I’ve got a big story in today’s Vegas Seven–an up-close-and-personal interview with Palms founder and chairman George Maloof:
George Maloof isn’t where he was four years ago. Back then, he was riding an epic winning streak. He had just opened the Fantasy Tower at his Palms Hotel, complete with such only-in-Vegas accommodations as the Hardwood Suite (with its in-room basketball court), the Pearl theater and the world’s only Playboy Club. Maloof had been unstoppable since November 2001, when the city was looking for an exit from the “Family Vegas” strategy of the 1990s, and he provided the blueprint by opening the Palms.
I think the interview is quite revealing–Maloof talked about his career with far more candor and introspection than I’m used to seeing from big players in the industry. I think he’s going to continue to do interesting, relevant things in Las Vegas and may be influential in shaping how the business evolves.
If you want to hear the entire conversation between George and me, I’ve released it as the 34th UNLV Gaming Podcast:
34-November 10, 2011
George Maloof
In this October 20 interview, conducted for Vegas Seven magazine, Palms founder and chairman George Maloof discusses his entire career in gaming and hospitality, with a special emphasis on the last decade at the Palms. It’s a wide-ranging talk, covering everything from how Robert Urich inspired Vegas reality TV to the Palms’ recent restructuring.
Listen to the audio file (mp3)
As always, it’s also available in the iTunes store.
I found Maloof an inspiring guy to talk to. His dedication to the Palms is hard to describe, and again, something you don’t see in many casino bosses these days. There’s nothing else he wants to do and nowhere else he wants to be. Las Vegas is lucky to have him.