An Interview with Ella Farnsworth

After years of a long-distance relationship, Ella finally decided to make the big cross country move to follow her fiancé to San Diego, leaving behind her other love, Miller, her Pitbull, in Florida. But don’t worry about him—he’s living his best life with her parents and a huge backyard close to the beach. Ella is up for pretty much anything, like eating at new restaurants, sipping new cocktails, and visiting new countries (she aims for one new country a year), but she won’t do any of it without a cup of coffee first. She lives by the sage advice, “Don’t be an idiot,” as spoken by the oh-so wise Dwight Schrute, and we’re happy to say she applies this same no-nonsense approach to her work. Ella is self-motivated, detail oriented and super efficient, bringing her strong project management skills to our office. She’s lent her talents to projects like Bumble Bee Seafoods, Inari Agriculture, and Mazda USA to name a few.

Ella joined the Bulldog Drummond team as a Project Manager a few months ago and we found it proper to welcome her with the obligatory series of getting acquainted questions.

Where are you from (& how’d you get here)?
I grew up in Florida and then moved to New York City after college.

I landed in California in January 2018. My fiancé is a pilot in the Navy, stationed here in San Diego, so after a few years of long distance, I decided to make the move and join him on the west coast.

Personality in a nutshell (how would your friends describe you)?
I’m actually fairly quiet until I get to know people. I’m generally laid back and very caring, but I like to have fun and I’m super competitive.

Likes: I love my sweet pitbully, Miller. He’s back home with my parents in Florida and I miss him like crazy—but he’s living his best life with a big backyard close to the beach.

What are your hobbies/interests?
Traveling, trying new foods, cocktail experimenting/wine tasting, puzzles (The New Yorker, specifically).

Why are you good at what you do?
I’m a very quick, but an efficient and detailed worker. I owe a lot of that to my time in NYC—and to some really great bosses and clients. I gained so many invaluable skills working in fast-paced agencies that had high expectations for precision and accuracy.

I love working in a collaborative and creative environment—it’s so inspiring. I think creatively, and I have a good eye, but I can’t execute—and that’s why I ended up on the project management side of things!

What gets you out of bed every day?
Nothing before coffee! Post-coffee, every day is different—and I love that. I have a very happy life with my fiancé. We are constantly planning new trips and working hard to make them a reality. My family has been so supportive my whole life, so it’s very motivating to work hard, make them proud and assure them that all of their sacrifices weren’t for nothing.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
“Don’t be an idiot.” –Dwight Schrute

Favorite quote:
“There is nothing permanent except change.” –Heraclitus

What you’re reading:

Best place in New York to eat?
I could never pick just one! Pasquale Jones, Rubirosa, The Wren & Mother’s Ruin, to name a few…

Must Haves:

Pasquale Jones – wine & diavola pizza

Rubirosa – tie dye pizza with soppressata & the cavatelli with broccoli rabe and sausage

Mother’s Ruin – slushy of the day & fries

The Wren – EWC (off menu cocktail) & original avocado toast (“original” is key – if you know, you know)

Name three things on your bucket list.
Safari in South Africa
To visit (at least) one new country every year
Learn to ski – my first and only try was slightly traumatizing 

How do you define uncommon sense? 
Don’t be the norm. Make a difference with impact.

What are three Uncommon Sense principles you live by (personally and professionally)?
Fight for the good
Be uncomfortable
Stay humble

What’s the best trip you’ve ever been on?
Japan! From the culture to the food and all of the things to do and see—it was just such an exciting and special experience… however, I don’t recommend going in August with the 120°F heat index.

What are you most looking forward to while working at Bulldog?
Being part of a company that recognizes the importance of thoughtful work versus churning out projects as quickly as possible. Bulldog has incredible values and they truly live them every day.