For Dwight Jackson, a card game is about more than winning. It not only brings people together but can also support local businesses and raise money for nonprofits.

As president of SKOOT Card Game, formerly known as SYN Card Club, Jackson hosts events throughout Pinal and Maricopa Counties that help turn strangers into friends. InMaricopa spent a little time chatting with him about the club and what he loves about Maricopa.

How did you end up in Maricopa? My job in the cruise industry died during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, so I desperately sold my home in East Mesa to downsize to Maricopa.

What is one word that describes SKOOT Card Game? Friendships, because the game creates them.

What inspired you to start the club? People need a card game format that is easy to learn, easy to access and able play with a large group.

What do you enjoy most about SKOOT Card Game? Raising money for our non-profits — we’ve raised $40,000 and growing — and seeing friendships develop.

What has been your proudest accomplishment with the card club? Creating the game SKOOT, which is an altered version of the old game SYN, short for screw your neighbor. We altered the rules, as well as the designing and packaging to maybe make money down the road.

What misconceptions do people have about the club? The biggest misconception is that our group of card players is not a ripe market for businesses. However, we consistently get anywhere from 18 to 42 players at our games, which is usually double if not triple most business networking groups.

What makes SKOOT Card Game stand out in Maricopa? Our availability! We continue to grow and now play more than five times each week in Maricopa, Casa Grande and Ahwatukee.

What do you love about serving Maricopa? I love being a beacon of hope for folks looking for an easy way to meet new friends

How do you give back to the community? Every game we play, we give back to the community through donations. We’ve helped Be Awesome Youth Coalition, Dance for Tatas and Veterans in Need.

What’s next for you and your business? We are expanding! SKOOT Card Game will become a solution for commuters waiting for traffic to subside. We currently play every Friday at Hub Grille on Interstate 10 and Ray Road, but we are expanding this by also launching a game in Chandler.

What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received? Don’t quit. Winners are the businesses that adapt but don’t give up on their dreams. 

Answers have been lightly edited for clarity.