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What it Takes to be a M Girl

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012

MGirlTakingOrder

There are many things our guests notice when first entering our resort, aside from our design, scent and four-star service, sometimes it’s our Team Members themselves. M Girls are our most recognized Team Members and serve as ambassadors for our resort; they even have their own calendar. So what does it take to be one of these cocktail cuties? We sat down with Ena, one of our M Girls who has been with us since opening to find out.MGirlWalking

If you want to be an M Girl, you have to be outgoing, personable, smile and get along with your guests. You need to be dedicated to your job, take time, look good, do your makeup correctly and hair because it will make it worth your while. It’s important to have a smile on your face even if you’ve been on your feet all day.

As an M Girl you have to learn how to multitask. Sometimes you’re busy on the floor and you have a lot of drinks to take out but you make sure that you always have a smile on your face and take care of the guest.

Every day is different as an M Girl that’s what makes it so much fun to come to work! Sometimes the days are long and you do stand on your feet a lot but, overall when a customer remembers you, that’s what makes a job worthwhile. On a typical day we greet our guests, we take their drink orders, we talk to our guests about the newest promotions and we also make sure that our guests have enjoyed their visit while staying at the M Resort.

We do take a training class with our drink orders and you go on the floor and you train for a week with one of us and we will help you. As an M Girl the job is very flexible. If you want to go to school during the day you can work the night shift or you can work the on-call shift which gives you more flexibility.

MGirlwBartenderThe employees at the M are fun, we’re like a family. We all get along. I enjoy working with our supervisors they listen to us and they take care of problems. I have worked at several properties but I feel the M is the best place that I have ever worked at.

If you’re interested in being an M Girl, we’re hiring for pool season! Visit the employment page of our website to submit your resume today!

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Wiring M

Thursday, January 12th, 2012

ITServers2

How many personal electronic devices do you use in your home? With a world awash in smart phones, chances are you have one of your own and maybe a computer, printer, laptop, e-reader and even a tablet on top of that. It takes a lot to keep all those devices going, so could you imagine doing it for an entire casino? Our resort’s Information Technology (IT) Department makes sure all electronic communication at M runs smoothly, right down to the very last slot machine.

ITServers4Essentially every device inside our nearly two million square foot resort resides on one network, meaning more than 600 laptops, printers, servers; more than 1,500 slot machines; over 100 point of sale terminals; 1,400 telephones including 400 wireless IP phones and much more are all connected on one single converged network – making our resort one of the most technologically advanced in Las Vegas.

Our resort boasts a full Ethernet gaming floor.  Many casinos in Las Vegas still currently use serial data connections to the tens of thousands of slot machines. Only with Ethernet gaming floors can casinos effectively utilize the content delivery mechanisms embedded in each slot machine.

Planning for a network, like ours, began even before the first architectural drawings were created. Our IT Department’s main goal was to create an infrastructure that would allow all the devices in our resort to be connected. Building codes in Nevada require all network cables be in a conduit (tube for protecting electric wiring), which means every phone, computer or device that connects to a network needs to be inside one. In a large resort such as ours, that’s a whole lot of cable casing. A property of our size normally would have five to seven wiring closets, but because M has a highly collapsed network infrastructure our resort has triple that number.

ITServers

Our IT Department’s next goal was to create an “agnostic endpoint,” which meant that a wall jack, (like the kind you plug a phone or internet cable into) could be anything. Historically in homes, and hotels alike, ITServers3telephones require a dedicated wire that runs from the phone back to a central location, such as a telephone switch. Conversely VOIP (voice over IP) phones are plugged into ports on a network switch and can be treated almost the same as any computer or other network device.  Our Team was able to expand that concept further by taking out all dedicated wiring for security cameras, slot machines, TVs, time clocks and hotel mini-bars and was given the freedom to put anything, anywhere there is a connector.

Thanks to our advanced technology and IT Department, we are able to deliver four-star service to guests both in our hotel and on the casino floor.

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Staying Green on the Go

Friday, January 6th, 2012

Airplane

It’s not easy being staying green while you’re on the go. Traveling to and from M (or any other destination) and staying eco-friendly at the same time requires a bit of planning. But don’t worry; we’re here to help with tips for traveling and helping the environment at the same time.

Staying green during travel starts with how you travel to your destination. Whether you’re getting to there by train, plane or car there are always green alternatives.

  • When taking a road trip, opt for driving a hybrid car. If you don’t own one yourself, you can rent one. Driving a hybrid will save you money on gas so it’s good for your wallet and the environment at the same time.
  • If you’re going by air, you can reduce your carbon footprint in the skies by choosing a larger plane. On average, larger planes consume less fuel than smaller aircrafts. Plus it’s similar to car pooling, the more passengers on larger planes the fewer smaller planes in the air.
  • While taking a train may seem a bit old-fashioned, trains emit fewer pollutants per passenger than the equivalent amount of cars. You’ll also be able to kick back and enjoy the scenery during your ride.

Aside from your mode of transportation, there are other factors to take into consideration while you travel to help reduce the footprint you leave behind.luggage

  • If you’re traveling green, you should stay green too. Look for accommodations (like ours) that practice environmentally-friendly initiatives. You can read about how we go green at our own resort.
  • Lighten up your load. Packing lighter helps you save gas during car travel. All of those 50 lb. suitcases add up so this also helps when traveling by plane or train.
  • Power your devices with the sun. Chances are you’re traveling with a cell phone, camera, mp3 player and other electronic devices. Invest in a solar charger for your digital electronics and keep them electricity free.

Incorporating any or all of these tips will help you start on the path to green travel.  Do you have any good travel tips for going green? Share them with us below!

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Serving Up Cocktail Cuties: 2012 M Girl Calendar

Thursday, December 22nd, 2011

2012 Calendar CoverEver wonder what goes into having a photo shoot? How about a photo shoot with 26 girls? We’ve been working hard, getting our 2012 M Girl Calendar ready for you just in time for the holidays. And we’re bringing you a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into putting together a calendar featuring 12 months of cocktail cuties.

With a team of four hair and makeup stylists, two photographers, a lighting specialist, an art director, wardrobe stylist and many more helping hands our team worked many long days (and nights) photographing our sexy servers in fun and unique settings. Get your first peek at the girls in the video below and be sure to pick up your M Calendar today, they’re on sale at 32° Draft Bar, M Bar and Studio B Buffet.

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Team Members Give Thanks

Thursday, November 24th, 2011

The Thanksgiving holiday is our annual opportunity to feast on turkey, catch up with family and friends, watch a little football, get a head start on holiday shopping and of course give thanks. We asked our M Team Members what they are thankful for this year and below are some of their answers.

Nita N.

I’m so thankful for this Thanksgiving because my family is always there to support each other. With all the economic problems, I’ve been blessed that I still have a wonderful job, family and friends. Thanks to almighty God for giving me these abundant blessings. Peace to everyone and Happy Thanksgiving!

Dorcas F.

DorcasI am most thankful for the strength that my daughter, also named Dorcas, has. She has not had an easy life. She was born with Hirschsprung’s disease and had to endure multiple surgeries up to the age of 9 to correct it.

At the age of 16 she was diagnosed with lung cancer and had to have a lung removed. If that wasn’t enough, at the age of 20 she had a bout with ovarian cancer and had major surgery.  She has been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and she is only 23 years old.

My daughter has never complained at anytime about what she has had to go through. She has done nothing but worry about how her family was holding up. My daughter works three different jobs and one of those is being a caretaker for others. She lives in Buffalo, NY and never lets the cold bother her.

She is coming to see me in November and as a treat for her I am taking her to Disneyland – her first trip to California ever. As a parent, watching a child suffer is the worst but she has taught me so much and I would be so lost without her.

Ikram B.

I’m thankful for my family, my friends and life. Most of all I am thankful for my job because I was granted a second chance and there are always people who support me.

Victor H. C.

I thank God for my family, my children and the blessing of having such an excellent job. I hope you are able to spend a day giving thanks for your family and everything you have like I am.

Maria A.

This year I am thankful that my sister in Texas is doing better. She has been treated for cancer in her right arm. I am also thankful that all of my grandkids are doing well.

Yadimir S.

I want to say I’m thankful because I have a beautiful family and I have the opportunity to be alive and see my daughter grow up. I have a very good job with amazing coworkers and managers and I have a wonderful God who supports my family and my whole life every single day.

Eileen B.

I am thankful for my job and all the wonderful people I work with everyday.

Erica S.

I am thankful for my family and friends. I am also thankful for the new people I meet here at work and to have a job I enjoy.

Jeanie H.

I’m thankful that all my family has their health and we all have a home when so many do not.

Carlos M.

I am thankful for the chance to work in this beautiful hotel.

Mayra S.

I thank God for everyday of my life, for the amazing family I have and for giving me the job I have.

Hector G.

I am thankful for everyone at the M Resort for giving me a job. I am really happy to work here with all of my coworkers.

Michelle M.

I am thankful for my health, still being here on Earth, working at M for the third Thanksgiving. I am also thankful for being able to smile and laugh with my coworkers.

Isabel T.

Fourteen years ago my daughter was born with a heart condition and was given a 25% chance of living. Today she is a strong and healthy child. Eight years ago my husband was nearly killed in a car accident, and today he is much healthier than ever. I am thankful for those things as well as my job, my home, my family and friends. I thank God today and forever.

We would like to wish all our readers a very happy Thanksgiving and a special thank you to our Team Members for their submissions. We encourage you to share what you’re thankful for in our blog comments below.

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Security Heroes

Wednesday, November 9th, 2011
Security

Dana Bell (left) and Manny Silvas (right) pose with their award from the Las Vegas Security Chiefs Association.

One of the things we love about our blog is the opportunity to showcase our Team Members who truly are the heart and soul of our resort. We’ve profiled many of them and shared their unique stories, but today we’re proud to acknowledge two of our Team Members who were recently recognized for their exceptional work. They went above and beyond their normal call of duty to save a guest’s life.

Security Manager Dana Bell and Security Officer Manny Silvas have been recognized by the Las Vegas Security Chiefs Association (LVSCA) as the November Professionals of the Month. They received their award on Thursday, November 3 during the association’s monthly meeting. Dana and Manny are responsible for saving the life of a guest in September by performing CPR for 10 minutes and utilizing an AED (automated external defibrillator).

Their award was no easy feat; nominations for the prestigious recognition are reviewed by the Board of Directors of LVSCA. The decision of measuring excellence is a difficult one since almost everything is expected of security officers on a daily basis and as part of their job requirements. “In this specific incident the guest was without a pulse and the officers could have easily given up but they did not,” said Maria Tamayo-Soto, Executive Director of Security, Surveillance and Safety at M Resort. “They did everything and anything they could do to keep this guest going until rescue arrived.”

Both Dana and Manny and all our security personnel go through CPR training every two years with refresher courses periodically before their shifts begin in CPR, AED and other safety techniques. We are happy to have Dana and Manny as part of our team at M and would like to congratulate them on their award.

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A League of Her Own

Thursday, September 8th, 2011

KandiceThink you’re busy? Try juggling a job at M and a budding career in football; Lingerie Football to be specific. Our resort is home to our very own Lingerie Football League (LFL) player, Kandice Golar. By day she’s a star concierge at our resort helping guests create memorable getaways and on her days off she’s hitting the turf with the ladies of the Las Vegas Sin. We caught up with our concierge Kandice to get the full nine yards on her hospitality and sports careers.

How long have you worked at the M?

I‘ve been working for M for a little over a year now.

What’s your favorite part of being a concierge?

Being a concierge is such a rewarding job. It gives me the chance to interact with and help people from all walks of life and people from all over the world. I’m able to assist guests with fantastic ways to celebrate a special event or meaningful occasion in their life.  Whether it’s ordering chocolate strawberries and champagne to flowers and balloons, I enjoy assisting our guests with making their stay at M special, romantic and more memorable.

What’s the most unique request you’ve gotten so far?

Shaquille O’Neal needed long, black dress socks within hours.  Not realizing until after I spoke with him that he wore a size 23 shoe, I knew I had some calling around to do.  It was a daunting task but I was able to get him his socks just in the nick of time with the help of a seamstress.

How do you juggle playing for the LFL and working at M?

I’m able to handle both jobs with the help of my very understanding and awesome Management Team and Team Members at M!

tackle

Kandice (left) tackles an opponent on the Chicago Bliss.

How did you get in to playing for the LFL?

A friend of mine thought I would be interested in the LFL after she received an email about tryouts for the team they were forming in Las Vegas.  At first I the thought the LFL was going to be similar to powder puff football that I had played in high school.  But after doing some research on the league, I saw that it was full contact, tackle football.  I was very excited about the opportunity and decided to tryout. I haven’t looked back since!

Did you always have an interest in playing sports?

I’ve always been interested in sports even at a young age. My parents always kept me very active in various types of sports while growing up. I played club, high school and college soccer. After college I began competing in figure competitions. I really enjoy being active and I just love to compete.

What’s your LFL position?

I play both wide receiver and corner for the Las Vegas Sin.

How long have you been playing for the LFL?

This is my first year playing in the LFL and I LOVE it!  This is also the first year for Las Vegas to have a LFL team. It’s a great feeling to be part of a team especially during their first year!

What tips would you give to girls wanting to play for the LFL?

Anyone can be taught the basics of football.  Just make sure that you have some type of athleticism. It’s important to be in-shape and be prepared to train hard.

Do you have any other unique hobbies?

Aside from the LFL, I compete in figure competitions and I also enjoy snowboarding.

On the heels of their first victory, Kandice’s team the Las Vegas Sin beat the Chicago Bliss 32-20 in their debut game. You can see Kandice and the other ladies of the Las Vegas Sin play in their first home game on November 11 at the Orleans Arena against the L.A. Temptation.

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Healthy Travels

Tuesday, September 6th, 2011

Business TravelerTravel allows you to see and experience things that aren’t part of your day-to-day life like taking in everything M has to offer for instance! While you may be in a different environment than what you’re used (maybe even climate, we are in a desert!) it’s important to stay healthy during your leisure or business travel! Trust us, you want to be in tip-top shape while in Vegas, have you seen all there is to do at our resort?Running

The key in sticking with anything is motivation and what’s better motivation than a workout buddy? Grab your travel companion or maybe a local colleague and get to it. Schedule a morning run, to start your day off in the right way. Not only will it wake you up better than a large cup of coffee but it will get your heart pumping and blood flowing!

DancingDance the night away! Our Saturday night concert series, M Pool Live is the perfect spot to get your groove on. Dancing burns more calories that you think and the best part is, it’s fun. You don’t even notice that you’re working out! Our wine bar, Hostile Grape has a DJ on Saturday and Sunday night so get up on your feet and work off that last glass of wine you had…hopefully it was red which is better for your heart.Swimming

Dive in! Most hotels you’ll stay at have pools ready for their guests’ use. We have a 100,000 square foot pool deck (not to brag or anything) ready for you to get your swim on. Aside from staying active, your best bet in keeping healthy when traveling is portion control. Sure we have a buffet with over 200 items to choose from so take samples of everything instead of platefuls.

Need more ideas in keeping healthy, check out our blog post on getting fit around our property!

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Best Smart Phone Apps for your Vegas Vacation

Thursday, September 1st, 2011

Smart PhonesAn unforgettable trip to Vegas always starts with a little research. Whether you’re doing that research weeks prior to your arrival or as you’re waiting at the airport’s baggage claim is all up to you. Either way, a great smart phone app is procrastinator and planner friendly! A helping hand from modern-day technology can assist you in arranging your dream vacation at M and around the fabulous city of Las Vegas. Did we mention you can do this all from the pocket-sized screen of your Android, iPhone or BlackBerry?

The first step in visiting Vegas is actually getting here (we know everyone’s not lucky enough to actually live here.) If you’re catching a flight to Sin City, chances are your local airport has its own free app waiting to be downloaded. You can get Las Vegas’ airport app be downloading “Live Airport – Las Vegas McCarran” app (currently only available for iPhone) from iPhone’s App Store. It gives you flight status, maps and airport info, allowing you to breeze through terminals like a seasoned traveler.

You’ve probably seen the movie “21” by now or maybe even dreamed of taking the gaming tables by storm and pocketing a hefty share of casino chips. Brush up on your black jack skills (and kill some time on your flight to Vegas) with a black jack app on your phone. “Blackjack” in iPhone’s App Store, “Blackjack Classic” in BlackBerry App World and “Real BlackJack” in the Android Market are free (yes, all free!) apps that will prepare you for playing like a pro at the tables. All three apps allow you to play the simple game of black jack without worrying about breaking the bank, so go ahead and bet $1,000 on that next (virtual) hand.

After you’ve arrived in Vegas and finished perfecting your card playing skills (and actually tested them on our casino floor) you might want to get out and explore the city. Though we’d love for you to stay at our resort during the duration of your trip we know there’s a lot to see out there and the “Vegas Mate” app ($1.99, iPhone) can help you see it. “Vegas Mate” is an interactive, location-based city guide complete with tourist tips and information on restaurants, shows and nightlife in Las Vegas. For Android users, “Vegas Casino Maps” ($0.99) can help you navigate casino floors from our very own resort all the way to casinos north on the Las Vegas Strip. We know at some properties (not ours) it can be hard to find that restaurant you’re looking for or even the nearest restroom and this app helps solve that!

One of our personal favorite things to do in Vegas is spend a little quality time at the spa. M is home to our very own four-star rated spa, Spa Mio. It’s the perfect place for getting that relaxation and TLC that we all need when away from home. After a soothing treatment (or two) you might want to keep that relaxing feeling with you all day, simply turn on the “Relaxing Spa Music” app (free, Android) and keep yourself in that spa state of mind even when you can’t be at Spa Mio.

We’re working on a very own smart phone app of our own for M, so tell us what do you look for in an app and what would you like to see in ours? In the meantime if you’re on the go and need your M-info feel free to pull up our blog on your mobile device, this blog is phone friendly!

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Preparing for the Frontlines

Thursday, July 28th, 2011

GerryWe have lots of interesting Team Members that help operations run smoothly here at M. As you know, service is one of our top priorities and we always aim to exceed all of our guests’ expectations. We wouldn’t be able to provide you with four-star service without big help from people behind the scenes. Some of our most vital team members are ones that don’t get any face-time with the customers. Our Director of Training and Development Gerry Newell helps prepare our Team Members for the frontlines and rewards them for the amazing service they provide.

Tell us about what you do at M.

I am the Director of Training and Development here at M Resort. I’m responsible for helping train our 1,200 Team Members and also recognize them for their achievements. Working in the HR (Human Resources) Department I also head the internal communications programs at M, which includes developing our internal newsletter.

What do you love about your job?

I really enjoy the excitement and challenges of working in the gaming industry, seeing our team achieve its goals, and seeing people grow, learn and progress. I get to interact with our Team Members on their very first day during orientation, so seeing them go from that point to excelling at the property is always very rewarding.

How did you get into this line of work?

Both of my parents were educators and taught me the value of continuous learning. I’ve incorporated that lesson into all aspects of my career. I first began working in the hospitality industry in Hawaii, I then moved on to business consulting in the U.S. and Mexico. I later got into Human Resources, Employee Relations, and Training and Development here in Las Vegas and ended up at M Resort.

Where have you worked previously?

Like many local Las Vegans I’ve worked at various resorts around town including the Rio All Suites Hotel & Casino, Luxor Hotel and Casino and Wynn Las Vegas. I even worked up in Reno at the Peppermill Resort Casino. One of my most interesting jobs was working for Teleconsulting Services Inc., where I worked with Tony Robbin’s consulting team..

What are some of the notable accomplishments you’ve achieved?

Hands down, the accomplishment I’m most proud of is being a part of the team that has achieved the Forbes Four Star Award Two Years in a row at M Resort! I’ve also been selected by my fellow Team Members as Team Leader of the Year at M.

If you’re interested in being a part of the M team and working with the likes of Gerry, visit our M-ployment page and apply for a job with us!

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