Jerry Helling

Name: Jerry Helling

Jerry Helling is President and Creative Director of Bernhardt Design. He repositioned Bernhardt Design from a domestic manufacturer of traditional wood furniture to an international brand with global distribution. Helling is widely known for supporting design education and mentoring young designers. He is credited with establishing an annual design studio at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. In 2005, he created ICFF Studio to provide assistance to young American designers in launching their careers. A featured speaker on design and business, Helling addresses audiences for organizations throughout the Americas and Europe. He also serves as curator and juror for various exhibitions and design competitions. In 2014, Helling was elected as the first President of Be Original, an industry initiative committed to preserve authenticity in design. Helling resides in North Carolina with his wife Peggy and their three sons – Matt, Carter and Drew.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?: Being fully aware in the moment rather than having my head in the past or future.

Which living person do you most admire?: Aaron Sorkin.

What is your greatest extravagance?: Creed Spice & Wood Cologne.

What is your current state of mind?: Dazed and Confused.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?: People Pleasing.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?: "At the end of the Day".

Which talent would you most like to have?: Ability to Sing.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?: Being so intolerant of others intolerance.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?: Fatherhood.

If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?: Aaron Sorkin.

Where would you most like to live?: London.

What is your most treasured possession?: My music collection.

What is your favorite occupation?: Musician.

What is your most marked characteristic?: Illegible left handing handwriting.

What do you most value in your friends?: Kindness.

Who are your favorite writers?: Aaron Sorkin, Erik Larsen, Carlos Ruiz Afon, Elizabeth George, Jo Nesbo, Lynne Olson.

Who is your hero of fiction?: President Jeb Bartlett from the West Wing.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?: Prime Minister Clement Attlee.

Who are your heroes in real life?: High School Teachers.

What is it that you most dislike?: People talking just to talk.

What is your greatest regret?: Being Unkind to People When I was Younger.

What is your motto?: It's All Good.