T
o know Jan DeLyser is to have a crucial in-road to the mind of a marketing genius. The industry’s twists and turns pave a difficult road to navigate for many of us, but it’s a challenge we accept with heart. Finding a guiding light, a voice of strength, and one of knowledge are key to both personal and professional success, and Jan is one such gatekeeper that we can never get enough of. With all the seriousness and gravity we bring to the work, one needs a little levity and playfulness as Jan would tell us. And that she has. These tidbits from Jan bring the gift of laughter and are a wonderful example of how her attitude and candor make her an advocate for all...
IF you could have one fruit or vegetable item as your produce mascot, what would it be and why?
It would be what it actually is: a California Hass Avocado...zenfully delicious and so versatile.
IF you could be a character in any book, who would it be?
Claire in the Outlander series—a time traveler, married to Jamie Fraser.
IF you had to choose now, what would your last meal consist of?
Filet mignon and lobster with a salad featuring California produce (avocados, of course), roasted veggies, and a savory tart made from California avocados.
IF you could have any actor or actress play you in a movie, who would you want?
Laura Linney for a younger me and Glenn Close today.
IF you could imagine yourself in a different industry, what would it be?
I’d be in the entertainment business as a comedy writer.
IF you wrote an autobiography, what would be the title?
Listen and Learn: The Art of Getting Along.
IF you had to wear the same thing every day, what items of clothing would you pick?
A California avocado flag t-shirt, jeans or yoga pants, and some undergarments.
IF you could make everyone watch a movie of your choosing, which movie would you want them to see?
The Big Chill.
IF you had to eat the same thing every day for the rest of your days, what would you eat?
A BLAT sandwich: bacon, lettuce, avocado, and tomato on whole-wheat bread with mayo.
IF you could enhance one aspect of your intelligence, what part would you want to improve?
Logical—mathematical intelligence to quantify things, make hypotheses, and prove them. Mathematics has never been a strong suit of mine.
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?
George Harrison and the ukulele. I loved The Beatles and still do to this day. I played the baritone ukulele when I was younger.
IF you had a superpower, what would you want it to be?
I would create the vaccine to end the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide.
