St. Charles resident Craig Larsen, 48, was at the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce holiday party at the Dunham Woods Riding Club when he answered 12 questions for the Kane County Chronicle’s Brenda Schory.

Where did you grow up? St. Charles

Pets? Not anymore. Our chocolate lab Bear died two months ago. He was 12.

Who would play you in the movie of your life? People tell me Tom Cruise, but I'm not sure I agree with that.

First job? Paper boy

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? An astronomer. I wanted to be an astronomer. It ended up that I founded a financial planning and wealth management company, AHC Advisors Wealth Management. We are celebrating our 20th anniversary next year. And I am the vice chairman of the board of the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce.

A book you'd recommend? "Free to Choose: A Personal Statement" by Milton Friedman

Favorite charity? TriCity Family Services

Do you have children? Four

Do you play an instrument? I am trying to learn guitar.

Words of wisdom? You can explain something to somebody, but you can't understand it for them.

Favorite local restaurant? I am a frequent patron of many St. Charles restaurants.

What is an interesting factoid about yourself? I make wine in my spare time. And I led three teams to rebuild after Hurricane Katrina.