Someone You Should Know: Magician Bill Koch
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS (CBS) -- He's been doing magic tricks for more than half his life and says entertaining people is a special mission for him.
CBS 2's Harry Porterfield says Bill Koch is someone you should know.
So you don't believe in magic? Well, Koch can change your mind, just as magic has changed his life. He was just 10 years old when he became infected with the magic bug.
"With magic you can transcend the language barrier and you can entertain people of any language, any race, any creed, any color, any sex – anything," Koch says. "Magic just transcends all there is."
He's 21 years old now and, in keeping with his passion, he even works in a magic store, PJ's Trick Shop in Arlington Heights. A few years ago, he was the youngest magician to win both the first place title and the people's choice award in the Chicago magic competition held at Navy Pier.
Koch is a co-star in the documentary film "Make Believe," which focuses on six young magicians from around the world who are vying to become teen world champion.
So, how does he measure success as a magician?
"What makes me successful is being able to know I can go up and entertain anyone at any time, doing what I love," Koch says.
Fulfilling his commitment to his profession, he teaches magic lessons, performs at corporate events and is on the entertainment staff of the Bulls, among other activities.
"It's good to know that I've reached a certain point, but it's also great to know that I'm going to be getting better as life goes on," Koch says.
