MVP Dad
Jerry Swain
Profile: Jerry Swain turned his chocolate-making hobby into his family business in 2001 when he formed Swain Creations. Now his Jer's Handmade Chocolates are making people happy. "I like making a product that makes people happy. Chocolate can change a person's day, which is why we include inspirational messages with every package," he says.
In addition to being a business owner, Jerry is the proud father of one son and an active volunteer with local charities like the San Diego Food Bank, San Diego Opera, Special Olympics and Junior Achievement.
Volunteer Involvement: San Diego Food Bank Board, UCR Alumni Board, Speaker at local K - 12 schools, colleges and universities
Profession: Founder and CEO of Jer's Handmade Chocolates in Solana Beach. www.jers.com
Education: BS Business Administration, UC Riverside
Children: Jason 18 months
Fun Q & A with our Spotlight Dad:Personal:What phrase or motto do you live by? Live, Love, Laugh. Also, from my late grandpa "Never fall victim to loving things and using people. People should be loved and things used."
Inspiration: I love positive people with good energy. I enjoy hearing people's stories of challenge, fun, love, etc.
If you could teach your kids one thing and have it impact them, what would it be? One thing......wow, tough. Probably that they should give their best effort no matter what task, job, relationship or whatever they do/try. Ask me again I may have another answer.
How do you measure success? By happiness and their chosen quality of life.
Greatest Accomplishment: Starting Jer's Chocolates from scratch. Through tremendous challenges, created a company and a brand new niche in the specialty chocolate industry that the HUGE companies are now starting to copy. We've truly pioneered our niche of Gourmet Peanut Butter and Chocolate products.
Proudest Moment: Birth of our son Jason
Wildest Dream: I'm living it! Leaving a comfortable high tech career to start a chocolate company!
Sport/Exercise Program: Weekly runs/workout. I love playing sports.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I was featured on the TV show America's Funniest People......don't ask!
Where did you grow up: All over! 9 schools in 12 years - New Jersey, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, California
How many siblings: Sister Peggy
First Job: Paper route when I was 11 years old, however, used to shovel snow and rake leaves for neighbors before that!
Childhood Ambition: Professional Baseball Player........I came to realize how many kids were better than me once I hit college!
Favorites:Favorite Soundtrack/song: Love too many songs/music to pick one. Classic Rock is my favorite.
Favorite Movie: I have a 4 for few for different reasons: Shawshank Redemption, Forrest Gump, When Harry met Sally, It's a Wonderful Life
Retreat: Snorkeling in warm, clear waters!
Last Book You Read: Outliers (well, I read Goodnight Moon and many others to Jason last night!)
Indulgence: Ice Cream
Tell us about a product or item that you can't live without as a parent Books! Jason loves when we read to him.
Your Perfect Day: With Mariella and Jason enjoying outside, laughing, playing, and throw some ice cream in there!
Other:What inspires you to go to work every day? The people I work with. The difference we are trying to make in our community and the happiness our product brings to people.
[Business Owners] What motivated you to start your business? Follow a dream of creating a company that would make a difference. I love to "build" things from concept to implementation. Surrounding myself with good people I can choose to work with.
[Business Owners] What is the hardest part about owning your own business? Balance. Personal and work balance. Wanting to implement BIG plans with limited resources in a timely manner.
We want to acknowledge working dads and stay at home dads. Suggest a dad by submitting it here. Questions? Email us at info@sandiegoparent.com.
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