Celebrating Day-One Team Member Mark Gallegos

During the month of July, each week leading up to our 35th Anniversary, we will feature one of our day-one team members. Today, we celebrate the 35-year career of Mark Gallegos, Manager, Entertainment:

In 1986, Mark Gallegos was working as a restaurant manager when a friend asked if he had considered applying to work at San Manuel’s new bingo hall. He decided to apply and accepted a part-time floor clerk position, which he worked during his off days from the restaurant. A few years later, Mark was approached by a colleague who informed him that San Manuel was creating a Guest Services department and they wanted to see if he would be interested in a position.

“I went for it. I left the restaurant business and went into the Guest Services department that they had just started, and from there it just took off,” said Mark.

His experience in the restaurant industry allowed Mark to offer guests a “best-in-class” experience that San Manuel Casino has become known for.

“You want to deliver the best to the guest and to the entertainment artists. You want that artist to say ‘Wow, San Manuel treated me excellent. I want to come back and perform here,’” he said.

His journey eventually led him to his current role as Manager of Entertainment, developing - in life and in work - along with the casino’s growth.

“Working at San Manuel helps you to see things differently. What I experience and/or learn at work, I can take home with me. I’ve gained a new perspective from all the interactions I’ve had here,” he said.

One of the notable lessons Mark says he has learned is how to become a better communicator.

“Communication. I have learned how important it is because here you are dealing with so many different departments. For example, I have to work with Food & Beverage, Catering, Transportation, and Public Safety when scheduling artists to perform. Being detailed is a good lesson both here and at home,” he said.

Mark also mentioned that classes such as “How to Work with Difficult People” offered by HR’s Learning & Development team have helped him grow as well.

When asked about a specific memory that sticks out from his 35-year career, Mark says he has more than he can count, but one from the early days includes how they were going to hold entertainment in the Hall.?

“We figured the entertainment stage would just have to be set up on top of the bingo tables and we made it work,” he said. Mark said it was an idea that he was not sure would work but the team made it happen.

A proud moment for Mark was when he was able to participate in the Tribe’s advocacy for Proposition 5 in 1998, which confirmed the ability to install slot machines in tribal casinos in California, and two years later supporting Proposition 1A, which modified the California constitution, securing Indian gaming.

“As a team, going to Los Angeles to talk about the Tribe’s right to create a sustainable economy through gaming. We were coming and working together to get where we are at today. We were small back then, but the employees loved it,” he said.

Mark breathes with a smile when reflecting on his lifelong career with San Manuel, one that he has no plans to end anytime soon.

“I enjoy what I do. I just enjoy what I do. So yes, I’m sticking around to see the tremendous growth. It’s a fun ride.”