Name: Jacob Fann
Facebook: Fanntastic Media
Instagram: @fanntasticmedia
Website: www.fanntasticmediallc.com
Age: 28
Title: Founder
Married/Single: I am not married, but I do have a wonderful girlfriend.
Kids: I have a 4-year-old son, Zeppelin.
City you live in: I currently live in Chandler
A typical day in my life includes… I’ll be honest, I work non-stop. Sometimes it feels like I’m not going to bed until 3 a.m. and then I’m waking up at 6 – but, I truly believe the work I’m doing is my purpose, so I don’t mind the long days. Outside of work, I will play basketball with some friends and I also participate in kickboxing once a day. I also try to spend as much time as possible with my son, Zeppelin and my girlfriend.
I was born… I was born and raised in Scottsdale.
My favorite thing about Arizona… is the weather. I went to school in Flagstaff and quickly realized I was not a fan of the cold. I also love the opportunities Arizona has to offer. I’ve watched as many people and businesses have moved their headquarters to Arizona and I think the state provides amazing networking opportunities for both personal and business ventures.
I’m listening to… I am a huge sports radio buff. I mainly listen to Burns & Gambo to catch up on all of my Phoenix Suns and Arizona Cardinals news.
My family… Plays a huge role in my life. I grew up with single father and he raised me along with grandparents. From a young age my dad instilled in me not only how to treat people, but also how to be a good person. Both my dad and grandparents were also huge motivators when it came to starting my business. They taught me about work ethic and that you aren’t owed anything in this life.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be… My grandparents. I lost them a couple of years ago and I truly miss all the time I spent with them in the past. If I could be given one more dinner with them, that would be my wish.
One thing I cannot live without… Coffee! And even more so, coffee creamer – specifically the Starbucks caramel creamer. My employees love to poke fun at the (too many) cups of creamer with coffee every day.
When I was younger, I wanted to be… When I was really young, I wanted to be in the NBA. Once I grew up a bit, I thought I would be a lawyer – I even went to school and majored in Political Science.
I’m inspired by… My family. Specifically, my grandfather. He came to Arizona with $12 to his name, no college education, and took out a loan to start his car dealership, Fann Toyota. My grandfather went through all the ups and downs of business including bankruptcy all the way to finally selling the business in 2010. When he first started his business, it took years for him to finally feel stable – before that, he was working all the time; leaving at 4 a.m. and not returning home until 10:00 p.m.
The one person who motivates me is… My dad. Surprisingly enough, he didn’t want me to start my own business even though that path has been in our family for generations. However, his hesitation was my motivation.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be… the context of the word “entrepreneur.” I feel like over time it has gained a negative connotation because so many use the term to describe themselves when they aren’t actually putting in the work to be a true entrepreneur or owning a business.
The perfect day would be… If we are talking my perfect workday, I’d say a day full of strategizing. I love sitting down with my team and clients and brainstorming how best to help develop a business. On the personal side, I love spending time with my girlfriend and son, so really any activity with them is the perfect day to me. I’d also probably throw in a game of basketball as well 😊
My first job was… I was a food runner at Wildflower Bread Company.
My favorite escape… Basketball and Kickboxing. Both activities truly help me escape and destress each week.
My life… Feels like it is on purpose. I believe that I was meant to do everything I am doing no matter how crazy my days can get.
I’m currently working on… The restructuring of my business. When Fanntastic Media first started, we had no overhead. We focused on hard on things that weren’t necessarily to most important. Now, I am taking a step back and reevaluating how to best approach my business.
Always… Forgive, but don’t forget
Never… Believe that things are owed to you
Favorite Quote… One of my college professors once told me, “Work hard now so you can party later, or party now, but work for the rest of your life.” That really stuck with me.
Biggest Dream… When I pass away, I want to know that I have left a mark. I want to be remembered as someone who always helped others achieve their dreams.
My Pet Peeve(s)… Accountability. I can’t stand it when people don’t hold themselves accountable. I would always rather have someone speak up if they aren’t comfortable working on something, rather than dropping the ball because they felt they couldn’t do it.
Photo: Genesis Images for Fanntastic Media
