Getting Personal with…Daryle Scott

Daryle Scott is president/CEO/founder of Jacksonville, FL-based Venus Swimwear.

Where did you grow up?

All over the East Coast. I was an AT&T brat.

What was your first job out of college?

Systems engineer with Big Blue [IBM].

How did you get into the catalog business?

I began Venus Swimwear in my apartment bedroom as an apparel catalog for body builders while I was with IBM. As I grew Venus into sportswear then swimwear, it became a lot more fun, so I quit IBM.

Which catalog do you most admire? Victoria’s Secret.

What’s the biggest innovation in the swimsuit business during the past decade?

The “enhancer top,” which adds a full cup to the bustline.

Who’s your favorite Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition model?

The current cover girl, Elsa Benitez, because she’s also our cover girl. We shot her last summer, and she’s on our next five catalog covers.

What’s your favorite dinner? Spaghetti…anything Italian.

What’s your favorite magazine that features women modeling in bathing suits or similar attire?

Maxim — it’s so off the wall, and it features great models!

Which sports do you follow? Football.

What’s your favorite team?

It’s a tie between the Jaguars and the Dolphins.

What is the best book you’ve ever read?

Any of the McNally books by Lawrence Sanders.

What is your favorite movie? The Thomas Crown Affair.

What’s the strangest, funniest, or most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you on the job?

Having a model show me her new tattoo — with our banker present. Shockingly, our credit line was increased the following day.

To which destination (that you have yet to visit) would you most like to travel? Australia.

What is your secret obsession?

To tour the country on my Harley.