It’s not often that we swoon over anything other than fresh fruit and veg in this industry, but Dan Canales, per usual, is an exception. When we asked him a handful of IFs, it became apparent that there’s more to this produce aficionado than meets the eye—namely his heart, which he wears on his sleeve. Hold your loved ones tight as you indulge these answers sure to tug at the heartstrings...
IF you could have been born in another century or decade, which would it be and why?
The 1940s. Things were much simpler then. Strong values were much more prominent and the country seemed more unified.
IF you could be a character in any book, who would it be?
Jack Reacher.
IF you had to choose now, what would your last meal consist of?
Polenta with stew that my grandmother used to make. Sounds simple, but there’s a lot of good memories sitting around the table with family having this meal.
IF you could have any actor play you in a movie, who would you want?
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
IF you could imagine yourself in a different industry, what would it be?
I’d be a custom home builder, or a professional musician if I had the talent.
IF you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
Leon Panetta.
IF you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you bring?
Satellite phone, water purifier, and a really good lighter.
IF you could redo one moment or event in your life, which one would you choose and why?
The moment I saw my soon-to-be wife walking down the aisle on our wedding day. She was so beautiful.
IF you were another species in the animal kingdom, what would you be?
A lion.
IF you could make everyone watch a movie of your choosing, which movie would you want them to see?
“The Sandlot.”
IF you had to eat the same thing every day for the rest of your days, what would you eat?
Steak and lobster with a nice caprese salad.
IF you could enhance one aspect of your intelligence, what part would you want to improve?
The ability to learn new languages.
IF you could join a musician, dead or alive, on stage to sing along or play an instrument with, who would you choose and why?
I’d love to play the drums with Carlos Santana. His talent spans so many decades and his songs bring back a lot of memories.
IF you had $10 million that you had to donate to someone else, who would you choose and why?
My wife—she would know what to do with it. Seriously, though, there is a local program called Rancho Cielo. It was the vision of a retired judge who was tired of seeing a lot of young, misguided youths getting caught up in gang activity. Rancho Cielo provides them a safe environment and teaches them accountability and responsibility while learning a trade.
IF you had a superpower, what would you want it to be?
The ability to heal.
