Name: Josie Ippolito
Age: 57
Title: President
Married/Single: Married
Kids: Blended family of 5
City you live in: Glendale, Ariz.
I was born…
right here in my hometown: Phoenix.
My favorite thing about Arizona…
is its beauty. We truly have the most beautiful state in the nation.
I’m listening to…
the Bee Gees and wanting to get up and dance!
My family…
is where my life starts and ends.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be…
my father. I lost him when I was 16 and I would love to talk with him again. I’d thank him for all that he did for us and I’d show him all that we’ve done to keep his company moving forward.
One thing I cannot live without…
is my family. It always goes back to that.
When I was younger, I wanted to be…
what I am today. No question. I knew this when I was very young and would come to work with my father. Even way back then, it was all about tortillas!
I’m inspired by…
my mother. She was tough on all six of us kids growing up. Then, one day, I think she decided that her hard work had materialized in our successes. After that, she was all compliments. She’s battling Alzheimer’s now, but she is still our biggest supporter.
The one person who motivates me is…
my husband. He does not work at My Nana’s, so he can contribute a view from the “outside” that puts things into perspective. Not to mention he is so funny and kind. It’s a love story, for sure.
The perfect day would be…
a chilly, cloudy day of relaxation. This is a rare combination in Arizona. When it happens, I just love it.
My first job was…
right here at My Nana’s. Back then, it took 50 people to accomplish what we can accomplish today with three people and good manufacturing techniques. The key is to know when technology enhances our process an when we should forego technology to maintain our authenticity. It is a fine line, but I’m committed to it and to knowing what we won’t sacrifice.
My favorite escape…
Las Vegas. The lights, the energy, the shows, the shopping, the food. It just goes on and on!
My life…
is my family and my business.
I’m currently working on…
expanding the My Nana’s product line with our “Bakery Fresh” tortillas. It provides a great boost to grocery stores’ bakery department sales and it puts tortillas (which are truly a bakery item) where they belong—in the bakery!
Always…
use common sense. THINK before you DO!
Never…
take anything for granted.
Favorite Quote…
“Don’t sleep your life away.” We have so many opportunities in America. We just have to wake up and pursue them.
Biggest Dream…
To take My Nana’s into national distribution. We are very proud of our culture and our product. I would love to share that with homes across the U.S., and I know they would love it, too.
My Pet Peeve(s)…
Making excuses. We’ve all done it. But as you get older, you realize it’s a dead end habit.
