Icould not have written this book without the support of my entire family. My parents, Vic and Joy, and Paige, Michael, Patrick, Blayne, and Blake, and my brothers Jay and Todd, have heard every “Tilmanism” in this book and more.
I would like to thank those who provided critical feedback during the writing and editing process for this book, including Patrick Fertitta, Michael Fertitta, Steve Scheinthal, Dancie Ware, Melissa Radovich, and Dash Kohlhausen. My editor Lavaille Lavette was the catalyst for this book and has been there every step of the way to make this book a success.
I particularly want to acknowledge my friends and contemporaries who took time to make contributions to the “Tilman I Know” section of this book, including Rich Handler, Dave Jacquin, Capt. Mark Kelly, Capt. Scott Kelly, Michael Milken, and Dr. Renu Khator.
Lastly, without the dedication of all of my Landry’s, Golden Nugget, and Rockets employees, I would not have built my organization to what it is today, and there would not be a book to write. I often brag about how fortunate I am to have kept so many long-tenured employees. I take their dedication as the ultimate compliment. I particularly want to acknowledge the following executives, all of whom have been with me for approximately twenty years:
Andy Alexander
Keith Beitler
Jeff Cantwell
Kerri Carr
Howard Cole
Gerry Del
Prete Rhonda DePaulis
Jim Dufault
Richard Flowers
Shah Ghani
Steve Greenberg
Nicki Keenan
Brett Kellerman
Lori Kittle
James Kramer
Julie Liebelt
Rick Liem
Scott Marshall
Mark Monsma
Don Rakoski
Kelly Roberts
Kathy Ruiz
Steve Scheinthal
Paul Schultz
Lynn Small
Dena Stagner
Stephanie Tallent
Karim Tamir
Terry Turney
Tim Whitlock
There is not enough space on the page to list the hundreds of other employees who have been with me so many years, but to all of you who were not listed on this page, thank you as well for your dedication.