The Godfather's Executive Brief |
Did We Make Good Hires? The difference between good and great companies is…the employees. Consider whether you could have made better choices. Going forward - only hire “A” Players. How Do We Find “A” Players? They are not in Monster.com, and they don’t respond to online ads. With few exceptions, they are gainfully employed. Use your internal network or become best friends with a good recruiter. Is This a Good Place to Work? The days of “it’s an honor and a privilege to work at our company” are over. It’s a small world, and if the street chatter on your company is negative, you will be challenged to attract the best talent. Focus on making your company a world class organization that attracts only the best. |
For “In Transition” Executives (Candidates) – After speaking with a number of my clients, including CEOs, CFOs and HR executives, here are my top three tips for executives looking for a new career opportunity.
Adjust Your Expectations. This is the toughest economy of our generation. If you have a job, stay there. If you are “in transition”, accept the fact that you may have to take a significant pay cut to get back in the game. Play hardball and you may sit on the bench for a year. Company Culture is Critical. Some companies are fast paced type “A”, others are “friends and family.” Consider which culture will be the best match for your personality. Stay in Touch. Build the bridges before you need to cross. No one appreciates you calling after two years of radio silence to ask for a job. The importance of “digging the well before you needed a drink” cannot be overstated. Roughly 90%of the jobs come from your personal network. |
The Foundation – Connecting Great Talent with Great Companies: The Foundation is an executive placement firm specializing in talent for the gaming and high tech industries. Compensation of $100,000+. Here are the top three reasons to utilize The Foundation for your executive search.
| Save Time, Save Money: Hiring the wrong candidate can cost the company up to 18 months of salary. Let us bring you pre-screened, high quality candidates. Don’t Waste Your Time: You can get more of everything in life except time. We diligently screen every applicant, which translates to productive, high quality interviews. We won’t waste your time! Hire Only “A” Players: Successful executives do not spend time surfing the Internet for jobs, reading the classified ads or circulating their resumes on job boards. The best candidates are already working and must be recruited away from good companies and good jobs. Our candidates come from personal relationships and referrals from a client base of 2,500+ executives nationwide. |
Client Testimonials
Amazing contacts, great service and a great guy. An invaluable resource!
Gavin Isaacs
COO
Bally Technologies
A colleague referred me to Mark, when I need to conduct a search for a VP/CIO. We were delighted by the speed, the quality of the candidates and Mark's personalized assistance during the process. We hired our current CIO through Mark!
Alan Baer
SVP People and Information
Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants
Mark is the best networked person I’ve met in the industry, and has always been able to find the balance between the needs of my organization and fit of his candidates. I’m impressed with how he is able to clearly understand the business needs and at the same time help people excel in their career.
Christopher McGivern
Vice President Human Resources
Viejas Enterprises
For any of you who have read The Tipping Point, Mark Wayman is the quintessential connector. Mark is the only person you need to know to get connected in Vegas!
Brad Warga
VP, Talent
Harrah’s Entertainment
Help Wanted (Career Opportunites)
Great career opportunities with great companies! If you know someone that would have interest, please have them forward a resume to mwayman@godfatherlv.com and mention your name. Any and all referrals gratefully accepted!
General Manager - Casino ($300,000, Midwest) VP, Finance - Casino ($225,000, Southern California) CTO – Gaming ($200,000, Las Vegas) CFO ($200,000, Las Vegas) Technology Architect – Propellerhead ($200,000, Las Vegas) Director of Marketing - Gaming ($150,000, Las Vegas) VP, IT Infrastructure – Casino ($150,000, Las Vegas) Director, Security – Casino ($125,000, Las Vegas) Director, Planning and Analysis ($110,000, Las Vegas) VP, Human Resources – Casino ($100,000, Las Vegas) Software Development Manager – Oracle Background ($100,000, Las Vegas) |
Gaming/Casino Talent ($100,000 - $250,000, Nationwide) - The Godfather represents the top 5% of the executive talent in the gaming and casino industry, and only by referral. Constantly scouting for Director level and up talent.
Technology Talent ($80,000 - $200,000, Nationwide) - The Godfather is always looking for senior level technology talent! Project Managers, Software Developers, DBAs, Network Engineers.
Known Associates (Candidates)
My best executive talent! I’ll personally vouch for these candidates. If you have an opening that is a fit, please contact the Godfather at mwayman@godfatherlv.com.
General Manager - Casino ($200,000+, Nationwide) CIO ($250,000, Nationwide) CIO – Casino ($200,000, Las Vegas) CFO ($250,000, Orange County) VP, Human Resources ($200,000, Las Vegas) VP, Casino Marketing ($175,000, Las Vegas) VP, Finance ($200,000, Los Angeles) |
Gaming/Casino Talent ($100,000 - $250,000, Nationwide) - The Godfather is currently representing approximately 100 casino executives. GM/AGM, CFO/CIO/COO, Compliance, Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Technology. The best casino talent in the business!
Technology Talent ($80,000 - $200,000, Nationwide) - With the current economy, there are quite a few Godfather associates looking for new opportunities. Project Managers, Software Developers, DBAs, Network Engineers. If you have an opening, please reach out to the Godfather!
Photo Opp
 | Brian Callahan Markwood Capital sponsored. |
 | Ben Kalb Ben is a Producer and Anna was on “Average Joe” and runs a Talent Agency |
 | Sampath Sampath is an Entrepreneur and Sean is a Horse Racing Mogul
|
 | Mark Wayman Michelle is a Producer and Actress, Lee is VP of BusDev at MTV
|
 | Dawn Mellen
|
 | Richard Willis
|
 | Bill Lucas |
 | Geoffrey Glass Now THAT’S a Good Looking Power Couple!
|
 | M ark Wayman
|
 | Curlin Just Prior to the Breeders Cup Classic
|
 | Midnight Lute Just Prior to the Breeders Cup Sprint |
Favorites List
Companies and people personally recommended by the Godfather. If you have interest, the Godfather can “connect” you.
Central Christian: God, family, work…in that order. Central Christian began in 1962 out of a dream to connect the unconnected. Today, the original vision of this church is still thriving. That vision has kept Central firmly committed to helping people find Jesus Christ and grow to full devotion to Him. Services are conducted:
- Saturday at 4:30 pm, 6:00 pm
- Sunday at 9:00 am, 10:20 am, and 11:45 am.
Gerson Racing: The Godfather owns 11 race horses with partner Sean Gerson, including stakes winning Set Play, and star two year olds Backbackbackgone and The Final Roar. See you at Del Mar!
The Stirling Club: The Stirling Club is a members-only club inside Turnberry Place. This luxurious facility includes tennis courts, a pool, gym & spa, dining room, lounge, cigar room and nightclub. Nice! For membership information, contact the Godfather at mwayman@godfatherlv.com.
CareerBuilder: This site is changing the way companies around the world recruit their most important asset: their people. For more information, or to set up a corporate account for job postings, contact Jamie Basham at jamie.basham@careerbuilder.com.
Twelve Horses: Run by my friend Martin Gastanaga, Twelve Horses is an interactive marketing company specializing in business communications and messaging (email). A very innovative organization that helps with production of the Godfather’s Executive Brief.
Cirque Du Soleil: They produce six of the most phenomenal shows in Las Vegas and Orlando – Mystere, Ka, “O”, Love and Zumanity in LasVegas. La Nouba in Orlando. In 2008, watch for new shows in Las Vegas, Tokyo and Macau. They sell out most nights, however The Godfather has access to group seating (12 tickets or more) for his clients and friends. Email me at mwayman@godfatherlv.com.
Career Czar: Paul Bruno’s Internet radio show focused on career development and coaching.
Joel Osteen: Joel Osteen, a native Houstonian, has committed his life to serving and helping every person, regardless of background and economic status, to achieve their fullest potential. Having started Lakewood's television ministry, Joel worked side-by-side with his father, Pastor John Osteen, for 17 years, and took Lakewood's positive message of hope to over 100 million households throughout the United States.
Willy Roya: He is the greatest magician in the world…in his price range. Comedian, juggler, magician. Great for all your corporate and convention events. Will generously donates his time to the Godfather’s charity events.
S – The Balloon Man: “S” is a Balloon Artiste that will bring the house down at your corporate event or convention. Actor, singer, comedian…and Balloon Man!
Gary Anthony as Frank Sinatra: The best Frank Sinatra impersonator in the business! Gary generously donates his time to the Godfather’s charity events.
Johnny Thompson at Elvis: The best Elvis impersonator in the business! Johnny is currently touring in Europe, however we look forward to seeing him in 2008.
Janet Valentine as Marilyn Monroe: The best Marilyn impersonator in the business! Great for conventions and corporate events. She sings, she dances..she is fantastic.
VegasInsideTips: Steve Dacri’s outstanding newsletter with all the latest entertainment and tourist information.
The Godfather's Event Series
The Godfather’s Executive Event Series: Private networking events for clients and friends. “Sit Downs” started ten years ago with the motto, “no sales, no marketing, no soliciting…no charge.” Ours is a network of good hearted, pay it forward executives entrepreneurs and celebrities. No sales, no marketing, no soliciting – just an opportunity to meet the most amazing and influential people in the country.
Cigar Smokers – The Stirling Club (November): I’m hosting two cigar smokers during November. Six to ten executives. Just an opportunity to relax, have a good smoke, and meet a few new people. The Godfather’s “Sit Down” – VIP Gaming Parlor at Barona Valley Ranch Resort (November): Rick Salinas of Barona and Sanjiv Goyal of Droisys are sponsoring this rare look into the secret life of high rollers. We’ll be in the VIP Gaming Parlor, and this event is restricted to clients and close friends. Godfather Events for 2009 – Due to current economic conditions, no events are currently scheduled for 2009. Keep your eye on the monthly newsletter for changes. |
Charity and Community
We're on a mission from God. An important component of that charter is charity. To whom much is given, much will be expected. The Godfather proudly supports the following organizations.
Arthritis Foundation – The Arthritis Foundation is the only national not-for-profit organization that supports the more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions with advocacy, programs, services and research. Be sure to attend their “Oscar Night America” event in February 2009. This is the official Academy Award party benefiting the Arthritis Foundation.
Big Brothers Big Sisters - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Nevada helps children reach their potential through professionally supported one-to-one relationships. BBSN matches children with adult and older teen role models. The Big Brothers Big Sisters Gala is at Wynn Las Vegas on November 1.
Crime Stoppers – A privately funded, non-profit organization with a volunteer board of trustees. Crime Stoppers relies on donations from local businesses and individuals. All donations are tax deductible.
Make A Wish - Tthe Make-A-Wish Foundation® enriches the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work. The Foundation's mission reflects the life-changing impact that a Make-A-Wish® experience has on children, families, referral sources, donors, sponsors and entire communities.
Opportunity Village - Opportunity Village is a not-for-profit organization that serves people with intellectual disabilities by providing them with vocational training, employment and social recreation services that make their lives more productive and interesting. Opportunity Village Camelot, the annual fundraising event, will be held November 8.
Safe Nest - What is domestic violence? It takes many forms, but in general domestic violence is a pattern of violent and coercive behavior used by one partner in a relationship to control another. It affects all communities, regardless of income, race or religion.
Three Square - Three Square is Southern Nevada’s resource for the hungry. The vision of Three Square is simple: No one in our community should have to go without a healthy meal. By bringing together the resources, experience and passion of the people and businesses of Southern Nevada, we can make sure no one has to. When we work together, we don’t just serve food. We serve hope.
Humor, Wisdom and Inspiration
Humor
There was a man who was shipwrecked on a deserted island. He was alone on the island and after 2 years he was found by a passing ship who sent a small team to retrieve him. When they came on shore to rescue the man they asked him how he was able to survive. He pointed towards three huts in the center of the island. "The large one in the middle is my home, it provided shelter from the storms," explained the man. "The one on the right is my church, I go there to worship and pray for rescue every day." "What about the hut on the left?" asked one of the men from the rescue team. "Oh..." the man frowned, "That's the church I USED to go to."
Once there was a magician who had a pet parrot. He loved the parrot so much that he kept it with him at all times—even during his performances. The parrot was very intelligent, but it had an annoying habit. It was constantly messing up the magician’s act. The bird would say things like: “He’s got a card up his left sleeve” or “There’s a rabbit under the table.” At one point, the magician was hired as entertainment on a cruise ship. One night, right in the middle of the act, the ship’s boiler room blew up. The ship was destroyed instantly. Fortunately, the magician found a piece of wreckage to hang onto. And the parrot was right there sitting on his shoulder. For three days they floated out in the ocean. And the entire time, that parrot stared at the magician; never blinked, never made a sound. Finally, on the fourth day, the parrot said, “Okay, I give up. What did you do with the ship?”
Guy Kawasaki’s Index of Absurdity: The Top Ten Ways to Tell If Things Are Really Bad: The experts are promulgating many esoteric ways to determine the financial condition of the economy. It's irrational to base one's mood on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA). After all, (a) what does that have to do with the real world? And (b) it reflects the buying (and selling) decisions of the same investment bankers who got us into this mess. Instead, here are my ten+ ways--GIA (Guy's Index of Absurdity)--to tell if the economy is really bad:
1. Venture capitalists attend board meetings via WebEx rather than Gulfstream.
2. Twitter charges for its service.
3. Jones Soda switches to text-only labels.
4. Steve Jobs switches from New Balance to Crocs.
5. The toilet seats at Google are no longer heated.
6. Reservations are no longer necessary for the Apple Genius Bar.
7. Buck's of Woodside changes its name to Quarter's.
8. Mahalo changes its name to Aloha Oe.
9. Pierre Omidyar starts selling stuff on eBay.
10.Larry Ellison flys on Southwest Airlines before 11:00 pm.
Wisdom
A man is down, but he is never out.
Bruce Barton
If you are going to do anything you must expect criticism. But it’s better to be a doer than a critic. The doer moves; the critic stands still and is passed by.
Bruce Barton
The Christian life is a vicarious life. It is Christ living through us to accomplish His will on Earth. We are his hands to feed the hungry and clothe the naked. We are His voice to heal the broken-hearted and comfort the afflicted.
Frank Lyman
Get money – but stop once in a while to figure out what it is costing you. No man gets it without giving something in return. The wise man gives his labor and ability. The fool gives his life.
Bruce Barton
Appreciative words are the most powerful force for good on Earth.
George W. Crane
A good name is better than riches.
King Solomon
People are what they are; and when you have made up your mind so that you are a long way on the road to serenity.
Bruce Barton
Inspiration
From Joel Osteen:
No matter what challenges you may be facing today—at work, home, in your health or in your relationships, God promises that even in the middle of “all these things”, you can have victory. How? Victory starts in your heart and mind. Victory starts with peace that passes understanding. That means that you can have peace when it doesn’t make sense to have peace. When the rest of the world is full of anxiety and worry, you can live in peace. Victory “amid all these things” also means that you can have joy deep down in your soul. You can have so much joy that you can’t even explain why you have it! It’s supernatural. It’s joy unspeakable and full of His glory and power.
Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him who loved us.”
Romans 8:37
I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
Matthew 10:16
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16
And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you.
Mark 11:25
All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
Proverbs 14:23
When a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Proverbs 16:7
A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
Proverbs 11:25
Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.
Proverbs 19:21
We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.
1 Thessalonians 2:4
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39
The Foundation
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28
I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.
Matthew 24:40
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13
Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment.
Matthew 22:37-38
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:19-21
And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?
Matthew 6:26
Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples.
John 13:34
If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31
Editors Note: The views, information and opinions expressed in this newsletter are held solely by the author, and do not reflect the views or opinions of any other person or company. Contact The Godfather of Las Vegas at mwayman2@cox.net.
