It all started on my 18th birthday at the very building you see above - my first-ever visit to a casino. In New York State, Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, just 35 miles east of Syracuse, is one of the few places where gambling is legal at 18. The moment I stepped inside, I felt an instant connection to the world of gaming. I’ll never forget the exhilaration of my first win at Let-It-Ride Poker - a moment that sparked my passion for discovering and learning other casino games.

After graduating from high school, I earned my Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Business Administration from a local community college in Watertown, New York, where I was born and raised. By the time I turned 21, I was ready for a fresh start and moved to Las Vegas in August 2001. I quickly enrolled in Dealer School, where I began my training in Craps dealing. However, just a month into my studies, the September 11th tragedy struck, devastating the Las Vegas job market. With limited opportunities in the aftermath, I returned to New York and pursued the Gaming and Casino Management Program at Morrisville State College. I was fortunate to meet my lifelong mentor there, the Casino Management Program Director, who continues to guide and inspire me to this day. During my studies, I successfully passed a Craps audition at the Turning Stone Casino - the very place that inspired me to pursue a career in this industry. This milestone officially marked the beginning of my journey in the casino world.

I'll never forget my first night walking into the Turning Stone as a new Dealer. Dressed in my crisp uniform, I felt proud and ready to step into this exciting new chapter. It was 6:00 pm on a bustling Friday night, and the casino was alive with energy as it hosted a boxing match. The place was packed, and the adrenaline in the air was palpable. When the scheduler escorted me to the Craps pit, I was introduced to the Pit Manager. He glanced at me and asked, "Where did you break in?" Confused, I replied, "Break in?" His expression shifted. "You’ve never dealt a live game?" he asked. I shook my head and answered, "No, sir." Without hesitation, he pointed to a table and said, "Hop on that table over there, kid. Third base. You got this!" I stepped in, overwhelmed but determined. Bets were flying at me from every direction, and the chaos was exhilarating. I embraced the pressure, thrived on the action, and fell in love with the game - a passion that still drives me to this day. Now, as I teach my students the art of dealing, I always remember where I started. That experience shaped me, and it’s a story I carry with pride as I help others take their first steps into the world of gaming.

At Turning Stone, I refined my skills and learned to deal Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, Pai Gow Poker, and various specialty games. While New York State was home, I felt a strong desire to return to Las Vegas. On Valentine's Day in 2006, I boarded a plane to Las Vegas with a dream in mind. The very next day, I auditioned at the Rio Las Vegas and landed a part-time dealer position. In just three weeks, I sold almost everything I owned, packed my clothes in my SUV, and drove cross-country to start a new chapter in Las Vegas, ready to build my career from the ground up. While working at the Rio, I attended the College of Southern Nevada (CSN) to learn Pai Gow Tiles. Around this time, I also began teaching dealing classes part-time there at CSN, which deepened my passion for the industry and allowed me to mentor aspiring dealers. After three months of dealing at the Rio, I took the step to become a Dual-Rate and then eventually a full-time Floor Supervisor.

In 2007, I was honored to be part of the opening team for The Palazzo as a Floor Supervisor and, in 2008, helped open Encore Las Vegas in the same capacity. Alongside my work as a Floor Supervisor, I continued teaching at CSN, further blending hands-on experience with education. During my time at Encore, I completed a formal course in European Roulette and pursued my MBA. In 2015, I transitioned into a leadership role as the Director of the Casino Management Program at CSN, and at the same time, marked a career shift from Table Games to Surveillance at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. In this role, I trained my Surveillance team in game protection and Table Games procedures. Stepping into the surveillance room completely transformed my perspective on the industry. I gained a deeper understanding of the procedures and their critical role in safeguarding the integrity of the games. I bring this experience into the classroom to not only teach my students the procedures but also help them understand the purpose behind them.

In 2019, I returned to Table Games, joining MGM Resorts Corporate as a Table Games Strategy Manager. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the industry, I played a critical role in helping MGM properties reopen safely after the shutdown. In October 2020, I began my journey at Resorts World Las Vegas as the Casino Operations Training and Tournament Manager. In this role, I was responsible for creating comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures for Table Games, evaluating casino Dealer applications, developing an audition evaluation rubric for Dealers, and conducting auditions for nearly 1,000 candidates. Leading up to the grand opening, I took charge of designing and implementing the training program for the Casino Operations team, while continuing to recruit exceptional Dealers after the casino’s launch. Today, I have transitioned into the role of Casino Shift Manager, where I continue to grow, always driven by the same passion that was sparked on my very first day at the casino.

In 2024, I had the privilege to join the Crescent family to lead the European Roulette program. Guiding my students toward securing their dream careers in the luxury casino segment has been the most fulfilling aspect of my journey. Becoming your mentor fuels my passion for shaping skilled and qualified Dealers in the industry that I love. I encourage you to take the next step and let me guide you toward achieving your career aspirations.