After graduating from CU Boulder, Jan got bitten by the acting bug, landed an agent and soon found herself as the stand-in for Mindy (of the “Mork and Mindy” TV show fame) when it was taped in Boulder. “At the time,” says Jan, “we could have passed for sisters but the difference was when it got cold she got to go in and drink her hot cocoa and I had to stand out in the freezing snow. And Robin Williams, who played ‘Mork,’ was unknown at that time and was a real wild man with such high-energy and so off the wall. It was really a lot of fun and it paid off my tuition and I thought hey, showbiz is easy!”
Jan went on acting, doing theater, local commercials and regional films for a few years, but eventually tired of the odd hours and late night grind of theater life. She was asked to start a PR / marketing branch of Vannoy Talent Agency, then on to Jo Farrell's Talent Agency and found she had a real knack and love for it. “I worked talent agencies in Denver and then went to work for May D& F as a fashion coordinator. I had worked with a lot of actors and models so I started doing fashion shows and then they became Foley’s. As in most things... the only constant is change... Foley's was taken over by Macy's Inc. A survivor, Jan was not only able to learn the new ways of Macy's, but excelled.
Following the launch of Macy's in the Colorado market, Jan was still thrilled to be working for Macy's where she created and coordinated events that generated traffic in the store, produced fashion shows, and got involved with as many non-profit sponsorship opportunities as she could. “I love the variety of my job,” says Jan. “I may have a Bronco player one day and the next the Duchess of York is doing an appearance. I really get to mix it up a bit and capitalize on what’s happening in the Denver market. I’m very proud to work for Macy's. Being a national chain "America's Department Store", allows for better merchandise, better service and a great working environment! . “
In May 2009, after 20 years in retail events and marketing,
Personally, Jan is a newly-wed.... married in November 2006, "it was worth the wait". Jan met John Godzac, Director of Contracts at Ball Areospace and knew right away "this is it"! "Had I known marriage was this much fun, I would have done it long ago"!
Favorite Clothing Stores : Macy's and Nordstroms
What gives a woman/man style : Personality, and not to follow trends explicitly but to interpret them for who you are.
Favorite Restaurant: Elways... thats where I met my husband.... thats where we held our rehearsal dinner.... gotta go there twice a week, if possible!
Which social events are your favorites? Theater, a Hockey Game or a black tie gala.
What are your volunteer activities? I’m lucky because I’m able to work with a multitude of non-profits and have had the pleasure to support the Go Red for Women, Denver Hospice, Huntington's Disease Society of America, and many many more!
Who is your hero and why? My mom, who passed away 2004, because of her incredible strength and joy for life.
If your life were a movie, who would you want to play your part? Sandra Bullock because she's spunky and sassy and kind of a spitfire.
Saturday nights at midnight are most likely to find you: Probably on a dance floor or curled up on my couch.
Do you have any Pets? Yes... the latest addition is our black teacup poodle, "Diva Sophia". She's 5lbs of pure love and runs the house! The cat "KT", came with marriage...
When you move, what will your home tell its next owner, about you? That I don’t do home repairs.
What words describe you best? Enthusiastic.
What words would you like others to use to describe you? Honest, Loving and incredible.
What was your first job? In high school I was a weekend receptionist for a real estate company in Denver ... man was that boring!!!!!
What word or expression do you use too much? “Alrighty then” and “Groovy,” which is a little embarrassing.
If there were one thing you could change about yourself, what would it be? I’m pretty comfortable with the total package right now, but who wouldn’t want longer legs?
What is your greatest indulgence? It’s a toss up between wining, dining and shopping.
What or who is the greatest love of your life? My wonderful husband!
Which talent would you most like to have? I’m such a jazz fan and have always wanted to play the saxophone.
What is your current state of mind: Happy, grateful and hopeful.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? I guess I’m still working on it! I’ve reached most of the goals I have set for myself but I’m always setting new ones.
What is your most treasured possession? As sappy as it sounds, my friends and family. Material goods aren’t as important.
What is the quality you most like in a man? Sense of humor, smart, has a love of life and self - confidence.
What is the quality you most like in a woman? Honesty and likes to shop.
Who are your favorite writers? I love Stephen King, Clive Barker and Robin Cook.
What is the best advice you have ever received? It came from my mom and she said, “Take a risk, don’t be afraid of stepping outside of the box and revealing who you really are and what you really want.”
Do you have a motto? Tomorrow is another day.
