Fabulous People: Michael Kintner

Michael Kintner is the Director of Marketing & Operations at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino. Michael worked a demanding full-time job while obtaining his MBA and raising a family. Learn more about Michael Kintner…


First job: 
I grew up overseas and had the privilege to live in both Turkey and England. While in Turkey, I lived at the Incirlik Airforce Base. My Summer jobs consisted of sweeping the floors and washing trucks for the Department of Defense’s Explosive Ordinance Department. While in England, I lived at the Lakenheath Airforce Base. I worked at the post office and at the on base gas station. We moved back to the states when I was 16-years-old. I secured two part-time Summer jobs. I worked the cart barn at Hidden Lakes Golf Course and front register at McDonald’s. I can still remember the two days of new hire VHS training tapes we had to watch for the McDonald’s job. The bad 80’s music, big hair, clothes and all! The other thing I remember about the McDonald’s job was that I really wanted to work on the grill but they said I’d be better working up front. It was really a fun job!

Favorite AZ restaurant: 
The Frog & Firkin in Tucson near the University of Arizona is my family’s favorite restaurant. I love it for all the great memories. We went there to celebrate my MBA graduation from Eller Business School. And tradition meant every Arizona football or basketball game started with pre-game pizza. Whenever we’re in Tucson, we make it a point to meet family and friends at The Frog and Firkin for pizza and drinks.

Person who has impacted your life the most: 
My father. He served 28+ years in the United States Air Force. We moved around a lot due to his service but he was always there for us. Having grown up in the Midwest (he’s from Topeka, Kansas), he taught us the importance of education and a strong work ethic. He’s the reason I completed my MBA. My father believed in the value of family, work and a meaningful life and is the reason I am who I am today.

Your biggest accomplishment in your eyes: 
My boys and my 20-year marriage to my beautiful wife, Amanda. Raising kids can be scary. You want the best for them. So far, I’m proud to say I think my wife and I are doing a good job. It’s not always smooth or easy and it certainly isn’t always fun, but our purpose right now is to raise them the best we can and try to set them up to have the best possible life.

The biggest obstacle you have overcome:
 Completing my MBA while working a demanding full-time job with two young children at home.

Someone who inspires you: 
My wife Amanda. She is an amazing mom to our two boys. She is constantly on the go making sure everyone gets where they need to be and has everything they need. She does it with such ease. You never hear her complain about anything. Her positive attitude and ability to keep us all on track inspires me to work hard. She definitely works harder than I do!

Favorite quote: 
“We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” –Epictetus. Anyone who knows me, knows I’m a talker. I have this quote written on my whiteboard. It’s a good reminder and really speaks to me.

Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Never say no to an opportunity to learn something about the business. There are so many different facets of the casino business: gaming, food & beverage, hotel, finance, human resources, marketing and advertising, facilities and compliance. There’s always something new to learn and something new to get involved in. The variety keeps it interesting and fun. Every day is different.

What makes someone fabulous: 
Their ability to serve others!