If Richard Wilk had a dollar for every time someone told him, ?I wish I had your job,? he would most certainly top Forbes? annual ?World?s Wealthiest? list.

Back in the Rat Pack days, you needed to have a connection if you wanted to experience Vegas right. Nothing has changed these days. It?s still all about who you know? Now you can say you know Richard Wilk. With Richard taking care of things you have Vegas on a string.

Richard epitomizes the new breed of executive; razor-sharp, armed with a marketing degree and ambition to burn. His vibe is old-school Italian: genuine, gracious, but clearly not a guy you'd want to tangle with. He cuts a striking figure with his leading-man good looks, and fullback build as he strides through the casino. Throughout his adventurous career he has a built a strong network with the rich and famous. A job offer from the Monte Carlo Resort is what first brought Richard to Las Vegas. He later went on to work at Hard Rock, Mandalay Bay, The Golden Nugget, Las Vegas Hilton and finally back at the HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO, his true home. He now sports a goatee, throws the tie off and becomes less corporate in his stylish, cool look of a blazer and jeans. He explains, ?People want me to relate to them on a casual level and get away from the everyday corporate hustle, especially when they are here to relax and have fun! ?

It's no surprise Richard was tapped to arrange a party for the cast of The Sopranos; in his world, as in theirs, respect is the name of the game. He treats you right, you reciprocate, and then you aren't just a customer -- you're a friend. Spend enough time in his casino and you're family. He has a Sinatraesque charisma, an aura that makes you feel special just being around him. One night he's organizing a bash for Eminem; the next he might be running throughout the casino floor arranging high limit tables for his high roller clientele. You might even catch him hanging with friends like Justin Timberlake, Rihanna or even Dennis Quaid and Matthew Fox. Nights always conclude with a quiet drive home listening to some jazz and blues, but not before a phone call is made, making sure everything is alright!

Wilk is Sr. Director of Customer Development at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas which is one of the world's coolest and most famous resort destinations located just a block from the Strip. He"s responsible for creating and nurturing relationships with gamblers, athletes and VIP celebrity guests. He provides exceptional service while creating one-of-a kind experiences he likes to call "firsts" that keep his guests coming back.

Need the best suites, dining or clubs? Wilk has what it takes to make things happen. He is the very best at taking care of people and some say he?s so genuine about it that it must be wired into his DNA! Wilk provides his clients with some of the most memorable experiences of their lives. ?It?s my passion? says Wilk. ?I love affecting the lives of people I host, sometimes in ways I couldn?t even imagine.? Spend some time with Richard and see for yourself.

During his career in Vegas, Wilk worked as Director of Player Development at the Golden Nugget. In fact, you may remember Wilk from FOX?s 2004 reality series ?The Casino,? which featured the rebirth of the Golden Nugget under the new ownership of young dot-com millionaires Tom Breitling and Tim Poster. They recruited Wilk in 2004 to oversee VIP client development for their operation. During that time, Wilk wrote the book ?Connected?Vegas Style?. It recalls some of his best memories while offering somewhat of a ?how to? for the Vegas visitor and players alike.

Wilk?s knowledge of the industry has afforded him the opportunity to be recognized as an expert on all things Las Vegas, as seen on VH1?s ?The Fabulous Life Of: Las Vegas,? the Travel Channel?s ?21 Sinful Vegas Hotspots? and ?Vegas: Breaking the Bank.? He was also seen overseas with the BBC ?Louis Theroux: Gambling in Las Vegas? and when you?re at the movies you may catch a line or two on the big screen with movies like ?Bachelor Party Vegas? or the new soon to be released ?Middle Men? where he co-stars in a scene with actor Luke Wilson.

Wilk got his initial start in the gaming industry as a casino advisor in Canada when casinos had just begun. In 1995 he moved to New Jersey and while waiting for a deal in the casino business was asked to work in Washington D.C, for the Federal Government. The next six months Wilk was responsible for protecting some of the most influential people in politics. Then his Ace was dealt. He became an Executive Casino Host at the Sands Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. Wilk, however, considers his introduction to the gaming industry to have begun at a much younger age ? nine to be exact. Wilk recalls standing behind his father, Richard Sr., during his teenage years at Blackjack tables reveling in the hustle, glamour and hospitality all critical to the casino?s inner workings. Who would have known that this young kid from Canada would one day become one of the most respected Casino Executives in Las Vegas?

In earlier years Wilk grew up in the martial arts and underwent Special Forces training in Counter Terrorism and Counter Intelligence. He then co-owned and operated an Executive Protection company. His protection team, provided high level security to very high profile clients including Bill Gates, former President Bill Clinton, Vice President Al Gore, The Eagles, The Rolling Stones and Aerosmith to name a few.

It?s been quite a ride for this 40 year old Wilk. Born in Toronto, attending catholic high school where he was active in school athletic teams such as football, track and Lacrosse. He later went on to attend College where he majored in business and marketing.

Wilk currently resides in Las Vegas and is known to be one of Vegas best connections for your entertaining needs!

Don?t believe us? Google him or stop by and say hi next time your in Vegas. You never know who he might be standing with.

For the most up-to-date information please visit Richard's Myspace Facebook or Twitter pages.

For speaking engagements please contact The Wilk Group at: info@wilkteam.com.