With monthly gaming revenues exceeding $1,000,000,000 for 24 months straight, Las Vegas is as hot as ever, especially for those who gamble over $100,000 in a weekend. Today, we're talking about high-rolling "whales" and what casinos do to attract them — by providing experiences that money can't buy. In this episode, you'll hear unforgettable Las Vegas stories from Larry Altschul, SVP Customer Development at MGM Resorts International.

— In This Episode You’ll Discover —
00:00 Introduction
00:50 About Larry Altschul, SVP Customer Development of MGM
01:30 What is a Vegas gaming "whale?"
02:45 How do casinos attract high rollers?
04:19 Curating experiences for high-stakes Las Vegas gamblers
09:20 A huge moment with Kobe Bryant
11:54 The inner circle of high rollers
14:45 Enticing a casino "whale" with 1982 Petrus wine
15:51 Extreme highs and lows of millionaire gaming
21:52 Building loyalty with high-rolling players
24:10 Working with Steve Wynn in Las Vegas
26:15 Larry Altschul's impressive career

— Memorable Quotes —
“At our company (MGM), we consider anyone willing to risk a million dollars on a given weekend as a whale-caliber player.” - Larry Altschul
“What I do for a living is relationship-based.” - Larry Altschul
“Simple things can touch and make memories that no one can ever take away.” - Larry Altschul
“When there’s an article about you in The Wall Street Journal, it’s not about you.” - Larry Altschul

— About This Week’s Guests —
Larry Altschul is SVP Customer Development at MGM Resorts International, an American global hospitality and entertainment company operating destination resorts in Las Vegas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Maryland, Ohio, and New Jersey. Formerly EVP Player Development at Wynn Las Vegas and SVP Player Development at Caesars World Marketing, Larry has 37 years of experience developing relationships with high rollers and enticing them to gamble at the casinos he represents. Besides raising his children, his proudest accomplishment is working with Steve Wynn to open Wynn Las Vegas, one of the most expensive resorts ever built.

— About The Show —
Elevate is a show that explores the latest in elevated living. Hear from the local artisans, business owners, and innovators who make Las Vegas extraordinary and whose stories and insights will help you live your best life.

Serving wood-fired food and hand-crafted cocktails in a discreet location, Vintner Grill has been a favorite of Las Vegas movers and shakers for over fifteen years. Today, we’re talking to Michael Corrigan, the founder of this Summerlin staple. Michael is a local entrepreneur and real estate developer who has opened ten restaurants, including Vintner Grill and Roadrunner Saloon.

— In This Episode You’ll Discover —
00:00 Introduction
00:45 About the Michael Corrigan Restaurant Group
05:28 Summerlin’s first Mexican restaurant - Agave
07:58 How many restaurants has Michael Corrigan opened?
09:11 About Vintner Grill, the premier destination for local fine dining off the Las Vegas Strip
12:36 Vintner Grill’s unique location
14:17 Michael Corrigan’s proudest accomplishments in the restaurant industry
15:21 How discreet restaurants like Vintner Grill get traffic
17:15 The difference between being a restaurateur and running a restaurant group
18:49 Michael Corrigan’s artisan mindset when creating restaurants
20:45 What is the secret to maintaining a successful restaurant?
21:37 Celebrities who have wined and dined at Vintner Grill
23:14 Vintner Grill supporting local charities
23:44 Why Vintner Grill is a destination for movers and shakers
24:20 About Vintner Grill’s 2023 renovation
25:18 Does Vintner Grill cater special events?
26:19 Michael Corrigan’s favorite things to do in Las Vegas
27:35 Outro

— Memorable Quotes —
“We produce everything from scratch.” - Michael Corrigan, Vintner Grill
“We were the first ones to really develop patio concepts.” - Michael Corrigan, Vintner Grill
“It’s always interested me, creating something that is true to what we’re trying to do.” - Michael Corrigan, Vintner Grill

— About This Week’s Guests —
Michael Corrigan is a real estate developer who has opened ten restaurants since the late 80s, starting with Roadrunner Saloon. A longtime Summerlin resident, Michael pioneered fine dining on the west side of Las Vegas with concepts like Agave (Summerlin’s first Mexican restaurant) and Vintner Grill—a lively American bistro ideal for anything from working lunches to formal dinners.

— Dine at Vintner Grill —
https://www.vglasvegas.com/

— About The Show —
Elevate is a show that explores the latest in elevated living. Hear from the local artisans, business owners, and innovators who make Las Vegas extraordinary and whose stories and insights will help you live your best life.

Offering lakeside dining and 950 labels, including boutique and special-edition wines, Marché Bacchus is a hidden gem for Las Vegas wine lovers and foodies alike. Today, we’re talking to Jeff Wyatt, the co-owner of Marché Bacchus, about selling wine to celebrities like Celine Dion, what it’s like to work with award-winning chef Bradley Ogden, and the importance of making wine approachable for everyone.

— In This Episode You’ll Discover —
00:00 Introduction
00:47 What makes Marché Bacchus French Bistro and Wine Shop special?
01:34 Why white burgundy wine is hard to find in 2023
03:16 About the wine shop at Marché Bacchus
05:15 What is the corkage fee at Marché Bacchus?
07:34 The importance of making wine approachable
08:34 How does Marché Bacchus curate their wine?
10:11 All about South African wine
11:14 What was the biggest wine order at Marché Bacchus?
13:18 Does Marché Bacchus provide consulting for wine collectors?
17:38 The most expensive bottle of wine Marché Bacchus has sold
18:56 Working with award-winning chef Bradley Ogden
23:51 Jeff Wyatt’s favorite dish on the menu at Marché Bacchus
24:38 Pairing wine and food at Marché Bacchus
25:53 Jeff Wyatt’s journey from healthcare executive to restauranteur
31:15 Jeff Wyatt’s favorite restaurants in Las Vegas
32:30 F1 Las Vegas 2023
35:38 Where is Marché Bacchus located?
36:08 Outro

— Memorable Quotes —
“The last thing we want to do is have someone not happy.” - Jeff Wyatt
“Trust your palate. What you like is what you like.” - Jeff Wyatt
“Everything rises when Bradley Ogden is around because he’s just got that mentor-style approach to things.” - Jeff Wyatt
“Everything is prepared in house.” - Jeff Wyatt

— About This Week’s Guests —
Jeff Wyatt is a former healthcare executive and New Orleans native who purchased Marché Bacchus French Bistro and Wine Shop with his wife Rhonda in 2007. The philosophy that guides their lakeside restaurant and shop is to make wine approachable for everyone.

— Dine at Marché Bacchus —
Website: https://marchebacchus.com/
Phone: 702.804.8008

— About The Show —
Elevate is a show that explores the latest in elevated living. Hear from the local artisans, business owners, and innovators who make Las Vegas extraordinary and whose stories and insights will help you live your best life.

From multi-million dollar investment portfolios to generous donations benefitting children with cancer, money is the fuel that makes dreams come true — but only with a visionary managing it. Today, we’re talking to Frank DeBlasi, Wealth Manager at Merrill Lynch and Founder of Baller Dream Foundation. This inspiring guest survived cancer, built a successful career in finance, and used his influence to create an incredible non-profit organization.

Get Tickets for the Baller Dream Celebrity Poker Tournament (April 28th to 30th, 2023) - https://ballerdream.org/poker/?vcrmeid=cPu7FI68vUmj6WKu9GNw&vcrmiid=NAigcpfl_EiV12lId5MBUQ

— In This Episode You’ll Discover —
00:00 Introduction
00:50 How did Frank DeBlasi get into wealth management?
02:48 Frank DeBlasi’s cancer survival story
05:11 Wealth management during an economic downturn
06:15 How much money do you need to work with a wealth manager?
07:46 The biggest risks Frank DeBlasi’s clients have taken
09:06 A customized approach to wealth management
09:44 Frank DeBlasi’s insight on current economic conditions (2023)
10:32 The DeBlasi team at Merrill Lynch
11:41 What is the difference between a financial adviser and a wealth manager?
13:14 Why Frank DeBlasi founded Baller Dream Foundation
14:51 When was Baller Dream Foundation formed?
15:47 Making cancer benefit events special and memorable
20:32 The biggest challenges that “Ballers” and their families face
22:00 Baller Dream Foundation’s most memorable gifts
23:28 How Frank DeBlasi’s financial career ties into his non-profit work
24:35 The future of Baller Dream Foundation
28:36 Frank DeBlasi’s favorite things to do in Las Vegas
30:13 Where to find Frank DeBlasi and Baller Dream Foundation online
30:58 Outro

— Memorable Quotes —
“I take a meeting with anyone and everyone, whether they have $1 or $100,000,000. I never want someone to feel like they don’t have enough.” - Frank DeBlasi
“Every client is different, so it’s not a one-stop shop in terms of philosophy.” - Frank DeBlasi
“Baller is a modern-day term for someone doing well, feeling well, and in control.” - Frank DeBlasi
“We want to be able to give gifts that have length.” - Frank DeBlasi

— About This Week’s Guests —
Frank DeBlasi is the founder of Baller Dream Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising the spirits of children, young adults, and their families affected by cancer. After his own battle with testicular cancer, Frank was inspired to create the organization and provide personalized gifts and experiences for over 300 young cancer fighters known as "Ballers." He has expanded the organization to seven states, traveling personally to each state to visit with every Baller several times and cultivating lifelong relationships with them and their families.

Frank attended Wagner College, where he played Division 1 basketball and earned his Bachelor of Arts in political science. He spent over twenty years in the financial services industry, starting at Morgan Stanley in various roles and eventually becoming Regional Vice President in their managed money program. He moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, and became a Private Wealth Advisor at J.P. Morgan and US Bank before joining Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2019. Frank is committed to supporting high net worth clients and is involved in the local community through his non-profit foundation.

— Get In Touch With Frank DeBlasi—
The DeBlasi Team at Merrill Lynch: https://fa.ml.com/arizona/scottsdale/the-deblasi-team/
Baller Dream Foundation: https://www.ballerdream.org

— About The Show —
Elevate is a show that explores the latest in elevated living. Hear from the local artisans, business owners, and innovators who make Las Vegas extraordinary and whose stories and insights will help you live your best life.

Whether it’s a $15,000,000 wedding or a one-of-a-kind birthday celebration, you can’t throw a successful private event without an event planner. Today, we’re talking to luxury wedding and event planner Tory L. Cooper about extravagant parties, dream weddings, and what goes on behind the scenes to make these events happen in Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world.

— In This Episode You’ll Discover —
00:00 Introduction
00:47 How long has Tory L. Cooper been an event planner?
01:39 Tory L. Cooper’s educational background
02:47 How Tory planned a wedding in 48 hours
03:58 The day-to-day life of an event planner
06:00 Planning a $15,000,000 Indian wedding
08:30 What does Tory like the most about event planning?
10:03 House party stories
11:15 Luxury event budgets
12:30 When should you hire an event planner?
13:28 Venues vs. residential event locations
15:28 Las Vegas as a culinary destination
16:36 Flying in a wedding cake from out of state
17:38 Is Las Vegas the wedding capital of the world?
18:34 Surprising requests Tory was able to pull off
19:32 Private event trends
20:50 Should you hire an event planner or a caterer?
21:48 What's next for Tory L. Cooper?
25:14 Outro

 — Memorable Quotes —
"It can change your life, the arts." - Tory L. Cooper

"There is no such thing as average in what I do." - Tory L. Cooper

“We put a man on the moon, so we can do anything.” - Tory L. Cooper

 — About This Week’s Guests —
As a result of her outstanding client care and upscale client service, Tory L. Cooper is known in the Vegas Valley as the premier Las Vegas Wedding and Event Planner. She has been named ‘Best Wedding Planner” by Las Vegas Life Magazine. Tory L. Cooper creates a unique experience for all of her clientele by providing exceptional service. She enjoys the personalized touch, treating each event with unique and sophisticated style. From local to international clientele, Tory L Cooper creates dream Las Vegas weddings and events with special attention to religious or cultural traditions.

— Get In Touch With Tory L. Cooper —
Phone: 702.245.8679
Instagram: @ToryLCooper
Website: www.torylcooper.com

 — About The Show — 
Elevate is a show that explores the latest in elevated living. Hear from the local artisans, business owners, and innovators who make Las Vegas extraordinary and whose stories and insights will help you live your best life.

From whale watching to sunset cruises, there’s no shortage of memorable experiences to be had in Cabo. Today, we’re talking about luxury yacht charters and boutique tequila with John Henner, a Las Vegas entrepreneur who does business in both.

— In This Episode You’ll Discover —
00:00 Introduction
00:40 How did John Henner get into the yacht business?
04:08 John Henner’s background in emergency medical services
06:19 Packages offered by Cabo Yacht Charters
09:35 Long yacht trips in Cabo
10:50 Celebrity guests on Cabo Yacht Charters
11:43 What does it cost to charter a luxury yacht in Cabo?
12:50 Surprising things about the yacht business
14:36 What should you look out for when chartering a yacht?
16:26 Yacht charter horror stories
18:49 Does Cabo Yacht Charters offer specialty services?
19:56 What is Number Juan Tequila named after?
21:14 What is the tequila business like?
22:31 Who founded Number Juan Tequila?
23:16 What is it like doing business in Mexico?
28:16 What’s next for John Henner?
29:08 John Henner’s favorite things about living in Las Vegas
30:50 Where to purchase Number Juan Tequila
31:32 How to book a trip with Cabo Yacht Charters
32:52 Outro

— Memorable Quotes —
“If it floats, flies, or f***s, you’ve got to rent it.” - John Henner

“What started off as an idea turned into a hobby and is now a decent-sized business.” - John Henner

“The tequila business is a great way to have fun. Of all the ways that I’ve lost money, it’s been my favorite.” - John Henner

— About This Week’s Guests —
John Henner is a Las Vegas-based entrepreneur offering luxury yacht experiences through his company Cabo Yacht Charters—and an investor in the boutique tequila company Number Juan Tequila.

— Charter a Yacht or Buy Tequila —
Cabo Yacht Charters Website: https://caboyachtcharters.com
Number Juan Tequila Website: https://numberjuantequila.com

— About The Show —
Elevate is a show that explores the latest in elevated living. Hear from the local artisans, business owners, and innovators who make Las Vegas extraordinary and whose stories and insights will help you live your best life.

With monthly gambling revenue over a billion dollars, Las Vegas is a hot spot for high-paying executive jobs. Today on elevate, we have an exclusive interview with Mark Wayman, a top-level Executive Recruiter in the casino and gaming industry — better known as The Godfather of Las Vegas. We’re talking about million-dollar salaries, the ins and outs of the casino industry, and what the future might look like in Las Vegas.

— In This Episode You’ll Discover —

00:00 Introduction
00:45 What does it mean to be an Executive Recruiter?
02:01 What kind of clients does Mark Wayman work with?
02:43 How did Mark Wayman develop his network?
04:15 The best advice for recruiting
05:06 What does the future of the gaming industry look like in Las Vegas?
06:27 What kind of casino jobs make over $1,000,000 per year?
07:35 Why do they call Mark Wayman The Godfather of Las Vegas?
08:38 About The Godfather’s quarterly client mixers
10:29 Recruiting by referral only
11:50 Does Mark Wayman work in other gaming cities, such as Macau?
13:41 Exciting casino projects in Las Vegas
15:16 Mark’s hobbies, from horse racing to entertainment booking
17:21 What makes the gaming and hospitality industry different from other industries?
23:49 Mark Wayman’s proudest achievements
25:14 The biggest mistake in Mark’s career
27:09 Nepotism in the high-level casino industry
29:24 The most memorable experiences for The Godfather of Las Vegas
32:16 About Mark Wayman’s upcoming book, Money Machine
32:59 Outro

— Memorable Quotes —
“I only have one purpose, and that’s for my friends and clients to meet each other.” - Mark Wayman

“Relationships trump talent.” - Mark Wayman

“Without integrity, nothing else matters.” - Mark Wayman

— About This Week’s Guests —
Mark Wayman is an Executive Recruiter in the gaming and casino industry that connects top executives with the city’s best companies. Known by his friends and clients as The Godfather of Las Vegas, Mark focuses on serving others through career opportunities and charity/community. His company The Foundation is an executive recruiting firm focused on gaming/casinos and high tech. Compensation starts at $100,000, with average placement at $200,000+.

— Get In Touch With Mark Wayman—
LinkedIn:

Designing and building your custom dream home isn’t fast or easy, but it is one of the most rewarding goals you can achieve. Today on elevate, you’ll hear from Quinn Boesenecker, Owner and Principal at Pinnacle Architectural Studio. We’re sharing our best advice for anyone considering a custom home build — including tips for working with an architect, today’s trending design materials, and what timelines and costs you can expect.

— In This Episode You’ll Discover —

00:00 Introduction
00:43 How did Pinnacle Architectural Studio get started?
02:00 Best practices when building a custom home
04:16 Why it’s important to get along with your architect
04:34 What’s the timeline of a custom home build?
06:23 What does it cost to build a custom home?
08:00 The biggest mistake that custom home clients make
08:50 The biggest architectural project Quinn Boesenecker has worked on
09:43 Problems that can happen while building a custom home
12:11 Architectural trends 2022
15:13 What is rammed earth?
15:58 Current projects at Pinnacle Architectural Studio
17:39 What happens when chosen materials become unavailable during a custom home build?
19:09 Trending architecture and design materials 2022
20:44 Water conservation in residential architecture
21:50 Making a home more sellable during the design process
23:30 Trusting your architect - a half-million dollar success story
25:08 How often do architects and interior designers travel for work?
26:10 How hands-on can clients be in a custom home project?
28:02 Why professional experience is invaluable (in both architecture and real estate)
29:07 Who works at Pinnacle Architectural Studio?
30:15 Outro

— Memorable Quotes —

“What you should rely on is the architect to lead you in the direction of the house.” - Quinn Boesenecker

“The pros make things look easy, and that’s always going to be the problem.” - Rob Jensen

— About Pinnacle Architectural Studio —

Pinnacle Architectural Studio is an innovative architecture and interior design firm that is producing incredible luxury residential designs throughout the country. With over 20 years of experience, Pinnacle offers high profile success at a time when most architects are just finding their niche in the craft. For Pinnacle Architectural Studio every custom home is a direct reflection of the client’s personal taste desires and needs. Every individual client can expect their dream home to be as unique as they are. When a client meets with Pinnacle Architectural Studio for the first time they experience the studio’s infectious enthusiasm to create art in architecture. Pinnacle’s clients take comfort in the studio’s hands on approach with exclusive access to the team. They can expect personal professional services and unsurpassed customer service unlike any other.

— Get In Touch With Pinnacle Architectural Studio —

Phone: 702.940.6920
Email: [email protected]

— About The Show — 

Elevate is a show that explores the latest in elevated living. Hear from the local artisans, business owners, and innovators who make Las Vegas extraordinary and whose stories and insights will help you live your best life.

Even if you have a million dollars in the bank, getting a mortgage loan can be challenging, but planning ahead can make all the difference. Today on elevate, you’ll hear from Michelle Massa NMLS # 409911, Senior Mortgage Loan Officer at Nevada State Bank. We’re sharing our best advice for buyers looking for a mortgage—from common mistakes you can avoid to questions you should ask your lender.

The following interview discusses various mortgage products, rates, and financing scenarios.  These are intended for illustrative purposes.  Please consult a mortgage, real estate, and tax professional regarding your own financing needs and options.  Mortgage financing is subject to credit approval.  Terms, conditions, and restrictions may apply, see your mortgage lender for details.

— In This Episode You’ll Discover —
00:00 Introduction 
00:44 Michelle Massa’s background in the mortgage business
03:23 Why you should be transparent with your lender
05:07 Common issues getting a mortgage
06:22 What’s considered a jumbo loan?
06:50 The importance of mortgage pre-qualification
09:10 How does a credit check affect your credit score?
13:10 Should you shop for a mortgage online?
15:03 When the Fed raises rates, how does that affect mortgage rates?
16:20 Covid-19 mortgage deferment 
18:28 What you should know about the current mortgage industry (June 2022)
22:05 What is a good faith estimate or loan estimate?
27:48 Is the mortgage refinance boom over?
28:23 What’s better, a cash-out refinance or home equity line of credit (HELOC)?
30:20 Does Nevada State Bank do VA loans?
31:15 When will mortgage interest rates go up?
32:40 Outro

— Memorable Quotes —
“Don’t be afraid to tell your lender the worst stuff.” - Michelle Massa

“Please understand that income on taxes is what we use.” - Michelle Massa

“The sooner you get that application in, the sooner you will set yourself up for success.” - Rob Jensen

“You definitely have to look at all of the information.” - Michelle Massa

— About This Week’s Guests —
Michelle Massa has been in the mortgage industry for 20 years, including 14 years specializing in the Private Mortgage Banking arena, where she works with self-employed and high net worth clients. Her annual sales volume has been over $50 million since 2018, with a focus on purchase transactions closing in 30 days or less. Her goal is to always hear each client’s story and to handle their needs and requests quickly and efficiently.

— Get In Touch With Michelle Massa —
Phone: 702.271.8447
Email: [email protected]

— About The Show — 
Elevate is a show that explores the latest in elevated living. Hear from the local artisans, business owners, and innovators who make Las Vegas extraordinary and whose stories and insights will help you live your best life.

They say that nothing is certain except death and taxes, but with the right knowledge, you can make tax laws work in your favor. Today on elevate, you’ll hear from Scott Taylor, a CPA with over 30 years of experience and BDO’s Office Managing Partner at their Las Vegas and Reno practices. We’ll dive into the world of real estate taxes—from upcoming changes in tax policy to tips on how to avoid paying capital gains tax.

 — In This Episode You’ll Discover —
00:00 Introduction
00:44 When do you pay capital gains tax on real estate?
01:47 What’s the best option to minimize the capital gains tax on real estate?
02:55 Long-term vs. short-term capital gains
04:29 How to manage taxes on a capital loss
06:00 Depreciation on rental properties
09:22 What is recapture and how is it calculated?
10:10 Taxes on property you partially own
13:09 How do renovations affect real estate taxes?
16:35 What’s going on in the world of taxes?
18:03 What is the mortgage tax deduction capped at?
19:28 Should you talk to your CPA before selling your house?
21:36 What is a 1031 exchange?
29:06 How are rising interest rates affecting the real estate market?
30:35 Outro

 — Memorable Quotes —
“Depreciation is an awesome thing when it comes to rental properties.” - Rob Jensen

“It’s vitally important to talk to your CPA before selling.” - Scott Taylor

“You’re almost always going to get a big deduction for depreciation.” - Scott Taylor

“Sometimes having debt on rentals can leverage your return.” - Rob Jensen
  
— About This Week’s Guests —
Serving as the office managing partner overseeing BDO’s Las Vegas and Reno tax practices, Scott Taylor has 30 years of experience providing tax services to companies of varying size in multiple vertical markets. In addition to his tax work, he also provides services for business consulting, deal structuring, receivership and litigation support services.

 — Get In Touch With Scott Taylor —
Phone: 702.673.1211
Email: [email protected]
 
— About The Show — 
Elevate is a show that explores the latest in elevated living. Hear from the local artisans, business owners, and innovators who make Las Vegas extraordinary and whose stories and insights will help you live your best life.