Phil Galfond: Why Poker Players Make Great Employees

Phil Galfond met the head of a hedge fund at a charity poker tournament in New York. The hedge fund manager was impressed by Galfond's poker skills and offered him a job, despite Galfond's lack of formal education in finance. This encounter highlighted the unique qualities that poker players bring to the table, such as risk analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Galfond co-founded Run It Once Training with Dan Quinn, a former poker player. Quinn's background in finance and his disciplined approach to work made him an ideal partner. Galfond handled strategic planning while Quinn managed day-to-day operations. Their collaboration was successful, and they continued to work together.

When they launched Run It Once Poker, Galfond hired Jason Senay, a poker player known for his intelligence and reliability, as the poker manager. Initially, Galfond had concerns about Senay's work ethic, but Senay proved to be highly disciplined and organized. He was promoted twice and now leads the entire company. Run It Once Poker was sold to Rush Street Interactive for $5.8 million in 2022, showcasing the success of their venture.