I am another transplant that now proudly calls South Carolina, “Home”. There’s the place, or in some cases places, where you grew up, but as I see it, my growth began here at the age of 25. At various times in life I had addresses in Arizona, California, Wisconsin, and now South Carolina, with Colorado being my birth state. My career in aviation has presented opportunities from border to border and coast to coast with a few land locked stops in between. All down time is occupied with some sort of hobby or recreation ranging from motorcycle riding to house remodeling and my very favorite, presence with my family. The privilege was awarded to me through the Simpsonville Recreation department to mentor and coach our community youth in their football and baseball programs, where numerous life long relationships were formed. Nothing warms my soul like hearing a familiar “Hey Coach Dan” from a voice I may not have heard in years. So in a nut shell that’s me. The guy from Colorado that’s lived North, South, East and West that may be riding a motorcycle, losing his mind on a sideline somewhere, knocking out a wall in his house, or talking to a former player/ parent at the grocery store that is now a proud South Carolinian.
Q: Tell us about yourself, including a little bit about where you grew up, your education, your family, interests, passions, and career?
I grew up with an enormous family. Between both parents there were 30 aunts and uncles and more than 50 cousins. The chaotic holidays, birthdays, and random gatherings are some of my fondest childhood memories. People are my business and that is very loosely related to my career. Finding out what makes people tick is how I get the most out of my crew. I oversee a build station for fighter jets built right here locally. That early exposure to so many personalities was a grooming period for where I ended up as an adult.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in The Golden Strip?
just over 18 years
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Movies can make me cry!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in The Golden Strip?
Marsha Ferrell. She taught kindergarten to both my sons. They learned how to sign “Its A Wonderful world” and performed it for the parents on the last day of school. That memory will last forever.
Q: What current / former local business makes you the most nostalgic about The Golden Strip?
The Ice Cream Station. The atmosphere and music area is a real time machine.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about The Golden Strip?
The melting pot that it truly is. The area has attracted so many different cultures and backgrounds. that alone speaks volumes about how many people want to be here.
Q: With so much growth in our area, there are always new places popping up. Tell us about the a “new to you” place that you recently tried.
First Watch on the corner of Fairview and Harrison Bridge. Had breakfast there last weekend. I had not been inside that building since it was Panera Bread.
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME or NEIGHBOR?
What’s broke now? That wont be cheap! Who’s bright idea was this!?
Q: If you had friends or family visiting you from out of town, what is the one place that you must take them to?
We like to show off downtown Greenville, Falls Park bridge, Fluor Field, perhaps the Graffiti Rock at Table Rock State Park.
Q: If you had a free day with no plans, what would you do? Or where can we find you on the weekends?
Most likely in my garage wrenching on my son’s old camaro.
Q: If you were cast into a major motion picture and had your choice of anyone to be your co-star, who would you choose?
Clint Eastwood
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Attend the Barrett Jackson auction and buy the most unpractical vehicle I can imagine.
Q: What advice would you give to a crowd of people?
People don’t get what they deserve, they deserve what they settle for.
Q: Who would you like to see nominated for this project, The Faces of The Golden Strip?
Dan Paluch
