Richard Silverman Hollywood Movie Producer & Hospitality Executive on Finding Your Voice Defining Your Purpose

Always on the GROW with Manny Vargas

Richard Silverman was a native of Baltimore and grew up in New York. He graduated from New York University in 1985 with a bachelor’s in Philosophy and film.

He was gifted with a blessed childhood because of his parents — his dad was his best friend, mentor and hero.

He strongly believes, ‘Nepotism is a good word if you can use relationships to carve your own path and do your own thing’.

Today, Richard Silverman is a seasoned professional with over 35 years of experience in various industries. He has a remarkable career trajectory in hospitality, food and beverage, events, sports, entertainment, digital, and specialty retail.

After graduation, Silverman initially entered the entertainment industry, managing artists like George Michael, Prince, and collaborating with prominent songwriters.

In 1996, Silverman ventured into the food and beverage industry, collaborating with renowned restaurateur Phil Romano to expand EatZi’s Gourmet Markets. His immersion in the hospitality industry continued in 2001 when he played a pivotal role in repositioning and selling the Aladdin Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

Transitioning to the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno in 2007, Silverman executed a remarkable turnaround, elevating it from the 12th to the 2nd ranked property in Northern Nevada within six months. He introduced innovative concepts such as Briscola, the first-ever Italian restaurant under the Charlie Palmer banner, Rim Asian Bistro, Xtreme Sports Bar and Grill, The Beach, The Buffet, and The High Roller Lounge, many of which remain successful today.

Silverman's influence extended beyond traditional venues, as he organized city-wide events like the Xtreme Outlaws Races, drawing massive crowds and achieving record-breaking feats. In recent years, he has consulted with international chefs to bring Michelin Star awarded restaurant concepts to Las Vegas and launched an artisan super premium distilled spirits line of XO Rums.

His diverse portfolio includes producing feature films and television projects, notably the EDM-themed film "We Are Your Friends" and the upcoming film "My Dead Friend Zoe," addressing veteran PTSD and suicide issues. Silverman also co-founded a software firm, GEO-Emblaze, serving multimedia companies during the early stages of internet-streaming content.

Promising insights from the episode

- How and where did it all start for Richard Silverman. Who were his childhood influencers

- Is nepotism a bad thing for anyone?

- Business deals and successes of Richard

- How Richard turned around the history of a biggest hotel in city from worst performing to best performing

- How does someone go about showing what their voice stands for and reflects

- What kind of president would Joe Biden make? A little discussion on politics

Important Quotes from Richard Silverman

-My dad is my best friend, mentor, and hero

-We all get to where we get to in life and become who we are because of the people that influenced us along the way to get us there

-The people that you love and value are the only thing that matter

-I love being told something can’t be done because it’s already been proven to fail.

-My childhood was blessed and gifted

-My dad was a person who I always had respect for

-Nepotism is a good word if you can use relationships to carve your own path and do your own thing

-Having the right person in your life gives you all the perspective

-Right voices are not getting the exposure that they need