MEET CHRIS ETTERLEE with Fuller Frost and Associates. When you walk into his office you cannot help but realize he’s a huge sports fan; the sports memorabilia hanging on the walls are eye-catching and conversation starters. Another recognizable item is his seasoned desk; a desk that you do not often see. What makes it so unique is the duality of its usage. It’s a beautiful 50-year old double-sided desk a conversation piece. Chris said, oftentimes people want to just open the drawers in curiosity.
QUESTIONS:
Q. What inspired you or led you to your current career?
A. Well, I’ve always wanted to own my own business since I was in high school and I liked the finance and accounting industry and I was pretty good at math. So just by luck, I ended up in public accounting.
Q. What is your favorite restaurant in Augusta, and what do you love there?
A. Whiskey Bar Kitchen. I like their diverse menu because you can either get a burger or enjoy something totally different; like bowls with rice and meat.
Q. How long have you lived or worked in Augusta?
A. All my life. So 42 years.
Q. If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A. Great Britain. I’ve always wanted to go there. No, specific reason, but I just have always wanted to travel there.
Q. What is your favorite movie OR what is the first movie you remember seeing in a theatre?
A. Well, my favorite movie is the Godfather; the first godfather movie. And then the first movie, I honestly remember seeing vividly was the Jungle Book in a theatre. I remember my dad taking me to see it.
Q. What advice would you give a crowd of people?
A. Stay positive and don’t look back.
Q. What is something on your bucket list?
A. Visiting every state before I die.
Q. What is your favorite music/ 3 bands you would like to see (dead or alive)?
A. The eighties and nineties country music, but also I like, 50’s music. Like doo-wop. Three Bands: The Beatles, The Eagles, and The Rolling Stones.
Q. What current / former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Augusta?
A. Fatman’s
Q. Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative: with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? Where in Augusta would you have lunch?
A. Ronal Reagan; asking him about his presidency. We would have lunch at The Pinnacle Club.
Q. What is your favorite thing or something unique about Augusta?
A. My favorite thing about Augusta is that it’s located within about two hours from the beach. The mountains in larger cities like Atlanta and Charlotte. So you pretty much get any kind of atmosphere you want.
Q. Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?
A. Continuing to run a successful accounting practice.
Q. (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A. I really like astronomy and I read about and planets and stuff in my spare time.
Q. Can you describe the neighborhood you grew up in?
A. Middle-class suburbia and a good mix of racial diversity. I remember on my street we had white kids, black kids, and Asian kids. We even had retired people. It was fairly close to Fort Gordon. So you’d have, people who may have married soldiers. So, you know, we had a German lady on the street, a Korean woman; it was pretty diverse. Growing up in such an environment prepared me to interact with all people.
Q. What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
A. Comfort. Familiarity. Reliability.
Q. If you had a full-time staff member that was fully paid for, who would you choose? {Chef, Housekeeper, Driver, Coach, Physical Fitness Trainer, or Nanny} WHY?
A. Trainer. I do go to the gym a lot, but I think I would get a lot more out of it if I had somebody who pushed me and could be there and tell me what to do because I’m disciplined.
Q. If you could hold on to one memory from your life forever, what would that be?
A. In 1992, NCLS, the Braves beat the Pirates in Game-7. It is a play I will never forget and sometimes I watch it over on youtube. I wish I could bottle that feeling and always have what that feeling felt like when it occurred. When I watch that clip on youtube the hair on the back of my neck will stand up. It was exciting and memorable. I still remember where I was and where I saw it.
Q. Who has been the biggest influence on your life? What lessons did that person teach you?
A. The lesson I will share: Don’t get involved in the politics of business and work. Keep your sights on a higher goal and just day to day things.
OUR FINAL QUESTION
Q. IF YOU COULD SHARE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
A. Always try to stay positive.
Thank you Chris. You made my experience easy and comfortable. To new beginnings. Friends for Life.
