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.

Andrea Wilk

Vice President of Finance

A second generation finance professional Ms. Wilk graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 1989 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. Ms. Wilk has 17 years experience in the casino industry.

She began her casino career as a staff accountant at the MGM Desert Inn where she was responsible for reporting on the various branch offices, domestic as well as international. She then accepted a position at the Mirage as an Internal Control Analyst where writing policies and procedures pertaining to Gaming was her major responsibility.

In 1994, she then accepted a position as Senior Internal Control Auditor for the Sahara Corporation where her duties consisted of ensuring the compliance of all gaming areas. Shortly thereafter she was promoted to Assistant Controller for their Laughlin property, the Pioneer Hotel and Casino where she assisted the Controller in all areas, gaming and non-gaming. She then accepted a Casino Controller position at the Ramada Hotel and Casino, also located in Laughlin where she was responsible for all accounting and compliance issues regarding the gaming areas.

In 1997, Ms. Wilk returned to Las Vegas, to assist in the opening of Sunset Station in the capacity of Casino Controller. In 2001, she was promoted to Controller. During her time there, the casino went through two major Nevada Gaming Control Board Audits with very little findings. In 2004, Ms. Wilk took the position of Financial Controller for the Orleans before she was given the opportunity to work for Epic Gaming.

David Owens

Vice President of Development

A second generation gaming veteran with over 20 years gaming experience, David Owens began his career as a dice dealer in downtown Las Vegas in 1985. Moving to the Las Vegas Strip in 1986, David was employed with the Circus Circus Hotel and Casino in the Table Games department. In 1989, David Joined the Caesars Palace team and in 2000, David was part of the opening team for the newly remodeled Aladdin Hotel and Casino.

In 2003, David and his family relocated to Oklahoma, where he continued his education in business studies at the University of Central Oklahoma. David entered the world of Indian Gaming in 2005 at the Cheyenne-Arapaho’s Lucky Star Casino, where he used his expertise to make the casino the most popular and profitable in the state.

In 2006, David took the helm of the Otoe-Missouria’s Paradise Casino as General Manager. While the property had gone through a troubled past and a slew of General Managers, David was able to bring stability and vision. In addition, David was instrumental in designing and creating two additional successful gaming operations for the tribe.

David currently is the General Manager at Kickapoo Casino located in McLoud, Oklahoma where he oversee's the daily operations. 

David’s commitment to Native Americans and Indian Gaming is evident in his management style. Furthermore, David’s leadership abilities make him a stabilizing force in any project he is involved with.

Bill Nail

Director of Internal Audit

Mr. Nail graduated with a major in Accounting from Gannon University located in Erie, Pennsylvania in 1988. After college he spent one year working for Hill, Barth, and King C.P.A. firm. He then moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1990 to join the Gaming industry.

Mr. Nail began to develop his extensive knowledge in all facets of the gaming industry when he joined Mirage Resorts Corporation in 1990 as the in-charge auditor for gaming and non-gaming audits. Mr. Nail joined the Sahara Resorts Inc./Santa Fe Hotel & Casino in 1994 as their Senior Internal Auditor. This position allowed him to expand his knowledge as he assisted in the opening of two Mississippi river boat casinos and the sale of two major casinos in Las Vegas, Nevada. He also performed special projects where he aided in the detection of employee fraud and theft.

Upon the sale of the Santa Fe Hotel and Casino, Mr. Nail went to work for Park Place Entertainment Corporation/ Caesars Entertainment in 2000, where he provided training to staff and reviewed gaming audits for the largest gaming corporation in the world.

From 2000-2005 Mr. Nail improved internal controls at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel and Casino, the Reno Hilton Hotel and Casino, Bally’s Hotel and Casino, and the Paris Hotel and Casino. In addition, Mr. Nail played an integral part in the growth and development of the World Series of Poker while working at Binion’s Hotel and Casino as Director of Internal Audit. This position also gave him experience working with the Nevada Gaming Control Board Auditors, while reporting directly to the owner and president of the company.

Mr. Nail joined Epic Gaming in March of 2006 and has been instrumental in writing the System of internal controls, compliance, title 31 training, and gaming audits for Tribal, Non-Tribal, European, and Caribbean Casinos.

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.

Chris Barnbeck

Vice President of Marketing

Chris Barnbeck enjoys a reputation within the gaming industry as one of a select group of long-term successful marketing and operational executives.

Mr. Barnbeck was hired by Caesars Palace in 1981.  His unique people skills with both customers and employees put him on the fast-track for upward mobility.  He rose in the ranks from Casino Host and was eventually tapped to become President/COO of Caesars World Marketing, National Division, in 1993.  He was responsible for marketing Caesars Palace throughout the U.S., which included 22 branch offices as well as budgeting, strategic planning, betting limits, debt settlements and collections.  The company had tremendous revenue growth during his tenure until 2000 when the company was sold.

After 20 years with Caesars Palace, Chris was hired by Harrah’s Lake Tahoe where his marketing efforts in the first year resulted in record profits.

The Caesars organization wooed Chris back to its Lake Tahoe property in 2001 as executive Vice President.  He was responsible for several hundred employees, all marketing objectives, gaming and slots, high-end play, room and suite renovations, Which resulted in record years of EBITDA.

He has consistently enhanced operating performance and profitability and proven to be a versatile executive with a comprehensive understanding of the culture and operations of the casino industry.