ENTERPRISE DIRECTOR & GENERAL MANAGER

BlueWater Resort & Casino | Parker, AZ

April, 2008 to April, 2010
Enterprise Director & General Manager, August, 2009 to April, 2010
Marketing consultant to General Manager, April, 2008 to August, 2009

On the shores of the Colorado River in Parker, AZ, BlueWater Resort & Casino is the entertainment capital of western Arizona. BlueWater offers a wide range of slot machines, table games, poker and bingo, 200 deluxe rooms and suites (all with stunning river and mountain views), live entertainment, major concerts and fine dining. And, with a 164-slip marina, movie theater, RV Park and arcade, BlueWater truly has something for everyone!

Initiated brand positioning efforts, guest services upgrade program, VIP recognition events, new website development, expanded casino promotions, consolidation of resort and casino divisions, upgrades to food service operation and more, resulting in enhanced perceptions of resort by local and VIP guests. Ended erosion of bottom line profit slide which covered a three-year period through VIP promotions and expanded, targeted marketing. Instilled sense of pride and "ownership" among team members, launched employee recognition programs, "thank you" programs and committee approach to meet employee questions and concerns.

Professional references: 

"During his stay with BlueWater, Barry was able to turn the operation around, increase employee morale, establish clear short and long-term plans, and launch new marketing programs that generated substantial new revenues.  He also initiated a merger of the Hotel and Casino to provide better guest service and reduce annual payroll expenses by nearly a half million dollars.  There are many positive things he accomplished and started despite constantly banging into a wall, as the Tribal Council was of two distinct power factions with a history of unrest and five recalls in the past three years.  Despite this, Barry was able to set a positive example for all employees and rapidly move the enterprise forward.”

                    Michael Eigenbrodt, formerly Director of Human Resources
                    Colorado River Indian Tribes (owner of BlueWater Resort & Casino)
                    (currently President & CEO, InterAgency Services, Lake Havasu AZ)

"Barry is a dedicated leader, and always has fresh ideas to throw around.  I worked for him as a designer, and I was very impressed with all his amazing advertising ideas, and how he collaborated with others.  As a Graphic Artist, if I had to stay late for one of Barry's projects he would stick it out too, until the job was done.  I would absolutely recommend Barry."

                     Gene Smith, Graphic Artist
                     BlueWater Resort & Casino