Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Gabbing About Georgia

Are you an F.O.G.?  If you spend any length of time in Ventura County you likely will become a Friend Of Georgia -- Georgia Perry that is!  F.O.G. is a term coined by one of several Friends of Georgia who frequently stop by We Olive to try a new Georgia-recommended product, grab a hostess gift or just get something for dinner.  The store could probably survive on Georgia-referred sales alone -- well almost! Georgia Perry is our resident hostess, committed community volunteer and lifelong Ventura County dweller.   She is also the Senior Sales Associate at We Olive Ventura.  Seems almost everyone knows Georgia and it is impossible to not like her. One day while getting some alterations done at an across town seamstress, I was discussing Georgia who had referred me.  Another waiting customer piped up and said "You mean my Georgia?"  Turns out, the customer was yet another F.O.G.

When not lending her talents our way, Georgia is an Events Coordinator and an active volunteer with the Ventura Educational Partnership, which makes her a natural fit with us! Having raised two handsome sons with husband Dennis, Georgia has a heart for all school kids. Her gal pals include the Superintendent of Schools,the President of the Ventura Educational Partnership and the head of  the Ventura Family/School/Community Partnership.  Among her favorite things about working at We Olive Ventura is the community involvement fostered by store owner Steve Tobey an example of which includes the Ventura High School Culinary program relationship.  Through that connection students have showcased their culinary skills using We Olive products with in-store demonstrations and we have gained valuable employees such as our current recruit Megan.  Relationships like these (and Georgia's enthusiasm) encouraged another employee to become an active local school volunteer. 

My funniest Georgia moment at We Olive also involves, of course, Perry.  While Georgia and Perry were providing their signature customer service they had an engaging conversation with a very appreciative customer.  Part way through, Perry introduced himself and the gentleman motioned to Georgia and asked if she were "The lovely Mrs. "Perry"  Perry laughed and said yes, she is Mrs. Perry, but not his Mrs. Perry, Mrs. Dennis Perry!.  They all had a good chuckle.  Georgia's current three favorite products are the We Olive Green Olive & Lemon Mustard, (2) Sable & Rosenfeld's Mediterranean Olive Bruschetta and (3) We Olive Balsamic Truffles.  For gifts she suggests a jar of Pasolivo Body Butter or a new parents or housewarming favorite of our gourmet pasta with a jar of Italian Salsa.  A gift I think Georgia would love to receive (hint, hint Dennis) is a  decorative three-section condiment tray with a selection of three condiments or tapenades and an Old River Road spoon (or 3!), 

Georgia offers the following easy recipe ideas:  Pork Roast marinated in Chaparral Gardens Blackberry Roasted Pepper Vinegar for a least a couple hours or overnight and barbeque or cook on low in a slow cooker.  Serve our gourmet pasta tossed with Sonoma Gourmet Basil Parmesan dipping oil. Rebecca is her go-to gal for quick fix appetizer or meal ideas using We Olive products.  Georgia also loves sharing with the Weight Watchers members our Zero Points House Balsamic.  Rumor has that Georgia alone may be responsible for the new lilt in Jennifer Hudson's song! Our hostess with the mostest loves setting the mood and the tone.for our after-hours private group tastings allowing guests a more in-depth look at the world of olive oil uses and benefits.  When it comes to We Olive Ventura, Perry likes to think he's in charge, but we all know it's Georgia Perry who really runs the show!

No comments:

Post a Comment