Chandler man rolls the dice as new general manager at Harrah’s Ak-Chin

by Lee Shappell | Wrangler News

Chandler resident Mike Kintner is the new vice president and general manager of Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino south of Maricopa. –Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino photos

Behind every funnyman, it is said, is a serious story.

So, when Chandler resident Mike Kintner parades around Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino south of Maricopa in a costume for every occasion, or glad-hands and back-slaps a guest, or rolls out some wacky promotion in his new job as general manager of the casino and its 500-room resort, it’s a manifestation of several meaningful experiences along his life’s journey.

“People will ask me, ‘What, exactly, does a casino general manager do?’ and I have to think about it for a second,” Kintner said. “My canned answer is that, working here, we get to play games for a living. We’re here to entertain people and have a good time. You’ve probably seen pictures of me out there in a funky suit. At Halloween I was in more outfits. It was pretty fun.”

It’s more than that. No doubt, the guy, at his roots, truly is goofy. He also has serious values and personality traits shaped by his father, a career Air Force man, and by having to move frequently as a schoolkid.

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