Native American Casino’s 2006
Leadership Award Winner: Ron Patel

Native American Casino’s 2006 Leadership Award Winner:
Ron Patel
General Manager
Black Oak Casino
Tuolumne, CA

In every workplace there is a leader who is driven to succeed; one person whose team qualities, leadership skills and brainpower stand out above the rest. Someone who beats the odds, leads by example and defines success. It is because of them that we become the person we will be, perhaps turning into a leader one day ourselves. This person may be “the boss” or a frontline employee, but no matter who, this person is a mentor to others, an inspiration on the job and in the community -- this person is a friend.

In recognition of leadership qualities that surpass what is required of them, Native American Casino magazine bestows an annual Leadership Award to one very special Indian casino employee. This employee is a role model who makes a difference in his or her workplace or community. They are a mentor to others, set an example in their field, and are a leader who tackles their profession with energy and innovation.

We received many nomination letters for this award, and we’d like to thank you all for participating. There were several great ones; but in the end, only one can win. A few months ago we received a nomination letter that wowed us. It was about Ron Patel, the general manager at the Black Oak Casino in Tuolumne, Calif. We would like to congratulate Ron for winning NAC’s 2006 Leadership Award! Keep up the good work, Ron!

The following is the wonderful nomination letter we received from Al O’Brien, marketing and entertainment, Black Oak Casino:
Ron Patel, the general manager of the Black Oak Casino, is our nominee for the prestigious Native American Casino Leadership Award. This property, owned and operated by the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians, is happy to be led by Ron Patel, who is so much more than a “general manager.” He truly cares about the tribe he works for, the people he works with and the community in which he resides. Ron makes sure he visits virtually every part of the casino on a daily basis. He also holds a high level of respect for the tribe’s traditions and heritage. He always listens with an open heart and goes out of his way to ensure that tribal and team members are well taken care of.

Although he has a very understated and soft-spoken “British” style, Ron is definitely the driving force behind much of Black Oak Casino’s five-and-a-half years of success. When the tribal partnership with the Yavapai-Apache Nation of Camp Verde, Ariz., was developed, Ron was given the responsibility of taking the lead on the project that resulted in the opening of the Phase I Black Oak Casino in 2001. Since that time, Ron has shepherded its growth and expansion from a modest 28,000-square-foot facility with 600 slots, one cafe and 190 team members, into a 164,000-square-foot facility featuring over 1,000 slots, 24 tables, a 24-lane bowling center, a family fun area, four restaurants, three bars and over 800 team members. Ron is currently involved with the tribe’s future expansion plans, including a hotel, golf course and much more.

Ron played a major role in developing the casino’s mission and values, which are: Hospitality, Teamwork and Community. Every team member is taught these values as part of their orientation process. These values are consistent with the way Ron lives his life. Ron has spent more than 25 years in the gaming business in three countries (The U.K., Canada and the U.S.), three states (New York, Arizona and California) and many properties including several tribal-operated businesses. While attending both NIGA and G2E events, it’s apparent just how many people in the gaming industry know and respect him.
Ron has embraced the positive attitude “Fish” philosophy, made popular by the business style of the Pike St. Fish Market in Seattle. Team members at Black Oak Casino are encouraged to follow the four elements of this philosophy: Be there, choose your attitude, have fun at work and make their day. Because our team members have followed this teaching, Black Oak Casino has received several awards for our guest service including being voted “Favorite Casino” five years in a row in the Modesto Bee Reader’s Poll.
Ron’s personal life is also reflective of his values. His family includes his wife of 32 years, Anne; his son, Ron Jr.; and daughter, Jennifer. Last year, Ron and Anne’s 31st wedding anniversary was honored and celebrated by his management team and our team members. This is another example of how valued he is at Black Oak Casino.
Ron cares deeply about the people he works with. He regularly attends weddings, funerals, birthdays and holiday parties. He has hosted numerous team member events, all focused on team members and their families having fun and feeling appreciated. He has washed team members’ cars, appeared at promotions in costume and has sat in a dunk tank all in the name of morale.

Ron is also a leader and volunteer in his community. Each Saturday he leads a team, through his church, which delivers meals to the homeless. He is a member of the Board of Directors for Sierra Repertory Theater and is active as a Board Member on the County Chamber of Commerce, including serving on the GAC and chairing the Special Events Committee. Ron is also a member of the Donations and Sponsorships Committee, which is responsible for evaluating and financially supporting requests for support from individuals in the community and area non-profits. Ron’s latest project is creating a “Benevolent Fund,” which will provide financial assistance to team members in emergency situations. We all feel very privileged to be able to work closely with, and learn from, an individual with leadership skills like Ron exhibits on a daily basis. I know his influence has impacted the way we all interact with others on a daily basis, and that he has had similar influence on many, many others. Thus it is with great pleasure that we nominate Ron Patel.