Jan Krystkowiak finds time for family, business and charity

Jan Krystkowiak is a mother of five children, ages 2 to 11. She owns a marketing and advertising firm, has three dogs, and dabbles in photography. Her husband, Larry, is a former NBA player who is now coaching. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Krystkowiak attended school on a basketball scholarship. She enjoys running and yoga and volunteers with many local and national charities.

What brought you to Del Mar?

We originally came to DM to visit friends on vacation 11 years ago. We loved it, knew this was the place for us. Our friends introduced us, the weather grabbed us, and the people we met kept us here.

What makes this town special to you?

It’s the people, the small-town atmosphere, and the weather. We have moved around a lot, so knowing a few people prior to coming here made it an easy move (after 8 states in 11 years!). There are some pretty special people we have met here in San Diego.

If you could snap your fingers and have it done, what might you add, subtract or improve in the area?

California’s governing bodies and financial problems. Seems like such an incredible place, with great income. What happened to the finances of this state? It is so clearly evident we are cheating our children by the cuts in school funding. Our teachers and children are our future. We need more funding to improve our schools and the education systems in the entire state.

Who or what inspires you?

I try to draw inspiration from myself, but I must admit, I admire my parents, Oprah, my friends, kids, and especially my husband. He is an old soul and has taught me not to judge people, be compassionate, and to be a better listener. He is a quiet, kind person, yet a fierce competitor. I love it.

If you hosted a dinner party for eight, whom (living or deceased) would you invite?

Princess Diana, Bono, Oprah, Jimmy Buffet, Ellen DeGeneres, Sandra Bullock, Elvis and Martin Luther King.

Tell us about what you are reading.

I just finished “The Twilight” series. I haven’t gotten to read much the last two years. I have (two) two-year-olds at home and three boys playing two sports at one time. Plus, I have written and marketed several kids’ books in the last two years and made a line of motivational bracelets ... I just learned how to turn on the TV!

What is your most-prized possession?

That’s my family and our health.

What do you do for fun?

Where do I start? I write kids’ books, run, do yoga, and have my girlfriend weekends twice a year. We run a half-marathon twice a year in different places. I enjoy helping charities.

This year, we donated money and shipped medical supplies to Haiti. I leave June 13 to distribute them in three orphanages. I love watching my kids in sports, and enjoy playing a game of basketball now and then.

Please describe your greatest accomplishment.

I am in the midst of my greatest accomplishment — raising a healthy happy family. Juggle, juggle, juggle and throw in a ball for me, occasionally. The busier I am, the better I am, so having five kids, a busy hubby, and fun stuff for me to do is fantastic!

What is your motto or philosophy of life?

Work hard, play hard. Do unto others ... don’t burn any bridges. BREAK THE FUN METER! Life is good, GO FOR IT, bring it on, I will sleep when I am dead ... right now, I have work and fun things to do.