18 Questions with Project Host: Game shows, bake shops, bucket lists & more!
At Project Host, our belief is that all individuals who cross our threshold and interact with us should be treated as guests: with human kindness, interest, warmth, and open minds and hearts - including each other. Teamwork, laughter, hard work and dedication are at the core of who we are. Get to know the faces of Project Host a little better below!
Tobin, Chief Executive Officer
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Focus on taking care of the tasks you like least, first. Do them with the same passion as you would the things you enjoy. It sets the standard for the rest of your day.
Favorite TV show of all time? Why?
It’s a tie between The Office and Breaking Bad. I can jump into any episode of The Office and know that I am going to laugh, the show is a great pick-me-up. With Breaking Bad, I really enjoy the character development over the seasons, and the way that the character of Walter White goes from being someone you sympathize with to being one of the worst villains ever. Also, there is an entire episode from the perspective of a literal fly on the wall. The show is smartly done.
Michelle, Chief Operating Officer
What is the most impactful book you’ve read? Why?
That’s such a hard question! But I narrowed it to two choices: Big Fish by Daniel Wallace taught me the importance of looking beyond first impressions and that the truth is always more interesting, and it’s a charming and gorgeously told story. The second is We Fed an Island by José Andrés which tells the story of World Central Kitchen’s work in Puerto Rico after the devastation of Hurricane Maria. Chef Andrés’ compassion for others is as contagious as his passion for food, he’s a hero of mine.
You have your own late night talk show, who do you invite as your first guest?
Dolly Parton, I just adore her!
Debra, Director of Community and Student Engagement
What game show do you think you could win?
Deal or No Deal.
What fictional world or place would you like to visit? Why?
The magical world of Harry Potter, because I REALLY want to visit Hogwarts.
Annamarie, Marketing and Development Manager
What does a perfect day off look like to you?
I would start my morning off with avocado toast from Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery. Then head back home to my sweet puppies and enjoy breakfast on my porch with my fiancé. After that I would go to a Pilates class, then head to Coastal Crust for their fig & prosciutto pizza and italiano salad. I love shopping at local markets for produce and meat for my dinners, so my next stop would be (ideally, I would be off on a day they were open) the Travelers Rest Farmers Market. My last stop before heading back home would be The Community Tap Travelers Rest location to grab a cold beer, or a glass of orange wine for happy hour. Then, I’d end the day cooking a delicious dinner, listening to the “Something’s Gotta Give” soundtrack and soaking in the sunset in our backyard.
Favorite musical performance of all time? Why?
While I wasn’t physically at this show, it is by far one of the greatest live concerts of all time – Queen's Live Aid Performance. It encapsulates everything magical about live music with its exuberance, irresistible energy, and the warm, friendly interactions with the extensive crowd. The “note heard around the world” was brilliant and exhilarating! If you’ve never seen it – you've got to check it out.
All-time favorite bake shop you’ve ever visited? What did you order?
While you might expect my answer to be some fancy, upscale European-style bakery, I love simple, homestyle baking as well. Every time we travel north on US-25, we stop at McFarlan Bake Shop in Hendersonville. It’s an old-school American style bakery with great classics. Every time I go, I get their award-winning glazed doughnuts, cinnamon rolls, and the best Lemon Chess Tart I have ever tasted. You cannot eat this thing and not smile!
Which band would you join? And what would your role be?
I would re-form HeadZup, my 80’s prog-rock power trio garage band that never made it out of the garage! Of course, I would play lead/rhythm guitar and see if I could grow my hair out again!
What are the top 5 things you can’t live without in your kitchen?
First aid kit, ya girl is a lil on the clumsy side.
Staple ingredients – Butter and garlic, there’s not a whole lot I make that doesn’t include those. Ooo and a myriad of cheeses..my apologies to my lactose challenged friends.
A good attitude, kitchens can be high stress environments and the right attitude can make all the difference.
Music is super helpful for getting into a rhythm, specifically Paula Abdul’s greatest hits.
A good sharp knife, I just invested in my first personal knife kit and a well-made knife is a game changer.
Best sandwich? Why? And where can we get one?
Tough question, probably the Cuban from the no longer open Mad Cuban in Simpsonville. They put fried plantains on theirs and it made me very happy. I just realized you asked where you can get one and I told you a restaurant that’s no longer open…. now you can all share in my sadnessI guess. As far as tasty sandwiches that are actually accessible goes, I’d say Harry’s Hoagies is the best in town.
What are the top three items on your bucket list?
In no particular order: See the Grand Canyon, Travel to Croatia and jump out of an airplane.
What movie do you wish you could rewatch for the first time?
The Wizard of Oz!
If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be? Why?
I would love to live in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The weather is great and they have some of the best seafood I’ve ever had.
What is your proudest achievement?
My greatest achievement was being a nurse.
Which character from a movie, book or TV show would you want to be? Why?
I would like to be Jennifer Lopez in “Enough.” Her character portrays an incredible story about personal growth, strength and resilience when dealing with an abusive relationship.
List five things that make you happy.
1. My children
2. The good Lord above
3. Project Host
4. The Greenville Community
5. The Hostini (our new outreach vehicle)