Get to Know Project Lead Jesse Hunsaker
Start by telling everyone about yourself:
Hello there! My name is Jesse Hunsaker. I came to Des Moines by way of Denver, CO. While there, I earned my bachelor’s degree in Media Arts & Animation and met my future wife, Erin.
Eventually we decided to leave the "Centennial State” and move to a small town in Iowa where my wife was born and raised. We loved Colorado and had many great experiences living there however we decided it was best to leave and be closer to loved ones and start a family. A little more than a year later, our efforts paid off and we welcomed out first child. Now we have three wonderful children, Sloan, Greer, and Asa.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
I love to collect vinyl, listen to records, draw, and play video games. I have an impressive vinyl collection and you can often find my diving into dusty bins searching for my next treasure.
What have you enjoyed about Visionary so far?
The people! People here are intriguing, humorous, and wonderful. I am so fortunate to be working with such a great group!
What is your favorite place to eat in Des Moines?
Mi Patria, which is an Ecuadorian restaurant in West Des Moines. My favorite dish is the Mi Patria Platter. It’s a combination of slow roasted pulled pork, grilled steak, grilled chicken, potato patty, white corn, fava beans and fried egg, served with steamed white rice, bean minestra, and fried ripe plantains. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!
What is your favorite season and why?
Fall for sure. The weather is great. Cool, but not cold and my birthday is in the fall! Plus, it’s the start of football season.
I’m a diehard Bronco’s fan and after 5 years of purgatory I’m looking forward to finally being relevant again due to a new front office, coach, and a quarterback.
Go Broncos!
What is the best book or blog you’ve read lately?
Though not a book or blog, I have been really into podcasts lately. I have been listening to a pod called “1001 Albums to Listen to Before You Die.” Each week they listen to albums from the book by the same name. They give background on the records and artist as well as their reviews of the albums. It has been eye opening and has introduced me to new albums which I have enjoyed thoroughly.
What is something you could not go one day without?
Music has always been imperative to my survival. I really enjoy the genre know as “post punk”, which is a moniker used to describe bands that came together during the mid to late 80’s after punk flamed out. Notable bands that I enjoy immensely are Pixies, Fugazi, Gang of Four, and Mission of Burma.
Words to live by:
I read a quote once that said, “If art is how we decorate space, music is how we decorate time.” I think it is important to decorate our space and time.
What are you loving at the moment?
Streaming! I’ve been binge watching a bunch of show lately. Stranger Things, Umbrella Academy and The Boys are a few I’m really enjoying.
