25 PEOPLE TO WATCH 2025
Four Winds Strong
Mary Smith Chief Operating Officer , Four Winds Casino
When Mary Smith assumed the mantle of chief operating officer for the Four Winds Casinos in February , she represented the first female executive to serve in that position . But more than that honor , Smith views her membership as a citizen of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi as even more of a touchpoint during her rise from financial analyst in 2007 to COO today .
“ The development of our first casino resort , Four Winds New Buffalo , was pivotal in my desire to pursue a career in the casino industry ,” says Smith , a graduate of Indiana University of South Bend . “ I ’ ve always had a keen interest in the economic development of our tribal nation .”
Since joining the Four Winds at its inception in 2007 , Smith rose from analyst to assistant property shift manager , director of hotel operations , vice president of hotel operations , senior vice president of hotel operations and development , and executive vice president of casino operations , to COO .
“ This variety of positions enabled me to learn virtually every aspect of the business , from front-of-house to back-of-house ,” Smith says .
Rebecca Richards , tribal council chairwoman of the Pokagon Band and CEO of the Pokagon Gaming Authority , says of Smith , “ Her knowledge and diverse experience with the inner workings of our organization will provide her with the necessary perspective and insight to lead Four Winds Casinos into the future .”
Smith also credits former Atlantic City casino executive Frank Freedman for his guidance on her rise to prominence . Freedman , who served as COO of Four Winds Casinos for eight years of his 16-year career , played an important role in her development as an executive , and worked closely with her .
“ He helped me reach many major milestones , including the recent expansion of Four Winds South Bend , which includes a 317-room hotel tower , Ribbon Town Conference and Event Center , Cedar Spa , and Edgewater Café ,” Smith says .
“ Not only was he instrumental in establishing and mentoring our executive leadership team , but he also helped shape our collaborative company culture . His confidence in my abilities provided me with an opportunity to learn quickly through my oversight of multiple aspects of our operations .” — Bill Sokolic
Making Old New Again
Jeff Jordan President and CEO , SlotCycle
W
hat happens to a slot machine when a casino decides to replace it with a newer one ? Up until just a few years ago , that game would head to the casino warehouse and collect dust .
There had to be a better way , and Jeff Jordan , CEO of SlotCycle , came up with one . It is to become a marketplace for slots , and parts . Along the way , Jordan was able to expand the service , selling slots for several large casinos — including some that were closing down to sell their slots in bulk .
Today , SlotCycle . com is the main place to buy slots individually or in multiple packages , and Jordan ’ s been working with companies like Cache Creek , Pechanga , Wynn Resorts , Light & Wonder , Station Casinos and Penn Entertainment , among others . Jordan says the road was long , but it ’ s now paying off . “ Over the past four years , we ’ ve launched a multi-sided , regulated marketplace that connects buyers and sellers of gaming equipment with unparalleled transparency and efficiency ,” he says .
“ SlotCycle ’ s revenue has grown year over year by consistently delivering better solutions for our clients while maintaining positive cash flow . We ’ ve built a 35,000-square-foot operational facility , partnered with leading corporate and tribal casinos , and gained the trust of one of the largest slot manufacturers . Before the year ’ s end , we ’ ll have raised an additional $ 6 million in growth capital to fuel our next phase of expansion .” But it ’ s not the first rodeo for Jordan , as he started his career in slots operations . “ I came to Las Vegas from humble beginnings in Albuquerque , New Mexico ,” he explains . “ I started my journey with hands-on operational roles , including helping to develop , open and operate The Mirage and Bellagio . At Bellagio , I oversaw $ 130 million in slot operations and marketing , which gave me invaluable insights into casino operations and player behavior .
“ I then transitioned into corporate leadership roles in gaming technology companies , where I focused on corporate and product strategy , learning to bridge technology , market strategy and customer needs . For the past 15 years , I ’ ve been teaching slot management and analysis at the University of Nevada , Reno ( UNR ), sharing my experiences and engaging with the current and next generation of gaming professionals .
“ Founding SlotCycle has been the culmination of my entrepreneurial journey — a venture that leverages a proprietary eCommerce platform to revolutionize how buyers and sellers transact gaming equipment .” For Jordan , the next year promises to be challenging , but rewarding . “ My current efforts focus on three key areas that reflect the gaming industry ’ s evolving landscape ,” he says . “ First , I ’ m leading SlotCycle ’ s mission to revolutionize the secondary market , building distribution capabilities that provide clients with transparent pricing and access to a broad supply of gaming equipment leveraging a digital platform . Second , I ’ m collaborating with Wynn Al Marjan Island developing a world-class gaming experience by advising on the selection of their slot products .
“ Finally , I continue working with UNR to expand slot management education , helping the industry access the tools and knowledge necessary to meet modern challenges . Each of these efforts reflects my commitment to contributing to the advancement of the industry in seizing opportunities , and solving problems by applying practical and forward-thinking solutions .” — Roger Gros
30 Global Gaming Business JANUARY 2025