L.A. Chamber of Commerce President Gary Toebben

He’s Doing Great

Gary Toebben is president and CEO of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. Before participating in a panel on the future of the 710 freeway, he talked about what gives him buyer’s remorse, his hidden talent, and his favorite thing about Los Angeles in the Zócalo green room.

Q:

What’s your favorite thing about L.A.?


A:

All the things that there are to do. Lots of variety.


Q:

What’s the last purchase that gave you buyer’s remorse?


A:

Well, every time I buy a car I have buyer’s remorse, just because it’s a major investment. Or when I buy a house, sometimes I have buyer’s remorse. But I don’t have buyer’s remorse on little things.


Q:

Where do you go to be alone?


A:

I like backpacking and mountain climbing and hiking, so I often go hiking by myself, and I like being alone. All I have to do is walk, hike up mountains, and think.


Q:

What word or phrase do you use most often?


A:

People ask you how you’re doing, and I usually tell them, “I’m doing great.”


Q:

What’s your hidden talent?


A:

Singing.


Q:

What superpower would you most like to have?


A:

Wisdom.


Q:

How did you get into trouble as a kid?


A:

I always talked too much in school. I think I set a record in the eighth grade for the number of times I got kicked out of class.


Q:

What’s your favorite day of the week?


A:

Saturday. Because I usually sleep two hours longer than I do the rest of the week. I usually get up at 4:45 a.m., and I get up around 7:00. It feels like I’m on vacation.


Q:

Spicy, medium, or mild?


A:

Mild.