The People Behind the Page: Jess Farley

The Peninsula Pulse employs 24 full- and part-time staff members who live in or have strong ties to Door County. This crew brings you the news in print, on video, online and in podcasts every week. In each edition of the Pulse, we’ll introduce you to one of the people behind the page. This week, meet sales manager Jess Farley.

Jess is a fifth-generation Door Countian, but she still doesn’t know everyone. It’s a good thing she loves meeting new people, and being a sales manager at the Pulse is a great way to do that. When she isn’t making calls and meeting with clients, she’s spending time with her son, Wyatt. Read more about her in an extended Q&A below.

Celeste Benzschawel (CB): Where did you grow up?

Jess Farley (JF): I grew up in Sturgeon Bay. My family homesteaded in Juddville back in the 1870s. That makes me fifth-generation Door County, and I am raising the sixth.

CB: Where did you go to school, and what did you study?

JF: I did not go to college but strategically placed myself in challenging positions throughout my life. I have been a sponge for knowledge. I have enjoyed the mentors I have had the opportunity to know and the experiences I have been able to participate in over the years. Choosing a nontraditional education has allowed me to be adaptable and creative on my road in life.

CB: What brought you to the Pulse, and what is your role here?

JF: I have been working here at the Peninsula Pulse for nine-plus years. The sales manager position became available at the right time for me; I was transitioning back into the workforce after taking time to focus on raising my son. 

Door County is unique in that you can find work to fit your schedule and your life needs. I had been waitressing at a high-end restaurant so I could spend the majority of my time in mom mode with my son. I was toying with the idea of finding a more sustainable job when the sales manager position opened up, and I jumped on it! 

It has been such a fun and diverse position over the years. I love that every day is different, and I get to meet so many people and learn about their stories. I truly get to assist so many people and their businesses find success here in Door County.

CB: What’s your favorite part about working here?

JF: I love that I get to spend my days with such a driven and creative group of people within our Pulse family. We all come from different backgrounds and different interests. We come together every day, focused on putting out a top-notch, informative resource for our community and visitors. It makes me feel good knowing the work I/we do has such a strong sense of purpose in our community.

CB: What’s the last thing you were really excited about?

JF: I had the opportunity to participate in the fundraising event called Tales of Our Lives. I wrote a story honoring a lifelong friend who passed away in 2019 after a battle with leukemia. Having the opportunity to publically share the impact our friendship had on my life and honoring his memory in front of so many caring folks filled my heart and soul with pure goodness.