Meet Jennifer Oertli

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jennifer Oertli. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Jennifer with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

I love this question! I saw my parents work very hard to provide us with a middle-class living, growing up in Minnesota. The winters were rough, and my mom and dad woke us up when it was cold and dark. They put us on the school bus before heading to their jobs. Working hard was therefore expected of me and I never shied away from it.

As I got older, I threw myself into my career. I wanted to be successful by our culture’s definition. That meant long hours, at times sacrificing time with my daughter. I became insecure that if I wasn’t always working, I wasn’t proving my worth and value.

Now, I look at work a little differently. I see it as an expression of my accumulated skills and experience and a way to bring value to others. The hours are still long, but my work is far more rewarding.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

If you get to know me, you’ll understand that I thrive when I have a few projects going on. My most recent endeavor is Juniper Custom Planters. I offer jumbo statement planters for small businesses and shopping districts looking to enhance their curb appeal, drive foot traffic, and increase sales.

But it’s not about the planters. It’s about the customer experience, skills I’ve honed through years of owning small businesses, my HR background, and change management consulting. I want every storefront in Atlanta to be its best salesperson, telling the community and passersby that not only are we open, we’re killing it, 24/7. This is accomplished by putting the customer at the center.

Most small businesses spend all of their energy on their product or service, and rightfully so. Meanwhile, their windows are dirty, and the sidewalks need a good power washing. Their signage is fading, and the paint is peeling. What landscaping they do have is overgrown or dying. These things signal to customers (the ones that even notice you) that this business is struggling, and the owner pays no attention to detail. Not exactly a compelling story!

Beyond basic maintenance and upkeep, studies show that businesses that invest in large statement planters with well-maintained botanicals experience higher foot traffic and increased sales. This is because on a subconscious level, vibrant storefronts with biophilic elements tap into our innate desire to be close to nature. We feel good, and when we feel good, we naturally gravitate toward your business, and we spend more money with you. It’s science!

It’s my aim to put MY customers at the center – the small business owners and shopping center managers who are grinding it out day after day. What challenges do you face in attracting new customers? What stops you from improving your customers’ experience? What hurdles can I help you overcome to make your business a customer magnet? How can we drive a return on your investments?

I see the results in two ways: 1) Owners feel excited about something eye-catching at the front door and pride in the business they built with their own two hands, and 2) real numbers that show increased foot traffic and higherr sales, with many customers complimenting the statement planter just outside the door. An added bonus!

I gain my sense of satisfaction when my customers experience the successful outcomes we set out to achieve.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I read a lot, listen to podcasts, and have invested in a healthy amount of therapy over the years, and have learned a lot about myself. Here are my top 3:

1) I’m a goal-setter and once I commit, there’s no turning back. No excuses, and failure is not an option. I’ve used this mindset to run a marathon, finish college on my own dime, start businesses, enter a fitness competition at 44, move across the country twice, renovate 3 homes, and now my greatest challenge – planning my daughter’s wedding. Ha! Not really, but sometimes it feels like it.

2) I’m resourceful, a learner, and believe anything is possible. If I can’t do it already, I will learn how. If I still can’t do it, I will find someone who can. No challenge is too great, and I thrive on accomplishing something no one else was willing to try.

3) I’m reliable and keep my promises. People will roll their eyes at this one, but keeping my word is my highest priority. My friends, family, and clients can always count on me to show up and do what I say I’m going to do. No exceptions.

Things I’m working on:
-Not worrying about what others think. Making great strides here, but it takes daily effort to tune out the insecurities.
-Being distracted. I’ve narrowed my focus to make 2-3 projects successful, and that’s plenty. No more shiny objects.
-Being impeccable with my word. Read The Four Agreements and you’ll see what I mean.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

As I mentioned, I read a lot and listen to podcasts, and I make it my mission to actually change my behavior to live a more successful life. Some of my faves:

-The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle (This one changed my life in 2020. I realized I’d been truly present for very few moments in my life up to that point.)
-The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz (currently reading and rereading, working on the first agreement with vigor.)
-Mind Magic by James Doty (“manifesting” is actual brain science, and Doty shows us how to do it.)
-Anything by Gary Vaynerchuk. He’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but if you can get past his style and feeling offended by profanity, the guy is a genius.

The most impactful studying/working I’m doing right now is Alex & Leila Hormozi’s Scaling Roadmap – acquisition.com/roadmap
It’s a step-by-step process for taking your business from start-up to success story, and it’s working well for me.

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