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.
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. Patrick Miller began his career with MGM Resorts International more than 25 years ago. His first job was as a Pit Clerk at The Mirage. He probably never imagined he would be elevated from the pit to the corner office nearly three decades later. Argelia Medina, our latest addition to the Bentley Price Associates Best of The Best list currently serves as the Chief Human Resources Officer for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise (TOGE)/Desert Diamond Casinos, and she is an enrolled member of the Tohono O’odham Nation. As VP F&B, Josef Wagner is responsible for the overall vision and strategic direction of the AAA Five Diamond and Forbes-rated Bellagio Resort & Casino, Park MGM, and NoMad Las Vegas over $500M in annual Food & Beverage revenues.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”
MGM Resorts International SVP of Hospitality Patrick Miller Joins “Best of The Best”
Argelia Medina, Chief Human Resources Officer at Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise
Josef Wagner, VP Food & Beverage, Bellagio Resort & Casino