Wallace returns home to work at family business
COSHOCTON – In the back of his mind, Chris Wallace knew he would eventually return home.
“I think it was always a goal of mine,” he said. “I knew my parents at some point would retire and I seemed like the next one in line for the family business (WTNS radio).”
Wallace graduated from Coshocton High School in 2007. He then furthered his education at Otterbein University where he earned his degree in business with a concentration in marketing in 2011. At this point in time he wanted to experience life somewhere else, so Wallace eventually moved to Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
While in Florida, he worked at an Apple retail store in sales and service, taught classes on how to better use your Apple technology and got involved with a production company and developed a passion for drone photography and filming. He also realized that not every place is as friendly as he felt Coshocton was.
“The grass isn’t always greener on the other side,” Wallace said. “People other places don’t wave when you are driving down the street or hold the door open and ask how you are.”
After five years in Florida the opportunity to return home and work at WTNS came up and Wallace took it.
“My dad told me if I had any interest in the business I should come home sooner than later,” Wallace said. “He wanted me to learn from and shadow Tom Thompson and I didn’t want that opportunity to slip away. Tom’s been here 45 years. He means a lot to this community and has done much for it.”
Wallace will celebrate two years at the radio station this May. He works in sales and this year started doing some sports broadcasting.
“In Florida there are so many people that you were just a number and it was hard to make a difference,” Wallace said. “Coshocton is a much smaller community and it’s easier to have an impact.”
Wallace serves on the United Way of Coshocton County and Coshocton Community Center boards and is a member of the current Leadership Coshocton County Class.
“A lot of people said (leadership) is a good way to learn more about the community and it has been very beneficial,” he said. “Coshocton has a rich history.”
When the time is right, Wallace feels Coshocton will be a great place to raise a family.
“A lot of places have their problems and Coshocton is no different, but there is a sense of community here and people are working together to make things great. This is a special place that I’m proud to be from.”
Category: People & Places
