At Fanimation, we view our employees as our biggest strength. Each month we’ll be spending time with a different employee to highlight their excellence and learn about some of their quirks. This month, we’re featuring John Wertz, our Communications Specialist & Graphic Designer. John works on creating various designs and focuses a majority of his time on marketing and branding at Fanimation. John’s been working at Fanimation for close to seven years. He’s known President of Fanimation, Nathan Frampton, since they were in Kindergarten.
John’s colleagues had many great things to say about him and some ‘fun facts’ about his personality. A resounding message was everyone considers John a ‘team player’:
Sandy Callahan said, “Whenever I have questions or problems with my computer, John is always willing to help me! I think John is a team player that makes very good observations and comments that benefit Fanimation.”
Tom Frampton said, “You can count on John for a quick turn around on special graphics projects or help with a printing issue or opening odd files.”
Nathan Frampton said, “John is obsessed with open wheel and motorcycle racing.”
Teal Cracraft stated, “John is an exceptionally talented graphic designer that has the ability to transform a creative concept into reality. And, he’s currently perfecting his Michael Jackson moves for Fanimation’s Thriller dance. Stay tuned….”
Now, let’s get into the interview….
What is your proudest moment at Fanimation?
I’m able to experience many proud moments at Fanimation. For instance, when I work on a print advertisement for a magazine and am able to see the end product that’s a very proud moment for me. It is a reflection of my pride of working for this company.
Where is your favorite place to eat?
My favorite place to eat is Petite Chou. I always check out the Omelette of the Day and, if that’s not up my alley, I’ll order a Hippie with a Benz omelette (spinach, tomatoes, mushroom and feta) or one of their crêpes with a side of Pommes Frites (fries fried in duck fat). A cup of one of their amazing coffee blends is an absolute must as well.
Where would you like to go on a dream vacation?
My dream vacation would be to travel Europe. I specifically want to visit Switzerland, Germany and Italy. My wife and I have traced our families back to these countries and my wife likely still has family in one of the small Italian towns.
When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried?
I love to laugh and it’s hard to remember the last time, but I’m guaranteed to laugh so hard I cry whenever I watch the movie Pootie Tang. [Editor’s note: Pootie Tang received 2.5/5 stars]. My favorite scene is when an Asian kid is dancing to Pootie Tang’s latest hit–a song without any sound–and his father bursts into the room and yells at him to turn it down.
When people ask me about Pootie Tang, I usually have to qualify it because the title of the movie sounds disturbing. Don’t worry, for those who have never seen Pootie Tang, it’s not what you think.
Tell us three things most people don’t know about you…
1) I am color blind, 2) I’m afraid of roller-coasters, and 3) I have run a marathon.
What’s on your iPod?
I have a wide variety of music on my iPod. U2, Firehouse, Garden State soundtrack, Tim McGraw, just to name a few. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co6WMzDOh1o
If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you like to see cast as you?
Bill Hader of Saturday Night Live notoriety.
What is the first thing you would buy if you won the lottery?
A Ferrari 458 Spider.
If you were stuck on an island what three things would you bring?
1) My collection of books (because I probably won’t have access to electricity), 2) a tent, and 3) A lot sunscreen. That is assuming my wife and my dog aren’t considered ‘things.’
Most embarrassing moment?
My most embarrassing moment was when I first moved from Los Angeles to Indianapolis. I was on my first leg of the move, traveling through the California desert, and decided to stop for lunch. I accidentally took the wrong ramp onto the freeway and ended up back tracking about an hour before I realized that I was heading in the wrong direction. This was not the best way to set the tone for my three day trip. Fanimation offered to buy me a compass upon my arrival in Indianapolis.
What is the first concert you attended?
My first concert was Chicago at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles. I was in the 7th grade. Most people go see a more epic band for their first concert. Nope, my first concert was Chicago. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-UYwXiZ-AEChicago
