Resorts International, founded as the Mary Carter Paint Company, transformed remarkably from a struggling paint manufacturer to a major hotel and casino industry player. Established in New Jersey, the company was acquired in 1958 by a group of investors, with James Crosby, the son of one of the investors, taking the helm. As its paint business declined, the company pivoted to real estate and resort development, acquiring 1,200 acres near Freeport, Bahamas, in 1962 and a majority stake in Paradise Island in 1966. By 1968, it divested its paint division, rebranding as Resorts International and focusing entirely on hospitality and gaming ventures. The company pioneered large-scale resort developments, building a bridge to Paradise Island and constructing hotels, restaurants, and the Paradise Island Casino, which opened in 1967. Resorts International continued to diversify, with ventures such as owning the Biff Burger fast food chain, Marine World/Africa USA theme park, and an experimenta...