Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

EXECUTIVE CLASS:

Mirage President Felix Rappaport as never before

Felix Rappaport

Steve Marcus

Mirage President Felix Rappaport

Mirage President Felix Rappaport is a Philadelphia guy, through and through, but this Las Vegas businessman is a long way from where he started. Rappaport, a die-hard Eagles football fan and self-proclaimed rock singer, gives VEGAS INC a glimpse into his personal life.

Do you have a motto you live by?

Faith, family and friends. I think it’s important to remember, at the end of the day, it’s your personal belief system, your family and your friends that matter most.

What two CDs would you bring on a desert island?

I like the show 'Jesus Christ Superstar.' I like to imagine myself as a rock singer and sing along, not sure my wife enjoys that. Then I’d also bring an old-school rock CD: Jethro Tull, Kansas or Emerson, Lake and Palmer.

If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be?

Andy Reid, head coach of the Eagles, so I could talk him into resigning. I’m sick of not winning Super Bowls.

What was your first job?

When I was a kid I used to mow lawns and shovel snow. My first real job, I was low, low, low on the totem pole at a men’s clothing store in Philadelphia. I worked 26 hours a week and I got paid a sum of $25. I also made commission. I was 14.

What was your worst job?

The first and worst might have been exactly the same. I haven’t really had too many bad jobs. I’m very fortunate. I’ve worked with some great legends in my industry.

What kind of car do you drive?

A white 2010 Lincoln Navigator. It doesn’t really fit into the parking I have at the office. Learning to drive it in and out of there is an exacting science. I’ve scraped it twice in there, always when there are other people in the car. I must have been distracted.

You’re a notorious foodie. If you could throw the ultimate dinner party, who would be your chef?

I’m very good friends with both Gustav Mauler and Kerry Simon. Both of them have cooked for us at dinner parties. If I didn’t mention both of them, I’d lose a friend.

Is the first girl who broke your heart aware of your success?

My wife is standing next to me, staring at me, looking at her watch. We have a dinner party we’re going to tonight. I’ve never kept in touch with old girlfriends. I always think I broke their hearts.

What’s your most valuable possession?

I have an enormous amount of sports memorabilia. I’m a huge Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies fan.

They say if you have the right belt and shoes, your outfit is complete. What kind of shoes and belt do you wear?

I wear Ecco, comfortable shoes every day. To me, comfort is more important than style. In our business, you’re on your feet all day. I’m not too big a fan of belts. All I care about is keeping my pants up.

What kind of watch do you wear?

A Tag Heuer Silverstone that my wife just bought me at the silent auction at the Power of Love Gala for the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.

We all know what the big debate is these days: Vampires vs. Werewolves. Which side are you on?

Growing up, I always liked Christopher Lee as Dracula. I’d say I’m more into vampires than werewolves.

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