with Jeff Armstrong, CFO of Alys Beach
www.AlysBeach.com
Jeff Armstrong is a CPA and the Chief Financial Officer of Alys Beach,
which is a subsidiary of EBSCO Industries. EBSCO Industries is ranked
in the top 200 of the nations largest privately held corporations
according to Forbes magazine. Prior to joining Alys Beach in November
2006, Jeff worked for Buffalo Rock Pepsi since 1996. In addition to
his work in real estate development, Jeff devotes his spare time to
little league baseball and an occasional triathlon.
Jeff is also a contributing blogger here on SouthWaltonScene.com - you can read his insightful blog posts here.
I caught up with Jeff for this week's SouthWaltonScene.com Q&A. Enjoy!
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How long have you lived in South Walton? You were born and raised in....
I have been working at Alys Beach for almost 3 years, but the first 9 months I commuted from Birmingham (where I was born and raised) each week. I bought a house in Destin in 2007, realized my mistake and moved to South Walton almost a year ago.
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You already live at the beach - where do you vacation?
I used to spend a lot of time in Colorado, winter or summer.
What book(s) is on your nightstand?
About 20 Wall Street Journals that I haven’t read and The Message.
If you were to come back as someone else, who would you be?
I honestly wouldn’t change places with anyone, but I might swap with a few of my friends for a week or so. A fresh perspective is always important.
What is your single greatest achievement so far?
Creating a family of my own will always be my greatest achievement. It is an ongoing accomplishment that requires a lot, but the return I get back comes at a multiple that is immeasurable.
What is your favorite restaurant in South Walton?
Caliza, try the Red Snapper ceviche with pickled red onions and cilantro-avocado dipping sauce.
What 2 things can you not live without?
I would say my laptop, camera and music, but that is pretty much my iPhone.
What would you do if you won $1 million?
$1 million is not what it used to be, so I am sure I would keep my day job. I would give 10 % to the church, pay the taxes, and then invest the remainder in the stock market and real estate. Both are at all time inflation adjusted market lows.
If you could change one thing about yourself, it would be...
My Dad is the greatest person I know; I would be more like him in many ways. I am very happy with the way things have turned out. I have a great job and I am so blessed to have such great family and friends, plus I get to live here….
You are granted one wish. What is it?
Three more wishes, of course….
The best thing about South Walton is....
I could never choose just one thing, but any body of water and the related activities – surfing, fishing, sailing and boating.
What is the greatest love in your life?
My family and friends.
What are the most important qualities in a friend?
All of my friends are so different. Someone wrote "The only way to have a friend is to be one.” which reminds me that we should focus more on the way we act at as friends, not visa versa. It also helps if they agree with everything I say....
Would you say happiness is found or made?
I definitely believe happiness is a choice we make.
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To read more SouthWaltonScene.com Q&A's, visit the People & Celebrities page.
