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Racino manager loves his job
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AUSTINTOWN
Herman Stein loves his job.
“I always look forward to coming to work,” Stein said.
After 35 years with Morgan’s Foods overseeing operations in six states, Stein became one of the first employees hired at Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course as its facilities manager in March.
“I went from having a lot of bosses to having a big team,” he said.
Stein is responsible for maintaining the facilities at the 190-acre site off state Route 46. He has a team of four supervisors and 45 staff members in the racino’s environmental-services division. He also works with the track superintendent.
“I have an excellent team of workers,” he said.
Stein said his team’s work resembles how a hotel does its housekeeping.
“I’ll keep the building looking new as possible for the years to come,” he said.
Stein said the transition to the job was smooth. At his last job, Stein worked 20 years as a maintenance technician before he was promoted to director of maintenance and facilities.
The commute at his old job was considerably longer. Stein would fly as far as Missouri or drive to West Virginia compared with driving from his home in Vienna to the racino.
“If I put all my satellite-management skills in one building, I should do OK,” he said.
While the commute is shorter, another difference between his old and new jobs is the atmosphere.
“The environment here is always upbeat and fun,” he said.
Stein said he enjoys being able to interact with the guests a little more.
The job does come with challenges, though.
Stein said the stress levels change, but he’s able to manage them. He also puts in long hours while working at the facility.
“Long hours equal satisfaction; that’s all I can say,” he said.
He’s also learning new systems, a challenge that general manager Mike Galle acknowledged. “However, Herman has brought a great deal of experience,” Galle said. “Herman has been a tremendous asset to the team.”