Tony Kasday knows a few things about running a successful business. In 1957, at the age of 21, Kasday started his first business called Solaire Optical in Los Angeles. As the Head of Design, he imported eyeglasses internationally from France, Germany, and Hong Kong. He sold them to distributors including Opticians and Optometrists nationwide. His ability to order and sell separated him from his peers, and ultimately proved his success. Together with his sales pitch, style, and niche, Kasday gained the attention of the rich and famous that embraced his eyeglasses and helped him grow his idea into a social trend.
After selling Solaire Optical, Tony Kasday started the Edinburgh Bridge Club with his wife, Carol, in 1968. Both were passionate about Bridge and it was evident, as the Bridge club became one of most successful in California. In addition to hosting Bridge tournaments, Tony and his wife taught beginning and intermediate Bridge to aspiring players who wanted to hone their skills. Furthermore, Kasday would travel nationally to tournaments. Kasday later sold the business in 1972.
Mr. Kasday found a market opportunity in direct mail and established Aquarius, Inc. in 1971. As the President of Aquarius, he put himself in charge of creative, which is the most essential aspect of a business that conveys a message. Aquarius specializes in skill contests and merchandise mailings, which have proven to be highly effective. Kasday gained fame for appearing in front of a US Senate Committee in 1999, which led to NBC’s “Dateline” interviewing him about the sweepstakes industry.
He is also part of the American Contract Bridge League as a certified director.