Want to learn more about the people behind the Brew? This series will give you the answers to the most important questions (and some not-so-important questions) you may want to ask. This week, we’re chatting with Jennifer Vaccaro, our new Account Director.
Where did you grow up?
Baton Rouge. Attended LSU – Geaux Tigers! My husband is from New Orleans, and we spent some time there after graduation enjoying a few fun, kid-free years. Unfortunately, we experienced Hurricane Katrina while living in Kenner. After spending a while fixing our house, we moved back to Baton Rouge in 2007.
What do you do for fun?
Spending time with my family hanging outside in our backyard – watching our girls ride scooters, playing basketball, soccer and ping-pong, and relaxing watching TV. It’s usually a sporting event, but we also have fun movie nights outside. Although sometimes rare, I love when my husband and I can grab a chance to play tennis together. We are lucky to have a wonderful group of close friends who all have children around the same age. It’s amazing to find people who love your children as much as you and pitch in to help! So, we love spending time with friends at home or for a night out!
Did you always want to be an account director?
While at LSU, I knew I wanted to do something in business and found a passion for marketing. I’d describe myself as organized, analytical and thoughtful, and someone with a planner mindset, so I love how marketing combines planning and strategy with creativity. Beginning my career in the consumer packaged goods and food industry was amazingly fun and showed me the true power of advertising and marketing.
What’s your favorite brew?
Definitely coffee is a must in the morning! For some reason, I find it weird to have hot coffee in the afternoon, so if I need a pick-up, I’ll go for a hot tea. On the harder side, I love Abita Purple Haze and Abita Strawberry Lager. But, if I have a choice, my favorite “brew” would be a good wine.
What’s your top Brew core value and why?
Family is definitely my top core value. Throughout my life, family has always been important, and I was lucky to grow up in a wonderful family who helped shape who I am today. Now as I have created my own family with my husband and two girls (and sweet puppy, Ginger), I want to do everything I can to love and care for them. Like any family, we have our ups and downs; and Lord help us with two girls when they enter their teenage years! But, putting family first is a priority, and I’m so glad to have found a place like Brew that feels the same.
Favorite local lunch spot?
Anywhere with a good salad or soup! Whole Foods is great with lots of variety. When my husband and I worked near each other, it was a perfect spot to meet up for a quick lunch date. Southfin Southern Poke is delicious! Sushi Yama and Ichiban too…I love sushi or anything with tuna!
What’s one fact about yourself that most people would be surprised to hear?
I’m a whiz at 10-key data entry thanks to my CPA father and the many summers and holidays of working for him.
Which fictional character (tv show, movie, or book) do you most identify with?
I have two – Liz Lemon and Leslie Knope. Each one is amazing individually, but I love how similar they are. Quirky, Type A personalities who are sometimes seen as overachieving scatterbrains and have a love for food and goofy sayings like “blerg!” Both have extremely high standards for people; yet Liz seems to almost always be disappointed in people and Leslie can’t help but see the good in everyone. I love how they manage their relationships with their coworkers, especially Jack Donaghy and Ron Swanson, who are continually frustrated with them, but always have their back in the end.
What’s your ideal birthday celebration?
Something relaxed and fun; nothing over the top. Hanging with my husband and close friends enjoying great food and drinks!
Who do you want to be when you grow up?
Beverly Goldberg so I can be overbearing and torture my kids like she does. Not really…Honestly, I’m still trying to figure this one out! Family and accomplishment are very important to me. Each day, I try to juggle both. I hope to be a loving, fun and good wife, mother and friend, while at the same time having an accomplished, successful career. Ultimately, I want my two daughters to see that you can achieve both (and many other things) if you are motivated, work hard and have the love and support of family and friends.
