It’s not every day someone gets the opportunity to recruit herself for a job. But Melissa Cox did just that.
“Essentially I recruited myself into my first role at Gaming Capital Group LLC as their sales and marketing manager,” says Cox, whose initial position after graduating from the University of Nebraska in Omaha was a job recruiter specializing in finance and accounting.
She was a newcomer to the gaming industry, but tenacious—and a woman. “I was told a big reason I was hired was because I was a woman. The gaming industry is still today very male-dominated.”
What Cox joined in 2006 was the beginning of a one-stop shop for the gaming industry. Since then, Gaming Capital Group has provided nearly $900 million for equipment financing, including casino and hotel projects. Along the way, Cox has donned many hats. Now vice president of customer relations and marketing, she oversees the marketing and promotions department as well as customer, vendor and employee relations.
Gaming Capital Group is also one of the largest customers of gaming manufacturers, having purchased over 15,000 slots, which are leased on a revenue-sharing basis.
“We are laser-focused on growing our customers’ revenues by providing superior service and maintenance on our ever-growing footprint of electronic gaming devices,” says Cox, who grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska.
The company, headquartered in Newcastle, Oklahoma, also has warehouses in Durant and Tulsa to better accommodate its growing operations throughout the northern and eastern regions of Oklahoma. They now operate within 12 gaming jurisdictions and 72 casinos.
Cox credits a number of the company executives for her success, including Rolen Miller, Ward Chilton, Matt Weber, Sherri Lance and Rob Miller.
“They are such a big part of who I am today both personally and professionally. I learned different things from each, but all have pushed me to be my best. However, my parents, Nick and Sally Dean, are my biggest mentors. They continue to teach me what it means to love, be loved, to be kind, and always be true to myself.”
The company has an even brighter future, Cox says. “As our industry grows, we will grow with it. It is vital that our vendor partners develop the best gaming content and utilize the latest technology so we can keep our customers’ casino floors fresh.”
Cox says she’s fortunate to work not only in the gaming industry, but for Gaming Capital Group.
“I cannot imagine doing anything else. I hope in five years my path continues to take me to a place where I can learn, grow, and show those around me that I can do anything you put in front of me,” says Cox, who relaxes by playing golf and taking walks with her husband, Todd, their baby and puppies.
The future is also well-positioned to bring newcomers into the industry. “My advice, learn from everyone around you, lead when you know it’s right, and always be the best version of yourself.”
