John Setterstrom Email & Phone Number

Rochester, Washington

Hired to start the Chehalis Tribe Lucky Eagle Casino as the General Manager. See desription of start-up years in the Lucky Eagle experience below.Developed detailed plans, then created and led the Organization Development Team to seek out motivated tribal members, gauge their strengths and aptitudes, choose casino occupations to suit their strengths, help set goals, train and mentor them, and manage their growth to achieve ultimate objectives. Grew large numbers of Chehalis Tribe members into management and executive positions within the casino operation and tribal government making the Organization Development Program a resounding success. Led The Lucky Eagle to become the foremost casino in Washington State with a number of firsts: Player’s Club, Class II video gaming devices; live boxing cards; gaming tournaments, name (star) entertainment; video slot machines; extensive bussing program; direct mail program. Established a fully integrated computer environment with cutting edge technology and analysis capabilities. Quadrupled revenues in the first five years, and lead significant increases year over year.Managed the day-to-day operations of the Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel and its eventual 716-member staff. While running the Lucky Eagle, obtained permission from The Chehalis Tribe to work on outside consulting projects. Led a successful transition team for the Skagit Valley Casino north of Marysville, WA for Upper Skagit Tribe. On another project, increased customer counts by 400% and led a successful turnaround effort for the Swinomish Casino in Anacortes, WA, from an operation that was losing money into a profitable business for ten consecutive months.

Rochester, Washington

Hired to start the Chehalis Tribe Lucky Eagle Casino as the General Manager.Worked closely with Tribal leaders and reached out to the local community to build support for a gaming operation.Acquired the necessary state licensure to operate. Dealt with governmental officials and regulators.Managed all facilities design and construction. Worked with designers, architects, and construction contractors to accomplish start-up under budget.Managed the acquisition of equipment and supplies and uniforms. Implemented internal controls.Set up dealer schools. Interviewed and oversaw training and staffing of initially 400 employees. Developed and implemented marketing strategies, designed signage, branded the business.Created a "Cheers Factor" brand that stressed friendliness and personalized service. Due to remote location, developed strategy to reach beyond local primary market and penetrate secondary outside markets.Envisioned and built a functionally egalitarian culture where no one in organization had any more importance than any once else, including the General Manager. Hired servitude personalities that would help build the culture.To ensure Chehalis Tribe was recognized for giving back, fostered a culture of community involvement and encouraged the executive team to join non-profit boards within the tribal and local outside community.

Lake Chelan, Wa

Hired by Colville Tribe to open their first casino, initially a temporary building until a permanent structure could be completed. Overcame multiple challenges. To compensate for lack of experienced personnel in the area, started four dealer schools spread over an expanse of 90 miles. Faced with a deadline of just six months to open, assumed the role of General Contractor to prepare site for a modular structure, flew in a ready-made restaurant and kitchen, and opened the operation in four months. Compensated for Chelan fires which cut off all access to Lake Chelan from the outside world by marketing to locals including Red Cross workers and firefighters. Tribal Council wanted slot machines. Brought in mobile offices to accommodate the infrastructure needed, then acquired machines from different sources including Canada.

Marysville, Wa

Recruited by Vegas associate to open first casino in Washington State. Opened dealer schools, hired trainers, and wrote training manuals. Moved into administrative role, wrote regulations, tracked employee licensing, purchased all the FF&E, and hired administrative staff including all department managers and supervisors. Started a school for the Washington State Gambling Commission (WSGC). Wrote curriculum, oversaw, and participated in the training of state gaming agents in blackjack, craps, and roulette. Expanded curriculum to include game protection from potential scams or cheating. At least two gaming agents have advanced into top positions within the WSGC.Within six months after opening, promoted to General Manager.Streamlined operations, built teams, developed staff and improved community relations.Although casino was at full capacity, saw room for growth. Hired ad agency that developed a successful campaign to rebrand the casino increasing revenue by 30%.Mentored and taught Tulalip tribal members on casino games and operations. Four mentored tribal members grew into executive casino positions

Las Vegas, Nevada

The Golden Nugget was originally built in 1946, making it one of the oldest casinos in the city. In 1983, to compete with strip hotels, Steve Wynn turned The Golden Nugget, a downtown hotel, into a high roller hotel casino.Hired as High Limit Dealer, up to $25k per hand, the highest in Las Vegas. Within 6 months, promoted to Floor Supervisor. Stayed at The Golden Nugget for 8 years.While Steve Wynn was building the Mirage, the first Billion Dollar Casino in Las Vegas, was asked to join the transition team. Interviewed dealers and floor supervisors. In 1988, was asked to stay at the Golden Nugget and was promoted to Pit Manager and filled in as Shift Manager when needed.

Las Vegas, Nevada

The Sahara Casino Hotel, located on the Vegas Strip was one of the top Resorts in Las Vegas at the time. After dealer school, hired by the Sahara and dealt blackjack for 2.5 years until 1982.At the Sahara, due to composure under stress, became "go-to" high limit dealer.

Madison, Wisconsin

Madison, Wisconsin

The Boars Head was a 200 seat Old-English themed upscale Restaurant.After growing up in Wisconsin, then Las Vegas. Graduated high school in Las Vegas, 1974, moved back to Wisconsin, became Bartender, then Bar Manager at the Boars Head Dinner Club. Met wife there, married her 9 months later, then had a son.

Executive Leadership Program

Marketing And Gaming Techniques

Numerous Certifications