Meet Tom Blachek! We recently caught up with Tom to find out more about him and his connection to Franklin County.
Question: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Answer: “I was really good at throwing Javelin. I qualified for states, went to Shippensburg and then took dead last. I was injured.”
Q: What is your connection to Franklin County?
A: “I am an Independent Advisor at Cool Hollow Financial as well as the Operator of the Benefits Group locally.”
“I’ve been in Franklin County for 7 years. I’m married to my wife, Julie, we have a daughter, Vivian and we can’t wait to meet our son, any day now.”
Q: What inspired you or led you to your current career?
A: “My brother passed away in February 2013, which brought me down a road that was long and windy. My father has been in insurance and finance since I was born. This gave me a great opportunity to start helping people avoid some of the same pitfalls that came upon my family.”
Q: How do you feel you contribute to Franklin County?
A: “I would say for me it’s trying to help individuals and businesses in Franklin County. I really enjoy that. Bringing people together.”
Q: What is your Favorite restaurant in Franklin County?
A: “I like Bistro 71 a lot. I like Veroni Cafe a lot, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would be Montezuma’s, my wife loves the cheese there.”
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met in Franklin County?
A: “I’m going to say Dennis Waters. He’s a load of fun. He’s from Texarkana, and he’s got all these southern figures of speech that he loves to break out. He likes to have a good time. He likes to grill meat and he’s completely full of unusual and ridiculous stories.”
Q: What current or former business makes you the most nostalgic about Franklin County?
A: “I forget the name, but there was a produce market and zoo located behind the Diner on Route 30 and Stouffer Avenue near where the Butcher Shop is now. Between the two, there was a farm with a barn. I wish I could take my daughter there, but they’re closed now.”
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about Franklin County?
A: “You guys say some weird stuff. I mean, I do too. I’m a little eccentric, but for example, “take some water”. I think that’s an unusual way to say you’re thirsty. Or, “red up the room up”. Rather than “clean up the room”.
Q: Who would you like to see be nominated for this project, The Faces of Franklin County?
A: “Ryan Smetzer, his answers will be far less ridiculous than mine.”
