With almost 20 years in the industry, this marketing maven has seen the term innovation evolve from an abstract vision to an industry requirement—while helping to execute its progress along the way. There are few in this industry with such gravity and passion, and our team at The Snack Magazine has been awestruck to witness Jennifer’s growth, tenacity, insight, and attitude impact fresh produce in the most dynamic of ways. With such spark and vibrance, Jennifer is the ideal candidate for a list like this—one that draws on the imaginative, the dreamer, and the driven. Check out some of the IFs that make this industry member tick and follow her mind on paper in Issue 58 of The Snack...
IF you could have been born in another century or decade, which would it be and why?
I would love to experience the 1950s—the style and all the new innovations that took place during the decade and shaped where we are today.
IF you had to choose now, what would your last meal consist of?
Cheese enchiladas with rice, beans, and homemade guacamole. They remind me of growing up cooking alongside my grandmother.
IF you could imagine yourself in a different industry, what would it be?
Hospitality or art. Wedding and event planning was high on my list of career interests. I love collecting the details and creating someone’s vision for an event. I also love landscape and family photography; capturing that one moment in time that will never be experienced in the same way again.
IF you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
My grandparents. I miss hearing their stories about living through some of the most challenging and amazing years in our nation’s history.
IF you wrote an autobiography, what would be the title?
Still I Rise. Inspired by Maya Angelou’s poem.
IF you had to eat the same thing every day for the rest of your days, what would you eat?
Pizza. There are so many potential variations: vegetarian, cauliflower crust, topped with salad, thin crust, deep dish...
IF you could re-experience an awesome day in your life, what day would you choose and why?
At the top of my list are the days my three sons were born, my wedding to Matt—my amazing husband—making tamales with my family, and the Christmas Eve parties that my parents would throw with family and friends.
IF you had $10 million that you had to donate to someone else, who would you choose and why?
I would choose an organization that helps domestic violence survivors get back on their feet or an organization like A Precious Child in Colorado, which is focused on helping children get the help and supplies they need to be successful in school.
IF you had a superpower, what would you want it to be?
The power to teleport—it would make business travel while having kids at home so much easier!
IF you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Trust your gut. Your instincts are usually dead on.
