WHACC BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

SCOTT SHAFFER BRINGS VEGAS EXPERIENCE TO JACK THISTLEDOWN RACINO & COMMUNITY

“Confucius says, choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.” This quote perfectly describes Scott Shaffer, director of Operations for Jack Thistledown Racino.

Scott Shaffer is now 13 months into his new role, and “proud to be the first executive hired under the JACK brand for all non-gaming operations.” His responsibilities include all dining, food and beverage services, valet, sales, and environmental services.  His knowledge base and experiences uniquely position Shaffer as one of the best in the hospitality, gaming, and entertainment industry.

Shaffer developed a passion for hospitality and dining very early in life.  A native of Bradford, PA, at the tender age of 14, his part-time jobs included busing tables and washing dishes for local restaurants.  Armed with the family values that hard work and a good work ethic would take you far, Shaffer has had an amazing career journey.

Eleven days post high school graduation, Shaffer entered the Pennsylvania Culinary School.  No summer vacation.  No pondering what to do in life.  He had long decided it was onward to become a chef.  After graduating from culinary school, Shaffer worked at the North Carolina Country Club where he continued to foster his love of the industry.  It was during this time that he began to expand his knowledge by learning the business aspect of the culinary arts.  He went on to become a manager of guest-facing services at the Four Seasons Hotel in Las Vegas, an approximate 500 room luxury boutique hotel and spa, where he continued his learning in fine dining. He diligently honed his skills, and after two years at the Four Seasons Hotel, his talents and achievements landed him the director of Room Services for the MGM Grand Hotel, Casino and Resort, the largest in Las Vegas with close to 7,000 rooms.  No pressure here! Shaffer credits the fact that he “has been mentored by some of the greatest minds in the business, including a director of Beverages for Caesars Palace, and felt well-groomed for the challenge.”  Shaffer has spent the last seven years managing the Station Casinos Hotel Rooms and Resorts in Las Vegas – nine large and 12 small facilities catering to the local market.

Then, one day, Shaffer received “the call” that he had been tapped by senior leadership to become the director of Operations for JACK Thistledown Racino.  Bringing the best of his career with him, and a desire to be closer to family, he accepted the invitation adding with a chuckle, “this was my first winter in 20 years!”

Scott Shaffer has left his mark on some of the most iconic destinations in the world and is pacing to do the same for JACK.  He feels these are some extremely exciting times for JACK and he embraces the community investment taking place.  He beams with pride that, in his role, he is a driving force for JACK Thistledown Racino to be a leader in the industry by having guest experiences that far exceed expectations, community engagement, and makes positive contributions to the community.  “This community is thirsty for growth.  Everyone achieves success when we work together.”

Scott Shaffer enjoys outdoor camping.  He has two children who reside in Las Vegas.