Go Big or Go BIGGER
It takes courage to become an entrepreneur and for women, it takes even more courage to go into a male dominated industry like manufacturing. For Jesika Young, taking big bold steps is just part of her DNA. In 2018, she left her career in banking to purchase her first manufacturing business and since then she has acquired two additional manufacturing companies and co-founded New Vibes Wine Company.
The manufacturing industry drew Jesika in, “I’ve always wanted to own something I just didn’t know what that was. After ten years in banking, I explored several different career paths including franchising, starting my own business or consulting, but I just kept being drawn back to manufacturing. Being in commercial banking, many of my customers were in the manufacturing segment. I saw a bunch of guys, and I said if they can do it, so can I.”
Her connections – her tribe, led her to a woman-owned business called Cimtech. “In turn”, she said, “My husband and I bought the company and, within one year, also purchased two other complimentary manufacturing businesses.”
She attributes her success in the business to the fact that their company culture remains the biggest priority. “I learned that old adage, “If you build it, they will come.” It makes you attractive as an employer, but then you attract the type of customers you want and you attract the type of business partners you want.”
Part of Cimtech’s culture is always asking the question, “What impact will this decision have on our team, no matter what decision that is?” Their team members come before all else. Leaders don’t ask a teammate to do something that they wouldn’t do themselves.
Jesika credits part of her success to having a team of trusted advisors who helped her stay true to her why and her vision. Her advisors help her vet out her next move. She surrounds herself with others who support her in avoiding self-limiting thoughts and keep her from diverting from her purpose.
As she ventured into entrepreneurship, Jesika had to learn to swallow her pride. She shared, “I had to understand that I didn’t know as much as I thought I did. Now, when something goes wrong, I sit back and absorb the lesson and the learnings. They are not failures; they are lessons to learn from. Every move I have made has provided insight and experience. Everything has provided a lesson and I wouldn’t change that.”
Jesika never stops learning and moving forward. She is an inspiration to anyone who meets her. She shared, “My husband wants to know when I can finally sit down and just be happy, but I always want to strive for more. That’s how I can continue to be fed both personally and professionally and that’s what I want to continue to do. And while I’ve hit some great milestones at an early age, I think there’s a ton more to learn and a ton more that I can achieve. I tell others to learn to work your plan backwards. Look at the end result you want, then go to the beginning and find the steps. That would be 100% my advice.”
I cannot wait to see what Jesika’s next big move will be. I am betting it is big, bold and brave.
To find more information or to connect with Jesika Young:
Look for Jesika Young on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram or to find out more about Cimtech, go to their website or YouTube channel at Cimtechmachine.com. You can also find Jessica at Women Who Wine for a Cause, www.4ci.org. Be sure to check our her new venture the New Wine Girl.
