We had the good fortune of connecting with Jenny Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jenny, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
I have a handful of habits I utilize personally and professionally to push me to be the best version of myself I can be on all platforms. First and foremost always be honest. This doesn’t simply mean be honest with co-workers, friends, and family, but always be honest with yourself. What do you want in life? What do you want in your career? What is holding you back from achieving your goals? The integrity you create can be a driving force in your success. Hard work and making yourself valuable to anyone and everything you possibly can through empathy, proactiveness, and continually being grateful for where you are, who you are with, and your journey which brought you to this point. It is so important in life and your career to believe in the power of positivity and invest and believe in yourself. Once you empower yourself with flexibility, knowledge, and honesty, you will become a force to be reckonded with!
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I work for the Town of Wellington as an Executive Director Assistant, and I can honestly say I’ve never loved a career more than where I currently am. I am so blessed to work with an innovative group of individuals who are working towards a common goal of taking our Town to the next level. In my department, I am the only female out of a group of 25, but I love paving the way for a woman to be successful in a public works department. I am able to bring optimism, empathy, patience, organization, and team spirit to a wonderful group of individuals which results in a cohesive, productive department.
When I first move to CO 5.5 years ago, I started with the Town as a seasonal part time admin assistant for the Recreation Department. It was close and convenient, and I had no idea I would be where I am currently. The journey was not met without resistance from a few co-workers who seemed to be bothered by my mere presence. Some individuals would bow out gracefully from the glares, stares, and snarky behavior, but I countered it in true Jenny fashion by putting on a smile and pushing my positivity every opportunity I could. I actually appreciate this experience, because it reminded me not everyone is going to be supportive of you and your work. I have always let my work speak for it’s self, and I pride myself on continuously doing, and giving, to others every opportunity I have.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There is so much to see and do in this beautiful state I call home, and I would plan a scenic food related jam-packed itinerary for the Fort Collins/Wellington area. One of the coolest parts of this area is Old Town Fort Collins. While window shopping down College Avenue, Snooze is a must stop for an order of Juan’s breakfast tacos with avocado and bacon added with a sweet potato pancake on the side. This amazing meal is great to wash down with their epic spicy bloody marys. I grew up as a major thrift store shopper, and I highly recommend a visit to Brand Spanking Thrift in Old Town. Do not forget to head downstairs for some vintage records or furniture pieces. Old Town Spice Shop is a wonderful place to inspire your own culinary creations at home. Horsetooth Reservoir is a must see when visiting NOCO, and it is a great place to hike or have a picnic especially at sunset. If you are adventurous, whitewater rafting down the Cache La Poudre River is a fun, heart racing experience. While Wellington is not as big as Fort Collins, it is equally as charming, and our amazing local businesses reflect the small town feel I have grown to love so much. Thistle is hands down the coolest gift shop in NOCO, and Kelly, the owner, has everything from air plants, handmade local creations, and witty special occasion cards and gifts. Grab a coffee, or some homemade scones, at Owl Canyon which isn’t your ordinary coffee shop. They feature some of the most unique local artwork, and Emma and Randi have transformed this coffee shop into a local favorite. For a sweet treat, the Cakery is a must for the most delectable cupcakes you will ever try, and if you have a fur baby, they make the most amazing dog biscuits. Sparge Brewery in Wellington is my favorite brewery to grab a craft beer, or seltzer, and enjoy some yummy eats from the rotating food trucks posted out front. The owner, Rich, has created an amazing dog friendly space with unique events such as canine rescue events, flag retirement ceremonies, comedy nights, trivia, and much more.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Honestly every person along my journey has contributed to where I am in my personal life and career. It took all of my previous co-workers, former managers, and customer experiences to empower me. The two most influential people in my life are both of my parents. They believed in me as a person, and they fully funded my college for me to allow me to prepare and educate myself. They have always been supportive in all of my life decisions, and it is my observations as a child of how hard they worked for everything. They taught me to not give up, keep an open mind, be honest, and always contribute more than I ask for. Having solid role models when you are young is crucial to your development, and this is one reason I volunteer my time as a wee cheer coach for 5-8 year olds. I help them build trust, confidence, and establish team work through my program.