A rising tide raises all ships. That’s what Karen R. Jenkins, founder, CEO, and president of KRJ Consulting, believes and practices in her day-to-day life.
Karen knows a thing or two about operational excellence. Using her extensive experience in organizational development, workforce management, finances, and so much more, Karen helps businesses engage, enlighten, and empower their people to realize optimal results. Karen sat down with us to describe her founder journey,
including the pitfalls and lessons learned along the way to success.
What inspired you to start your company?
I can't say that I was inspired necessarily. I was guided by faith. I was in banking for 12
years, moved into mortgage banking, and was working for a company called RBG. In
2007, I got laid off. So, after 23 years in the banking and mortgage banking industry, I
was looking for other opportunities.
I had two kids, I was married, so I had the typical need for income. I began looking and put my feelers out there, but I did not necessarily find anything that was comparable to where I had been. I was a VP on my way up in the management world, and I just didn't find anything that aligned with where I thought I was headed. So, I decided to start my own business.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your founder journey?
The most rewarding aspect of my journey in starting this business has been the opportunity to make a difference and add value to people's lives. Whether it's my clients or those in need of urgent assistance, I strive to be the go-to resource, a
dependable and reliable support system. I go above and beyond by reaching out to my clients just to brighten their day and offer a dose of care. Sometimes they simply need to hear a friendly voice, knowing that I am there for them in both good times and challenging situations. It is immensely fulfilling to be the person they trust and rely on, solving their problems and being their reliable support.
Additionally, I find great joy in mentoring and coaching other small businesses, helping them thrive and survive in their own endeavors. I firmly believe that I am no different from anyone else, just a humble individual from Columbia, South Carolina,
who takes pride in assisting others. The blessings I have received in return often originate from unexpected sources, stemming from the seeds I have planted or the assistance I have provided to those around me.
Any lessons learned that you would like to share?
One of the most important lessons I have learned throughout this journey is that I cannot do it all alone. Despite having diverse skills and expertise in various areas, there is a limit to my capacity for growth. Recognizing this, I made the decision to hire experts and surround myself with the right people, although I have also made mistakes by hiring the wrong individuals at times.
But here’s the thing–it's not about them being inherently wrong, but rather about finding the right fit for each person in the organization. Placing individuals in roles that align with their gifts and strengths, allowing them to flourish and thrive, is a recipe for success that benefits everyone involved.
When the combination of the right person and the right seat is achieved, the entire team experiences growth and prosperity. Building relationships is fundamental in both life and business, as people prefer to do business with those they know, like, and trust. I'm doing a better job now of working on and not in my business because I’ve hired the right people and placed them in the right seats.
Our motto is, “where ‘aha’ meets ‘oh shit’.” Tell us about your biggest aha! And oh, shit moments.
My biggest "aha" moment came when I realized that I had assembled a team oftalented individuals who not only understood my vision but could execute it flawlessly.
Witnessing them in action for the first time was like a revelation. It felt as if a horn had sounded and a bright light had illuminated the path ahead. Seeing the capabilities of
my team and the immense pressure it took off my shoulders was truly a game-changer. It was an "aha" moment that affirmed I didn't have to face the challenges alone; I had a group of capable individuals who shared my vision and could help bring it to fruition.
Now, for the "oh shit" moments, I have two notable experiences. The first one occurred when I secured my largest contract in 2017. Excitement turned to panic as I realized
the magnitude of the task at hand. Suddenly, all the oxygen seemed to leave the room, leaving me with the daunting challenge of onboarding 29 new team members within a week. The enormity of the responsibility hit me like a ton of bricks, but I knew I had to face it head-on and find a way to make it work.
The second "oh shit" moment I encountered was the realization that scaling my business required a whole new level of knowledge and expertise. From the early days of being a sole entrepreneur to building a successful team, I had amassed a wealth of experience and insights. However, as I set my sights on further growth, I came to the sobering realization that the knowledge and strategies that had served me well thus far were not sufficient to propel me to the next level.
Scaling the business meant venturing into uncharted territory, and it was both exhilarating and daunting. It was akin to the feeling I had when I first started my business, where I had to be hungry for information, constantly learning, and figuringout the next steps. This "oh shit" moment reminded me that complacency was not an option if I wanted to take my business to new heights.
Do you have a personal mantra or motto?
My personal mantra is centered around helping people add value and make a
difference: “How can I help you?” The saying, “a rising tide raises all ships,” definitely rings true for me.
In addition, I strongly emphasize the importance of taking ownership of your energy and recognizing the influence we have on our work environment and those around us. By being mindful of our attitudes, actions, and interactions, we can create a positive and empowering atmosphere that fosters growth, collaboration, and productivity.
Looking back, if I had the chance to rewind time, there is one thing I would do differently without hesitation: hire help sooner. The decision to bring in an executive assistant was one of the best choices I made, but I realize now that I should have done it much earlier than I actually did. Having an assistant would have undoubtedly influenced the decisions I made in the early stages of my journey, leading to different outcomes and potentially more favorable results.
Did you have any “game-changing” resources or tools that helped you start or grow? Why was that resource a game-changer for you?
Throughout the process, I have come across numerous game-changing resources and tools that have been instrumental to my progress. I am always eager to share
these valuable insights with others, especially in Columbia, where a wealth of exceptional resources is available, many of which don’t cost a thing.
I highly recommend SCORE, a volunteer consulting program where retired CEOs and executives generously offer their time and expertise. Their website provides a treasure trove of information, including videos, PowerPoints, and articles, covering various aspects of running a business. When I first embarked on my entrepreneurial journey after being laid off, SCORE was one of my initial go-to resources for understanding the
intricacies of business operations.
Another invaluable resource is the Small Business Development Center, which is present nationwide and often affiliated with universities. In my case, I benefited from the guidance and consultation provided by the center tied to the University of South Carolina. They offer no-cost consultations on diverse topics such as marketing, finance, and even navigating government contracts or international trade. If a specific resource is not available at your local center, they will go the extra mile to find the necessary support for your needs.
Additionally, the Office of Business Opportunity at both the city and county levels has proven to be an excellent resource for small businesses. Personally, I have partnered with the South County DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) program and obtained certification, which not only provides technical assistance but also allows me to contribute by delivering training sessions to fellow entrepreneurs. The support and opportunities offered through these programs have been invaluable to my business growth and development.
Thinking about the local entrepreneurial community or ecosystem, what do you believe is working well? What do you think is missing or a gap that needs to be filled?
There are aspects that are working well here in Columbia and others that require attention. One strength lies in the variety of programs and services available, such as
the minority business accelerated program hosted by the Chamber and the USC technology incubator, which offers valuable programming and support. Initiatives like
GrowCo bring together multiple entrepreneurs through their annual event, fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit.
However, a challenge arises when these programs operate in silos, lacking a holistic approach. It is crucial to ensure that entrepreneurs are aware of the range of resources and opportunities available to them. For instance, the library provides services for entrepreneurs, and the small business development center offers no-cost assistance. I aim to bridge this gap by sharing information about these programs with our members and the wider community. Creating a cohesive ecosystem where each program is aware of and connected to others will greatly benefit entrepreneurs by ensuring they have comprehensive access to the resources and support they need to thrive.