The Starlight Casino in Queensborough is one of the most rocking places in the city. Not only can gamblers get their fix, but the dining and entertainment options also attract many people to their Gifford Street location. The casino is also taking a more active role in the community and is one of the sponsors of the Westcoast Curling Classic this weekend at the Royal City Curling Club.
Executive general manager Randy Sears recently answered questions about what he and his company are doing.
Alfie Lau: Introduce yourself - who you are, what's your title and how long have you been doing the job?
Randy Sears: I'm the executive general manager, Starlight Casino, director VIP business development and vice-president of marketing. Have been in the gaming business since 1978, marketing since 1986 and Gateway Casinos for one year.
AL: Best part of your job?
RS: The people I get to work with, both the staff and customers. Every day is different and interesting.
AL: Worst part?
RS: No bad part. If there was, I would look for a different job.
AL: What's the most interesting thing to happen to you on the job?
RS: I was very pleasantly surprised to discover that Starlight Casino was a community, a community of not just employees, but a community invested in New Westminster and shared by people both inside and outside of the casino.
Our people are committed to the city of New Westminster and take on helping community organizations with pride and enthusiasm. There is a level of community commitment at Starlight that I haven't experienced at other companies I have worked with.
AL: What are your favourite activities/interests outside of the job?
RS: Golf and snowboarding
AL: If you're stuck on a desert island, what three items do you take and why?
RS: A nine-iron, golf ball and grapevine to start my own vineyard!
AL: What's your favourite place in Burnaby or New Westminster that isn't work-related?
RS: Cockney Kings fish and chips shop (with locations in Columbia Square and in North Burnaby).
AL: What's the most interesting thing about you that your friends might not even know?
RS: I'm a stamp collector.
AL: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
RS: St. Andrews, Scotland to play the Old Course.
AL: What do you see yourself doing in five or 10 years (both on job and/or personally?)
RS: In five years, running Gateway Casinos and Entertainment Limited. In 10 years, watching my grandkids play sports.
AL: . Mentor or someone you look up to?
RS: Lorenzo Creighton (Creighton is the chief executive officer of Gateway Casinos and Entertainment Ltd.).
AL: How avidly do you follow curling? Who are your favourite curlers?
What was your favourite Olympics?
RS: I shared ice time with curlers when I played hockey. Kevin Martin. My favourite is the 2010 (gold-medal-winning) Canadian Olympic team.
AL: What will you be doing during the Westcoast Curling Classic (from Oct. 4 to 8)?
RS: Starlight Casino is a proud sponsor of the Westcoast Curling Classic, so we will be watching lots of curling.
AL: What's on your Christmas wish list?
RS: Peace in the Middle East.
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