The following post is from the NCA Next Generation Group, a National Coffee Association initiative to engage and support young professionals and emerging leaders across the coffee industry. It is part of an ongoing series introducing you to the NCA Next Gen Council.

Janet Colley Morse
NCA Next Gen Council Member
Vice President at Dupuy Storage & Forwarding, LLC

As interviewed by Shelby Westfeldt Mills, NCA Next Gn Council Member

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How and when did you get involved with the coffee industry?

I was born into this wonderful industry.  I was lucky enough to be able to join my Dad at work when I was a kid, so the smells of burlap and green coffee have been with me for years!  I graduated college in 2004 and started working for the family business almost immediately.

 

What interested you in joining the NCA Next Gen group and then becoming part of the council?

The coffee industry is such a unique group.  Thousands of people throughout the world joined by one specific commodity.  To be able to participate in a more intimate setting composed of good friends who want to grow this wonderful business is truly an honor.

What is your favorite hobby and how did you get started with it?

I guess my favorite hobby these days is teaching dance.  I started dancing when I was a kid and continued through my college years.  When I returned home, I started teaching at my former studio, and have been doing so for 7 years.

It is well known in the industry that fellow council member, Shelby Mills, has been a mentor to you throughout your career and someone who has inspired you both personally and professionally. What is the best piece of advice she ever gave you?

Shelby who?

At the 2010 NCA Annual Convention in Dana Point, your volleyball team lost the championship medal, [which some have attributed] to your poor playing that day. Do you regret having let your team down? Did your performance have anything to do with the NCA subsequently cancelling volleyball?

[Ed note: Normally we discourage openly antagonistic interview questions, but this one we’ll allow.]

Sometimes as I fall asleep I can still picture our self-appointed coach (Shelby Westfeldt Mills) standing over me, a volleyball in one hand, a frosty [beverage] in the other.  The berating voice that punctured my consciousness with phrases such as, ‘get off my court!’  All the while watching the shaking head of [NCA Board of Directors member] Joe Apuzzo from the opposing side of the net.

The scars of guilt and shame still weigh heavy on my soul.  I’m not sure I will ever be the same.

What was the most memorable gift you’ve received?

My kiddos.  Anna (9) Grant (4)

What’s the best and worst piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Best: ‘Never discuss politics or religion with anyone.’

Worst: ‘You should join our volleyball team.’

What is something you will never do again?

Play volleyball.

What is the most annoying question that people ask you?

‘Where’s Shelby?’

What’s your claim to fame?

My college roommate and dear friend was Ryan Seacrest’s sister.

What job would you be terrible at?

Being a professional volleyball player.

What are your 3 favorite movies?

‘My Cousin Vinny,’ ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ ‘The Birdcage’

As a child, what did you wish to become when you grew up?

A performer

What is your favorite thing about your career?

The friendships.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Cheese and crackers

What would you sing at Karaoke night?

‘Hold On’ by Wilson Phillips … been there, done that.

 

Learn more about the NCA Next Generation

Please leave volleyball tips for Janet in the comments below.