The Innovation Group of Companies

Global Market Strategies

The Innovation Group of Companies’ broad range of expertise and experience covers almost every aspect of the casino-resort economic development process: The Innovation Group to consult; Innovation Capital to finance and advise; Innovation Project Development to coordinate build-out; and Innovation Marketing to position.

The Innovation affiliates provide an array of related services that enable clients to maximize their strategic and implementation alternatives-from assessing markets and raising capital to oversight of construction and the development of PR strategies.   

The Innovation Group has always been committed to providing forward-thinking solutions for its clients. Now, when owners and operators move to execute upon our industry-preferred recommendations, they have the collective resources of The Innovation Group of Companies to bring the vision to reality. Working together or independently, Innovation affiliates offer a seamless and efficient transition to address advisory, management, financial, development and marketing needs.  

The Innovation Group of Companies has provided services throughout the Americas, Asia, Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, the Middle East and Canada. Domestically, our client list consists of leading operators like Boyd Gaming, Delaware North, Hard Rock Café International, Harrah’s Entertainment, Isle of Capri Casinos, Las Vegas Sands, MGM Mirage, Penn National Gaming, Trump Entertainment Resorts, Wynn Resorts and more than 100 Native American clients.  

Our affiliates have also worked directly with governmental and regulatory agencies providing strategic planning and advisory services to aid in structuring new gaming jurisdictions, establishing regulations, privatizing state-run operations, transaction and litigation support, expert witness testimony, and asset and portfolio management.    

The Innovation Group of Companies’ reputation for discretion and commitment to ethical practice are second to none.  We implement protective measures to ensure that our clients benefit from our global, national and regional market knowledge without ever compromising the intentions and proprietary information of individual clients.   

The professionals of The Innovation Group of Companies are flexible and responsive, keeping at the forefront of a rapidly changing business environment by continually upgrading the services we provide. When unique approaches are required, we know when and how to create and apply them to put strategies into action for our clients.

Casinos, hotels, food and beverage, convention centers, stadiums, racetracks, entertainment halls, golf courses, spas, RV parks, restaurants, retail facilities and more-our list of successful leisure developments grows longer and more diverse every year.   


The Innovation Group. For the past two decades, The Innovation Group has been recognized as the premier provider of consulting and management services for the gaming, hospitality, leisure and entertainment industries. The Innovation Group provides feasibility studies, market assessments and forecasts, economic impact studies, strategic and financial planning, and a variety of related operations and marketing advisory services.  

To date our reports have been the justification for more than $45 billion in investment decisions including public bond issues, private placements and bank institutions, as well as investor guaranteed credit enhancements.  

Contact: Stephen J. Szapor, Jr., president at 303-798-7711.


Innovation Capital. Since its inception in 2004, Innovation Capital has emerged as a leading middle market investment banking firm with a practice dedicated to the gaming, leisure and hospitality industries.

The firm provides expert merger and acquisition, corporate finance, restructuring and valuation advisory services for projects in the $20 million to $500 million value range. The firm has completed more than 20 transactions aggregating over $1.3 billion.  

The firm’s client list includes Snoqualmie Tribe in Washington, Jumer’s Casino in Rock Island, Illinois, Bedford Downs in Pennsylvania and Tropicana Entertainment in Evansville, Indiana. Member FINRA/SIPC.

Contact: Matt Sodl, president/managing director at 310-335-9333.


Innovation Project Development. Innovation Project Development is a multi-disciplined project management services company capable of providing consulting advice or total development oversight.

Functioning as an owner’s representative, Innovation Project Development can provide a project scope description and site concept, model and plan optimum sizing for maximum revenue, manage the work of design and construction firms to help owners make good gaming industry decisions and to get projects open and operating with tight adherence to schedules and budget.

The staff at Innovation Project Development has experience across the globe and is currently providing its services on such projects as the MGM Grand at Foxwoods and Akwesasne Mohawk Casino expansions.      

Contact: Bob Kelly, president at 228-248-0088.
 

Innovation Marketing. Innovation Marketing leverages the unparalleled consultancy, analysis and insight of The Innovation Group of Companies into effective marketing tactics.  

Services include advertising campaigns, public relations plans, direct marketing campaigns and more.  Working domestically with such high profile clients as Foxwoods Resort Casino, Tropicana and Sandia Resort & Casino, Innovation Marketing is also recognized for its expertise in translating cultural sensitivity within international tourism markets. 

Contact: Joe Witterschein, VP of marketing at 952-906-3831.
 


 
Aspen | Atlantic City | Biloxi | Colorado Springs
Costa Rica | Denver | Los Angeles | Minneapolis  New Orleans | Orlando

Steven M. Rittvo, Chairman | 970.927.1400
 
www.innovationgroupofcompanies.com