Careers at GSR

Billy Cooper

Bell Person

Want to meet someone with the hospitality gene? Billy Cooper is your guy. 

“I started at 15-years-old in Northern Arizona near the Grand Canyon at a lodge with a big lake,” Cooper said. “Worked on big house boats and with the tour buses, that’s where I got my experience.”  

Born in Ely, Nevada, Cooper found himself back in the Silver State in 1988 where he got a job at the 600-room Flamingo Hilton, shortly thereafter…Cooper landed at Reno Hilton. It has been 19 years on property since and he hasn’t lost his passion for meeting people.

“It’s a great industry to be in if you love people,” Cooper said. “Working at GSR has really helped me grow and become relatable. That is interacting with other team members and guests from all different walks of life.” 

Cooper has a unique set of responsibilities as a bell person. He handles everything from luggage, transportation, checking people in and out, and even answers questions as a concierge. He takes extreme pride in his work and Grand Sierra Resort wishes they had an entire staff of Billy Coopers. 

Kim Cu

Cook II Food & Beverage

Kim Cu has the most fun at GSR and sometimes it comes at the expense of her best friends in the kitchen.

“To make the day go by faster, I’m always picking on people,” Cu said with a sarcastic smile. “Working at a big casino, it’s just more fun.”

That’s a privilege reserved for someone who has been on property for 41 years. Cu started as a dishwasher for MGM Grand in the late 1970s and her positive energy and huge smile has radiated the hallways ever since.

Now a Cook II, Cu is responsible for managing the high standards of taste and presentation across multiple restaurants on property. 

Born in Vietnam but of Chinese decent, Cu is a true success story with a wealth of knowledge and has been an incredible role model for many other cooks over the years. She is truly a team member GSR is proud to call one their own. 

Trevor Jensen

Shift Lead, EVS Swing Shift

Trevor Jensen eats, sleeps, and breathes Grand Sierra Resort. 

“It’s much more than work to me,” Jensen said. “It’s about helping guests, helping the community. We are family at GSR. I care a lot about my employees and I care about every team member here.”

For the past eight years, Jensen has been a part of the EVS department and a key factor in upholding the extremely high cleanliness standards for the entire resort.

He got his start at a job fair and since has risen through the ranks, displaying a work ethic second to none.

“I started at the bottom,” Jensen said. “First by literally cleaning ashtrays on the casino floor and then moving my way up. Without Santiago Gonzalez (Director of EVS), I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

“Moving up” is a light way of putting it. Jensen was even named hotel division 2019 Team Member of the Year — an honor reserved only for the best. And in true Trevor fashion, he’s quick to give credit back to GSR.

“It is an entire culture of winning. I never want to be with a company that does not take pride in their employees,” Jensen said. “From free meals to free bus passes to even giving free vaccinations, these are things not every company is willing to do. This is a company with a lot of values.”

Jensen is an incredible example of Grand service and we are so proud to have him on our team. 

Zakotah Sevon

Lead Server, The Pool

She has only been with Grand Sierra Resort for two years, but Zakotah Sevon is a seasoned veteran at the Pool.

“I just take it one day at a time, I just keep coming back every day and trying my hardest,” Sevon said. “My mom taught me hard work really pays off.” 

A true natural when it comes to guest service, Sevon is responsible for catering to our guests at both the main pool and cabanas. Whether that is taking food or drink orders, cleaning up, or responding to various asks and needs, she works with an incredibly positive attitude and smile on her face at all times. 

“My favorite part about GSR is just the people,” Sevon said. “My co-workers and the guests I get to serve every day! GSR is just so well known, a world-class venue — I’ve always wanted to work here.” 

If you are looking for Grand service, make sure to stop by the pool and ask for Zakotah.