Combined Experience of the
Team
The Epic Gaming team has approximately 100 years of gaming experience. The Epic Gaming team has been licensed or employed in no less than twelve jurisdictions, which include Las Vegas, Mesquite, Wendover, Biloxi, Atlantic City, New Orleans, and Indian Country. With this breadth of knowledge the Epic Gaming team understands that each market is unique, requiring specific marketing strategies to be successful.
John Groom
Chief Executive Officer
Perhaps one of the most recognized executives in the gaming business, Mr. Groom has held senior management positions in all major American gaming markets. Joining Caesars Atlantic City in 1979, Mr. Groom was part of the management team that opened what would be one of the most profitable and professionally run casinos in the United States. He was soon promoted to greater responsibility and ultimately elevated to the position of SVP Casino Operations during a time that Caesars was by far the leader in the gaming industry.
In 1993, during the companys growth period, Mr.
Groom was once again promoted within the Caesars organization and
named to the post of President/Chief Operating Officer of Caesars
New Orleans. After Harrahs was declared
the winner in the competition for the gaming license in New
Orleans, he was transferred to Caesars Palace where he was named
EVP of Operations and later EVP of Development where he was first
exposed to Indian gaming. In 1995, Mr. Groom was
hired as EVP for Ballys Park Place where he assisted in the
design and planning for the Paris Las Vegas
Resort. In 1996 Mr. Groom was recruited by
Players International to be its EVP of Operations and a short time
later was elevated to Chief Operating Officer.
In this position he supervised the companys casinos in
Nevada, Illinois, Missouri and Louisiana. Mr.
Groom was hands-on in his approach toward improving the
companys operations by reorganization and recruitment of
qualified management teams for all properties.
Subsequently, in 1997 he was named to the Board of Directors and in
1999 became the President/Chief Executive Officer of Players
International. With no acting Chairman, Mr.
Groom led the board through the sale of the company to
Harrahs Entertainment providing superior value for the
shareholders and greater opportunity for the
employees.
From September 2001 until January 2003, Mr. Groom operated Park Place Entertainments flagship property, Caesars Palace, as the President/Chief Operating Officer. During his tenure he oversaw a massive renovation and construction project and reorganized the propertys gaming and marketing divisions. Mr. Groom is undeniably one of the gaming industrys most sought after and experienced hotel and casino operators.
Rick Richards
President
A third-generation gaming executive, Mr. Richards is a bright
star in the casino operations arena. Beginning in 1981 Mr. Richards
began his career with Boyd Gaming as a dealer. During the next 10
years he realized his dream of following in his fathers
footsteps as a top casino professional.
Beginning in 1991 and thru 1995 he honed his craft at Caesars
Palace on the Las Vegas strip where he oversaw the pit operations.
Working his way up in the fast growing gaming world, Mr. Richards
was highly sought after for his even temperament and sharp approach
to the business. He held top positions such as National Branch
Marketing Manager for Hilton Corporation in Houston, TX.
Returning to Las Vegas he took over as the VP of Operations for
Ballys Casino. He next held the position of VP and Assistant
General Manager at Players Island in Lake Charles, LA. Mr. Richards
later began a multi-position relationship with Hard Rock Casino
Hotel from pre-opening, beginning as Casino Shift Manager and later
as the VP of Casino Operations.
Finally Mr. Richards shepherded the Hard Rock Casino through the
most profitable 6 quarters in the resorts history as the General
Manager of this quality based trendy casino. In mid 2002, Mr.
Richards took his vast experience to San Diego to the San Pasqual
tribes Valley View Casino. In the burgeoning casino industry Mr.
Richards has a well-rounded career that has seen him in riverboat,
tribal, Las Vegas Strip and locals casinos.
Greg Yochum
Chief Financial Officer
A second-generation finance professional Mr. Yochum graduated
from Canisius College in 1988 with a Business Administration degree
with a focus in Accounting. Later he became a Certified Public
Accountant in New York State.
Mr. Yochum first entered the gaming business as Senior Auditor with
BDO Seidman. Later assuming the Controller/Director of Finance
duties at Lady Luck Casino in Las Vegas Mr. Yochum was responsible
for the modernization of the accounting procedures in a very
traditional environment.
During the next 7 years Mr. Yochum facilitated a $47 MM refinancing
package for Lady Luck which allowed access to $7 MM in additional
capital. In 2000 Mr. Yochum was named Assistant General Manager and
soon after VP and General Manager of Lady Luck. At the helm of this
venerable property he was responsible for all aspects of the
operation.
After the Lady Luck was purchased by Isle of Capri Casinos Mr.
Yochum assumed the Director of Finance position at Sunset Station
Hotel Casino in Las Vegas. Upon arriving at Sunset Station Mr.
Yochum focused his attention on the operating departments working
closely with them on an individual basis. During this time he
implemented value/cost relationships in departmental budgets
focused on service and guest relations. This property is widely
considered the premier locals casino in Las Vegas and
has enjoyed incredible success during Mr. Yochums tenure.
Most recently Mr. Yochum has been the VP and Chief Financial
Officer of the Valley View Casino in San Diego California.
Recognized in the industry for many accomplishments most notably
his ability to work hand in hand with operating departments from a
financial perspective he was a natural fit for a newly opened
tribal casino in the fastest growing market in the United States.
At this well located tribal property Mr. Yochum assisted in the $38
MM restructure of previous debt. Additionally, he has reorganized
the troubled finance department.
Steven Rueben
Development
Steven Rueben has over 20 years experience in financial
management, business operations, and casino focused real estate
development. His experiences cover a wide range of
disciplines that include accounting, finance, compliance, cost
control, financial analysis, taxation, banking, investment,
auditing, licensing, legal and business affairs, software
development, probity, strategic planning, and the development of
intellectual property.
His in-depth operational and financial expertise has
principally been acquired in the real estate and hospitality
industries, primarily focused on the gaming, leisure and
entertainment sectors.
Steven has been employed by or consulted by business leaders
for such blue chip brands as ARAMARK Leisure Services Group,
Harrahs Entertainment, Hilton Hotels, Marriott Hotels
Worldwide, Marriott Vacation Club, Radisson Hotels, Hertz Rent a
Car, MGM Mirage, Disney Land Resort, Arc Restaurants and Avis
(Cendant) Rent a Car.
Steven currently works with the global casino developer,
Eighth Wonder International Limited. He is its Senior
Director responsible for Finance, Accounting &
Compliance. Steven is responsible for all aspects of the
companys financial reporting systems as well as strategic
planning and operations. Steven serves on the Executive Committee
and plays a pivotal role in the companys business development
process. Steven has played a key role in the arranging of
financing of over $1 billion since 2005. These financings
include; bridging loans, bank guarantees, project loans,
convertibles debentures and warrants. Steven was on the team
that arraigned the $3.2 billion financing package for Eighth
Wonders Singapore RFP submittal in 2006.
Steven graduated from Cornell Universitys, School of
Hotel Administration, New York and received a Bachelor of Science
degree with a concentration in Casino Resort Management.


