It would take more words than there are in this book to thank everyone who’s helped me along on this incredible, and somewhat surreal, journey. While this may be the longest acknowledgment page you’ve ever encountered, trust me, I’m trying to be brief!
So, thank you to:
My parents, Fred and Carol, for all you’ve done to guide my life. Everything I’ve achieved is rooted in the gifts you’ve passed on: honesty and integrity, respect and hard work, flight and the passion for travel—and, of course, love and that rainbow.
Tim Poster, because even though the book is dedicated to you, a second porterhouse is needed to acknowledge your heart of gold and the impact you’ve had on my life. Here’s a toast to the next voyage.
My wonderful wife, Vanessa Tarazona, for being beautiful inside and out. Thanks for giving me a new way to smile each day.
My brother John, for all of your wisdom and the courage to tell me how you really feel. And my brothers Mike and Freddy, for the Piledrivers and flying high—you led by example.
My sisters, Kim, for defense; Jody, for patience; Stephanie, for Skynyrd; and Elena, for the introduction to Spanish.
Grandma Johnson, for the cribbage games; Grandpa Johnson, for his last words; Grandma Breitling, for the Frosted Flakes; and Grandpa Breitling, for the lawnmower rides.
Uncle Jack, for taking me in as his own and not laughing too hard at my naiveté.
Vicki and Frank Fertitta Jr., for their open arms and watchful eyes.
Lorenzo Fertitta, for helping me lift the brick; and Teresa, for showing me how to make a home.
Frank Fertitta III, for throwing me into the Mediterranean and showing me a world of no boundaries. And Jill, who exposed me to style.
Perry Rogers, who picks up the phone and changes the world.
Andre Agassi, for the best steak ever and the conversation that altered my life.
Ed Borgato, for slamming his fist down when it mattered, and for introducing all of us to Cinema Paradiso.
Todd Wilson, for the curiosity that cracked open the James Bond briefcase.
Steve and Elaine Wynn, who continue to teach us about leadership.
The Maestro, Cal Fussman, for the best ears on the planet.
Tony Bennett and Danny Bennett, for showing us the true power in a partnership and the meaning of class.
Bobby Baldwin, for the history lesson and the blessing.
Jack Binion, for asking the big question and answering it, too.
Chuck Mathewson, for trusting us enough to ante up; and Burton Cohen, who knows how to make advice seem like a good story.
Tim’s mom, Nikki Xerogianes; the one and only Aunt Mary; and the legendary Uncle Jimmy, who helped make Tim Tim.
Captain John, for the green bananas; and Harry Kassup, for bringing the Virgin to Vegas.
Bob Martin, who taught us all how to get the best of it.
Frank Toti Sr., for his “acts of kindness”; and Frank Toti Jr., for playing the role of Tom before I arrived.
Curt Magleby, for pointing us toward the deal that changed our lives.
Edward Muncey, for being “Mr. Incredible”; and his wife, Ashley, for understanding what it takes to be in-credible.
The boys at Skadden, Arps: Wally Schwartz, Howard Ellin, and Todd Freed, for making sure the contract was triple, quadruple, 100 percent ironclad.
Steve Cavallaro, for margarita coupons, his extraordinary nose, and for standing his ground.
Bernie Yuman, for simply being “Bernie,” because there is no other; and Gordie Brown, for the laughs.
Longtime friends Chris Bednarz, Ed Giefer, Mike Healey, Rich Dorn, and Matt Vasgersian, for keeping me humble.
Peter Wallace, for scribbling just the right notes on the napkin.
Tito Tiberti, for the backyard barbecues and bocce ball.
Bob Nagy, for the never-ending source of friendship—and amusement; and Carol, for being a saint.
Michael Reichartz, for scraping the “2” off 21st Century Investing.
Frank Sinatra, because the music lasts forever; and Matt Dusk, who reminds us of that.
Zach Conine, for leaving the hallways of Cornell to come to the roof of The Golden Nugget.
Maurice Wooden, for introducing us to every employee and making us feel at home in our home.
The legendary Johnny D.—Johnny DiCostantino—who honored us by coming out of retirement.
Pete Kaufman, for advice on how to hold up The House.
Joe Brunini, for taking a few minutes to pass on a lifetime of knowledge.
David Chesnoff, for watching our backs and insulting our fronts, and who’ll get the first invite to the next roast.
Freddy Glusman, because this book and Las Vegas just wouldn’t be the same without Piero’s.
Richie Wilk, for bringing in the Sopranos; and Steve Cyr for hunting whales in the desert.
The 2,500 employees at The Golden Nugget, for reviving Vintage Vegas.
Larry Ruvo, for good spirits; Leor Yerushalmi, for all the bling and the perfect ring; and Patrick Lewis, because I keep my promises.
Jim and Heather Murren at the Nevada Cancer Institute, who continue to teach me how to make Vegas a better place.
The entire student body at the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, including the six students that I mentor—Ricky, Jon, Cashawnda, Shaniqa, Bianca, and Simone—for their commitment and desire to take the next step.
Cedric Crear, for establishing Tim’s work ethic at the fountains.
The men and women at Nellis Air Force Base and all members of the armed services for providing the freedom that allows all of us the opportunity to be entrepreneurs.
YMCA Camp Warren, where I learned to work as part of a team.
The University of San Diego, for putting me in just the right place; and Sardina’s restaurant for that veal parmigiana sandwich.
Norm Clarke, Vegas’s ultimate eye in the sky.
Michael Shulman, the Diva himself.
Scott Nielson, for his fine-tooth comb.
Dana White, for teaching me how to fight out of a corner.
Billy Richardson and his mom, for rolling with the punches.
Seth Shomes, for the introduction, and to Aaron Lewis for the song.
Jack Sheehan, for opening the door.
Sam Bybee, for making me aware that I only needed six hours’ sleep a night; and Larry Sacknoff, for giving me my first break.
Brian Lipson, and everyone at Endeavor, who took the rollercoaster from Beverly Hills to Barnes and Noble.
Marion Maneker, for believing from the start.
Genoveva Llosa, for the meticulous editing; Ethan Friedman, for wanting to jump aboard; and David Hirshey, for guiding us through the journey.
Richard Ljoenes, for the great cover; Margot Schupf, for those extra photos; and Steve Ross, for making things happen in less than 1.2 seconds.
Monsignor Dan Dillabough, for the spiritual guidance.
Bill Fioravanti, for the custom tuxedos that are a perfect fit for the future.
Bally, who’s taught us unconditional love.