Chris Torina
Summary
Seasoned C-level executive, entrepreneur, business owner and former undercover narcotics agent and SWAT team operator with nearly two decades of experience in Executive Leadership, Live Events, Mergers and Acquisitions, Brand Strategy, Integrated Marketing, Brand Partnerships and Enterprise Sales. In 2016, effectively executed a highly-successful start-up acquisition in the global sports and gaming industry. Demonstrated track record of taking innovative projects from concept and development to launch, profitability and exit. Proven and competent leader with excellent communication skills and extensive experience in operating in fast-paced environments. Motivated and goal-oriented yet enjoyable and easy to work with.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Operating Officer
Blue Fusion Capital LLC
Denver, CO
05.2022 - Current
- Managing daily operations of a global private-equity real estate investment fund.
- Overseeing the daily operations of a multi-million dollar revenue generating hotel property with 8+ staff members in Samara, Costa Rica.
- Overseeing capital commitments for the purposes of acquiring, managing, operating, repositioning of assets.
- Coordinated with federal agencies such as the SEC and FINRA for compliance and regulatory matters.
- Developed and refined short- and long-term strategies to drive growth and profitability.
- Developed and maintained vital relationships and communication channels across organization.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase operational efficiency.
- Led organizational development changes, enabling organization to better respond and adapt to industry and market changes.
- Reviewed, analyzed and interpreted financial statements.
Executive Director
WORLD POKER TOUR ENTERPRISES INC
Irvine, CA
01.2017 - 12.2019
- Negotiated and executed numerous multi-year partnerships and licensing deals with the most influential and recognizable gaming and casino brands in the world.
- Responsible for the successful financial restructuring, rebranding, and relaunch of the World Poker Tour's legacy European tour division.
- Directly responsible for the procurement, marketing and execution of more than 100 live events throughout Asia, Europe, Latin America and North America.
- Worked closely with c-level executives, tribal leaders and stakeholders to enhance onsite and digital consumer experiences, increase revenue, and raise awareness of live events, brand partnerships and sponsors.
- Cultivated and managed strong domestic and international partnerships leading to multi-million dollar generating projects and events for the organization.
- Created a collaborative environment that fosters innovation and encourages employee engagement.
- Trained and mentored team members on multiple functions including business leadership, project management, finance and integrated marketing.
- Special advisor to the CEO on various revenue and sales generating projects.
Founder & CEO
DEEPSTACKS
Los Angeles, CA
04.2007 - 12.2019
- Founder and CEO of the #1 mid-major gaming company in the world.
- Developed, cultivated and executed the day-to-day operations of a multi-million dollar generating, global business.
- Successfully initiated, negotiated and executed the seven-figure merger and acquisition of DeepStacks by the World Poker Tour.
- Directly responsible for the procurement and management of over $10m in total gross revenue.
- Negotiated and managed the marketing and execution of over 250 live events throughout the United States, Latin America, Canada and Europe.
- Executive Producer of three nationally broadcasted television shows and several hundred hours of live streaming broadcast content.
- Developed multi-year global partnerships with the most influential and recognizable gaming, casino and entertainment brands in the world.
- Ran all strategic partnerships and implementation of company objectives, product development, sales initiatives, marketing strategies and brand launch.
- Responsible for company expansion in international markets such as Canada, India, Malta, Panama, and Spain.
- Accountable for the implementation and growth of the company's television and digital strategy including linear broadcasts, live streams and social media content.
- Procured hundreds of hours of broadcast media time with local/regional affiliates (ABC/FOX/ESPN).
- Managed all company licensing and regulatory approval applications in North American and European jurisdictions.
- Successfully secured multiple vendor provider licenses and certifications in key strategic markets across the United States, Canada and Europe.
- Organized and oversaw capital fund raising efforts, company improvement projects and business viability efforts.
- Created highly successful marketing and branding strategies to spearhead entry into domestic and international emerging markets.
- Delivered keynotes and attended industry conferences to promote company image and engage with partners.
Advisory Board Member
FANSUNITE ENTERTAINMENT INC.
Vancouver, British Columbia
12.2018 - 03.2019
- Cultivated and executed strategic partnerships with brands such as the Premier League's Leicester City F.C and the World Poker Tour.
- Educated several major professional sports organizations on the Fans Unite brand as well as the benefits of cryptocurrency and block chain sportsbook technology.
- Increased organization's international exposure in the sports, entertainment and gaming industries while developing strong brand awareness and visibility.
- Built relationships with strategic partners leading to business development opportunities and sales revenue targets.
- Cultivated relationships with external stakeholders to support the success of the organization's mission.
Deputy Sheriff | Task Force Agent | SWAT Operator
SEMINOLE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
Sanford, FL
09.2000 - 04.2008
- Served in several law enforcement positions including but not limited to patrol operations, senior undercover narcotics task force agent, field training agent, Title III wiretap case agent, undercover DEA agent and SWAT team operator.
- Served as case agent and/or co-case agent on numerous state and federal wiretap investigations targeting multi-state narcotics trafficking, money laundering and racketeering organizations.
- Responsible for the development and execution of hundreds of search and arrest warrants related to ongoing narcotics and violent crime investigations.
- Served as a Tier 2 SWAT team operator tasked with the service of high risk arrest and search warrants of violent and armed and dangerous offenders.
- Served as an undercover Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) agent attached to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for the purpose of successfully infiltrating, investigating, and dismantling a multi-jurisdictional crack cocaine trafficking organization.
- Assisted the New York Police Department (NYPD) and various local, state and federal agencies in the security of Manhattan immediately after the World Trade Center terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
- Served on the Drug Enforcement Administration's Clandestine Methamphetamine Task Force responsible for the investigation, infiltration and elimination of methamphetamine labs.
- Responsible for the education and training of newly appointed narcotics task force agents.
- Expert witness specializing in narcotics-based state and federal court cases.
Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Agent
DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION
Lake Mary, FL
02.2006 - 06.2006
- Served as lead case agent responsible for the development of federal wiretaps focused on the dismantling and prosecution of a transcontinental crack cocaine distribution organization.
- Directly responsible for the purchase and acquisition of kilogram quantities of illegal narcotics leading to the investigation, arrest and prosecution of numerous violent criminals.
- Developed, cultivated and handled numerous confidential informants tied to several federal investigations including but not limited to transcontinental narcotics trafficking, RICO and money laundering organizations.
- Worked closely in conjunction with multi-jurisdictional federal law enforcement agencies to execute dozens of arrest and search warrants.
- Delivered consistent strategic and tactical leadership to local, state and federal agencies.
- Prepared detailed reports and affidavits for circuit and federal courts by obtaining information through physical, digital and audible surveillance.
Police Officer
PORT ORANGE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Port Orange, FL
05.1998 - 09.2000
- Conducted covert, undercover investigations to uncover ongoing crimes and crimes in progress.
- Boosted community safety by performing motor vehicle accident investigations including DUIs and fatal crashes while conducting field sobriety tests at DUI checkpoints.
- Directed and controlled crowds at parades, funeral processions and sporting events.
- Shortened criminal investigation lead time and executed operational protocol for criminal and non-criminal violations.
- Conducted high-speed vehicle pursuits to apprehend criminal suspects.
- Mediated domestic-related disturbances and protected victims from harm.
Education
SWAT Operations
SWAT School
Sanford, FL2004
Clandestine Methamphetamine Investigations
Basic Clandestine Methamphetamine Investigations
Brevard County, FL2004
Advanced Narcotics Investigations
Drug Enforcement Administration Investigations
Altamonte Springs, FL2003
Seminole County Law Enforcement Academy
Sanford, FL1999
Communications
Raritan Valley Community College
Flemington, NJ1996
Skills
- Business leadership
- Enterprise sales
- Live events
- Finance
- Public relations
- Executive coaching
- Business mentoring
- Regulatory compliance
- Detecting & analyzing market trends
- Business relations
- Program leadership
- Business development
- Strategic decision-making
- Advertising & marketing
- Communication skills
- Complex problem-solving
- Brand partnerships
- Brand management
- Supervision
- Operational improvement
- Team leadership, training and development
- Relationship building
- Critical thinking
- Planning and execution
Affiliations
- Member, Town of Yarmouth (ME) Economic Development Advisory Board
- Business coach and mentor - The Roux Institute, Northeastern University.
- Start-up advisory board member
- Accomplished entrepreneur
- Self-published author
- Former Veteran Law Enforcement Officer
- Letter of Commendation - Governor of Florida, Jeb Bush, for service performed in New York City during 9/11
- Letter of Commendation - New York Police Detectives Endowment Association for service performed in New York City during 9/11
- Certificate of Recognition (Neighbor of the Year) - State of California Legislature Assembly
- Deputy Sheriff of the Year - Veterans of Foreign Wars
- Winner of the Global Poker Index 2018 "Mid-Major Poker Circuit of the Year"
- Nominee for the 2016 Global Poker Index "Industry Person of the Year"
References
Available upon request
Timeline
Chief Operating Officer
Blue Fusion Capital LLC
05.2022 - Current
Advisory Board Member
FANSUNITE ENTERTAINMENT INC.
12.2018 - 03.2019
Executive Director
WORLD POKER TOUR ENTERPRISES INC
01.2017 - 12.2019
Founder & CEO
DEEPSTACKS
04.2007 - 12.2019
Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Agent
DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION
02.2006 - 06.2006
Deputy Sheriff | Task Force Agent | SWAT Operator
SEMINOLE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
09.2000 - 04.2008
Police Officer
PORT ORANGE POLICE DEPARTMENT
05.1998 - 09.2000
SWAT Operations
SWAT School
Clandestine Methamphetamine Investigations
Basic Clandestine Methamphetamine Investigations
Advanced Narcotics Investigations
Drug Enforcement Administration Investigations
Seminole County Law Enforcement Academy
Communications
Raritan Valley Community College
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