Jalen Williams
Romulus,MI
Summary
Casino and hospitality operations professional with progressive leadership experience in high-volume, highly regulated gaming and nightlife environments. Currently supporting casino floor operations at MGM Grand Detroit, with prior general management experience overseeing staffing, labor controls, cash handling, and guest experience. Strong working knowledge of Michigan gaming regulations, unionized work environments, and luxury hospitality standards. Recognized for sound judgment, operational discipline, and the ability to lead teams effectively in fast-paced, revenue-driven settings. Seeking a Leadership role at MGM Grand Detroit to contribute frontline insight, operational excellence, and people-first leadership.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Dealer III
MGM Grand Detroit
11.2024 - Current
- Support daily casino floor operations within a high-volume, highly regulated environment, ensuring compliance with MGM policies, internal controls, and Michigan Gaming Control Board regulations.
- Deliver consistent, high-quality guest experiences aligned with MGM Resorts’ luxury hospitality standards, contributing to repeat play and guest loyalty.
- Collaborate closely with floor supervisors, surveillance, and operations leadership to maintain game integrity, pace of play, and risk controls.
- Demonstrate strong situational awareness and sound decision-making in high-pressure scenarios involving cash handling, guest disputes, and regulatory adherence.
- Actively pursue cross-functional exposure to Slot Operations, floor management, and casino operations strategy to support internal advancement into management.
Online Game Presenter
Evolution Gaming
Southfield, MI
05.2021 - 11.2025
- Operated within a unionized gaming environment, developing a strong understanding of contract language, work rules, seniority systems, and grievance procedures—critical for leading union-represented casino teams.
- Built productive working relationships with union leadership and frontline employees, supporting effective communication, trust, and conflict resolution.
- Delivered consistent, high-quality guest engagement in high-volume, high-pressure settings, reinforcing a guest-first service mindset.
- Gained practical insight into player behavior, staffing demands during peak periods, and cross-department dependencies that inform data-driven floor optimization.
- Maintained strict compliance with Michigan gaming regulations and internal controls, demonstrating discipline and accountability.
- Developed a frontline operational perspective that strengthens leadership decision-making related to morale, productivity, and revenue performance.
General Manager
Miami Night Hookah Lounge
Detroit, MI
12.2017 - 09.2025
- Promoted into management within six months due to demonstrated leadership, reliability, and operational effectiveness.
- Directed day-to-day operations for a 20+ employee team, including promoters, security, servers, and support staff.
- Managed opening and closing procedures, cash controls, payroll distribution, and labor scheduling.
- Implemented staffing strategies that improved peak-hour coverage while controlling labor costs.
- Served as the primary authority for guest experience, staff performance, safety, and revenue protection.
- Addressed escalated guest issues and operational risks with professionalism and sound judgment.
Bartender → Head of Hookah Operations
Toya’s Bar & Grill
Detroit, MI
06.2023 - 06.2025
- Identified and proposed a new hookah revenue stream, expanding the venue’s offerings and increasing overall sales.
- Appointed to lead the newly created operation, overseeing:
Inventory management
Sales production and distribution
Sales tracking and performance monitoring - Trained staff on product knowledge, upselling techniques, and service standards.
- Demonstrated entrepreneurial thinking, ownership, and accountability aligned with revenue growth objectives.
Education
Business Administration
Tennessee State University
Nashville, TNSkills
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- High emotional intelligence and situational awareness
- Adaptability in 24/7 operational environments
- Collaborative leadership style aligned with MGM culture
Timeline
Dealer III
MGM Grand Detroit
11.2024 - Current
Bartender → Head of Hookah Operations
Toya’s Bar & Grill
06.2023 - 06.2025
Online Game Presenter
Evolution Gaming
05.2021 - 11.2025
General Manager
Miami Night Hookah Lounge
12.2017 - 09.2025
Business Administration
Tennessee State University