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: 38 years old, 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. With his leading-man good looks, and fullback build, he cuts a striking figure as he strides through the casino. At the Hard Rock, he sported a goatee and dressed in hipster black; at Mandalay Bay he made the switch to immaculately tailored suits, the diamond ring sparkling on his pinkie giving him a dash of Vegas Wiseguy. Now at the Las Vegas Hilton Richard throws the tie off and becomes less corporate in his suits. 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 Mike Piazza or Joe Pesci. 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 Director of Customer Development at the Las Vegas Hilton, one of the world’s most famous resort destinations located just a block from the Strip, he 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.

Prior to the Las Vegas Hilton, 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.

Holding similar positions at premium Las Vegas destinations such as the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino and the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino, 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 “Vegas: Breaking the Bank,” and “The Wiseguy Show” on the Sirius satellite radio network, among others.

Wilk got his initial start in the gaming industry as a casino advisor in Canada where 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.

Before the New Jersey move, Wilk underwent Special Forces training in Counter Terrorism and Counter Intelligence throughout his early years. He then moved on to own and operate an Executive Protection company, his protection team, provided high level security to very important clients including Bill Gates, former President Bill Clinton, Vice Pres. Al Gore, The Eagles, Rolling Stones and Aerosmith to name a few. Prior to the conception of that Protection team, Wilk worked as a stuntman performing in various TV series and Motion Pictures in his home town of Toronto Canada.

It’s been quite a ride for this 38 year old Wilk. Born in Toronto, Wilk grew up 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? Then see it all on http://www.richardwilk.com

For the most up-to-date information please visit www.richardwilk.com or for media inquiries please contact Hillary Smoot at Prolific PR, Inc., 310-789-2428 / hillary@prolificpr.com.