Mark Grado Email & Phone Number

Phoenix, Arizona, United States

Vice President of Special Events coordinates the operations of all Relentless Beats special events across its entire portfolio. The role is a key member of the leadership team and is charged with strengthening Relentless Beats' portfolio of events and overall guest experience. Responsible for managing budgets, forecasting, purchasing, and hiring within the division. Communication, relationships and team building are key portions of this role. Executing across multiple disciplines on behalf of Relentless Beats is the goal everyday.

•Aid clients in achieving better margins, expanding their markets and reach through strategic consulting, targeting new revenue opportunities, relationship building and development of standards and operational processes. •Consulting and planning specializing in operational oversight of varied facilities including the Hospitality, Leisure, and Entertainment industries. •Expertly skilled at event coordination, logistics and security at the corporate and facilities and guest levels. •Open, organize, and direct multiple startups and operational business models across various markets including Entertainment Venues, Security and Safety, Transportation, and the Food and Beverage industry. •Proficient and proven track record of organizing, directing and opening multiple formats including all forms of Hospitality, and Entertainment venues, and incorporating varied spectrums of service and dining into a custom matrix.•Consistent and documented success in identifying, analyzing and capitalizing on market trends, creating the strongest potential for higher profits, for high visibility brands and partnerships.•Verified achievements in both project and asset management through innovative marketing/media and oversight. •A proficient communicator, team builder and effective leader that’s motivated and capable of motivating others.

Chandler, Arizona, United States

• Oversaw all facilities in the Rawhide/ Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park portfolio, as well as provided procurement and programming to all three (3) of the Gila River Casino Enterprises, regarding specialized labor, talent, and touring acts for their entertainment endeavors. • Guided, directed and developed the managers, directors, and employees at all assigned entities. • Promoted over the course of nine years and facilitated the creation of a new position and division in 2020 from the assets developed for the community during my tenure. • Strategically planned, developed, and worked with senior leadership to aid the General Manager in implementing Wild Horse Pass Development Authority directives. Supported all WHPDA and the Gila River Community initiatives, in my field of expertise regarding the world of Hospitality, Sports and Entertainment and the various revenue generators that are located throughout the destination because of the experiential nature of the operations.

Chandler, Az - Gila River

• Constantly grew the market segment and redefined the business model in support of the team goals and the parent entity, the Wild Horse Pass Development Authority.• Played a major role, as Director of Operations, in the creation and execution of the Rawhide Signature events; overseeing every aspect from the back-of-house teams to the temporary staffing, as well as the front-line staff and associates that were part of the core operation. • Initiated the team’s realignment and preparation for the cross-training that the management team created to increase capacity for the venue staff in line with business expansion. This included the Attractions Team, Livestock and Facilities Maintenance staffing for the entire 1200-acre site, and a 47-thousand square foot convention and trade show space. • Managed $10M+ in facility revenue from generation to P&L review and oversaw the entire Food and Beverage division which included three full-time outlets, as well as all banquets and concession operations. • Ensured food & beverage outlets complied with the brand and other efficiency measuring standards while enforcing compliance with local, state, and federal laws about food and alcoholic beverage sales.• Gained a vast personal network in the Events & Entertainment Industry from Local, Regional, National, & International contacts.• Involved in community outreach and support efforts to increase our goodwill with the Gila River Community and Leadership at the highest levels.• Promoted from an initial position as Director of F&B to Director of Operations, Assistant General Manager and ultimately to General Manager.

• Piloted designed, and implemented various systems and procedures for three food, beverage, and entertainment facilities, providing QSR and casual dining experiences, located in Tucson, Arizona, San Bernardino, California, and El Paso, Texas. • Directed financial operations, oversaw all facets of operations. • Enhanced market awareness, rebranding product as Latino-friendly, through acquisition of strategic relationships with Latin promoters and vendors.

• Negotiated and implemented all recording, performance, and national and international endorsement contracts for Grammy nominated Sony Recording artist. • Partnered in creating and executing marketing plan for recordings with Sony Music. • Monitored authorized branding of name, likeness, and logo to align with company commitments. • Administered company’s financial assets including expenses, P&L statements and functioned as power of attorney for artist and company. • Directed tour and event bookings along with public and mass media communications, and cultivated industry relationships with NARAS, LARAS, BMI, and RIAA.

Spearheaded revitalization of operations for three of the nation’s largest live entertainment facilities, two of them located in San Antonio and one in El Paso, Texas. Governed all staffing, inventory, cost controls, marketing, and promotions. Controlled all mass media negotiations, major purchases, and legal issues. Administered P&L and all expenditures. Established inventory and staff efficiency policies with CFO. Ensured compliance with local, state, and federal laws pertaining to alcoholic beverage sales. Implemented P.O.S. tracking to improve cash control and accuracy. Coordinated food and beverage services. Served as contract negotiator and business community liaison for all Latin artists contracted to perform.