Cindy (Wulfenstein) Colucci, a 1979 graduate of Pahrump Valley High School, has charted a diverse career path, taking her from the bustling retail floors of Las Vegas and Phoenix to her current role as the president of High Desert Water Systems in Pahrump Valley. With a spirit of adaptability and a deep commitment to her community, Cindy’s journey is a testament to the importance of embracing unexpected turns and giving back whenever possible.
Cindy’s years at PVHS were filled with memorable experiences and close-knit friendships that have continued throughout her life. As a student, Cindy was actively involved in extracurricular activities, particularly in sports and social clubs. She was a member of the ski club, which became one of her fondest high school memories. “I belong to the snow ski club from 1977 to 1979, and we used to do fundraising for our ski club trips,” Cindy recalls. “My best trip was to Mammoth, where we stayed in a condo and could ski right up to our front door. It was a trip of a lifetime for a teenager.”
Aside from the ski club, Cindy was also a passionate athlete. She played basketball and was part of a state championship team for two or three years, forming lifelong bonds with her teammates. “Some of my long-time friends were on our basketball team together,” she reflects. Cindy also dabbled in cheerleading and was a song leader, enjoying the camaraderie and school spirit that came with those roles. These experiences helped Cindy develop a strong sense of teamwork and community—values she would carry into her professional life.
After graduating from Pahrump Valley High School, Cindy’s early post-high school years were defined by a move to Phoenix, following her friends and a job transfer. “I went to work in the early fall of 1979 in Las Vegas in a retail department store’s cosmetics section,” Cindy recalls. “When my roommates were all transferred to Phoenix, I requested a transfer and moved there as well.” Cindy thrived in retail, initially working in the clothing department before being recruited into cosmetics—a move that would shape much of her early career.
In Phoenix, Cindy worked for several high-end cosmetic brands, including Chanel, where she gained valuable training and experience. “Chanel was a great experience—it was a high-end brand with a lot of cool benefits,” she says. Later, Cindy transitioned to Health Rider, a fitness equipment company, where she enjoyed the active nature of the job and the opportunity to stay fit during her shifts.
Cindy met her husband Mike, got married and started a family. Eventually, Cindy and her family decided to return to Pahrump. This move marked a significant shift in her professional life as she transitioned from retail to the water industry. Today, Cindy serves as the president of High Desert Water Systems, a role she took on despite initially feeling out of her depth. “When Mike turned this over to me and asked me if I could please do this, I was petrified because I knew nothing about it,” Cindy admits. “But there were no options; we couldn’t lose our business.”
Despite the steep learning curve, Cindy embraced the challenge. She reflects on a pivotal moment in her career when everything clicked. “There was a moment when all the bells were ringing in sync, and I got it. I felt that I had become an expert and could confidently help others,” she shares. Cindy now takes great pride in her work, knowing that it improves the quality of life for her customers. “If you can’t ever feel comfortable and clean when you get out of your shower, it really affects your day,” she notes. “I always feel like we’re offering a service that people genuinely benefit from every day.”
Cindy’s return to Pahrump not only marked a new chapter in her career but also deepened her connection to the community. When her son Michael enrolled in the local middle school, she immediately felt the warmth of small-town life. “The first person we ran into was my old driver’s ed teacher, Mr. Rod Poteet, who recognized Michael immediately,” Cindy recalls fondly. This encounter was just the beginning of many meaningful connections that Cindy would rekindle through her children’s involvement in local schools and sports.
Cindy became an active supporter of local school activities, particularly the football program. Her husband, Mike, who worked at the local Dodge dealership, suggested she get involved with fundraising efforts. “I didn’t know much about fundraising, but I quickly got the bug,” Cindy says with a laugh. “In a week, I raised ten thousand dollars for a bus trip, and that’s when I realized I knew how to raise funds.” Cindy’s efforts not only supported school programs but also strengthened her belief in the power of giving back. “The more you give, the more you receive,” she reflects. “It’s about helping others and making a difference in the community.”
Beyond her professional and community endeavors, Cindy is a devoted family woman. She and her husband, Mike Colucci, are proud parents of three children, all of whom are actively involved in their own pursuits. Her sons, Michael and Joey, both coach and contribute to the local sports scene, while her daughter, Lisa, is a wedding photographer living in Boise. “All my kids are very actively involved in their chosen careers and life activities,” Cindy shares proudly.
In addition to her roles as a business owner and a mother, Cindy also dedicates time to her faith community. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she serves in the presidency of the women’s organization, where she helps coordinate events and provide support to the members. “It’s about being there for others and creating a sense of community,” Cindy explains.
L-R Steve, Judy, Cindy and Jim
While Cindy’s schedule remains packed with work, community service, and family commitments, she is beginning to consider what the future might hold. With retirement on the horizon, Cindy is looking forward to spending more time traveling and enjoying new experiences with her husband. “We’re plotting our next trip to Italy,” she says with excitement. Though she admits to being a bit of a workaholic, Cindy is learning to balance her professional responsibilities with personal interests. “I love being involved, but I’m also starting to appreciate the value of play and relaxation,” she reflects.
For now, Cindy continues to run High Desert Water Systems while mentoring her son Joey to take over the business in the coming years. As she prepares for this next chapter, Cindy remains committed to her philosophy of embracing every twist and turn in life. “Don’t be surprised at where your life finds you,” she advises. “Bloom where you’re planted and enjoy the ride. You never know what opportunities or challenges will shape your journey, but if you approach them with a positive attitude, you’ll find fulfillment in the most unexpected places.”
