In celebration of small businesses, NBCU and State Farm® have partnered to spotlight an incredible small business owner who was willing to share her journey, offer some advice, and provide motivation to the community.
“I’m able to have a relationship with my State Farm agent rather than calling a call center. Susan knows the struggles that I go through as a small business owner.”
– Jenna Horning, Owner, Bean’s Ice Cream
Click to read the full interview
How and when did you meet?
Jenna: I found out that Susan was in my neighborhood, so I made an appointment to go into her office and talk about what I might need. She made the process very easy and we discussed my initial business plan layout. Then, we figured out what my particular business would need from State Farm.
Susan: We talked about her goals and what she had going on currently versus where she planned to be in two to five years. Then, we were able to make some recommendations for her and try to keep it simple.
How do you think both you and your State Farm agent being small business owners makes the relationship easier?
Jenna: I’m able to have a relationship with my State Farm agent rather than calling a call center. Susan knows the struggles that I go through as a small business owner and can relate to many them. I know that when I’m emailing her what I perceive to be a dumb question, she’s not judging me.
Susan: I’ve been there and done that, so I can certainly empathize with what Jenna is going through even if it’s a different business. There’s a lot of the same challenges – learn to be nimble on your feet, react to changes, and be creative.
Susan, how do you think State Farm supports small businesses?
Susan: State Farm produces policies that protect small business owners. They are constantly learning about the markets and improving policies, which shows that State Farm is very interested in the success of small business owners.
How do you support each other?
Jenna: Susan supports my business by being there. I do not have to hesitate to email her if something is not my area of expertise. As my State Farm agent, she’s always there to fill the gaps that I had no idea I had.
Susan: Jenna is very involved in the community, so she is always helping me by referring customers to me. I help her when one of her organizations is in need of sponsorship or assistance. She knows if it’s important to her, it’s important to me.
Jenna, how has Susan helped you beyond the usual?
Jenna: Recently, we were trying to get sponsorships for the local high school soccer team and I immediately emailed Susan. I asked if she wanted to support the organization. I was able to lean on her. Without hesitation, she said “if you’re asking, I’ll back it one hundred percent.”
Learn more about Jenna’s story here.
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