Meet Our Hosts
Our experienced team of casino hosts can make your visits at Cactus Petes the best they can be with a VIP experience. We provide personalized service, a genuine commitment to meet your expectations and unexpected touches that will surprise and delight you. Please feel free to contact our hosts with any questions, requests or needs you might have.Kevin Nielson
Executive Casino Host
Kevin was born and raised in Sunset, Utah and attended Clearfield High School followed by Utah State University. Kevin moved to Twin Falls, Idaho in 1991 where he worked for the College of Southern Idaho for several years. Kevin started work at Cactus Petes in 2005 and if often heard joking that he has been sitting in the same corner of the same office for all of these many years. Kevin will also tell you that he has never wanted a different job at Cactus Petes because he already has the best job in the casino.
Kevin very much enjoys running promotions at work and is known to be happiest with a microphone in his hand. Over the years Kevin has developed many close relationships with both team members and casino guests. Kevin enjoys these friendships very much and will be quick to tell you that without his job as an Executive Host, he likely wouldn’t know any of those people and so he is very grateful for this casino life. Kevin and his beautiful and loving wife Lori enjoy spending time with each other, the kids and grandkids, and the collective families in general.
Kevin’s top three hobbies, not necessarily in this order are, playing music, golfing, and vacationing anywhere with a beach.
“All I can say is that I have a blessed life and I am very thankful for it.”
Call: 208-316-3269
Email: Kevin.Nielson@pngaming.com
patrick sheltra
Executive Casino Host
Born in Rochester, N.Y., raised there and in Salt Lake City and a resident of Twin Falls since 2011, Patrick is an Easterner by birth, but a Westerner by choice. Prior to joining Cactus Petes in his current position in 2012, Patrick worked for more than 15 years in a variety of roles in the newspaper industry, mostly as a sports writer. In 2011, he authored “100 Things Utes Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die,” the most comprehensive source for the football program at the University of Utah, from where he graduated in 1996. When not working, Patrick enjoys golfing, reading, listening to 1980s heavy metal and rap and watching the Buffalo Bills. Patrick is married to Roberta, and together they have three children.
“Working at Cactus Petes is a scream! My fellow team members are a joy to be around, and I have made many friendships with our loyal guests. Asking me what the best part of the job is might be akin to asking Jimmy Page about his favorite guitar chord, but nothing gets my blood pumping like a packed Gala Showroom and one of my favorite ’80s metal acts.”
Call: 208-316-3264
Email: Patrick.Sheltra@pngaming.com
Jesus Gutierrez
Executive Casino Host
A former professional soccer player from San Diego, CA., Jesus has extensive experience leading successful teams both on and off the field. Prior to joining Cactus Petes, Jesus held a leadership position at the largest clothing optional resort in the US. There, he created and led premier events throughout the year, including music festivals, tattoo expos, 5K runs, and more. These events significantly increased the resort's attendance and reputation as a premier getaway destination.
Aside from work, Jesus also focuses on giving back to the communities he lives in by volunteering. He has been a part of different non-profit agencies, but his favorites are the Boys & Girls Club of America and Stepping Stones Agencies (a domestic violence shelter in Prescott, AZ). When he’s not working or volunteering, you can find Jesus exploring neighborhood towns with his wife and 2 year old son.
“I live by one motto: Nothing but the best is ever good enough. This reminds me to give my all in life and be the role model that my child, wife, friends, and colleagues can look up to. I am excited to be here in Jackpot, specifically at Cactus Petes. Come say hi, my door is open!”
Call: 928-533-1616
Email: Jesus.Gutierrez@pngaming.com