Page 39 - The Way to the Top

Mark A. BROWN

President and CEO of Trump Hotels and Casino Resorts

The business principles that have most effectively guided my twenty-four-
year career in the vibrant gaming industry were instilled by my late father,
John “Jack” Brown, a highly respected Union leader and a labor movement

pioneer of the Hotel and Restaurant Employees Union in Atlantic City.

Through my father’s actions, I witnessed at an early age how important
it is to show employees respect and treat them with dignity and how
critical their contributions are to an organization. I saw my father treat his
Union members in a sincere and caring way, regardless of the nature of

their problem, or more importantly, of their stature in society. I have tried
to emulate this approach in my business environment, with a high degree
of success and personal satisfaction.

During a period in our nation’s business history when mistrust and

skepticism are commonplace, I have found honest and respectful two-way
communication with employees to be a primary factor in long-term
company success, as well as in individual career growth and enrichment.
Companies often underestimate employees’ business acumen and, as a

result, withhold important information from the employee workforce.
Although I do not think this is done maliciously, it reinforces the false
belief that senior management has all the solutions. I have made it a
mission to communicate to employees as much information as possible for

a few key reasons. First, as stakeholders, they deserve to know both
positive and negative news regarding their company. More important, I
rely on their support and involvement in the operation of our business, and
by engaging their minds, together we unleash an incredible collective

power, which translates to a significant competitive advantage.