Meet our Directors! Heather Flores & Melissa James

This month, we’re featuring TWO fantastic directors: Heather Flores (right), the Director of Slot Operations, and Melissa James (left), the Director of Table Games!

Describe your career path at BHCR.

Heather Flores: I started as a Slot Attendant in August 2012. A few months later, I moved up to a Slot Attendant Supervisor. A few months later, I moved to a Slot Shift Manager position. In 2017, I became the Slot Operations Manager, working closely with the Director of Slots until his departure in 2019. I took over the responsibility of the Slot Department until I was promoted to Director of Slot Operations in June 2020.

Melissa James: I started in 2009 as a Cage Cashier. In 2012, I transferred to Table Games to become a Dealer. I have dealt all the games and quickly moved up within the Department to a Table Games Floor Supervisor, Pit Manager, Table Games Shift Manager, Table Games Manager, and finally, in 2023, Director of Table Games.

What made you decide to work at Boot Hill Casino & Resort?

HF: I used to watch the TV show “Las Vegas.” They always made it look like it was so fun to work in a casino. Turns out….it really is!!

MJ: In 2009, the casino held a job fair at Dodge City Community College, and I thought, “That sounds fun!” Boy, was I right!

?

What is the best career advice you have received?

HF: You must find the positive in every negative thing that happens. Negativity breeds negativity, and positivity breeds positivity. I tell my team that we are all on the “Positivity Bus,” get on it or get run over by it…POSITIVITY!

MJ: “You can’t lead anyone else further than you have gone yourself.”

What’s your most memorable lesson from a mentor or role model?

HF: Many years ago, my manager told me never to come to him with a problem for which I had not thought of a solution. He was willing to work through the solution but wanted me to think for myself and have my ideas for solving it. I have followed this advice throughout my career at BHCR and continue passing it on to my team.

What is your favorite part of your job?

MJ: My favorite part of my job is how much fun we have in the Pit. Whether with Team Members or Patrons, we are always in a good mood and having a good time, no matter what.

If you could switch roles with any Team Member for a day, who would it be and why?

HF: I would go back to being a Slot Attendant. I love being out on the floor talking to our patrons!!

What hobby or interest do you have that your Team may be surprised to learn?

MJ: I am a professional online shopper!