Employment History:

Published Works:
Ms. Hughes was the owner of the Hughes Estate and Family Camping Grounds.

Public Speaking Experience:

Why She is an Expert:
Ms. Hughes has been in the gaming industry since its inception in the area. “The Louisiana Gaming Industry began in the early 1990s,” she says.

Best Advice:
“Communication is the key. Our staff meets regularly to keep abreast of any changes. We work with lobbyists who watch the legislative process to make sure we are informed of the latest developments. We listen to our customers and what they are interested in.”

Passionate about:
“Entrepreneurship.”

Biography Excerpt:
A native of Amite, Louisiana, Minnie L. Hughes began her successful company with just a high school diploma, part-time cashier’s experience, a keen business mind and a family to support. Working after school at the local Family Dollar Store, her dedication to excellence was immediately noticed by W.E. Walker and the Family Dollar Stores franchise. By the age of 35, Ms. Hughes was the assistant district manager over seven Family Dollar Stores and 13 Bill’s Dollar Stores. In 1991, she took her accrued experience and opened a convenience store in her hometown, which proved to be a good decision. In 1993, she sold the store and transitioned into the gaming industry. At 52, as energetic and entrepreneurial as ever, Ms. Hughes continues to look for promising investments in the gaming industry and land development, while taking stock in the lives of her three grandchildren. Her unmeasured success as a "woman in a man’s world” has made her an invaluable asset within the hospitality and gaming industry.

     

Cambridge Who's Who: What is the most rewarding aspect of your career?  
MS. MINNIE L HUGHES :  Despite many accomplishments, I am still proudest of that first convenience store I opened. It was a tremendous risk for me at the time, but my hunch proved right. Nothing is as sweet as your first success. Over the years, my career has skyrocketed far beyond my expectations. It has opened many doors of opportunity that my grandparents would never have dreamed possible. But all that pales in comparison to the pride I feel when I watch my grandchildren. Being able to offer them opportunities I never had is extremely satisfying.

What is the most significant issue facing your profession today?
There is no consistency. If the laws would only keep every gaming industry – lottery, the boats or video poker – in the same category instead of separating everything, we would immediate overcome our biggest obstacle. It would be great if we were recognized as one big family with several different children.