Meet Board Member – Candi Janssen
Meet board member, Candi Janssen. She is a leader, entrepreneur and visionary. Candi always believes that anything is possible, it just takes hard work!
Candi grew up in Foley Minnesota and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall. After college she moved to St. Cloud and met her husband, Jason. Just a few months after getting married, Candi and Jason purchased a business in Ronneby (Goodfella’s Bar and Grill, Inc.) which they owned and operated for eleven years. This is where Candi first met Kayla. Kayla’s younger brother worked for the Janssen family and when they needed a strong bartender/shift leader, Kayla joined the team. Over the years, Candi and Kayla have worked together on multiple projects, traveled, shopped, celebrated life’s best and hardest milestones. Their relationship has evolved over the years from employer, co-worker, mentor, and best of all she gets to call Kayla her friend.
Candi and Jason have one son, Vince, who is eleven years old. Vince keeps his parents busy with building cars, furniture and anything else he can create. The family has a puppy named Cooper and a cat named Jerry Seinfeld. Together they enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, movies and traveling. The best family vacation they have been on was to Arizona last year where they enjoyed hiking, swimming and of course the Grand Canyon. On a personal level, Candi enjoys cooking, shopping and working out. She will be competing in her first full in-line marathon in September, followed by running a few races at Walt Disney World in February.
Candi likes to give back to her community through volunteerism. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors for The Indy Foundation, Candi has been active within her community. Candi’s prior community engagement includes: Foley Area Community Foundation Board (2014-2018), Falcon Archery Fundraising Committee (2016-2017), Three Rivers Foundation (2013), DECA (2011-2014), Great River Family Promise 2013-2014, and St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce (2008-2010).
Candi is currently working to develop the corporate donor program for the INDY foundation. She is eager to launch the program this fall.
1.What is your professional background?
Candi has worked in sales, marketing, project and people management in higher education, banking and health care. She worked for Globe Education Network for over ten years, during this time she earned her Master’s in Managerial Leadership. Following her tenure in higher education, Candi transitioned to working in for Capital One and now she’s rocking the health care field.
2.Greatest Adventure:
I am hopeful my greatest is yet to come but so far, I would say it would be motherhood. I never realized being a mom could be such an adventure but it has so many great twists and experiences.
3.One word that describes your purpose for how you live life?
Impact! I want people to look back on their connection with me and say, “she made an impact on my life, our community or business.”
4.What is your superpower?
I am a collaborator who is good at seeing the big picture, solving problems, and creating standard operating procedure.
5.Where is the best place you have traveled?
Greece!! Hands down the most amazing place I have been. I love the food, the culture, the history and the typography.
6.One item on your bucket list:
To meet Jack Welch, the man is the most inspiring business leaders of our time. I am a crazy fan and he once retweeted me
7.What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
I can rap! LOL, I swear my husband fell in love with me when saw me throwing down some Eminem and Jay-Z 😊
8.What is your favorite thing to do with your family?
I love to walk our dog, we have some great chats walking through the woods.
9.What is your favorite thing to do for yourself?
Workout, no matter if it’s a great day or bad a day there is NOTHING better than getting in the gym and pushing yourself. I love to do it first thing in the morning and when I don’t…I am usually not my best self.
10.If you had an unlimited checkbook for one day, what would you buy?
First, I’d write a big check to INDY for our warriors, then I would buy myself a convertible, a seasonal at a resort, my husband a new boat and book a heck of a family vacation!
11.Tell us about someone you admire?
So many, I don’t think that I could pick just one.