After 29 years at Bally’s in Atlantic City, Michael May has decided to test the waters (and waves) here on the West Coast. Leaving Bally’s and his 1,400 Table Games employees was difficult, but “Mike” is excited about the opportunity Pechanga provides. An avid surfer, he’s also thrilled about Southern California’s shoreline.
Here’s a quick glance at our Vice President of Table Games.
Q: What word best describes you?
A: Light-hearted.
Q: What excites you about Pechanga?
A: The diversity.
Q: What sparked your interest in Table Games?
A: After I got my Communications Degree in college, the economy was tough and jobs were hard to come by. Some friends were learning to deal cards for a local gaming spot, and I saw a chance
to keep close to the ocean.
Q: What was your first job?
A: Dishwasher.
Q: How did you wind up here?
A: I was drawn by the opportunity to apply my experience and expertise, having managed a much larger and equally diverse group of dealers. The chance to do this at a property like
Pechanga made it easy. Having family here also helps, and I enjoy California.
Q: What has been the most significant moment in your career?
A: When I began to look at Gaming as a business, just like any other business out there.
Q: If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you do?
A: Run some business related to surfing…probably in Mexico, doing as little as possible.
Q: Best Childhood memory:
A: Hanging out with my two older brothers.
Q: Favorite quotes:
A: “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country,” by President John F. Kennedy. I think it applies to life in general. I’m a big proponent for volunteering in the community.
Q: Favorite books:
A: “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values,” by Robert Pirsig.
Q: How do you manage stress?
A: I mountain bike and surf, along with my wife, Mary Kate.
Q: Who has been your inspiration/mentor?
A: Jim Carr, the 1st Casino Manager in Atlantic City, also considered one of the fathers of Atlantic City gaming. As a mentor, he provided great insight into the business of gaming.
Q: What makes you happiest?
A: When I have my family around. I have three sons, Steve, 26, Matt, 25, and Christian, 21.
Q: Best advice you ever received?
A: Listen.
Q: What difference would you like to make?
A: I want people to get a sense of trust with what we’re trying to do.
Meet Michael May, Vice President of Table Games
Never just a foodcourt cashier @ Pechanga
When asked why she seems to enjoy her job so much, Lennie Palleja could have been a child describing her first time at Disneyland. Here is what she managed to say in between laughter, with a smile as wide as the brim of her cap.
“I’ve been here almost four years. I started out part-time in swing as a cashier. I’ve had lot of jobs: teacher, tutor, day care. What surprised me was how busy Pechanga was. It takes a lot of people to offer what we have and deal with guests and the stress, but I take it. I saw the teamwork between everybody, the managers the supervisors, I know how they talk with us, and support us.
What really helps a lot are the classes on customer service, and information shared at the pre-shifts. The best thing I like about working here is the atmosphere with the people - Team Members and management. The benefits, of course, are great for everybody, but I get to learn a lot of things from classes and people who want to help me.
It’s not just about my work as a cashier, it’s everything - we even explain rewards to customers. They expect a lot so we give our best to help and answer them. And they say, ‘Wow!’
It’s because they tell us at the pre-shift what’s opening, what’s new, and they tell us how to help customers, even the stressed-out ones.
It’s more than being a cashier here. We do everything in this department - customer service, rewards questions, EVS, it’s a challenge, but it’s good. I tell my friends they should work here for the good benefits and the people who support you.
People ask me, ‘Why do you stay here?’ I can go to other departments, but I like the atmosphere and the people here. I can tell Larry, my boss, anything - straight. It’s good knowing your manager, supervisors and fellow Team Members.
What’s really good is when customers know you, and they come back knowing you because of the service we bring to them. If they tell me something is too salty, I tell the cooks and we work as a team to change it. I’m proud be here in the food court.
Some say, ‘You should move on, become a supervisor. You’re just a cashier here.’ I tell them, ‘Yeah sure, maybe later...’ But I’m happy here!
Customers ask, ‘Why are you always so happy? What’s your secret?’ I tell them, ‘Because I love to serve you!’ And you know what? They appreciate it, and come back again.”
What Do They Do? Club Ambassadors @ Pechanga
We know that when guests come to Pechanga, they're looking to “Break Away” and have a great time.
At Pechanga, we anticipate needs to provide yet another level of guest service. Our Club Ambassadors can be found throughout the casino floor to assist guests with a variety of Club member needs, from enrolling new Pechanga Club Members to replacing cards for our valued patrons.
Would you like to change your PIN number? Do you know how you can be our next millionaire? These are typical discussions the Club Ambassadors routinely have with guests. Pechanga offers on-the-spot services tailored to provide convenience to our Members.
Whether at a slot machine or next to a table, an Ambassador can assist with a multitude of services. Be on the lookout of our informed, friendly and outgoing Club Ambassadors – just another way we make each customer’s visit... Simply the Best!
-Erica Alonzo, Club Ambassador
Celebrating team members with a game show
The Showroom played host to more than 800 Team Members and guests for the first-ever, Team Member Game Show. The show was a great opportunity to educate Team Members about the Power Millions Game Show for Club members, and honor specific groups of Team Members:
January Caught You Caring recipients, 5-Year Anniversary celebrants, and Perfect Attendance Award recipients from the previous year.
Before the game show started, Team Members (especially those 35 and over) were treated to music from a live band, followed by a crowd-pleasing performance by R&B singer/songwriter, Jeffrey Osborne, whose popularity peaked in the early ‘80s with hits like “On the Wings of love” and “You Should Be Mine (The Woo Woo Song)”.
Team Members randomly selected from the audience had a chance to win up to $25,000. Over 100 Team Members walked away with gifts and prizes, but the grand prize winner was David Fernando, Facilities, who won a total of $2,550.
Similar to the Team Member Pick The Pros game, the Marketing Department negotiated with the game show producer to include the cost of a Team Member version of the Power Millions Game Show, including the cash prizes. The Marketing Department will continue to look for opportunities like these to keep Team Members informed about promotions for our guests, and provide ways for Team Members to win prizes and have fun at work.
Team Member Recipe - Thai Style Steak Salad
Serves 4
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime/lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Splenda
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb. flank/skirt steak
- Coarse salt and ground pepper
- 1/2 pound carrots (3 to 4 medium)
- 1 medium head romaine lettuce, cut crosswise into 1-inch ribbons
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 cup fresh bean sprouts (optional)
in a baking dish. Pour 1/4 of marinade over steak (reserve remaining marinade); turn steak to coat. Let steak marinate up to 30 minutes.
2. In a large skillet, cook steak on medium-high heat, turning once, 1 1/2 - 2 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer to a cutting board; tent loosely with aluminum foil and let rest 5
to 10 minutes. Slice steak across the grain into 1/4-inch-thick slices; halve slices crosswise. Transfer to a large bowl, and toss with reserved marinade.
With a vegetable peeler, cut carrots into long ribbons. Add to steak in bowl, along with lettuce and mint; toss to combine.
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