The Mind Behind the Magic

Ready to meet one of the creative minds behind the extraordinary environment at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel? Discover how Jerry Bowlen and his talented team bring the magic to life.

Dominic Martinez | Social Media Specialist 

Yaamava’ Resort & Casino is more than just a place to play — it’s an experience. Let’s pull back the curtain and take an inside look at how Jerry Bowlen and the horticulture team craft an atmosphere like no other.

Meet Jerry Bowlen

In 2020, Yaamava’ brought Bowlen on board as the director of horticulture and facilities horticulture. With eight years of experience at Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Bowlen was ready to elevate Yaamava’ with seasonal décor that would not only meet but exceed expectations.

Bowlen’s journey began 40 years ago when he first dipped his toes into the landscaping world. He recalls the early days as “raw and booming.” In 1989, he moved to Nevada, where he ran his own landscaping business and worked on major projects throughout the Las Vegas Strip. With success came recognition, and soon his innovative ideas were catching the eye of casinos across the city. That’s when he transitioned into the casino world, working with industry giants like MGM Grand and Bellagio. His reputation grew, and before long, Bowlen was receiving calls from all over the country.

But Bowlen wasn’t looking for a job — he was searching for a place that shared his vision. He reflects on his first visit to Yaamava’, saying, “I could see this was a good thing. There was growth and opportunity. If you start this, you can’t let it pass by. You’ve got to keep taking it to the next level, and with Yaamava’, that was never a problem.”

Building Inspiration

The jaw-dropping displays you see at Yaamava’ all start with Bowlen and his exceptional team. He says, “The team I’ve built is always in sync. They love what we do. They’re learning every day and thinking outside the box.” Bowlen also emphasizes how much support he gets from the company, adding, “We work for a great organization that supports us and strengthens us. There’s always opportunity, and we make sure to highlight that within our team.”

Whether it’s a towering palm tree on your way to the casino or a stunning floral arrangement, Bowlen and his team are committed to maintaining an atmosphere that buzzes with excitement. But here’s the real magic — have you ever stepped into one of our displays and felt like you were transported to another world? From whimsical fairytales to tropical getaways, the horticulture team is always brainstorming fresh ways to immerse guests in these extraordinary settings.

And, of course, we can’t forget the countless selfie moments that guests capture in front of our installations. Bowlen shares, “One of our greatest joys is watching guests snap photos with our décor. I’m always looking for ways to create a picture-perfect moment.” These displays have become so popular that guests are often spotted taking photos inside, next to, and in front of the displays.

Bowlen and his team’s creativity doesn’t stop there. They constantly push the envelope to make the environment feel hyper-realistic. Bowlen says, “A simple snake can be built tall and grand, but small details like a throbbing light inside can create the illusion that it’s actually breathing.” So, next time you’re at Yaamava’, be sure to take a closer look at the incredible details that make everything feel alive.

A Vision for Growth

Every great team starts with someone who believes in others. Bowlen knows his team of over 80 employees couldn’t have come together without a shared vision, but it’s their dedication that sets the standard for excellence. He says, “The most rewarding thing to me is seeing the growth in my team and in this property. It’s the best feeling to step back and watch my team succeed at what they do.” He adds, “It’s the smiles we create that truly make me happy. Some people stand next to our displays and smile like they’ve just won a million dollars.”

Bowlen and the horticulture team are a great representation of Yaamava’. Together, they share a common goal: to deliver an unforgettable experience for every guest who walks through the doors. No matter the time, every Club Serrano member is guaranteed a moment to remember. So, don’t settle for ordinary! Let the extraordinary surround you next time you visit.