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How did I get started helping others get
organized?
A five-week stint on bed rest really started it all - and it turned
out to be a blessing in disguise (besides the obvious benefit of
a healthy baby). Primarily, it taught me how to ask for and accept
help from others as a gift of grace. It also gave me lots and lots
of time to think about what I really wanted life to be like.
I read piles of books on organizing and simplifying. After applying
my knowledge and enjoying the rewards in my own home, I wanted to
share what I learned with others.
“...to prepare God’s people for works of service...” - Eph 4:12
First, I helped my friends and family organize their homes. Then
I launched my website and began accepting clients. The next thing
I knew - I was speaking for groups and writing articles for our
local newspaper. My e-zine (e-mail newsletter) now has subscribers in 49 states (U.S.) and 23 countries. I love the variety of ways I get to serve others.
What did I do before starting my consulting
business?
My “first career” (Tulsa, Oklahoma) was in geophysics. I was fortunate
to gain experience both in science and in management. I had to be
very organized and manage my time well. Some of this came naturally,
but I also took every training course I could get into.
Working on multiple projects simultaneously with people all over
the world, I learned a lot about planning, focus, and customer service.
My scientific research experience has been especially valuable when
designing and digging up new solutions for clients. All this experience
gave me the confidence to start my own business, and I love the
freedom and creativity it brings.
My “second career” (Minnesota) was - and is - being a mother to
my three children. The joys and challenges of managing a home and
running a business require me to practice what I teach about keeping
things simple and organized.
When I’m not organizing...
I’m home enjoying my family. I've learned to include my children in daily household routines, business
errands, and other creative ways to keep them active with very limited TV. Health is a family value, so nutrition and exercise (and sleep)
are priorities.
People often wonder how I do it all. The answer is simple: I don’t
do it all, and certainly not all at once! I am very focused on what’s
important to me. I would be nowhere without God. My husband of 12 years is actively
supportive and helps tremendously with the children and chores.
My Mom and my in-laws also bless me and the children with the gift
of their time. My Dad was also very involved in our lives until he passed away in the summer of 2006.
Other loves...
Summertime... running... orchestra (playing or listening)... books... horses... quiet
time... country music... tea... gardening... fishing...
baking... nature... maps... and ice cream!
Credentials:
- Member, National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO)
- Member, NAPO Minnesota Chapter
- Member (ACB, ALB Awards), Toastmasters International
- Area 91 Governor, District 6 Toastmasters
- Board of Directors, More Than Music, Inc.
- ...more on Jennifer's Media page
- B.A., Physics and Mathematics (St. Olaf College)
- M.S., Geophysics (Colorado School of Mines)
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