Gary FX LaMorte
Owner | Chef
Gary built his career in some of the most demanding kitchens, working alongside Thomas Keller and Michael Mina, before developing performance nutrition for the Las Vegas Raiders and Las Vegas Aces. Over his 30 years in the industry, he has helped open 47 restaurants, hotels, and nutrition facilities across the country. That experience shaped a philosophy rooted in precision, discipline, and hospitality. He founded Honest Hospitality and leads Fortune Events with the same standard, crafting menus designed to impress guests, reflect the occasion, and deliver excellence at every level.
Jolene Mannina
VP Business Development
Jolene developed the culinary concepts for the 2024 and 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix, served as Head of Culinary for the Life is Beautiful Festival, and founded SecretBurger.com and Back of House Brawl. She is also a founding member of the Women’s Hospitality Initiative. With over 20 years of experience in curating high-profile events, she knows how to create experiences that exceed expectations. She brings that expertise to every Fortune Events production.
Rick Bools
Executive Chef
Rick spent years working in the kitchen with José Andrés, one of the world’s most innovative chefs. He’s created over 1,000 recipes, combining fine dining techniques with true creativity. When you’ve cooked alongside culinary royalty, you learn how to build flavors, push boundaries, and make dishes that are genuinely unforgettable. Rick brings that level of expertise to Fortune Events.
Nina Manchev
Executive Director Operations
Nina has built luxury hospitality brands for over 20 years as a celebrated restaurateur and brand creator. She understands the difference between a good event and an unforgettable one, and she knows exactly how to consistently deliver that sophistication. Her keen eye for detail and dedication to precision ensure every Fortune Events experience feels elevated, intentional, and flawless.
Chris Bulen
Corporate Chef
Chris led culinary programs for the Las Vegas Raiders and Las Vegas Aces, creating performance-driven menus for elite athletes. His foundation was built in French fine dining under the legendary André Rochat, with experience at Alizé and André’s, before stepping into Italian cuisine as executive chef of Eataly’s Cucina del Mercato. Today, he brings that same discipline, versatility, and high-level event expertise to every Fortune Events menu.
Christine McWilliams
Operations Manager
Christine managed operations at Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak Las Vegas, learning the principles of operational excellence under one of America’s top chefs. With over 15 years of managing high-profile venues where every detail counts, Christine ensures Fortune Events runs smoothly from the first contact to the final cleanup.
Vincent Pellerin
Executive Pastry Chef
Vincent trained in Michelin-starred French kitchens and created an award-winning Praline Cream Puff that showcases years of pastry mastery and artistry. He also ran Partage for a decade, an elegant dining destination in Las Vegas.
His desserts at Fortune Events illustrate training from the world’s most demanding kitchens, pushing the boundaries of what pastry can be while respecting the classical techniques that make it unforgettable.