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 company’s 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 Harrah’s 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 Bally’s 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 company’s casinos in Nevada, Illinois, Missouri and Louisiana.  Mr. Groom was hands-on in his approach toward improving the company’s 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 Harrah’s Entertainment providing superior value for the shareholders and greater opportunity for the employees. 

From September 2001 until January 2003, Mr. Groom operated Park Place Entertainment’s flagship property, Caesars Palace, as the President/Chief Operating Officer.  During his tenure he oversaw a massive renovation and construction project and reorganized the property’s gaming and marketing divisions.  Mr. Groom is undeniably one of the gaming industry’s 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 father’s 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 Bally’s 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. Yochum’s 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, Harrah’s 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 company’s financial reporting systems as well as strategic planning and operations. Steven serves on the Executive Committee and plays a pivotal role in the company’s 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 Wonder’s Singapore RFP submittal in 2006.

Steven graduated from Cornell University’s, School of Hotel Administration, New York and received a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Casino Resort Management.