Author Archives

BBQ at Bitter Root Ranch (Opportunity Village Benefit September 15)


One of my favorite fundraisers is coming up September 15, and this year I’m honored to be Chair for the Host Committee.  BBQ at the Bitter Root Ranch is an annual fundraiser for Opportunity Village, Las Vegas favorite charity.

Food, spirits, entertainment and plenty of fun.  The Bitter Root Ranch is a working cattle and cutting horse venue.  Put on your cowboy boots and ten gallon hat….and saddle up!  Tables of ten are $2,000 and individual tickets are $200.  As of today, 50% of the tables have been sold.  If you would like to purchase a table or individual tickets, contact me directly at mwayman2@cox.net.  .  For more details on the event go to www.opportunityvillage.org/jeans_to_jewels.php.

Del Mar – I’ll be at Del Mar during July, and hope to see all my friend and clients in the San Diego area.  And we’ll be running our race horse “Currahee” at the Del Mar meet.

Career Opportunities – My latest and greatest job openings include a General Counsel ($250,000), Chief Information Security Officer ($225,000), CFO ($200,000) and Director, F&B ($120,000).  All positions are in Las Vegas.

Godfather Photos – www.flickr.com/photos/godfatherlv
Godfather on Casino Talk (Radio) – cemaudioedge.com/episode/casino-talk-brooke-dunn-9
Godfather Web Site – www.godfatherlv.com

Kentucky Derby, Olive Crest Benefit…and More!


Kentucky Derby – My choice (UNION RAGS) broke poorly and came flying late for seventh. BODEMEISTER, the favorite, was five clear turning for home and just got wired by I’LL HAVE ANOTHER for trainer Doug O’Neill in front of a record 165,000 attendees. People have spent millions of dollars trying to win the Kentucky Derby – this horse cost just $35,000. Some things are meant to be. Seen in the crowd – Gavin and Donna Isaacs (Shuffle Master), Andy Abboud (Sands), Mary Wilson of the Supremes, Jaki Baskow and Holly Silvestri. THANK YOU Chuck Kenyon and Churchill Downs for all your hospitality!

Be The Change (Olive Crest benefit) is FRIDAY NIGHT!  Entertainment by Clint Holmes and Mac King.  For sponsorship information, please email me directly.  Tickets are $100 and may be purchased at http://www.olivecrest.org/site/Calendar?view=Detail&id=115541.

Safe Nest (www.safenest.org), a domestic violence shelter, is starting a capital campaign to raise $9MM for a new building.  If you have interest in participating, contact me directly.

BBQ at Bitter Root Ranch – Save the date!  Saturday September 15 is the BBQ at Frank Martin’s Bitter Root Ranch, one of my favorite annual events.  Cowboys/cowgirls, food entertainment, live music – you will love it!  Tickets are $250 or a table of ten for $2,500.  Contact me directly for details.

Casino Talk With Brooke Dunn – Who got hired, who got fired, and all the latest gaming news.  Listen to this month’s show at http://cemaudioedge.com/episode/casino-talk-brooke-dunn-8.

My fiancee Anne is the top insurance professional in Las Vegas.  If your business has insurance needs, let me know and I’ll be happy to connect you!

There are photos and pictures from the Derby at www.flickr.com/godfatherlv.

Last Call! – BE THE CHANGE, a Benefit for Olive Crest

Be The Change, a benefit for Olive Crest (www.olivecrest.org), is May 18 at the Las Vegas Hotel (formerly the Hilton). Entertainment by Clint Holmes and Mac King. Hosted by…The Godfather! For sponsorship information, please email me directly. We have 40 tickets left. Appetizers, open bar, amazing entertainment and 250 of the biggest movers and shakers in Las Vegas. Buy your tickets at:

http://www.olivecrest.org/site/Calendar?view=Detail&id=115541

THANK YOU to the 231 players in the Opportunity Village Celebrity Poker Tournament, to the sponsors, to those that donated prizes and to all our celebrity players. Special thanks to Ernie Moody and Mike Fields of VideoPoker.com for being our Title Sponsor.

Governor’s Ball – What many consider the biggest charity event of the year, The Governor’s Ball, was this past week at Southern Highlands. It was a blessing for Anne and I to attend as an Advisory Board guest of Opportunity Village. Thursday night was the private, by-invitation dinner for 500 and Saturday was a private concert performance by Maroon 5. Now THAT is an “A” band! THANK YOU Linda Smith and Karen Iglesias for the invitation – love you!

The American Heart Association Go Red For Women Movement – Private Circle of Red kickoff event at Barneys’ New York, Wednesday May 23rd from 5:30 to 7:30 (Free Event) – Help spread the message that Heart Disease is the number one cause of death in women, and learn about prevention. Join Chairwoman Patti Hart (CEO, IGT) and former First Lady Dawn Gibbons for this magnificent evening to hear about the exclusive benefits that come with an elite membership to THE 2013 CIRCLE OF RED. Along with a Luxury Magazine photo shoot, membership will include a luncheon, backstage tour of Cirque du Soleil’s Mystere Theater, and a Martini’s/ Manicures night. RSVP to Anne Aniello at anne.aniello@anielloinsurance.com or by phone at 702-259-0250.

Hope to see you soon at one of these fabulous charity events. Until then, I will leave you with my favorite quote, courtesy of Mother Teresa:

People are often unreasonable and self centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.

Happy Easter!

To all my Christian friends…Happy Easter!

As a man of faith, I admire and respect all religions. Catholicism, Judaism, Latter Day Saints, Islam, Buddhists. We all worship one God. And on Sunday April 8, HE IS RISEN!

Central Christian – The Las Vegas based evangelical church (sixth largest in the nation) will host services Friday at 6:30 PM, Saturday at 2:30 PM, 4:00 PM, 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM, then Sunday at 9:00 AM, 10:20 AM, 11:45 AM and 1:15 PM. I will personally be at the Friday night service. Check out their Good Friday video at http://vimeo.com/39463474.

Live Local, Give Local, Buy Local – I’m a huge believer in “giving back to the community where you get your newspaper.” Although I donate to several national charities, my focus is on local Las Vegas charities like Opportunity Village and Olive Crest. If you are a CEO in Las Vegas that does not support your local charities and community, I urge you to reconsider and help us put Las Vegas back on top again.

Tickets are still available for Be The Change, a benefit for Olive Crest (foster kids) May 18 at the LVH. The Godfather is hosting and Clint Holmes is performing. You can pay $75 to see him at the Smith Center from the back of the room, or donate $100 and meet him live and in person. We have sold 200 sponsorships and tickets, which only leaves 50 to go! Contact me at mwayman2@cox.net for all the details.

The Godfather will be speaking June 13 at the Gaming Technology Summit (www.gametechsummit.com) and November 6 at TribalNet (www.tribalnetonline.com). The topic is The Godfather’s Career Guide.

Kentucky Derby Wide Open – Derby favorite Union Rags went up in flames in the Florida Derby at prohibitive 2-5 odds, then heavy favorite Mark Valeski got beat the next day in the Louisiana Derby by a 110-1 shot. I guess that is why they run them! If Union Rags goes off at 4-1 or more in the Kentucky Derby, might be a good play.

The Godfather’s Sit Down – West Hollywood and San Francisco

The Godfather's Sit Down at House of Blues West Hollywood and Hotel Adagio San Francisco – Both events were SOLD OUT!  Thank you to:

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.  He is a phenomenal CPA, and I highly recommend his firm.  You can reach Tony at trose@rsjcpa.com.  Thank you Tony!

Joe Preis of Godes & Preis, LLP (www.gaplel.com) – Joe co-sponsored the LA event.  He is a tremendous Attorney, and I highly recommend his firm.  You can reach Joe at jpreis@gaplegal.com.  Thank you Joe!

Sanjiv Goyal of Droisys (www.droisys.com) – Sanjiv Tony co-sponsored the SF event.  Droisys builds custom software.  You can reach Sanjiv at sanjiv.goyal@droisys.com. Thank you Sanjiv!

Yan Heim – Yan helped set up the SF venue.

Mike Faith, Dean Lane and Jonathan Lowenhar – They accounted for 1/3 of the SF guest list.

The BEST Guests! – The value proposition for Godfather “Sit Down” is the opportunity to meet 70 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.

The Opportunity Village Poker Tournament is April 7 at Caesars Palace. For more info, check out www.opportunityvillage.org.  For sponsorship information, please email me directly at mwayman2@cox.net.

Be The Change, a benefit for Olive Crest (www.olivecrest.org), is May 18 at the Las Vegas Hotel (formerly the Hilton).  Entertainment by Clint Holmes and Mac King.  For sponsorship and ticket information, please email me directly at mwayman2@cox.net.

Upcoming Events!

 Just another day in paradise!

How You Can Help – People frequently ask me, "how can I help the Godfather?"  Three ways.  First, looking for clients that are hiring since I have 100 top executive candidates in my stable.  Second, looking for strong talent (candidates) since I have 100 open positions I'm recruiting for.  Third, please support the charity and community events listed in my newsletter!

Candidate Guide – This is my new career service for candidates. Includes help with your resume, a 30 page Career Guide and one hour of my time. Had several takers, but funny how many people go away when they have to invest time and money in their own career. Which begs the question, "if  you don't want to invest in your career, why should I?"

The Godfather's "Sit Down" – Here we go!  I will be hosting two events in February – House of Blues Foundation Room in West Hollywood and Hotel Adagio in San Francisco. Value proposition? The opportunity to meet 60 of the most amazing people in America. My clients automatically get an invitation, followed by my close personal friends and business partners that have supported me over the years.
 
Casino Talk – Here is the link to my recent interview on Casino Talk. I start at the 9:30 mark. Who got hired, who got fired and all the latest industry news.

http://cemaudioedge.com/episode/casino-talk-brooke-dunn-4
 
Clear eyes, full hearts…can't lose!

Events
———
The Godfather's Sit Down – House of Blues Foundation Room West Hollywood (February)
The Godfather's Sit Down – Hotel Adagio in San Francisco (February)
Opportunity Village Celebrity Poker Tournament at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas (April 7)
Be The Change Benefit for Olive Crest at LVH in Las Vegas (May 18)
 
Career Opportunities
——————————
This month I'm just listing all my high tech roles.  If you know of anyone that would be a fit, send 'em!

Chief Technology Officer ($250,000 to $300,000 Midwest)

Chief Technology Officer ($250,000, International)

Chief Information Officer ($200,000, Las Vegas)

VP, Project Management and Governance ($250,000, Las Vegas)

Director, Information Technology – Casino ($105,000, Midwest)

Director, IT and Slots – Casino ($90,000, Midwest)

Web Developer (to $150,000, Las Vegas)

Online Poker Developer (to $150,000, Las Vegas)

Software Developer – Social Games – PHP ($125,000, Las Vegas)

Software Developer – Senior – C++ ($125,000, Las Vegas)

Software Developer – Intermediate – C++ ($100,000, Las Vegas)

Software Developer – Senior – C# ($125,000, Las Vegas)

Software Developer – Intermediate – C# ($100,000, Las Vegas)

Sr. Enterprise Architect – AGILE/XP Software Development ($100,000, Las Vegas)

Sr. Application Architect – Casino Systems Software Developer ($100,000, Las Vegas)

Sr. Business Architect – AGILE/Scrum ($90,000, Las Vegas)

Sr. Systems Design Architect – Servers and Storage ($100,000, Las Vegas)

Systems Security Architect ($100,000, Las Vegas)

Systems Design Architect – Servers and Storage ($100,000, Las Vegas)

Application Architect – Casino Systems Software Developer ($100,000, Las Vegas)

Lead Network Architect ($100,000, Las Vegas)

Program Manager – Information Security ($90,000, Las Vegas)

Happy New Year!

Hope your holidays peaceful, relaxing and full of family/friends!

New Year's Resolutions – What are your resolutions for 2012? Here are my three. First, more grace. The Lord's Prayer encourages us, "forgive us our sins as we forgive those that have trespassed against us." Second, more compassion. Mother Teresa reminds us, "People are often unreasonable and self centered. Forgive them anyway. For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway." Third, more focus on what I can change. The Serenity Prayer states, "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference."

The Godfather's Career Guide for 2012 – Due to the large number of executives seeking new career opportunities, I have assembled a Career Guide service as a way for people to get an hour of my expertise. GREAT investment if you are looking for a new career opportunity. I'll show you how to write a winning resume, interview like a rock star, negotiate compensation and work with an executive recruiter. For more information, email me at mwayman@godfatherlv.com.

The Godfather's "Sit Down" – Have two of them scheduled for February, one at the House of Blues Foundation Room in West Hollywood and one at Hotel Adagio in San Francisco. Value proposition? The opportunity to meet 60 of the most amazing people in America. My clients automatically get an invitation, followed by my close personal friends and business partners that have supported me over the years. Invitations go out…today!

Happy Holidays!

THANK YOU to everyone that attended The Godfather's Christmas Party at the Palms.  Where else can you find legendary singer Clint Holmes, former First Lady Dawn Gibbons, Riviera CEO Andy Choy, Dr. Jerry Boyers, Headsets.com CEO Mike Faith and horse racing magnate Sean Gerson all in the same room? 

Check out pictures from the event at www.flickr.com/godfatherlv.

Check out Mark Giovi singing Oh Holy Night:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yB9YSQ3Qac&feature=youtu.be

THANK YOU :

God.  First and foremost, I thank God for the opportunity to meet all of you.  I am both honored and exceedingly blessed!

The Palms – George Maloof and the entire Palms team.  Great event!

The Talent – Mark Giovi, Richard Hampton and DJ Mark Martin.

Transact Technologies – Tracey Chernay has been sponsoring Godfather events for many years.

House Advantage – Jon Wolfe is one of the best people I ever met.

CommVault – Wade Harris has also been sponsoring Godfather events for many, many years.

Tickets- Thank you to Michelle Sharples, Ken Ciancimino, Andy Choy, Tony Bender, Laura Herlovich and Paul Hobson for donating show tickets!

My Clients – Without my clients, there would be no events. More importantly, my clients and business allow me to support charity and community.  THANK YOU for your support!

The BEST Guests! – The value proposition for Godfather “Sit Down” is the opportunity to meet 100 amazing people – all in one place, all in one night.  Mission accomplished!  Thanks to each of you for attending and bringing along so many wonderful new guests.

Events
———
The Godfather's Sit Down – Los Angeles (February)
The Godfather's Sit Down – San Francisco (February)
Olive Crest Be The Change (April)

Career Opportunities
——————————
VP, Online ($300,000, Las Vegas)

Chief Technology Officer ($300,000, Midwest)

Chief Technology Officer ($250,000, International)

VP, Project Management ($250,000, Las Vegas)

VP, Innovation ($200,000+, Las Vegas)

CFO – Casino ($175,000, California)

Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis ($150,000, USA)

Director, Finance – Casino ($150,000, Las Vegas)

Director, Game Studios ($150,000, Las Vegas)

VP, Human Resources – Casino ($135,000, California)

Director, Slots ($125,000, California)

Director, Hotel ($125,000, California)

Director, Facilities ($125,000, California)

Director, Loyalty Marketing ($125,000, Las Vegas)

Director, Analytics/CRM ($125,000, Las Vegas)

Director, Retail Outlets – F&B ($125,000, Las Vegas)

Director, Table Games ($125,000, Las Vegas)

Director, Nightclub Marketing ($125,000, Las Vegas)

Sales Manager – Gaming ($120,000, Las Vegas)

Director, Marketing – Casino Property ($110,000, Midwest)

Director, Information Technology ($110,000, Midwest)

Director, Vendor Management ($105,000, Las Vegas)

Logistics Manager ($105,000, Las Vegas)

Sales Manager – Digital Signage ($100,000, Las Vegas)

Director, F&B ($100,000, California)

Executive Chef ($100,000+, Midwest)

Director, Hotel Operations ($80,000, Midwest)

Casino Host ($75,000, Las Vegas)

Happy Holidays!

We have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Health, family friends. A roof over our head, food on the table, the ability to worship as we please, armed forces that keep us safe…and the greatest country in the world. I want to personally all of my clients for their continuing business and support. I am exceedingly blessed!

Caesars Entertainment
MGM Resorts International
MGM Hospitality
Konami Gaming
Cannery Resorts
Spectrum Pharmaceuticals
Aristocrat Technologies
Bally Technologies
Warner Gaming
Herbst/Affinity Gaming
North Star Casinos
Global Cash Access
Shuffle Master
Riviera
Station Casinos
M Resort
Penn Gaming

Charity
———
Olive Crest TV Telethon is November 18 from 4 PM to 7 PM on Channel 3. Call in to 702.642.1342 to support the cause.

Magical Forest at Opportunity Village runs November 23 through December 31. Fun for the entire family! For sponsorship, group event and ticket information, please contact Geena Jeffries Mattox at 880.4054.

Holiday Mingle Jingle benefiting Make-A-Wish is November 30 at 6:00 PM at the Fashion Show Mall. Cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, a live runway fashion show and discounts to mall stores. Tickets are $20 at 212.9474.

Olive Crest Ladies of Distinction Luncheon is December 2 at Green Valley Ranch Station. Honorees are Phyllis James, April Swartz, Sandy Peltyn and Crystal Krien. For more information contact Brittany McCoy at 702-221-6224 x 1708 or Brittany-mccoy@olivecrest.org.

On Saturday December 3rd, Child Focus hosts its Annual "Gift of Giving" Sibling Event at Bonnie Springs Ranch on December 3. One hundred siblings currently separated from one another due to the foster care system will be reunited to keep their sibling bond going during this difficult chapter in their lives. The goal is to create happy memories during the holidays. The day will include train rides, a petting zoo, a holiday meal, photos with Santa and of course a gift exchange with donated gifts for the siblings. For more information:
http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/child-focus/giftofgiving2.

Events
———
The final event of the year will be my personal Christmas Party in the Hugh Hefner Sky Villa at the Palms. SOLD OUT guest list of 100+ friends and clients. See you there!

As you may know, this year I opted to host charity events instead of my Godfather Sit Downs. I'm considering hosting a Sit Down in Los Angeles and San Francisco provided I get enough support from my friends and clients down there.

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

Career Opportunities
—————————-
VP, Online ($300,000, Las Vegas) – Need an Expedia, Orbitz, Priceline or Hotwire type.

Chief Technology Officer ($250,000, International)

VP, Project Management ($250,000, Las Vegas)

VP, Sales – Convention and Group ($250,000, Las Vegas)

VP, Innovation ($200,000, Las Vegas) – Fortune 100 type with retail or packaged goods experience. MBA or Masters required.

VP, Casino Operations ($200,000, Las Vegas)

CFO – Casino ($175,000, California)

Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis ($150,000, USA) – Hotel background

Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis ($150,000, USA) – Casino background

Director, Finance – Casino ($150,000, Las Vegas)

Director, Game Studios ($150,000, Las Vegas)

VP, Human Resources – Casino ($135,000, California)

Director, Loyalty Marketing ($125,000, Las Vegas)

Director, Analytics/CRM ($125,000, Las Vegas)

Director, Retail Outlets – F&B ($125,000, Las Vegas)

Director, Table Games ($125,000, Las Vegas)

Director, Brand Marketing ($130,000, Las Vegas)

Director, Nightclub Marketing ($125,000, Las Vegas)

Sales Manager – Gaming Supplies ($120,000, Las Vegas)

Director, Information Technology ($110,000, Midwest)

Executive Chef ($100,000+, Midwest)

Director, Hotel Operations ($80,000, Midwest)

Long Time, No See!

It’s been four month since I posted to LinkedIn or my web site. With this economy I have to work twice as hard for half the money. Also been occupied with charity events – BBQ at Bitter Root Ranch for Opportunity Village and the Boys & Girls Club 50th Birthday Party. Upcoming are the Safe Nest Luncheon, Noah’s Animal House Unleashed and the Olive Crest Ladies of Distinction Luncheon. Check out recent event pictures here:

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

Was planning to host an LA Sit Down next week, but that went sideways. What is the deal with people that don’t honor their commitments? My business partner tells me to be there at a certain date in time, he knows I’m flying, then cancels the meeting. We can get more of everything in life but TIME. Cancelling appointments at the last minute is not only disrespectful, it says "you are not important to me" and portrays you as someone that does not keep your commitments. Long-term, not a good business strategy.

The last event of the year will be The Godfather’s Christmas Extravaganza, my private Christmas party in the Hugh Hefner Sky Villa on the roof of the Palms. Entertainment will be holiday songs from several of my favorite Las Vegas performers!

Events
———
Best Buddies Super Hero Ball is Thursday October 13 at 6:00 pm at Caesar’s Palace. Best Buddies matches people with and without intellectual disabilities into one-to-one friendships to end the social isolation those with disabilities all too often experience.

Greg Maddux Celebrity Gold Tournament is October 15/16 at the Southern Highlands Golf Club. There is also a gala dinner. For more information, check out www.maddux31.com.

Steven Schorr Elementary School PTA Golf Classic is coming up quick. Individual golfers are $150, teams are $600 and there are additional sponsorship levels. For more information contact Tamar Hoapili at 702.545.1005.

Noah’s Animal House UNLEASHED is October 20 at the Hard Rock Hotel. Sponsorships are sold out, however $100 tickets are still available.

Safe Nest Domestic Violence Awareness Luncheon is October 21 at the Rio. Tickets are $50 or a table of ten for $500.

Opportunity Village Camelot is November 5 at the Magical Forest. Honorees this year are Mike and Patty Morrissey.

Olive Crest Ladies of Distinction Luncheon – December 2 at Green Valley Ranch Station honoring April Swartz, Phyllis James, Cristal Krein and Sandy Peltyn. Sponsorships are $500 to $3,500. Contact brittany-mccoy@olivecrest.org for more information.

Career Opportunities
——————————
VP, Online ($300,000, Las Vegas)

Chief Marketing Officer ($300,000, Las Vegas)

SVP, Operations ($300,000, Midwest) – Requires Midwest experience running multiple casinos

SVP, Marketing ($250,000, Midwest) – Extensive gaming/casino experience with 5+ years at the VP level

VP, Innovation ($200,000, Las Vegas)

VP, Organizational Development ($175,000, Las Vegas)

Controller ($170,000, Las Vegas) – CPA, SEC background

Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis ($150,000, USA) – Hotel background

Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis ($150,000, USA) – Casino background

Director, Finance – Casino ($150,000, Las Vegas)

Director, Marketing ($150,000, Las Vegas) – Slot marketing background

Director, Game Studios ($150,000, Las Vegas)

Director, Casino Operations ($130,000, Midwest)

Director, Brand Marketing ($130,000, Las Vegas)

Director, Database Marketing ($125,000, Las Vegas)

Director, Information Technology ($120,000, Midwest)

Director, Hotel Operations ($110,000, Midwest)

Logistics Manager ($105,000, Las Vegas)

Compensation Analyst ($70,000, Las Vegas)