FIRSTS AFTER4O
“I MAY NOT PLAY
IN CASINOS
MYSELF, BUT I’LL
ALWAYS GAMBLE
IN BUSINESS
TO WIN.”
MY FIRST
BIG GAMBLE
CARLETTA PFIRRMAN | 50
Glendale, Arizona
“My then-husband and I fell in love with Glendale, Arizona, bag. I didn’t have time to panic; there were too many decisions
while on vacation. Arizona offers a lifestyle that we craved after to make. Casino World was doing 168 parties a year then; now
working 16-hour days in our restaurant in New Jersey, so we we do over 400. It’s a family affair—my daughter Ashlee, 25,
dragged our two kids 2,500 miles to start a new life there. who has a global business degree, is in charge of the finances,
PHOTO: MARK SCHAFER
“At 42, I divorced and got to know J. D. Williamson, the while my son Brad, 27, meets with clients. I’m so proud of them.
owner of Casino World, which organizes private casino parties. “Sometimes a client will say, ‘We’re throwing a party with a
It occurred to me that I could make extra money as a blackjack mock casino for my son, and I want you to let him win.’ I say,
dealer; J. D. taught me to play, and soon I was working full- ‘Hire somebody else. We play the game the way it’s supposed
time—and he and I became a couple. to be played: win or lose.’
“Two years later J. D. had a massive heart attack and signed “This year I’m starting the Casino World Dealing Academy to
the business over to me. I was 45. When I took over, I thought, train dealers. At 50, I’m still going strong, and I learn something
oh my god. He’s down for the count and I’m left holding the new every day.” —AS TOLD TO JANET UNGLESS
