COACHELLA, Calif. — Augustine Casino is proud to announce its 2021 Team Member and Leader of the Year. Executive Casino Host Paul Garcia earned Team Member of the Year honors while Purchasing Manager Ruben De La Torre is the casino’s Leader of the Year.
Garcia, who joined Augustine as a Casino Host in 2020, quickly garnered respect as he threw himself into the position to learn everything he could about his role as well as the inner workings of the casino itself.
“Paul sought to learn more, do more and become more; he is exactly the type of Team Member you want on your team,” said Slot Director Elizabeth Wilberts in her nomination.
“He is the ultimate team player and would give you the shirt off his back,” said Chief Marketing Officer Lindsay Grant. “He makes the Marketing Department incredibly proud and we wish we could clone him.”
De La Torre began his tenure with the casino as Receiver in 2012. He was promoted to Buyer three years later and, in January 2018, stepped up to her current position. Managing the Purchasing Department, he has built and guides a strong team. One of his direct reports, Jaime Villanueva, buyer, spoke of his manager’s nomination.
“His management style allows his Team Members to develop, knowing that Ruben has expectations but will always provide the necessary tools and training to complete any task,” said Villanueva. “Through his hard work, he has earned the trust of his peers and upper-level management who know that he is capable of handling important tasks and projects. Ruben never says ‘no’ and is always willing to take on new challenges.”
The casino honors a team member and leader annually who have demonstrated dedication, phenomenal service, teamwork, excellent communication skills and have embraced the Augustine vision for the betterment of the Tribe, its business, guests and fellow team members.
“Ruben and Paul are shining examples of dedication to the Tribe’s success and we are excited to see their careers further develop in the coming years,” CEO Jef Bauer said.
The Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians Reservation is nestled in the shadows of the beautiful San Jacinto Mountains, only three miles east of PGA West, at 84-001 Avenue 54 in Coachella. Opened in 2002, Augustine Casino caters exclusively to Coachella Valley locals and offers a casual dining experience at award-winning Café 54 and Menyikish Grill. For more information, call 760-391-9500 or visit www.augustinecasino.com
