Mike Eise, a local Troy pipefitter was told he was being laid off when he was competing in Las Vegas in a World Series of Poker tournament.  Eise thought he had more time before being let go.  Even under pressure, however, he remained calm and kept his cool throughout the tournament.

Eise outplayed 2,600 participants in over 37 hours of play.  In the end, he gleaned a World Series bracelet and pocketed a hefty $639,000 in prize money.

Needless to say, the mortgage, along with car payments and other bills, will be taken care of for some time to come.  Although, not big on “toys,” Eise said he plans on taking the wife or kids for a shopping spree and will be taking the family to Disney World.

Has he decided to play the game full-time?  Eise responded that he first has to pass the test by showing he can be successful enough to pursue the game as a profession.  Until then, the poker enthusiast will keep his day job as a pipefitter.

Unlike many who have been laid off, Eise did not lose his home to foreclosure.  He won big, so he was able to maintain his mortgage payments and keep his home.

Others are not so fortunate.  That’s why there are so many foreclosures on the market.  The upside to this down market, though, is that foreclosures provide some who could not afford a home.  Reduced market values make some homes more affordable, and the local, state and federal government have programs that assist low- to middle-income families purchase a home.

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