Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about Gary Platt Manufacturing and the duties of your position.
Bob Yabroff: Gary Platt is the leading manufacturer of casino seating in the United States. We supply seats for slot players, table game players and poker players. The company was formed in 1997 in California and relocated to Reno in 1999 with six employees. We now have 50 employees. We supply chairs to most of the slot machine manufacturers, like Aristocrat, Aruze, Bally, Cadillac Jack, IGT, Multimedia and WMS for all of their seating needs. We also supply seating to most casinos in North America. As Chair Man, I oversee the progress of Gary Platt.
NNBW: How did you get into this profession?
Yabroff: I have been in the seating business for the past 46 years. In 1965 I was looking for a high school summer job. I got hired as a truck driver at a furniture manufacturer. I ended my career with that company as vice president, staying until 1997 when I decided to start my own manufacturing company that specialized in casino seating.
NNBW: What's the most important thing you have learned in your career?
Yabroff: It is imperative to treat all customers with the same outstanding customer service, whether they buy six chairs or 4,000 chairs. They all deserve the same respectful treatment.
NNBW: What are your company's strengths and weaknesses compared to its competition?
Yabroff: One of our major strengths is being in Nevada, the gaming headquarters. Being close to our customers is very important. We also have pride in our products and great customer service. A weakness would be that we are not in the east. Shipping to the east is always a concern freight costs have risen. Our freight costs to the east are higher than our competitors that are located in the east.
NNBW: What can your company do that someone else can't?
Yabroff: A huge advantage for our company is our molded foam, which has a unique composition that sets us apart from the rest of the competition. Our customer service is by far the best in the industry.
NNBW: Tell us about your dream job. Why aren't you working it?
Yabroff: I have always dreamed of being a Major League Baseball player.
NNBW: What are your favorite hobbies or pastimes? How do you spend your time away from work?
Yabroff: I like to play golf with customers, friends and family when I'm away from work. I enjoy spending time at the beach. I am also a huge booster of UNR basketball; I hardly ever miss a home game.
NNBW: Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job?
Yabroff: I love working in the casino industry. The people are unique and fun. I love going to work every day. We have a family atmosphere at Gary Platt Manufacturing.
NNBW: What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Yabroff: "Treat others as you want to be treated."
NNBW: If you had enough money to retire right now, would you? Why?
Yabroff: I am not ready for retirement quite yet. I am still having fun and enjoying working with the people on the job.
Bob Yabroff can be reached at 824-0999.
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