Mark Birtha, it seems like he was always destined to work for Hard Rock International. That company’s corporate culture fits Birtha’s experience and philosophy toward operations like a glove. His previous experience with companies like Mirage Resorts, Las Vegas Sands, Marriott International, Starwood and Station Casinos was prologue to his hiring to run the Hard Rock property in Northfield, Ohio, just outside Cleveland. He quickly made that racino the most successful property in the state and that success attracted interest from MGM Resorts, which purchased the property in 2019. Birtha has since gone on to develop Hard Rock Sacramento for the Enterprise Rancheria tribe in California. He spoke with GGB Publisher Roger Gros in June.