You may associate him with Mohegan Sun, but did you know he played with the Beach Boys?
First job in the industry:
Publicity and press relations manager for Hersheypark, Hershey, Pa.
What is your favorite part of the job?
Putting people first. If you get that right, everything else falls into place, including your product and profit.
What is your least favorite part of the job?
Meetings. The saddest thing in life is wasted time.
Biggest achievement in your career:
Convincing pop stars of their day to play a casino venue when it wasn’t hip.
Who is your favorite mentor?
Bruce McKinney. He was the chairman at Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Co. He taught me about the “power of nice” to create a culture of recognition and hope for the future.
What would you be doing if you weren’t in your job?
Be in a band. Music is the only language the entire world understands. I played with the Beach Boys.
Favorite book/movie/theater show:
“Tuesdays With Morrie” should be required reading; “Godfather” 1 and 2 should be a required college course in life; “Love” in Vegas is a must see.
Favorite live event you’ve attended:
My daughter’s troupe dancing hip-hop and killing it. Can’t get enough of that young energy performing for the love of it.
What do you do in your free time?
Spend time with my family. If you’re happy at home, you’ll be happy at work, and in that order.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I’ve never lost at pingpong. I also make the best chocolate chip cookies in the world.
Best advice you’ve ever received:
You’re not old until regret takes the place of dreams.