Josh Kister was born and raised in Summerville. He went to Stratford High School and spent his summers playing baseball and winters playing hockey. Josh earned his bachelors degree in both biochemistry and chemistry from the College of Charleston and received his Doctorate of Pharmacy from the Medical University of South Carolina. He loves listening to music, playing guitar, building things, trying new foods, and enjoying anything Star Wars with his son.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I’ve been married to my amazing wife, Molly, for 13 years. We have 2 children; Cub is 4 and Daphne is almost 2.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I worked as a Chemist at DHEC for 6 years prior to attending MUSC’s College of Pharmacy. I have been a Pharmacist at Guerin’s Pharmacy for the last 9 years. I love the community associated with working in an independent pharmacy; we develop close relationships with local providers and patients turn into friends. I also enjoy the daily problem solving from pediatric and veterinary patients to odd questions and requests.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Accent on Wine, Halls, Swig n Swine, Tasty Freeze
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I was born and raised here in Summerville. I started working at Guerin’s in 2009 during pharmacy school and as a pharmacist in 2012.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Ernest “Padre” Yatrelis. He always has a smile on his face. Still trying to convince him to give up some of those Continental Corner recipes.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would love to go to Iceland right now to play Midnight golf, see the Northern Lights, drink some Brennivín (Black Death), and try fermented shark.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Movies: The Usual Suspects, any Christopher Nolan film, any Bond film, Empire Strikes Back.
TV: The Office, Parks and Rec, Breaking Bad, Holey Moley
Q: What advice would you give to people?
I’ve always heard my father say that you have to give other people respect to earn respect. That attitude has stuck with me, and I think that it’s a good model for everyone to follow.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Re-living my honeymoon in San Francisco and Napa: a wine and cheese lunch overlooking the bay, hot air balloon ride over the vineyards, and the chef’s tasting menu at French Laundry.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Sturgill Simpson or Beastie Boys
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Engleburg’s Furniture (I still have the shirt from when I worked there in high school)
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would love to have lunch with my former band mate, Chad King. He lives in Raleigh, and we don’t get to hang out like we used to. We would catch up on music, guitars, church, faith, and everything in between. We would definitely go to Matt’s Burgers. Spanish fries, here we come!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love Third Thursday and how the town of Summerville supports small businesses through this monthly event.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Going to baseball games, dance recitals, and finally getting to go on a vacation with my wife alone.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I don’t like sweet tea.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Top of Vail mountain: navy blue skies, 360 views, and quiet. The Masters on Monday morning: untouched prior to the tournament.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Month: December: I love the music and anticipation leading up to Christmas. Holiday: Labor Day: We always go to the mountains with my family. Best single day on the calendar: Any day I can get a massage (Shout out to Samantha @ Southern Cosmetic Laser).
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Beef rib at Lewis BBQ
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My father and my children. My father set the bar pretty high in terms of fatherhood, and my kids push me everyday closer to that bar.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Fresh baked chocolate chip cookies. Smoke from both campfires and cigars and both with bourbon.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
My family; wherever they are, I’m home.
