Page 7 - Mississippi/Louisiana Gaming News - Winter, 2023

5 Minutes With... Dean K. Rubin
What, where, when was your first job in the gaming industry? Avi Resort and Casino in Laughlin, Nevada, Director of Hotel Operations, 2004-2013. I wanted
to be in the hospitality business as long as
I can remember, and this position was my first venture into the industry. I learned so much in my time there — I learned about the importance of a team that’s dedicated to its guests and that set me up for the future leadership roles I’ve held throughout my career.
What do you like best about your current job? I am passionate about my job and it brings me immense joy. The team
I work with and the guests I interact with every day make getting up and going to work a pleasure. Our staff is motivated and driven, and that has set Gold Strike up for an exciting future. I am grateful to Cherokee Nation Entertainment for allowing me to manage their initial commercial gaming facility, which has been a highly rewarding experience. The best is yet to come.
What is the best piece of business advice you ever received and from whom did you receive it? I have received many valuable insights from several mentors throughout my life. But one quote that truly serves as a guiding light to me is from Heraclitus: “The only constant in life is change.”
Name Dean K. Rubin
Current Title Senior Vice President/
General Manager
Company Gold Strike Casino Resort, Tunica, Mississippi
Years In The Gaming Industry 19 Years
I have watched this industry evolve in multiple ways through the years and in my roles, I’ve always endorsed change that ends in happier employees and happier guests. We aim to make sure our guests have positive memorable experiences every time they visit, and that starts with team members who are looking forward to greeting them. I always strive for improvement when it comes to them.
What advice do you have for those just starting in the gaming industry? If this is your passion, absorb as much as you can. Motivation and drive are key to success.
How do you define “success”? Success is not just about reaching a goal, but it is also about enjoying the journey towards that goal and making progress along the way.
It involves learning from the mistakes you make and using them as opportunities for growth. In the end, success is about feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment in what you have achieved.
What is something you do each day just for yourself? Making an effort to greet all members of the team every day is very important to me. I want to ensure that
they know that I am always approachable and that they are a critical part of our business’s success. Without their support, we wouldn’t be able to achieve our goals.
What is it about the gaming industry that makes it a good industry? If you enjoy an exciting work environment with constantly changing opportunities, the gaming industry is the place for you.
WINTER 2023 MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS 7