The InstigatorWhile you may most commonly recognize him during the holiday season as Salem’s Buddy the Elf, Corey Jenkins is more than that larger-than-life persona.
As the Creative Services Supervisor at SAIF Corporation, he hosts the YouTube series Oregon Odd Jobs, showcasing uniquely Oregon jobs and how they’re done safely. When not in front of the camera, you may find him behind the microphone, singing children’s rock songs under the moniker Jenks.
He’s genuinely outgoing, sincerely engaged and pretty darn humorous, too. But don’t just take our word for it—stop for a moment to hear it from the elf’s mouth, himself.
What is your favorite thing about Salem?
I love the weather here. I was raised in a tiny town in northern Idaho and the winters there were pretty cold and snowy. I prefer the milder winter weather of Salem, and the rain doesn’t bug me too much. Oh, and I love how green Salem is!
What is your favorite thing to do in Salem?
My wife and I have five children, so we spend an awful lot of time at the many parks around Salem. We live near Wes Bennett Park, but any place that has swings is an instant hit with my kids. We play games like “Zombie Attack,” where I stumble around the park like a zombie, attacking the kids. No, it’s not complicated! Inevitably other kids want to join the fun, and onlooking parents stare at me like I’m a weirdo (I don’t deny it).
What could you spend hours talking about?
Running! I love distance running and can talk trails, nutrition, hydration, favorite routes around Salem, Altra shoes, ultramarathons, all of it. I really nerd out, and I smile way too much talking about it. But it’s okay because “smiling’s my favorite!”
I also can talk camera gear, video editing and music production for days!
What is one of your favorite childhood memories?
One 4th of July my parents didn’t get any fireworks. All us kids were super disappointed. In a pinch, my dad put an air popper on the back porch with the top off. He handed us all bowls and told us to get ready for the most exciting game ever…catch the flying popcorn. Dad seriously overestimated the force of that machine, and rather than popcorn flying eight feet in the air, it sadly sputtered over the edge of the popper and on the ground. Disappointment turned to hilarity, and I’ll never forget that Independence Day!
Which living person do you most admire?
My parents (you can’t make me choose between mom and dad)! They are wonderful, kind, charming people who always encouraged me to go for my dreams. I don’t think they knew that would include putting on tights and throwing snowballs at people, but they support me nonetheless.
What is your worst habit?
I’m too much of a perfectionist. Whether it’s constantly tweaking a video edit, endlessly mixing a new children’s rock song, or having all my socks in their proper place, I have a tough time letting things be good enough.
What color best describes your personality?
According to the “Color Code” personality assessment, I’m a solid yellow. I love to play and be silly and spontaneity is the name of the game. I like to think Buddy is an amplified version of my natural personality, though I don’t eat as much candy as Buddy does…I’m working on that.
If you could recover one thing you have lost in your life, what would it be?
Years ago I got a Talkboy for Christmas. You know, the handheld recorder Kevin has in Home Alone 2? It was awesome. Perfect ergonomic handgrip with extendable microphone! I could record regular speed and play it back in slow motion, or record slow and play it back chipmunk style. I still have the original recording tape, but sadly the Talkboy broke. Oh, how I miss it!
Would You Rather …
Have a rewind button or a pause button on your life?
Pause! I wish I could slow down the first year each of my children was born. Babies are absolutely wonderful and that time passed too quickly!
Be forced to sing along or dance to every single song you hear?
Sing along. I like to add my own harmonies to everything.
Be able to talk with animals or speak all foreign languages?
Foreign languages. I’m not so sure I want to hear what cats really think of us humans.
Watch the movie Elf over and over but never be able to play the character or be able to play the character but never watch the movie?
Playing Buddy is an absolute blast, and having lived out many moments from the movie (I once exposed a fake Santa at a work party), I feel like the movie has become my life. Plus, I have the film pretty much memorized, so it’s burned into my brain for all time!
Chocolate or candy?
Candy. Candy canes. Candy corns…and syrup.
Summer or winter?
Winter. Nothing is as magical as the holiday spirit!
Maple syrup or Nutella?
Maple syrup. It goes with everything, even spaghetti.
Tinsel or garland?
Tinsel. Not just for decoration (name that movie!).
This story originally ran in Press Play Salem issue 18 (Winter 2023)
Tracy Torres
