Greetings from The Godfather!

This past week I had to do some Spring cleaning. Specifically, I needed to get off the treadmill of life and clean out my head!

My typical day consists of 300 emails, fifty phone calls, a hundred candidate resumes, a dozen favors and another dozen fire drills. Emphasis on the fire drills! Several recent experiences had me questioning human nature. Was no longer sure whether I wanted to be The Godfather – helping people find jobs, connecting people together, performing a dozen favors a day.

Over the last 30 days I had a CFO client send me a profane email, several candidates send me hate mail because I would not represent them, and several more candidates that were not honest on their resume. When I told a certain CIO I could not represent him as a candidate, he replied "you are not much of a Christian." It had me shaking my head in disbelief. Slowly became jaded, cynical and bitter – and I knew it.

So last week I disconnected from voicemail and email to host my Make-A-Wish friend Zoe and her Mom at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas. We were there for several days to watch the undefeated race horse mare Zenyatta win number 16 in a row.

The trip to Arkansas renewed my faith. While others are complaining about needing a new car or a raise/promotion at work, Zoe fights a daily battle for life. Without your health, nothing else matters. It’s been a real blessing to be involved with Zoe and Make-A-Wish. The highlight of our trip was hanging out with jockey Aaron Gryder and getting our picture taken in the Winner’s Circle. It was a magical trip. A link to the pictures is below. God bless you for renewing my faith in human nature Zoe!

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

Upcoming Godfather Sit Downs are May 26 on the roof of the Las Vegas Hilton, June 15 at the House of Blues Foundation West Hollywood and June 23 at the House of Blues Dallas. Will be scaling back the size of the crowd, so please don’t be offended if you don’t get an invite this time around.

May 19 is the Make-A-Wish Dinner at Cili’s (Bali Hai) in Las Vegas. I bought four tables and my personal tables are SOLD OUT. If you would like to buy a table for your company, give me a call directly.

Career Opportunities
——————————
Casino President ($500,000, Las Vegas)
GM – Casino – Native American ($350,000, West Coast)
VP, Game Studios – Video Gaming ($250,000, West Coast)
VP, Marketing – Casino ($225,000, Las Vegas)
VP, Multi-Cultural Marketing ($225,000, Las Vegas)
Chief Technology Officer ($200,000, West Coast)
VP, Information Technology – Casino ($175,000, Midwest)
VP, Marketing – Casino ($175,000, Midwest)
Director, Enterprise IT Operations ($175,000, Las Vegas)
Director, Information Security – CISO ($175,000, Las Vegas)
Director, Enterprise Engineering – Data Center ($175,000, Dallas)
Director, IT Infrastructure – Data Center ($165,000, Dallas)
Director, Data Center Operations – Data Center ($155,000, Dallas)
Enterprise Architect – Software Development ($160,000, Las Vegas)
Director, Unified Communications ($150,000, Las Vegas)
Director, Gaming Studio – AGILE ($150,000, Las Vegas)
Director, Engineering – Slots ($140,000, Las Vegas)
Manager SAP – FICO ($135,000, San Francisco)
Director, Casino Systems ($130,000, Las Vegas)
Sr. Director, Marketing – Casino ($130,000, Las Vegas)
Director, F&B ($120,000, West Coast and East Coast)
Director, Labor Relations – HR ($100,000, West Coast)

Upcoming Godfather “Sit Downs"
———————————————–
Las Vegas Hilton – The Barry Suite – May 26
House of Blues West Hollywood – June 15
House of Blues Dallas – June 23

Just another day in paradise!

Loved this article on happiness, especially the part where people that are charitable tend to be much happier than those that are not. I’ll personally vouch for that one!

Buying Happiness – http://www.spiritmag.com/click_this/article/buying_happiness/

Spent the last two weeks in Las Vegas. Overall mood on the Strip is definitely improving, and group/convention bookings for 2011 are positive. Saw Viva Elvis (Aria) and Steve Dacri’s In Your Face Magic (Las Vegas Hilton). Highly recommend both.

The next two Godfather Sit Downs are on the books – May 26 on the roof of the Las Vegas Hilton and June 15 at the House of Blues Foundation West Hollywood. Invitations go out shortly. Will be scaling back the size of the crowd, so please don’t be offended if you don’t get in this time around. Still love you!

May 19 is the Make-A-Wish Dinner at Cili’s (Bali Hai) in Las Vegas. If you have a passion for this charity, you can buy a corporate sponsorship. If you would prefer to just buy two seats and sit at one of my tables, you are welcome to do so. Contact me directly!

September 30 is DISH for Three Square, the wonderful Las Vegas based charity that provides food for 55 charity organizations. Same thing – you can buy your own corporate sponsorship or buy two seats at one of my tables. Mixer by the Palms pool, then we’ll move inside to the Rain Nightclub for a concert performance by a HUGE celebrity.

Upcoming Godfather “Sit Downs"
———————————————–
Las Vegas Hilton – The Barry Suite – May 26
House of Blues West Hollywood – June 15
San Jose – June 16

Upcoming Charity Events
————————————
Celebrity Poker Tournament – Opportunity Village (Las Vegas) – April 10
Make-A-Wish Dinner (Las Vegas) – May 19
Jeans to Jewels for Opportunity Village (Las Vegas) – September 11
DISH for Three Square (Las Vegas) – September 30

Thank you to everyone that attended the Godfather “Sit Down” this week at the House of Blues Foundation Room in West Hollywood! And to our sponsors, Joe Preis/Jim Godes of Godes and Preis LLP (www.gaplegal.com). And finally to our hosts at the House of Blues Hollywood – Brian Yost, Marcus Nicolaidis and Denise Ronayne. There are a few pictures from the evening at www.flickr.com/photos/godfatherlv. Here are a few of the attendees.

Rex Smith, Actor/Singer
Patricia Kara, “Deal No Deal”
Heather Hale, Producer and Screenwriter
John Ratzenberger, Actor and “Cliff” on Cheers
Dan Clark, Entrepreneur and “Nitro” on American Gladiators
Actors Patrick Cassidy and David Cassidy – 2/3 of the Cassidy Brothers
Fred Coury, Composer and Drummer for Cinderella
J.P. Eliopulos, Developer
Scott Anastasi, Developer and Horse Racing Magnate
Sean Gerson, Horse Racing Magnate
David Buchholtz, CIO, Sony Pictures
Robert Fort, CIO, Guitar Center
Alex Pigeon, Major League Baseball
Patrick Parker, Artist
Josefa Salinas, Hot 92 Radio Personality
Tim McNally, McNally Security Group
Richard Migault, SVP/HR, Hilton
Rolonda Watts, Entrepreneur and TV Personality
Ron Williams, CEO, Talon Executive
Ben Kalb, Producer
Mikki Willis, Founder, Elevate Films
Jeff Mackler, Mackler Commuications
Jeff Fishman, Executive Producer
Kelly Jo Minter, Actress
Kira Soltanovich, Comedian
Noel LaMontagne, Sports Agent
Raquel Gardner, Actress
Ken Papagan, CEO, Rentrek
Tony Rose, Rose, Snyder & Jacobs
Trever Acers, TGG Capital
Sallie Olmsted, Rogers & Cowan
Costume Designer Zohra Shahalimi
Brent Bushnell, Entrepreneur

The Godfather’s "Sit Down" at the Marines’ Memorial
—————————————————————————-
Thank you to everyone that attended the Godfather “Sit Down” at the Marines’ Memorial! Also to our sponsors, Dao Jensen/Rick Baumgart (CommVault) and Dean Lane (Office of the CIO). And to Marines’ Memorial (non-profit venue is a tribute to the Marine Corps) staff Nicole Camilleri and MaryAnn Hatlan. Here are a few of the attendees.

Peter Macy, Poydras Street Capital
Drew Brugal, President, VSI
Dan Beltramo, CEO, Vizu
Tom Peck, CIO, Levi Strauss
Bart Hecht, CTO, Levi Strauss
Shan Mehta, President, Evigna
Ken Papagan, President, Rentrak
Peter Berger CEO, Alitora Systems
Herman White, CrossBridge Venture Partners
David Weekly, Chairman, PBWorks
Steve Messick, CIO, BusinessWire
Jamie Pardi, CEO, GAGA Sports & Entertainment
Carol Sands, Angel Investor
Patricia Roller, Venture Capitalist
Danny Maco (CEO, HotShot Media)
Jonathan Lowenhar, CEO, Trooval
Dave Vockell, Entrepreneur
David Kandasamy, CEO, Tracking.net
Gary Kawesch, Entrepreneur
Joanna Chang, Entrepreneur
Christopher Moran, Applied Ventures
Phil Rodas, Quest Software
William Dean Donavan, Managing Director, Columbia Equity Partners

Upcoming Godfather “Sit Downs"
———————————————–
Las Vegas – May
House of Blues West Hollywood – July
San Jose – July

Upcoming Charity Events
————————————
Make-A-Wish Dinner (Las Vegas) – March 22
Celebrity Poker Tournament – Opportunity Village (Las Vegas) – April 10
Make-A-Wish Wish Granting Ball (Las Vegas) – May
Jeans to Jewels for Opportunity Village (Las Vegas) – September 11
Dish for Three Square (Las Vegas) – September 30

Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.
Romans 12:19

Favorite Videos
———————-
Christian the Lion: One of my favorite videos ever. Any time I’m having a tough day, I simply watch this video – LOVE does conquer all!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btuxO-C2IzE

The Latest and Greatest
———————————
On my way to Los Angeles and San Francisco to see clients, host two private mixers for my friends/clients and watch my race horses run very slowly in a circle.

Speaking of horses, the Boss/CFO (my wife) let me partner with close friend Sean Gerson on two new race horses. A colt by "Action this Day" and a filly by "Werblin". Both will make their first start at Gulfstream in Florida in May.

By the grace of God, placed NINE executives so far in 2010. Thank you, thank you, thank you to my awesome clients!! I am truly grateful.

I am Chairing two charity events in Las Vegas this year; Make-A-Wish Wish Granting Ball May 22 at Planet Hollywood and DISH for Three Square September 30 at the Palms. If you would like to sponsor, attend at my table or donate a silent/live auction item, email me. Any and all assistance gratefully accepted!

On the employment front, 2010 is looking like 2009. For Las Vegas, 2011 is firming up – very good news. Listed below are a few of my top jobs. If you know of a strong candidate, send ’em!

Career Opportunities
——————————
Casino President ($350,000, Las Vegas)
GM – Casino ($350,000, West Coast)
President – Casino and Slots Background ($250,000, Los Angeles)
VP, Sales – 5 Star Property ($250,000, Las Vegas)
VP, Marketing – Casino ($225,000, West Coast)
VP, Information Technology – Casino ($200,000, Midwest)
VP, Marketing – Casino ($200,000, Midwest)
President – Casino ($200,000, Las Vegas)
Associate General Counsel – Casino ($200,000, Las Vegas)
Director, Game Studios – Slots or Video Gaming ($200,000, Las Vegas)
VP, Brand Marketing ($200,000, Las Vegas)
Director, Small Group Sales – ($200,000, Las Vegas)
Director, Multi-Cultural Marketing – ($175,000, Las Vegas)
Director, Program Management ($170,000, Las Vegas)
Enterprise Architect – Software Development ($160,000, Las Vegas)
VP, Human Resources – Casino ($150,000, East Coast)
VP, Food and Beverage ($150,000, East Coast)
Director, Finance – Casino ($120,000, Las Vegas, Midwest, South)

Events
———
House of Blues West Hollywood – February
The Marines’ Memorial San Francisco – February
House of Blues Dallas – March
Las Vegas – May

Make-A-Wish Dinner (Las Vegas) – March 22
Celebrity Poker Tournament – Opportunity Village (Las Vegas) – April 10
Make-A-Wish Wish Granting Ball (Las Vegas) – May 22
Jeans to Jewels for Opportunity Village – September 11
Dish for Three Square – September 30

With God, all things are possible.
Matthew 19:26

Temporary Home: Incredible lyrics, and oh so true – life is just a short stop on our eternal journey. “This was just a stop, on the way To where I’m going, I’m not afraid because I know this was My temporary home."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyelEhTAhJU&feature=PlayList&p=196416152381D822&index=0&playnext=1

The Latest and Greatest
———————————–
We were marooned in Las Vegas for three weeks due to ice and snow storms that pounded Oklahoma. Can think of worse places to be stranded! Met with several new clients, and by the grace of God, placed 9 executives during the first five weeks of the year. Wow!

What’s shaking? MELODY PEREIRA is the new CISO at MGM Mirage. JASON GASTWIRTH is the new CMO at the Palms. MICHAEL GOTTLIEB has joined Bally Technologies. ARTHUR KEITH is the new GM at Cosmopolitan.

Jobs
——
Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) – Retail, Consumer, Entertainment ($400,000, Las Vegas)
Managing Director – International w/Systems Sales ($300,000, International)
GM – Casino ($300,000, West Coast)
Casino General Manager ($250,000, Midwest)
VP, Marketing – Casino ($250,000, Las Vegas)
President – Casino and Slots Background ($250,000, Los Angeles)
SVP, Game Studios – Slots or Video Gaming ($180,000, Las Vegas)
VP, Marketing – Online Media ($250,000, San Francisco)
VP, Hotel Operations- 5 Star Property ($250,000, Las Vegas)
VP, Marketing – Casino ($225,000, Las Vegas)
VP, Marketing – Casino ($200,000, West Coast)
President – Casino ($200,000, Las Vegas)
Associate General Counsel – Casino ($200,000, Las Vegas)
Sr. Director, Game Studios – Slots or Video Gaming ($200,000, Las Vegas)
Sr. Director, Software Technology – Slots or Video Gaming ($200,000, Las Vegas)
VP, Brand Marketing ($200,000, Las Vegas)
Director, Small Group Sales – ($200,000, Las Vegas)
VP, Marketing – Casino ($200,000, Las Vegas)
VP, Product Development – Online Media ($200,000, San Francisco)
Controller ($200,000, San Francisco)
Associate General Counsel – Licensing and Compliance ($200,000, Los Angeles)
VP, Game Studios – Slots or Video Gaming ($180,000, Las Vegas)
Director, Multi-Cultural Marketing – ($175,000, Las Vegas)
Director, Social Media ($175,000, Las Vegas)
CIO – Internet ($175,000, Las Vegas)
Director, Product Marketing – High Tech ($175,000, Midwest)
Enterprise Architect – Software Development ($160,000, Las Vegas)
Director, Gaming Studio – AGILE ($150,000, Las Vegas)
Director, Program Management ($150,000, Las Vegas)
Manager, Product Development – Online Media ($150,000, San Francisco)
Manager, HCM ($140,000, Southern California)
Manager, Gaming Studio – Slots or Video Gaming ($125,000, Las Vegas)
Director, Finance – Casino ($120,000, Las Vegas, Midwest, South)

Events
———
House of Blues West Hollywood – February
The Marines’ Memorial San Francisco – February
House of Blues Dallas – March
Caesar’s Palace – May

Make-A-Wish Dinner (Las Vegas) – March 22
Celebrity Poker Tournament – Opportunity Village (Las Vegas) – April 10
Make-A-Wish Wish Granting Ball (Las Vegas) – May
Jeans to Jewels for Opportunity Village – September 11
Dish for Three Square – September 30

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13

Team Hoyt – One of the most inspirational videos EVER:
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJMbk9dtpdY

The Latest and Greatest
———————————–
Greetings from the Godfather!  For those of you attending the Palms event this week – awesome!  As we say in Oklahoma, it’s going to be a barn burner.  The LA and SF events are scheduled for February – a few spaces left.  As always, buy in is one new and cool guest.

This months topics are "the offer" and "toxic people".  This week I negotiated offers for 4 seperate candidates.  Each at the VP or "C" level; compensation in the $200,000+ range.  First we’ll look at the wrong approach.

The hiring company makes Joe a fair offer.  Joe has been unemployed for months.  Rather than accept the offer, Joe wants to work the hiring company over for a few more nickels.  He wants more of this and more of that.  When I asked him to let me negotiate the compensation package he told me to stay out of it.  Here is the rub.  Even if he gets a couple more dollars, he has now set an expectation that he is trivial and focused on money.  Not so good.

In the second scenario, Lou also has an offer.  He asks me to negotiate for a few more items.  I say, "this and that are OK, however I would drop these other requests."  He answers, "you are the expert; I’ll go with your recommendations."  Done deal.  Moral – don’t take a short-term view, and never fight over nickels.

Which leads to my second point – avoiding toxic people.  Despite the fact that I helped the first first candidate mentioned above get af offer, I felt like he was hitting me with a shovel.  It is written, "love one another as I have loved you", however nowhere does it say, "hang around miserable, bitter, toxic people until they inhale you into your vortex."  You will have more success if you surround yourself with good hearted folks.  I realize that some of the most powerful people in business also happen to be the most toxic.  Stick with the good people!  Over the long-term you will be successful.

Jobs
——
Managing Director – Gaming Systems ($350,000, International)
President – Casino ($300,000, Las Vegas)
GM – Casino ($300,000, West Coast)
Casino General Manager ($250,000, Midwest)
VP, Marketing – Casino ($250,000, Las Vegas)
President – Casino and Slots Background ($250,000, Los Angeles)
VP, Marketing – Online Media ($250,000, San Francisco)
VP, Hotel Operations- 5 Star Property ($250,000, Las Vegas)
VP, Sales – Slots ($250,000, Los Angeles)
Associate General Counsel – Casino ($200,000, Las Vegas)
VP, Brand Marketing ($200,000, Las Vegas)
Director, Small Group Sales – ($200,000, Las Vegas)
VP, Marketing – Casino ($200,000, Las Vegas)
VP, Product Development – Online Media ($200,000, San Francisco)
Controller ($200,000, San Francisco)
Associate General Counsel – Licensing and Compliance ($200,000, Los Angeles)
Senior Game Producer – Slots/Video ($200,000, Las Vegas)
Director, Multi-Cultural Marketing – ($175,000, Las Vegas)
Director, Multi-Cultural Marketing ($175,000, Las Vegas)
Director, Social Media ($175,000, Las Vegas)
CIO – Internet ($175,000, Las Vegas)
Director, Product Marketing – High Tech ($175,000, Midwest)
Director, Information Security ($160,000, Las Vegas)

Events
———
Upcoming Godfather “Sit Downs”:
   Hugh Hefner Sky Villa at the Palms – January
   House of Blues West Hollywood – February
   The Marines’ Memorial San Francisco – February

Upcoming Charity Events:
   Make-A-Wish Dinner (Las Vegas) – March 22
   Celebrity Poker Tournament – Opportunity Village (Las Vegas) – April 10
   Make-A-Wish Wish Granting Ball (Las Vegas) – May
   The BIG Mix – Big Brothers Big Sisters (Las Vegas) – June

Happy New Year! 

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. – Psalm 118:24

You can finish ahead of 90% of the people by just doing two things – showing up and getting started. – The Godfather of Las Vegas

We had a record snowstorm in Oklahoma Christmas Eve. Biggest storm in 30 years. We were really enjoying the winter wonderland until we figured out we were snowed in. Our property is five miles off the highway and they don’t clear the roads.  Regardless, it was the best Christmas ever.  And I’ll tell you why.

On December 26 we put together a “wish” for a girl named Zoe from San Antonio, Texas. She has Cystic Fibrosis.  Zoe loves horses and her wish was to meet jockey Mike Smith and spend a day at Santa Anita. Through the kindness of Mike Smith and Chris Quinn of Santa Anita, Zoe’s wish came true.  She was interviewed on national TV, spent all day with Mike Smith and was part of a special ceremony for the race horse Zenyatta. I could tell Zoe was pretty overwhelmed, however I think I was even MORE overwhelmed. Next up – a Spider-Man film starring another Make-A-Wish child. 

May the Lord bless you richly in 2010!

Happy Holidays!  Shopping, baking, parties and presents.  The holidays are a busy time of year.  One filled with parties and family and friends.  Each morning I pause, though, to remember the reason for the season – the birth of Jesus Christ.  It is written, "But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."  Amen!

We are on the ranch in Lone Grove, Oklahoma for Christmas and New Year’s.  It actually snowed a couple of weeks, and like most of the rest of the country, we received an arctic blast.  No white Christmas…but brrrrrrr!  We’ll be in Las Vegas for most of January.

Greetings from the Godfather, and happy holidays to you! Here is an update on my open career opportunities, followed by the 2010 events schedule. Have a blessed holiday season.

• Casino President ($400,000, California)
• Casino President ($300,000, Las Vegas)
  
• VP, Marketing – Casino ($300,000, Las Vegas)
  
• Player Development – Asian Marketing ($300,000, International)
  
• President ($250,000, Los Angeles)
  
• VP, Sales – Casino ($250,000, Los Angeles)
  
• General Manager – Casino ($250,000, Midwest)
  
• VP, Finance – Casino ($250,000, Las Vegas)
  
• VP, Food and Beverage ($200,000, Las Vegas)
  
• VP, Marketing – Casino ($200,000, International)
  
• VP, Marketing – Casino ($200,000, Las Vegas)
  
• Director, ERP Architecture ($175,000, West Coast)
  
• Director, Product Marketing – High Tech ($175,000, Midwest)
  
• Director, Information Security ($160,000, Las Vegas)
  
• Director, Infrastructure ($150,000, Las Vegas)
  
• Studio Director – Gaming ($150,000)
  
• Director, Program Management ($150,000, Las Vegas)
  
• Director, PMO ($140,000, Southern California)
  
• Director, Compliance ($125,000, Los Angeles)
  
• Director, Marketing ($125,000, Las Vegas)
  
• Director, Human Resources ($120,000, Midwest)
  
• Director, Finance – Casino ($110,000, South)
  
• Casino Property Marketing ($100,000, Las Vegas)
  
• Software Developers ($100,000, Las Vegas and Reno)
  
• Game Designers, Animators, Software Testers ($100,000, Las Vegas)
  
• Mathematicians, Illustrators, Software Developers ($100,000, Las Vegas)
  
• Asst. Director, Promotions – Casino ($95,000, SoCal)
  

Upcoming Godfather’s “Sit Down” Calendar: No doubt about it – 2010 will be even bigger and better! As always, all mixers are private and by invitation only. No consultants, vendors or service providers. Just an opportunity to meet 100 of the best people in America. I do have sponsorships available at $1,250 for Las Vegas and San Francisco; $750 for Los Angeles. Due to overwhelming demand, I cannot invite everyone to every event. Clients get first shot, followed by my close personal friends, then finally my business partners that sent over referrals/introductions.

• The Palms Hotel & Casino – Hugh Hefner Playboy Suite (Las Vegas) – January
• House of Blues West Hollywood – February
• City Club San Francisco – February
• Caesar’s Palace – Octavius Suite- April
• The Venetian – Penthouse – June
• The Las Vegas Hilton – Conrad Suite – November
  

Upcoming Godfather’s Charity Calendar: To whom much is given, much is required. Upcoming charity events I am supporting.

• Make-A-Wish Dinner (Las Vegas) – March
• Celebrity Poker Tournament – Opportunity Village (Las Vegas) – April
• Make-A-Wish Wish Granting Ball (Las Vegas) – May
• The BIG Mix – Big Brothers Big Sisters (Las Vegas) – September

The first half of my road trip is complete.  It included a near-death experience, an amazing event in West Hollywood and two action packed days of horse racing at Santa Anita.

During the Las Vegas leg of the trip I became quite ill.  Fortunately, I had the presence of mind to contact my friend Dr. Simong Youmans (www.elitemedspa.net/).  She has a wellness and urgent care clinic and asked me to drive straight over.  Although I was flat on my back for several days, eventually the antibiotics kicked in.  A week or so later and I’m still not 100%, however I’m very happy to be among the living, and VERY grateful to Dr. Youmans for her help.

Once I was back on my feet, I headed to West Hollywood for a Godfather "Sit Down" at the House of Blues West Hollywood. As we say on the ranch in Oklahoma – it was a REAL barn burner!  We had 75 spectacular attendees.  There were old friends like:

Sponsor Joe Preis (GCR)
Actor and Author Michele Green
Actor and Singer Rex Smith
Actress Brittney Powell
Patricia Kara of Deal, No Deal
Kelly “The Apprentice” Perdew
Screenwriter/Producer Heather Hale
Miley Cyrus Songwriter Ken Hauptman
Angel Investor David Berkus
Entrepreneur Larry Jordan
Tim Stanley, former SVP at Harrah’s Entertainment – now an Entrepreneur
Brian Yost, President of Live Nation On-Site
Tommy Morgan, Producer
Producer and Talent Coach Sharon Nash

There were new friends like:

Actor Patrick Cassidy (a real thrill for me personally since I’m a big “Ruby & the Rockets” fan)
Lauren Shiohama from “Deal, No Deal”
Barney Cohen, Creator of Sabrina the Teenage Witch
David Fishof, Founder of Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp
Composer Robert Sarzo, and his brother Rudy Sarzo (Ozzy Osbourne, Quiet Riot)
Fred Coury, Composer and Drummer for Cinderella
Herb Dean of the UFC
Scott Strickland, CIO at Black & Decker
Costume Designer Zohra Shahalimi
Gary Kawesch, the only Eye Surgeon with and NFL Superbowl Ring
Agent Bonnie Gallanter
Brent Bushnell, Entrepreneur

Thanks to everyone that parcitipated, and to my good friend Joe Preis for sponsoring.  Next event is a "client only" event in Las Vegas for G2E November 18.  The next LA/OC event is February/March.

The final portion of my trip was devoted to Breeders Cup at Santa Anita.  This is the World Championships of Horse Racing.  As many of you know, I own several race horses with my friend Sean Gerson.  Now I love this guy, but he just about finished me off with the Breeders Cup party at LA Live and a Lakers Game.  I need to sleep for a week!  Seriously, Sean did a great job of lining everything out and getting us amazing seats for the races.  There were two highlights.  First, by the grace of God, not a single horse was hurt during the two days of racing.  Second, the undefeated mare Zenyatta beat the boys in the $5,000,000 Classic race.  She is incredible.  She is incomparable.  She is invicible.  She is Zenyatta!