Get to Know an Islander Tony Chase
Daufuskie Island Rum Company Owner and Master Distiller What is your most treasured possession? A Samurai Warrior doll that my mother hand crafted while she was pregnant with me in Japan. I have it in my office as we share the same birthday!
What is your idea of perfect happiness? Living on the beach on Daufuskie Island with my lovely bride, Kristi. What is your greatest fear? I certainly have a fear of spiders and snakes, but my greatest fear is disappointing those that depend on me or look up to me.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? Having been in the hospice industry for almost 30 years, the lowest depth of misery is not the physical pain people endure, it’s the emotional pain of dying alone. That… I cannot imagine.
Which historical figure do you identify with most? Thomas Jefferson, a Founding Father that was an eloquent writer, an amazing inventor and in my opinion, the greatest US politician to have ever lived. Which living person do you most admire? Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, for being successful and philanthropic at the same time. I’d like to have a Rum and Coke with them sometime! What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? My temper, although Kristi has been a calming force and my tantrums have gotten fewer and further between. What is the trait you most deplore in others? Dishonesty. I can handle a lot of bad traits, but lying is not one of them What is your favorite journey? My favorite “Journey” was with Steve Perry. Wait, you didn’t mean the band. Two come to mind. A cross country trip I took with my brother a few years back and we had great brother/brother time. Most recently, was my honeymoon to Santorini. What is your greatest extravagance? I like fast cars, I don’t drink cheap beer and lately it’s been the purchase of a trolley and a retired fire truck! What do you consider the most overrated virtue? I think moderation is the most overrated virtue. If it is worth doing it is worth doing well and OFTEN. On what occasion do you lie? I would likely lie to avoid hurting someone’s
feelings, so I generally avoid putting myself in that situation. Which living person do you most dislike? One of the virtues is silence. For that reason, I will decline to comment. Which words or phrases do you most overuse? A single word, “ridiculous”…..isn’t that ridiculous? What is your greatest regret? Working too hard and playing too little.
What is your favorite occupation? I have been a pharmacist, a software executive, a nursing home operator and a hospice CEO… but I love being a Master Distiller! What is the quality you most like in a man? Integrity and confidence. What is the quality you most like in a woman? Compassion and confidence What do you most value in your friends? Their companionship, their loyalty, their sometimes painful honesty and above all unwavering confidence in me.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? To have set approximately 35 other entrepreneurs on the path to financial independence and then to hear back from them from time to time.
Who are your favorite writers? Thomas Jefferson, Vince Flynn, John Grisham and James Patterson. Who is your favorite fictional hero? Bond, James Bond. Who are your heroes in real life? All of the direct caregivers in hospice who provide care at the most fragile time in a patient and their family’s lives What is it you most dislike? Liars and thieves. I was once told to never tell a lie, because then you have to remember the lie. The truth stays the same always. And, if it’s not yours leave it alone.
If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be? A dog that gets adopted by Kristi. She sure knows how to spoil a rescue pup!
What is your motto? The view out of the windshield is far more interesting than the one in the rear view mirror.
What or who is the greatest love of your life? That’s easy — Kristi Which talent would you most like to have? The ability to paint a wonderful painting. I can barely draw a stick person.
DAUFUSKIE FRONT PORCH | Summer 2016
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