About this episode

Chris Kelley discusses the introduction of the Hard Rock Casino Tejon in Kern County and its impact on the local community and economy.

What does it take to introduce a brand new industry to a community? That is the challenge Chris Kelley, President of Hard Rock Casino Tejon, is tackling in opening the Hard Rock Casino Tejon in Kern County. With more than 20 years of experience in gaming and hospitality, Chris shares inspiring insights on Hard Rock's partnership with the Tejon tribe, the creation of thousands of jobs, and the impact of introducing an entirely new industry to a region traditionally dominated by agriculture and energy. From discussing amplified guest service and meaningful community relationships, to revealing the grassroots approach to workforce development, Chris unpacks how Hard Rock balances its global brand identity while authentically rooting itself in Kern County's culture and history. Tune in to discover the impact of breaking new ground and building an industry from the ground up. You'll learn: The impact of introducing thousands of jobs to a region previously dominated by agriculture and energy, helping to diversify and strengthen the local economy. How the hospitality sector is a powerful career engine, allowing workers to start at any level and progress in their careers, fostering…

People in this episode

Guest: Chris Kelley

Topics covered

• community development
• hospitality industry
• workforce development
• economic impact
• career growth

Keywords

• Hard Rock Casino
• Kern County
• Tejon tribe
• job creation
• hospitality careers
• community relationships
• workforce development

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Hard Rock Casino Tejon, Tejon tribe

Places: Kern County, Kern County

More episodes of The Future Of Work

• Transforming Access and Equity in Healthcare Workforce Development with Van Ton-Quinlivan, Founder & CEO of Futuro Health Episode 169 · June 9, 2026 · 30 min
• Making Recovery Equitable & Inclusive with Anish Saraiya, Director of Altadena Recovery for L.A County Supervisor Kathryn Barger Episode 168 · May 26, 2026 · 27 min
• How To Build an Inclusive Workforce with Parina Parikh, Associate Vice President at Jobs for the Future Episode 167 · May 12, 2026 · 27 min
• How To Develop Soft Skills for Future Tech-Driven Jobs with Tara Chklovski, founder/CEO of Technovation Episode 166 · April 28, 2026 · 30 min
• How Women-Owned Businesses Lead Pasadena's Post-Fire Economic Rebuild with Lizzy Okoro Davidson, Director at Pasadena Women's Business Center Episode 165 · April 14, 2026 · 32 min
• Sustaining the Rebuild: PCC's Continuing Commitment to Community Recovery Episode 164 · March 31, 2026 · 32 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Future Of Work podcast page.