My name is Bruce Kastner and I am 44 years old. I was born and raised in Simpsonville, SC. I have a wife, Sarah, a son Banks 7 and a daughter Birty 1.5. I am passionate about serving Jesus Christ out in the community. My other passion is fishing, and through our 501c3 non-profit outreach ministry The Bridge Fishing Outreach, I get to serve Jesus in the community through the sport of fishing. It is my desire to be the best husband an dad that I can be. I have come to realize that Bruce on his best day will NEVER be good enough… apart from Jesus Christ. I really enjoy pouring into and loving on the youth in our community. I have served as a volunteer coach in Simpsonville and Fountain Inn, coaching Baseball, Football, and Basketball. Through our outreach, we serve at-risk youth living in group homes and children’s shelters. We have also started an afterschool program where we take Jesus into the public school system through a fishing club for 5-8th graders.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in The Golden Strip?
I have lived in the Golden Strip area most of the 44 years I have walked this earth.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Most people don’t know that I went to culinary arts school at Greenville Tech and spent over 20 years in the restaurant industry working as a Chef.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in The Golden Strip?
Dan Pike, a former basketball coach who coached me when I was 12-14 years old. He was a very tough coach, but he made a lasting impact on life.
Q: What current / former local business makes you the most nostalgic about The Golden Strip?
Merck’s Barber Shop – Mauldin Open Air Market.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about The Golden Strip?
It’s home! The people I have met, as well as the experiences and lessons I have learned while living 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.
Howard’s Pharmacy in Simpsonville. It’s like taking a step back into time walking in their shop. They are personable, friendly, and provide excellent customer service.
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME or NEIGHBOR?
Family – Comfort – Love
Q: If you had friends or family visiting you from out of town, what is the one place that you must take them to?
My favorite fishing hole. One that I can’t mention, because it’s private and I don’t want people finding out about it. Haha.
Q: If you had a free day with no plans, what would you do? Or where can we find you on the weekends?
I would pack up the family, a picnic, and go to Lake Jocassee for the day. Family, Fishing, Food = Fun
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?
Jesus Christ.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To take my family to Hawaii to travel around in a convertible to each beach around the island to snorkel and enjoy the all the best food on the Island.
Q: What advice would you give to a crowd of people?
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try and figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil. Proverbs 3: 5-7
Q: Who would you like to see nominated for this project, The Faces of The Golden Strip?
Tay Nelson from Bobby’s Bar B Q.
