Klas Robinson QED
11200 Vincent Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55431
800.475.8140
info@klasrobinsonqed.com

Our Company

With a commitment to servicing clients throughout North America, KlasRobinson Q.E.D. emphasizes hands-on, client-oriented consulting, based on our founding principles of integrity, accuracy and respect. Our goal is to provide cost-effective solutions in order to maximize value, while respecting the individual needs of each of our unique clients.

Our comprehensive approach ensures accountability through direct, absolute and exclusive involvement in each project, including meetings, market research, analysis, report writing and presentation.

KlasRobinson Q.E.D. provides market research, financial feasibility analysis, economic impact analysis, litigation support and other development consulting to such diverse types of industries and businesses as:

• Casinos, Bingo Halls and Racetracks
• Gas Stations, Truck Stops and Convenience Stores
• Hotels and Resorts
• Amusements and Attractions
• Convention Centers and Exhibit Halls
• Golf Courses
• RV Parks and Campgrounds
• Bowling Alleys
• Restaurants and Nightclubs
• Theaters and Other Entertainment Facilities
  
• Tribal and Community Development Planning
  
• Water Parks

We perform comprehensive market research as a foundation for all of our feasibility studies, focusing on key demographic characteristics, tourism patterns, transportation infrastructure and other elements affecting the ability of a project to attract demand. We work in concert with the project team to develop facility recommendations that match the identified needs of the market and the goals of the project developers.

Due to our extensive experience with a broad array of leisure industry projects, we need not rely solely on published information in projecting future financial performance. Our projections are based upon years of experience working with leisure industry projects of all types and sizes that has given us access to operating and market data not available to the general public.

Our analyses of direct, indirect and induced economic impact provide not merely facts and figures, but the context necessary to make them real and understandable to the reader.

KlasRobinson Q.E.D. emphasizes hands-on, client-oriented consulting, based on our founding principles of integrity, accuracy and respect. Our comprehensive approach ensures accountability through the direct, absolute and exclusive involvement of the principals in each project, including meetings, market research, analysis, report writing and presentation.

Please let us know how we can assist you.

Our Services

Financial Feasibility:
Detailed market research is the foundation of any feasibility analysis. KlasRobinson Q.E.D. gathers information from direct interviews and inspections and a variety of published and unpublished sources to obtain the depth of insight required for accurate prediction of future outcomes. However, information alone is not enough, no matter how extensive. KlasRobinson Q.E.D. has the experience and understanding to synthesize the raw data into detailed recommendations for facilities and phasing and dependable projections of future financial performance. In order to ensure accuracy, we also test the impact of changes in sensitive assumptions on the ability of the project to meet its debt service requirements.

Business Plans:
Lenders and investors often require detailed business plans going beyond a justification of investment to show exactly how the business will achieve its projected results. For tribal projects, NIGC requirements also may include a detailed business plan. KlasRobinson Q.E.D. can prepare the market and financial text and work together with other members of the project team to incorporate other relevant material into a clear, persuasive, user-friendly document.

Economic & Social Impact:
Projects involving tens of millions or even hundreds of millions of dollars have public impact and are often subject to public or government scrutiny and/or approval. The principals of KlasRobinson Q.E.D. have years of experience documenting the economic and social impact of existing businesses and industries or projecting the future economic and social impact of new ventures. Our analyses of direct, indirect and induced impact are based not merely on some ill-defined and indefensible “multiplier,” but rather on comprehensive, economic models recognized and accepted throughout the country, carefully tailored to the specific input/output interactions of the relevant local and regional economies.

Of equal importance, the principals of KlasRobinson Q.E.D. are particularly skilled in presenting the findings from their analyses in both verbal and written form to government panels, the media and the general public in a manner that’s clear, understandable, in appropriate context and helps defuse the often highly-charged political environment so that decisions can be based upon facts rather than fears and prejudice.

Litigation Support:
In today's litigious society, expert analysis and testimony are often required to evaluate, substantiate or refute damage claims and other economic issues of substance in lawsuits, arbitration procedings and other legal procedings. KlasRobinson Q.E.D. has the industry knowledge and practical experience in legal venues to develop or evaluate financial and economic analyses and to provide strategic support and direct testimony in a manner that is clear, accurate and defensible.

Marketing Support:
Whether you are developing a strategy to penetrate new markets or creating a competitive response to changes in an existing market, KlasRobinson Q.E.D. can provide the level of market-segmented research and analysis needed to ensure that affiliations, facilities, pricing policies and target markets are focused to maximize future performance potential.

[return to top]

Our Process

Meetings:
The principals of KlasRobinson Q.E.D., and only the principals, will attend, not only introductory and sales meetings, but all meetings necessary for the successful completion of each project. Our hands-on, client-oriented practice doesn't stop there. The principals of KlasRobinson Q.E.D. remain in constant contact with the project team members, accessible to answer any questions that may arise during our involvement in the project.

Market Research:
In addition to the initial meeting, the principals of KlasRobinson Q.E.D., and only the principals, conduct all site visits, market research and fieldwork, thus ensuring a complete understanding of the unique parameters of each project and the competitive environment in which it will operate.

Analysis:
The principals of KlasRobinson Q.E.D., with over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, also conduct all analyses for each individual project, further guaranteeing a comprehensive approach to analytical process. Our analyses are based on, not only published data, but detailed comparisons to the actual financial statements of numerous existing hospitality operations throughout the country, which we have obtained on a confidential and proprietary basis while working directly with the operations.

Report Writing:
After thorough analysis, the principals of KlasRobinson Q.E.D., and only the principals, then prepare a comprehensive written report, suitable for the unique requirements of each project, whether it be for financing, government submissions and/or public relations. Our proven, final work product is readily accepted by lending institutions, developers and government agencies, including the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the National Indian Gaming Commission.

Presentation:
Upon completion of each and every project, the principals of KlasRobinson Q.E.D. are available for, and strongly encourage, a follow up meeting, to present their findings, recommendations and conclusions for the project and to answer any questions the client may have. In addition, the principals of KlasRobinson Q.E.D. have attended numerous press conferences, as well as provided expert witness testimony for a vast array of hospitality-related concerns.

[return to top]

Our Clients

Tribal Governments & Economic Development Agencies:
The principals of KlasRobinson Q.E.D., Jim Klas and Matt Robinson, are recognized throughout North America for their leadership role in advancing the understanding of the single most successful economic development opportunity ever available to Native American Tribes - Indian casinos. Since even before IGRA, the principals of KlasRobinson Q.E.D., have been researching the unique characteristics of Indian gaming operations and all of their supporting facilities and amenities, such as hotels, convention centers, golf courses, gas station/convenience stores, RV parks and others. We are proud of our continuing contribution to the advancement of sustainable economic development on tribal lands.

Developers:
Whether for casinos (emerging or traditional markets), hotels, resorts, golf, amusement centers, water parks, exhibit halls or virtually any business designed to attract and entertain the recreational customer, KlasRobinson Q.E.D., has the experienced, independent perspective needed to provide private developers with feasibility analyses and market research that will not only guide them in their decision making but support them as they seek to capitalize their ventures.

Government & Nonprofit Agencies:
KlasRobinson Q.E.D., understands the unique requirements and perspectives of government agencies and non-profit entities as they come into contact with the hospitality industry in its myriad forms. Whether you are trying to attract hospitality development, evaluating the benefits of such development, struggling with operating a hospitality business as a government or non-profit agency or simply seeking to obtain a greater understanding of some aspect of the industry for any reason, we can provide you with in-depth research and analysis presented in a form that can be clearly understood even if you are not an industry expert.

Attorneys:
KlasRobinson Q.E.D. has the experience, communication skills and attention to detail required to address hospitality industry issues in sensitive environments, such as litigation, bankruptcy, tax appeal and political lobbying efforts. We are comfortable presenting and explaining our findings and conclusions in courtrooms and press conferences, where the atmosphere is often skeptical or even hostile. By presenting our conclusions in a clear, sound and respectful manner, we can assist attorneys and their clients whenever specialized hospitality industry expertise is required.

[return to top]

Recent Engagements

AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS - Palm Springs, California:
Economic impact analysis of the various tribal enterprises of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, including both the direct impact and multiplier effect on local, state and national governments, as well as the tribe and its members. Feasibility study for the expansion at both the Spa Casino Resort in Palm Springs and the Agua Caliente Casino in Thousand Palms.

AROOSTOOK BAND OF MICMAC INDIANS – Presque Isle, Maine:
Feasibility study for KeyStone Gaming Group on behalf of the Aroostook Band of Micmac Indians for a proposed Class II gaming complex near Presque Isle. Analysis included a high stakes bingo hall, Class II casino and food and beverage outlet. BAD RIVER BAND OF THE LAKE SUPERIOR

TRIBE OF CHIPPEWA INDIANS AND THE ST. CROIX CHIPPEWA INDIANS OF WISCONSIN:
Feasibility study and economic impact study on behalf of the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians and the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin for a proposed casino resort development near Beloit, Wisconsin. Analysis included a casino, 500-unit hotel, convention center, food and beverage, retail, arcade, childcare and an indoor/outdoor waterpark.

BLACKFEET NATION –Browning, Montana:
Feasibility Study for Siyeh Development Corporation on behalf of the Blackfeet Nation for an all new Glacier Peaks Casino in Browning, Montana.

CAHUILLA BAND OF MISSION INDIANS – Anza, California:
Feasibility study on behalf of the Cahuilla Band of Mission Indians for a proposed new Cahuilla Creek Casino and Resort near Anza, California. Analysis included a new casino, hotel, show theatre, food and beverage and gift retail.

CHOCTAW NATION – Durant, Oklahoma:
Market study, site and facility recommendations, financial projections and feasibility analysis for the seven Choctaw Casino gaming operations on behalf of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Analyses included recommendations for phasing, size and quality level of future gaming, hotel and other ancillary facilities and amenities, as well as alternative uses for existing gaming buildings.

COMANCHE NATION – Lawton, Oklahoma:
Feasibility study on behalf of the Comanche Nation for a proposed horse arena and hotel development at its existing Comanche Nation Games facility in Lawton, Oklahoma. Analysis included a 5,000-seat multi-use arena/convention complex and a 100-unit hotel, as well as projection of incremental gaming revenue generated by the planned expansion.

COQUILLE INDIAN TRIBE – North Bend, Oregon:
Feasibility study for CEDCO on behalf of the Coquille Indian Tribe for a proposed gaming and ancillary expansion at the Mill Casino Hotel in North Bend. Analysis included expanded gaming, hotel, food and beverage, gift retail and additional meeting and convention space.

COYOTE VALLEY BAND OF POMO INDIANS – Redwood Valley, CA:
Feasibility study on behalf of the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians for a planned new, compacted casino and hotel complex. Analysis included a new casino, bingo hall, food and beverage and gift retail.

DELAWARE TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA – Kansas City, Kansas:
Feasibility study for the Gillmann Group on behalf of the Delaware Tribe of Oklahoma for a proposed casino and resort complex in Kansas City, Kansas. Analysis included a casino, hotel, showroom, food and beverage, retail and meeting and convention space.

ELEM COLONY – Clearlake Oaks, California:
Feasibility study and feasibility study update for Siren Gaming on behalf of the Elem Colony for a proposed casino complex near Clearlake Oaks, California.

FOREST COUNTY BAND OF POTAWATOMI INDIANS - Washington D.C.:
Investment advisory services to the Forest County Band of Potawatomi Indians for their participation in a “ground-breaking” multi-tribal consortium formed to develop a $43-million Residence Inn hotel in Washington D.C.

GILA RIVER INDIAN COMMUNITY – Chandler, Arizona:
Preliminary feasibility study for the Wild Horse Pass Development Authority on behalf of the Gila River Indian Community for future gaming and ancillary developments at Gila River Wild Horse Pass. Analyses included recommendations for location, phasing, size and quality level of gaming, hotel and other ancillary facilities and amenities.

JENA BAND OF CHOCTAW INDIANS – Jena, Louisiana:
Press conference on behalf of the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians in support of their negotiations for a compact with the State of Louisiana to conduct gaming and have land placed into trust by the Department of the Interior for a proposed casino resort complex in Vinton, Louisiana.

JICARILLA APACHE NATION – Dulce, New Mexico:
Feasibility studies on behalf of the Jicarilla Apache Nation for a planned hotel and ancillary expansion at the existing Best Western Jicarilla Inn & Casino in Dulce, as well as the new Apache Nugget Casino near Cuba.

LAC DU FLAMBEAU BAND OF LAKE SUPERIOR CHIPPEWA – Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin:
Feasibility study on behalf of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians for a proposed Indian casino resort complex in Shullsburg, Wisconsin. Analysis included a casino, hotel, spa, golf course, showroom, food and beverage, retail and meeting and convention space.

LAGUNA PUEBLO – Casa Blanca, New Mexico:
Feasibility study for the refinancing by MM & S of the Dancing Eagle Casino on Interstate 40 near Casa Blanca, New Mexico, including the expansion of gaming machines at the casino as well as the addition of a new full-service restaurant to be located adjacent to the casino. LAGUNA

PUEBLO – Casa Blanca, New Mexico:
Financial projections for the Gillman Group on behalf of Laguna Pueblo for the proposed Route 66 Casino resort complex at the Rio Puerco exit.

LITTLE TRAVERSE BAY BAND OF ODAWA INDIANS – Petoskey, Michigan:
Feasibility Study for the Victories Casino on behalf of the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians for a proposed new Victories Casino Resort in Petoskey, Michigan. Feasibility Study for a proposed second casino development in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on behalf of the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians.

LOWER SIOUX INDIAN COMMUNITY – Morton, Minnesota:
Economic impact analysis on behalf of the Lower Sioux Indian Community examining the impact of the proposed Canterbury Park racino on on-going operations at Jackpot Junction Hotel Casino. Analysis included both the direct impact and multiplier effect on the Lower Sioux Indian Community and its tribally-owned businesses, and the local and regional economies, as well as on local, state and national governments.

LOWER SIOUX INDIAN COMMUNITY – Morton, Minnesota:
Market analyses and subsequent feasibility study for a variety of proposed developments at Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel on behalf of the Lower Sioux Indian Community including a grocery store, retail/commercial complex, amusement/entertainment complex, waterpark and a second hotel.

LUMMI NATION – Ferndale, Washington:
Feasibility Study and Feasibility Study Update on behalf of the Lummi Nation for a proposed hotel and ancillary expansion at the Silver Reef Casino near Ferndale, Washington. Analysis included a hotel, RV park, sit-down restaurant and meeting and convention space, as well as an expanded casino.

MANZANITA BAND OF THE KUMEYAAY NATION – Boulevard, California:
Feasibility study for Independent Management Resources on behalf of the Manzanita Band of the Kumeyaay Nation for a proposed Indian casino resort complex near Calexico, California. Analysis included a casino, hotel, food and beverage, retail, meeting and convention space, truckstop/travel plaza and RV park.

MATCH-E-BE-NASH-SHE-WISH BAND OF POTTAWATOMI INDIANS (GUN LAKE TRIBE) – Dorr, Michigan:
Feasibility study on behalf of the Gun Lake Tribe for a proposed Class II casino and bingo complex in Allegan County on U.S. Highway 131, between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, Michigan. Feasibility study on behalf of the Gun Lake Tribe for a proposed Class III casino complex and update for the proposed Class II casino and bingo complex in Allegan County on U.S. Highway 131, between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, Michigan.

MESCALERO APACHE TRIBE - Mescalero, New Mexico:
Feasibility study on behalf of R.L. Pearson & Associates for the planned new Inn of the Mountain Gods resort and casino, Casino Apache Travel Center and existing Ski Apache.

MESCALERO APACHE TRIBE –Mescalero, New Mexico:
Economic impact analysis on behalf of the Mescalero Apache Tribe in support of their litigation over New Mexico gaming compacts.

MINNESOTA INDIAN GAMING ASSOCIATION (MIGA):
Solicitation, survey, collection and analysis of data from participating Minnesota Tribes on behalf of the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association for an update of the economic impact of Indian gaming in the State of Minnesota for public relations and lobbying efforts.

MISSISSIPPI BAND OF CHOCTAW INDIANS – Philadelphia, Mississippi:
Preliminary feasibility analyses for proposed Class II and Class III gaming development on behalf of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. Engagement included market analyses and financial projections for multiple sites.

MOORETOWN RANCHERIA – Oroville, California:
Feasibility study on behalf of the Mooretown Rancheria for a planned hotel and RV park development at its Feather Falls Casino in Oroville, California.

NAMBE PUEBLO – Pueblo of Nambe, New Mexico:
Feasibility study for Full House Resorts on behalf of the Pueblo of Nambe for a proposed Indian casino complex near Santa Fe, New Mexico. Analysis included a casino, food and beverage and gift retail.

ONEIDA NATION OF WISCONSIN - Green Bay, Wisconsin:
Investment advisory services to the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin for their participation in a proposed hotel and waterpark addition at an existing motel in northeastern Wisconsin.

ONEIDA NATION OF WISCONSIN – Green Bay, Wisconsin:
Investment advisory services to the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin for their participation in a proposed Full-Service Hotel project in north central California.

PAWNEE NATION OF OKLAHOMA - Pawnee, Oklahoma:
Feasibility Study for Lakes Entertainment on behalf of the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma for several gaming projects in Oklahoma. Analysis for multiple sites included gaming, hotel, food & beverage, and entertainment.

PENOBSCOT TRIBE AND PASSAMAQUODDY TRIBE - York County, Maine:
Feasibility study and economic impact analysis for Marnell Corrao Associates on behalf of the Penobscot Tribe and Passamaquoddy Tribe for a proposed $650 million casino resort complex in southern Maine. Analysis included a casino, resort, golf course, spa, cinema, convention center and gas station/convenience store.

PIT RIVER TRIBE – Burney, California:
Feasibility study for a planned new Pit River Casino in Burney, California. Analysis included a new casino, multi-purpose bingo hall/entertainment complex, food and beverage and gift retail.Preliminary financial analysis on behalf of the Pit River Tribe for a proposed casino in Alturas, California, including analysis of a bingo hall and bowling alley.

PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY - Welch, Minnesota:
Economic impact analysis on behalf of the Prairie Island Indian Community examining the impact of the proposed Canterbury Park racino on on-going operations at Treasure Island Resort Casino. Analysis included both the direct impact and multiplier effect on the Prairie Island Indian Community and its tribally-owned businesses, and the local and regional economies, as well as on local, state and national governments.

QUAPAW TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA – Quapaw, Oklahoma:
Market study and financial projections on behalf of the Quapaw Tribe for a planned new casino resort complex near the Oklahoma/Kansas/Missouri border. Market study and financial projections on behalf of the Quapaw Tribe for a planned expansion at the existing Quapaw Casino near Miami, Oklahoma.

RED CLIFF BAND OF LAKE SUPERIOR CHIPPEWA – Bayfield, Wisconsin:
Feasibility study on behalf of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa for a proposed new casino resort on Lake Superior, overlooking the Apostle Islands, with which to replace the existing Isle Vista Casino. Analysis included a casino, resort, restaurant, lounge and meeting space.

SAC & FOX TRIBE OF THE MISSISSIPPI IN IOWA – Tama, Iowa:
Economic impact analysis of Meskwaki Bingo-Casino-Hotel on behalf of the Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa, including both the direct impact and multiplier effect on local, state and national governments, as well as the tribe and its members. Analysis included a trade market analysis for the casino in relation to other gaming operations in the region, as well as the development of a gravity model and development matrix to assist the Tribe with future development scenarios.

SANTA CLARA PUEBLO – Espanola, New Mexico:
Feasibility study on behalf of the Santa Clara Pueblo for a proposed hotel and ancillary expansion at the Big Rock Casino-Bowl in Espanola, New Mexico. Analysis included a hotel, sit-down restaurant and meeting and convention space, bowling alley, retail and parking garage, as well as an expanded casino.

SCOTTS VALLEY BAND OF POMO INDIANS – Kelseyville, California:
Economic and fiscal impact analysis for Taylor Gaming on behalf of the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians for the proposed Sugar Bowl Casino development in the San Francisco Bay Area. Analysis included multiple scenarios with respect to facility sizing. Feasibility study for Taylor Gaming on behalf of the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians for the proposed Sugar Bowl Casino development in the San Francisco Bay Area. Analysis included multiple scenarios with respect to facility sizing.

SENECA CAYUGA TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA – Grove, Oklahoma:
Market study and financial projections on behalf of the Seneca Cayuga Tribe of Oklahoma for a planned new casino complex near Grove, Oklahoma.

SENECA CAYUGA TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA – Sullivan County, New York:
Feasibility Study on behalf of the Seneca Cayuga Tribe of Oklahoma for a proposed casino resort in the Catskills region of New York. Analysis included casino, resort, food & beverage, nightclub, show theatre, meeting and convention space, spa & fitness center, waterpark, RV park and gas station/c-store.

SENECA NATION OF INDIANS – Niagara Falls, New York:
Market Analyses for the Seneca Gaming Corporation on behalf of the Seneca Nation of Indians for a proposed expansion at Seneca Casino Niagara in Niagara Falls, the proposed new Seneca Allegany Casino in Salamanca and proposed resort development on the Cattaraugus Reservation in western New York. Analyses included the comparison and recommendation of multiple sites, as well as facility recommendations, utilization estimates and financial projections. Also included was an analysis of the potential impact of the proposed developments on the existing casino and bingo operations of the Seneca Nation of Indians.

SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY – Prior Lake, Minnesota:
Economic impact analysis of the various tribal enterprises of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, including both the direct impact and multiplier effect on local, state and national governments, as well as the tribe and its members.

SHOALWATER BAY TRIBE – Tokeland, Washington:
Feasibility study for the refinancing by MM & S on behalf of the Shoalwater Bay Tribe for Shoalwater Bay Casino in Tokeland, Washington, including renovation of its casino complex and replacement of its existing slot machines to the new compact approved tribal lottery system player terminals.

SISSETON-WAHPETON OYATE – Agency Village, South Dakota:
Economic impact analysis of Dakota Magic Casino near Hankinson, North Dakota, Dakota Sioux Casino near Watertown, South Dakota and Dakota Connection Casino in Sisseton, South Dakota on behalf of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, including both the direct impact and multiplier effect on local, state and national governments, as well as the tribe and its members. Analysis included a trade market analysis for each casino in relation to other gaming operations in the region, as well as the development of a gravity model and development matrix for each casino to assist the Tribe with future development scenarios.

SPOKANE INDIAN TRIBE – Wellpinit, Washington:
Feasibility study for Two Rivers Casino & Resort on behalf of the Spokane Indian Tribe for a proposed casino resort expansion at the existing facility. Analysis included new casino, hotel, golf course, several food & beverage outlets, spa/wellness center, and a multi-purpose convention/entertainment complex, as well as the existing RV park and marina.

SQUAXIN ISLAND TRIBE – Shelton, Washington:
Feasibility study for Little Creek Casino on behalf of the Squaxin Island Tribe for a proposed hotel and ancillary expansion at the existing casino. Analysis included additional gaming at the casino, hotel, food and beverage and a multi-purpose convention/ entertainment complex.

ST. REGIS MOHAWK TRIBE - Hogansburg, New York:
Feasibility Study and Feasibility Study Update on behalf of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe for a proposed gaming, hotel and ancillary expansion at its Akwesasne Mohawk Casino near Hogansburg, New York. Analysis included expanded gaming, all-suite hotel, fine dining restaurant, sports bar, convention/entertainment complex and retail.

ST. REGIS MOHAWK TRIBE - Hogansburg, New York:
Financial Impact Analysis for the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino on behalf of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe for a new compact with the State of New York. Analysis included multiple facility and compact scenarios and their subsequent financial impact on existing and planned operations at the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino.

TAOS PUEBLO – Taos, New Mexico:
Market study and financial projections for Taos Mountain Casino on behalf of Taos Pueblo for a proposed new casino resort complex and a proposed satellite casino. Analysis included a casino, hotel, convention and meeting space, food and beverage, gift retail and RV park at several alternative sites.

TIMBISHA SHOSHONE TRIBE– Hesperia, California:
Feasibility study for Abello L.P. on behalf of the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe for a proposed casino resort in Hesperia, California. Analysis included a casino, hotel, events center, food and beverage and gift retail.

TOHONO O’ODHAM NATION – Tucson, Arizona:
Feasibility study on behalf of the Tohono O’odham Gaming Authority for proposed new Desert Diamond Casino Nogales Highway casino resort and a proposed gaming and ancillary expansion at Desert Diamond Casino Interstate 19, both near Tucson, Arizona. Analysis included multiple development scenarios and facility options including a hotel, golf course, waterpark, outlet mall, convention center, RV park and truckstop/travel plaza.

TULALIP TRIBES – Marysville, Washington:
Feasibility study on behalf of the Tulalip Tribes for a proposed hotel and ancillary expansion at its new Quil Ceda Casino.

[return to top]

Jim Klas

Co-founder and Principal of KlasRobinson Q.E.D., Jim Klas has nearly twenty years of operational and consulting experience in the hospitality industry. Mr. Klas has provided development consulting to numerous hotel, resort, casino and convention center projects throughout the United States, as well as the provinces of Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia in Canada. During the course of his career, feasibility studies, business plans and other expert counseling provided by Mr. Klas have been used to successfully attract over $2 billion in financing and investment from bank financing, capital leases, private placements, registered securities and IPO's.

Mr. Klas is a nationally recognized expert in economic impact analysis for the hospitality industry. He has authored studies commissioned by the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association and by Sodak Gaming Supplies, Inc., of the economic benefits of Indian gaming in Minnesota, as well as studies of the economic benefits of Indian gaming in the states of Oregon and Kansas for the gaming tribes in those states. He has also performed economic and social impact studies for the Minnesota Restaurant Association, the Minneapolis Convention Center, the University of St. Thomas and for individual casinos and hotel projects in both the United States and Canada.

Mr. Klas is a frequent speaker at annual conventions of the National Indian Gaming Association, the NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference, IGBE and the World Gaming Congress. He has been quoted in International Gaming & Wagering Business, Casino Executive, The New York Times, The Las Vegas Sun and several other local and regional newspapers and periodicals. He provided expert commentary in a National Public Television documentary on Indian gaming. He has also authored several articles for the Grogan Report, Minnesota Real Estate Journal, Casino Magazine, and Indian Gaming Magazine.

Prior to co-founding KlasRobinson Q.E.D., Mr. Klas was the Senior Vice President in charge of the Hospitality Group at GVA Marquette Advisors. In addition to his past leadership at GVA Marquette Advisors, Mr. Klas was Vice President and co-founder of the consulting firm MHA Research and spent four years as a hospitality consultant with Laventhol & Horwath, formerly a major U.S. public accounting firm. He has a Master's degree from the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration and a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Minnesota. He is a past president of the Minnesota Association of Hospitality Accountants and past member of the Hospitality Education Committee of the Minnesota Hotel, Restaurant and Resort Associations. Mr. Klas has also taught Hospitality and Tourism Development and Marketing at Metropolitan State University in Minneapolis.

[return to top]

Matt Robinson

Co-founder and Principal of KlasRobinson Q.E.D., Matt Robinson has been a consultant in the hospitality industry for more than a decade, specializing in market research, feasibility analyses and economic impact studies. Mr. Robinson has consulted on numerous casino, hotel and other hospitality and leisure industry projects. With a background in planning and economic development, Mr. Robinson has specific expertise working in Indian Country on gaming and other tribal economic diversification projects, having worked with more than 150 tribes over the past decade.

Mr. Robinson is a frequent speaker at national and regional conferences on issues related to feasibility, economic impact and planning. He is a guest lecturer at colleges and universities including his alma mater Macalester College. Mr. Robinson is also a featured contributor to a variety of national trade publications including Indian Gaming Magazine and Casino Enterprise Management Magazine and is often quoted in regional periodicals.

Mr. Robinson has a Masters degree in Planning with a secondary concentration in economic and community development from the Humphrey Institute at the University of Minnesota. While at the Humphrey Institute, Mr. Robinson conducted research at the Tourism Center of the University of Minnesota, specializing in rural tourism development. He is a graduate of Macalester College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in three majors: Economics, Spanish and International Studies. During the 1988-89 academic year, he attended the Universidad De Complutense and the Institute of European Studies in Madrid, Spain.

Mr. Robinson also has more than five years of operational and management experience working in various facets of the hospitality industry both at home and abroad. He is fluent in oral and written Spanish and is a member of La Sociedad Hispanica Sigma Delta of the National Spanish Honor Society. Mr. Robinson is also a member of Omicron Delta Epsilon of the National Economics Honor Society.

Prior to co-founding KlasRobinson Q.E.D., Mr. Robinson was Vice President of the Hospitality Group of GVA Marquette Advisors, a national consulting firm. During his eight-plus years with The Hospitality Group, Mr. Robinson consulted on numerous gaming, hotel and other hospitality and leisure industry projects and was the editor and analyst of both The Twin Cities Hotel Report and The Seattle Hotel Report, quarterly publications on lodging industry trends.

[return to top]

Articles