Politics. Art. Business. While the three may seem mutually exclusive, for Vincent Insalaco, they comprise the foundation to his success. “I’ve spent my life involved in politics and the arts,” he says. “[My wife] Sally used to refer to them as two sides of the same coin.”
Born in New York to a family of Italian immigrants, Vince moved to Florida with his parents as a child. It was his unusual childhood that led to his desire to “do everything.” When he was an infant, he was diagnosed with rheumatic fever. He battled the illness until he was 10 years old. “I think I was 6 years old when I first had the last rights, a sacrament of the Catholic Church given when death is imminent,” Vince recalls. “I didn’t exactly have a normal childhood, spending weeks at a time in a hospital or bed at home. So I had my books, my stamp collection and sometimes a script for a play. I never thought in terms of growing up until finally the disease passed. Then, I wanted to do everything: perform, run for office or manage a campaign, build a business — everything I’d read about in my books. Not coincidentally, that is exactly what happened.”
Vince left home at 16, moving to North Little Rock. He graduated from UALR with a bachelor’s degree in history and political science. He’s put that degree to good use over the last four decades, working with or for President Bill Clinton, U.S. Sen. David Pryor and U.S. Sen. John Glenn. He served as assistant secretary of state for Arkansas (1981-1984) and as North Little Rock Mayor Patrick Hays campaign manager since 1988. Vince also managed the sales tax campaign that built Dickey-Stephens Park.
In the business arena, Vince is known as the founder of Family Entertainment, a company that boasted 50 video rental stores and 300 employees in three states. It was the largest company of its kind in Arkansas when it sold in 2002.
But Vince has really made a name for himself in the arts, as an actor, director and producer. In fact, he met his wife Sally while doing musical theater at the Arkansas Arts Center. According to Vince, their friendship developed into a lifelong soulmate relationship of 32 years. The couple raised two children — Elizabeth and Vincent III, whom Vince considers his greatest accomplishments in life. They also have three granddaughters, who are much adored by their grandfather.
Sally died of cancer in 2006, an experience that inspired the creation of the Argenta Community Theater (ACT). “Sally opened Studio One for the Performing Arts in 1974,” explains Vince. “It grew into what was probably known as one of the finest dance schools in the South. We both loved musical theater. When she passed away too young, I wanted to honor that legacy.”
To that end, Vince combined resources and ideas with good friend and local philanthropist Judy Tenenbaum to form Insalaco Tenenbaum Enterprises, a company focused on business and charitable interests. The Argenta Community Theater grew out of that partnership, but according to Vince, the overall vision is what made it truly special.
“[The theater] was deliberately placed next to the THEA Foundation,” he explains. “Judy donated the building to THEA, and I served as its board president. The THEA Foundation’s influence was important. Imagine a performing arts facility that could double as a rental venue, using the rental income to benefit nonprofit charities and yet also give the community a true community theater. I firmly believe that the arts can grow a community just as easily as a sports team can. That’s what we hope to achieve with ACT.”
On Monday, Dec. 3, the Argenta Community Development Corp. — in conjunction with its 20th anniversary — will honor Vince with its first Community Engagement Award. “The Argenta CDC has focused on rebuilding and growing this community for 20 years,” explains CDC Director Mary Beth Bowman. “We wanted to celebrate our success over the years by honoring an individual who embodies our dedication to community engagement. Vince is the perfect person. He’s done so much for North Little Rock and the Argenta community.” The luncheon also serves as a fundraiser for the organization, which is dedicated to providing home buyer and energy education, as well as community building and engagement.
So, what does it feel like to be the inaugural recipient of such an award? “Well, of course, I’m honored, but I can think of a dozen people who are more deserving,” Vince says. “I’ve known Mayor Hays since 1972. We always had this dream of making this city into a special place. A lot of people have made the rebirth of Argenta possible. I am proud to be a small part of that.
“You see,” he continues, “I believe when my life is near the end, I don’t think I will think about how many video stores I owned. I will cherish those things I’ve done that have left a lasting impression.”
Argenta CDC Community Engagement Awards Honoring Vincent Insalaco
When: Monday, Dec. 3, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Argenta Community Theater, 405 Main St., North Little Rock
Tickets: $100 each; $1,000 for table of 10
Info: 374-0622