A heart for community: Interview with a Bedford County business guru
Startup Alleghenies offers emerging entrepreneurs the opportunity to partner with experienced business gurus and make a mark in their community. Whether it’s help with a business plan, capital, marketing, a physical space or other resources, our coaches will be at your side every step of the way. We recently interviewed Bedford County Coach Jen Marsh to learn more about her business background and her heart for leading.
What motivates you to be a coach for entrepreneurs in Bedford County?
Community is key and I love surrounding myself with positive people who aren’t afraid to grow, change and take risks. Entrepreneurs are amazingly motivated individuals that stop at nothing to accomplish a goal and task at hand. They are spirited and dogged in their pursuit to make their small business dream a reality….I love their energy and it drives me to do my best to help them accomplish their goals.
What is your business background?
With a well-rounded background in a variety of business sectors, from hospitality to outdoor construction sales to health care administration and economic development, I’m able to understand and assist entrepreneurs no matter what their business. If I’m not familiar with a business, I do my homework to make sure I understand and can forecast the needs. I’m also a new entrepreneur myself, having recently established a vacation rental business after attending a Startup Alleghenies entrepreneur event. Entrepreneurs are my kind of people!
What are some of the business ideas/startups that you are working on right now?
I have the pleasure of working with a great group of entrepreneurs with business ideas or current businesses that range from whiskey distilling to barber shop to skincare and medspa services, to home goods and clothing retail stores. The broad range of businesses and motivated entreprepreneurs always make for an exciting day! I learn so much from each of these entrepreneurs and in return I do my very best to help move them to the next level – trying to simplify what can sometimes be a complex and overwhelming system.
Jen Marsh enjoys the outdoor adventures, like ziplining, that are offered in Bedford County.
What’s one thing that not many people know about you?
I’m actually a Midwesterner. I was born in Iowa with all my extended family living in Missouri, but I grew up on the east coast so I love “soda” not “pop.” I love living in Pennsylvania, but have not yet embraced adding french fries to my salad—a Pittsburgh tradition that I’m not thinking I will likely acquire anytime soon.
Why Bedford County? What makes it an ideal place for business and livability?
Bedford County is absolutely beautiful with many natural outdoor recreation assets that include biking, hiking, kayaking and just relaxing by the river. If you want to take a hike over your lunch break or enjoy a peaceful riverfront setting, this is your place! I have been overwhelmed by the local businesses and how welcoming they are to new entrepreneurs. I believe this collaborative spirit and can-do attitude of established and new entrepreneurs is what sets us apart. Everyone in our community understands that the success of one entrepreneur is good for the entire community.
To access personal, one-on-one support from a coach in your county, including guidance, resources, tools and networking opportunities, sign up at startupalleghenies.com.
