In my decades of working in the Hospitality and Gaming Industry, I have met hundreds (if not thousands) of professionals. I have watched many of those individuals rise through the ranks to achieve great success in earning their reputations for character and integrity in leadership.
When the idea of a “Best of The Best” rank was first discussed with colleagues at the last G2E gathering in Las Vegas, it sounded like a grand idea to recognize those individuals at the top of the profession. Peers and co-workers are encouraged to nominate professionals who deserve recognition.
We organized a small group of industry insiders to select candidates to be honored with the “Best of The Best” recognition.
We applaud the success of leaders who show us the way to do business and thrive, in any environment.
DENNIS P. RIZZO
President/CEO
Bentley Price Associates, Inc.
Freddie Harmon worked his way from busboy to corner office. As VP HR at Viejas Casino & Resort, he knows his way around—back to front. Julian’s inspiration for the hospitality business was born in his parents’ Fish and Chips shop in a small town in the center of England. Today, he manages F&B operations at The Venetian Las Vegas. In September 2024, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians named Stephen Thayer general manager at the tribe’s Palms Casino Resort, the first Native American owner/operator of a Las Vegas property. Over his 25 years in the industry, Lee has received acclaim in his managerial positions and in the kitchen. The Wynn Las Vegas/Encore VP joins the “Best of The Best.” Conrad Granito, Jr. as General Manager of the Nisqually Red Wind Casino has led the property to its leading status in the Washington and Greater Olympia gaming market, and established it as the go-to spot for gaming, dining, and fun. Sal Semola began his career in the hospitality/gaming industry over 40 years ago as a dishwasher. For over 25 years, He has held executive-level positions in the operations and development of several major gaming/resort projects. Today, he joins the Bentley Price Associates’ “Best of The Best” list of industry leaders. Erik Mrdak, CFBE, is a Houston native with many years of expertise in F&B roles, has been there and done that for properties across the nation. Now, he joins the Bentley Price Associates’ “Best of The Best.” John Rees, SVP of Hotel Operations for Hard Rock International joins the Bentley Price Associates’ “Best of The Best” list. John is an accomplished hospitality industry veteran with over 30 years of experience and a multi-faceted skillset. Nominated by their peers and associates, the Bentley Price Associates “Best of The Best” honors those in our industry for excellence in leadership. Katherine Foley Roden of Golden Entertainment, Inc. is our newest inductee. Bentley Price Associates is happy to announce that Wynn Resorts Encore Boston Harbor VP of F&B Brian Fountain has joined our “Best of The Best” list.
Viejas San Diego’s Freddie Harmon Joins “Best of The Best”
From a Small-Town Fish & Chips Shop to the 5-Star Venetian Las Vegas
Palms GM Stephen Thayer Named to “Best of The Best”
Wynn Las Vegas’ Chef Christopher Lee Makes “Best of The Best” List
Nisqually Red Wind Casino’s Conrad Granito, Jr. Named “Best of The Best”
Gun Lake Casino’s Sal Semola Named “Best of The Best”
Thunder Valley’s Erik Mrdak Brings Cuisine Credentials to “Best of The Best”
Hard Rock International’s John Rees Makes the List
Golden Entertainment’s Sr. VP Human Resources Joins “Best of The Best”
Encore Boston Harbor’s Brian Fountain Named F&B “Best of The Best”
