas)
Multimedia Programmer ($85,000, Las Vegas)
Sr. Recruiter ($80,000, Las Vegas)
Casino Controller ($70,000, Reno)

Upcoming Events
————————
The Elvis Suite at the Las Vegas Hilton (February 17) – It does not get much more spectacular than this venue on the roof of the Hilton. Event sponsored by Benjamin Kuntz (CareerBuilder), Wade Harris (CommVault) and Pat Murphy (Brocade).

House of Blues West Hollywood (March 2) – The Foundation Room on the Sunset Strip is the exclusive venue for Godfather Hollywood events. Event sponsored by Tony Rose (Rose, Snyder & Jacobs) and Allen Cintron (CommVault).

Holiday greetings from the Godfather of Las Vegas!

Opportunity Village Camelot honoring Venetian President Rob Goldstein was a huge success last weekend.  Never seen so many gaming guys in one place in my life!

Jim Murren and Steve Wynn were quoted this week, stating that Las Vegas has stabilized.  They are two of the best Operators in the business, and I agree with them – we have reached the bottom.  Although hiring will not stage a dramatic recovery in 2011, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Sorry, no events in LA or SF this quarter.  Unfortunately, I don’t have enough business in California to justify the time and effort to host an executive mixer.  No referrals – no parties.  Hope to host an even in Hollywood during February 2011, and all four Las Vegas events are on the books for next year.   You might have to travel to Las Vegas if you want to meet my clients and friends!

Quote of the Month – If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice.  (Meister Eckhart)

Scripture of the Month – But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)

Please remember the reason for the season.  Wishing you and yours a glorious Holiday Season!

Career Opportunities
——————————
VP, Hotel Operations ($250,000, West Coast) – Must have BIG experience – 1,000+ rooms in a high end hotel/casino property.

VP, Table Games ($250,000, Las Vegas)

General Manager ($200,000 to $250,000, Las Vegas)

VP, Game Studios – Video/Slot ($250,000, West Coast) – Looking for an executive from the slot machine industry with strong emphasis on video background.

VP, Game Studios – Video/Slot ($220,000, West Coast) – Requires college degree (MBA preferred), 10+ years of development experience.  Need an Executive Producer type.

VP, Slots ($200,000, Midwest) – Requires 10+ years experience and background with slot performance and floor management.

VP, Hospitality ($200,000, Midwest) – Extensive F&B background combined with Hotel Operations Experience.

VP, Game Performance – Slots ($175,000, Midwest)

Enterprise Architect – Software ($160,000, Las Vegas)

Sales Account Executive – Systems Sales Experience ($150,000, West Coast)

Director, Supply Chain ($140,000, Las Vegas)

Director, Financial Planning and Analysis ($125,000, Las Vegas)

VP, Slot Route Operations ($125,000, Midwest)

Hardware Engineering Manager ($110,000, Reno)

Director, Hotel Operations ($100,000, Las Vegas)

Director, F&B ($100,000, Las Vegas)

Director, Marketing – Casino ($100,000, South)

Director, Hotel Sales ($100,000, East Coast)

Gaming/Casino Talent ($100,000 – $250,000, Nationwide) – The Godfather is always scouting for the very best in casino and gaming talent.  Know a strong executive candidate?  Point them our way!
 
Technology Talent ($100,000 – $200,000, Nationwide) – We specialize in CIO/CTO, VP/IT, Director/IT, Project Managers, Software Developer, DBA, Network Engineer candidates.  All pre-screened.

Upcoming Events
————————
No more events in 2010 – Happy Holidays!