When I was in kindergarten, I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up. While the rest of the students drew pictures of police officers, firefighters, superheroes and teachers, I drew myself sitting behind a big desk with the word “boss” engraved on a golden name plate. A lot has happened since then, but the inner child with grandiose visions and ideals hasn’t changed a bit. 

I was born and raised in Minneapolis and received my BA in Communication and Management Studies from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. (No, I don’t know Rose from the Golden Girls.)  I spent a great deal of time studying abroad in places such as England, South Africa, Greece and Quebec. The Quebec program was held in January, and the following year St. Olaf changed the location to Martinique. I’m not bitter about that at all. I travel as much as time and money allows and I have a personal goal to visit at least one new place every year. I’m currently in the Master of Arts in Leadership program at Augsburg College and plan to graduate in June. I call it an MBA without the BS.

Work-wise, I got my start at Fallon Worldwide where I worked in Account Service with clients such as United Airlines, Sports Illustrated and International Truck and Engine Corporation. To this day, I can tell you the make of any heavy or medium duty truck by the front grill.

I then moved to Jamba Juice where I was the Marketing Manager for the Midwest, working with stores in Chicago, Madison and Minneapolis, doing advertising, events, promotions, and the inevitable free smoothie day every spring. My favorite smoothie wasn’t on the menu but included strawberries, bananas, and protein powder.

Most recently, I spent the past five years working at Best Buy Co. in the Event Marketing department, where I helped start their motorsports program. It’s one of the things I’m most proud of.  I nearly lost my voice yelling at the TV last Sunday when the Best Buy driver, Elliott Sadler, ran up front towards the end of the race. I also did a rain dance but it didn’t kick in soon enough for him to win. I’ll work on that for next time.

I am thrilled to be joining the Fast Horse family for many reasons.  First, because of the amazingly talented group of people I get to know and work with.  Second, because of the opportunity I have to work on some incredible brands and truly make a difference to both our clients and the Fast Horse business. Third, because I still get a hard card to attend NASCAR races. Fourth, because I’ve heard Fast Horse has great parties where they might let me DJ (that’s my alter ego and we’ll save that story for a rainy day).

Jorg and I are battling over who gets to use the initials JAP, but seeing as he was here first, I think I’ll oblige him. Email me anytime at jodip@fasthorseinc.com.