Evan Ferrari – Strategic Planner, Launches Japanese cars in US

Evan Ferrari works at an ad agency. He knows a lot about obsessiveness in people… mostly music, movies, TV shows, model trains and other things that you wouldn’t think matter that much at all, but have ended up being pretty useful for Evan in his life so far. He tries to understand people and why they like the things they do and buy the things they buy. What he’s not good at is reading people’s impressions of himself. Which is odd, isn’t it?

He likes his job when it’s fun, hates it when it’s boring and hopes to get back to learning more about people’s obsessions with things that don’t matter much very soon.

What are you working on right now?

Trying to make good car ads in a recession. I seem to have a knack for getting the ones that have big issues, which requires you to really tell the truth about their issues and it’s difficult to be brave in a recession.

3 Trends that excite you?

Old rock bands getting back together. Blur, Pavement, The Pixies…. someday The Smiths – and will blow my mind. I know it. They will need the money cause everyone steals music these days.

I love Facebook. Sounds like the most cliche thing ever but I don’t lose track of people I don’t want to lose track of.

The democratization of everyone’s point of view. Anyone can start a company and make a living off just having a point of view.

This guy liked old American workwear and other “good ‘ol” stuff. Now he’s works for GQ and is close to being a huge brand….

http://www.acontinuouslean.com/

Brilliant. Inspiring. Thank God people are passionate and obsessive.

How do you bring ideas to life?

Bringing a truth in people to life. I mean you REALLY need to understand people. No one is a number, income bracket or demo. Where they come from, who they are, what they love, what they hate, who they vote for, all their dreams and aspirations… and then I bring those people to life.

Are you happy?

Sometimes. I suppose when I am happy with my job, I’m very, very happy. When I’m not, it’s not the end of the world either. I guess I would call it grumpy. I can’t imagine doing anything else. Which is great but also very frightening.

Maybe I’ll work for the railroad like the rest of my family and ancestors did at some point. Looks like fun.

What am I into?

Passion and people who stay authentic to who they are. It’s contagious and inspiring. I see a lot of it in music. modern art and commerce.

Anything that’s shocking in a clever way. not just shocking to piss off someone.

I saw a bumper sticker today that read: “Somewhere in Kenya a village is missing an idiot.” I hate ignorance. Especially when it’s supposed to include a point of view about something that has real meaning to me, but falls sort because it’s created from hate.

Sorry I know this was supposed to be about what I like.

I miss John Lennon.

Connect

http://twitter.com/evanferrari