Biting Questions with Chris Thompson, President & CEO,
Visit Florida

Where were you born? In Darby, Pennsylvania.

How long have you been in the business? I’m in my 29th year, yes ma’am! I’ve made a career of it.

Tell me a little about your education. I went to the University of Florida, which is how I got introduced to the state of Florida.

How many people work for you? 101.

Ever had a brush with fame? Most recently, Donald Trump. That Trump persona, you can definitely feel it when you are around him. Very confident.

What skill or talent do you admire in someone? The ability to multi-task.

What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done? I tandem hang glided off a 2,200 foot cliff in Rio. A very crazy thing to do!

Any guilty pleasures? Ice cream. Vanilla is my favourite – the real stuff with the real vanilla beans.

What was your worst holiday? One time we went skiing and our ski clothes didn’t make it for two days.

When were you happiest? Any time I’m sharing life experiences with my kids, who are now 25 and 21.

What keeps you awake at night? Thinking about maintaining VISIT FLORIDA and continuing to keep the corporate culture and our success story, and move forward in an ever-changing environment.

What will be the biggest challenge for the industry in the next 12 months? The global financial crisis.

Who do you most respect in the industry? I would have to say my former boss the late Ed Litrenta… he was extraodinarily smart, great insights, the way he led, very inspiring and a genuinely great guy.

If you could sit next to anyone on a long-haul flight who would it be? Legendary investor Warren Buffet.

What’s your worst habit? Procrastination.

Where’s your next trip? Amelia Island.

What do you hope to be doing in 10 years? Whatever I choose to do – as opposed to whatever someone chooses for me to do! Probably living in a house on a beach somewhere.

 


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