Committee Member: Jon Gray

Jon Gray

Las Vegas - GM at Palms Casino Resort

Becoming one of the youngest GM’s in all of Las Vegas comes with a heavy workload, long nights, and a lot of responsibility; three aspects that Jon Gray harnesses and thrives from. Gray, who was born and raised in central Nevada, had spent his childhood years visiting his grandparents in the city and would marvel at the lights of the strip. This childhood wonder quickly transformed his life in college while attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. By his senior year, Gray was working around 60 hours per week at Wynn Las Vegas as a front desk clerk. This is when he met George Maloof, who at the time was a part-owner of Palms Casino Resort; Gray kindled a relationship with Maloof and upon his graduation from UNLV, was offered a position at Palms. After six years rising through the ranks at Palms, Gray went on to work at a few different spots including Nike and The Linq Hotel. Now as a former GM at Palms, Gray looks to continue elevating life in Las Vegas, and beyond.

Q&A:

Hometown?

Tonopah, NV.

Place you call home now (neighborhood etc)?

Summerlin.

Any notes on your education?

Bachelor’s in Business Management at UNLV.

Favorite sport to watch?

Hockey.

Favorite sport to play?

Football.

Best vacation ever?

What’s vacation?

Dream trip destination?

Northern Lights.

Favorite dinner?

Italian.

Favorite dessert?

Pistachio Flan from Vetri Cucina.

Underrated food?

Ethiopian food.

Dish you’re best at cooking?

Baby back ribs.

Best meal you've had at a restaurant?

Scotch 80 Prime.

Road trip - three in the car with you. Living or dead. Who are they? Why?

Tal Cooperman – because I would want him to enjoy it with me
Frank Sinatra – because he’s the king and has so many stories
Jesus – just to get the real scoop

Favorite TV show as a kid?

PeeWee’s Playhouse.

Favorite movies?

Casino.

Favorite actress and or actor?

Robert DeNiro.

Favorite bands?

Led Zepplin, Guns n Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Most impressive live performance you ever saw?

The Black Keys.

Car you drive now?

86’ CJ 7 Jeep.

Car you’d like to drive?

Defender 110.

Best car you've owned?

1966 Thunderbird.

Motorcycle?

I had an old 60s Vespa with a sidecar.

Got a favorite watch?

Rolex Daytona.

Got a dream watch?

Paul Newman’s Daytona.

Summer drink of choice?

Aperol Spritz.

Winter drink of choice?

Everything.

Bourbon or scotch?

Scotch.

Vodka or gin?

Vodka.

Cologne?

Hanae Morea.

Go-to red on a wine list?

Prisoner.

Go-to white?

Buttery Chardonnay.

Favorite beach?

North Shore Hawaii.

On a Saturday, your favorite errand to run is?

Anything at Home Depot.

Otherwise, you’ll be busy doing what?

Working.

Best work advice you ever got?

The harder you work, the luckier you get.

Best thing about your career?

Connecting people.