Veteran Michael Thrower, who moved to Las Vegas in 1975, sits down with Chris Cash to talk about not only surviving but thriving for nearly 50 years in the "fastest city in the world."
From playing music to a fiercely competitive start as a valet at Caesars Palace and the Hacienda, Michael shares incredible stories of perseverance, the early days of the Teamsters Union influence, and his time at the legendary Stardust Casino.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
What Las Vegas was really like in 1975 (Before The Mirage!)
Why valet parking was the hardest job to break into in Old Vegas.
First-hand stories of Frank Rosenthal (Robert De Niro's character in Casino).
The surprising relationship between the mob and casino staff, and why they were "the nicest guys."
How an attorney for the mob, a future mayor (Oscar Goodman), and the Teamsters pension built the foundation for a successful life.
The one key quality—"temerity" (guts)—that Michael credits for his career stability.
Behind-the-scenes look at the money, the Vegas flu (gambling bug), and surveillance on the Strip.
Timestamps (Key Moments):
00:00:00 - Introduction: 50 Years of Thriving in Las Vegas
00:00:50 - Arriving in 1975 & Enrollment at UNLV
00:01:05 - The One Thing that Helped Him Get Through: Temerity (Guts)
00:02:40 - First Job at Caesars Palace (Cousin's Men's Store)
00:03:00 - The Battle to Break Into Valet Parking & The Teamsters Union
00:05:08 - Working at the Stardust Casino and Encounters with Frank Rosenthal
00:06:05 - Filming Casino at The Riviera
00:09:00 - The "Vegas Flu" and Losing Everything on a Slot Machine
00:10:20 - Our Attorney: Oscar Goodman & Mob Stories
00:12:05 - Gun Running, Police Surveillance, and the Lone Shark Midget
00:14:00 - Frank Rosenthal's Genius for Sports Betting
00:20:45 - The Transition from Mob to Corporate Vegas
00:23:05 - How Valet Parking Provided the Best Benefits & a WONDERFUL Pension
00:24:20 - Starting Over from Scratch, Dying Three Times, and Writing the IRS TIP Compliance
About the Host & Podcast:
The Vegas Live Podcast is hosted by Chris Cash and Alan Turner, "The Rhythm Realtor," dedicated to helping people manage a hectic life by creating systems for success.
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