A self-made woman who balances being a grocery store owner and Realtor, Jami Wenzel's advice to other women might be summed up by the Nike slogan: "Just do it."
Wenzel was educated in local parochial schools through high school, attending St. Joseph Cathedral School, Immaculate Conception School and Helias High School. After a year of college, she dropped out, unsure of her direction and what she wanted to do in life.
Since then, ironically, she's pursued educational opportunities every chance she gets. She's learned from professional development seminars. She's learned from mentors and from anyone in the know who will answer her questions. And she's learned skills ranging from customer service to accounting to computers from past jobs.
"The Lord just put me places, and I learned at every place I went," she said.
Now, Wenzel works one day a week doing accounting at Save-A-Lot, owned by her and her husband, Pat. They're also parents of two children, as well as grandparents who are expecting another grandchild in November.
Plus, she's a full-time Realtor at Associated Real Estate.
"It's a wonderful opportunity to work for yourself and help other people," she said. "There's just nothing more rewarding."
Q.
Who has invested in you and your career?
"I think it would be my grandmother. My grandmother really just believed in me and taught me there wasn't anything I couldn't do in life. And she just instilled that in everyday living, so when it came time for life choices, she put the belief in me that I could do it.
"She taught me to learn, to use my resources not to be afraid of asking questions. No question is a stupid question. If you don't know something, don't just stand back and not know. And that goes a long way in business. And this is a great community. They're ready to help you."
Q.
What choices have you made to invest in yourself and your own success?
"Education, for one. I may not have gone to college, but I have utilized all the educational benefits I can, such as seminars. I went to the Graduate of Real Estate Institute. You've got to educate yourself. Every time there is an educational opportunity whether through title companies, lenders or through the Board of Realtors, I attend them so that I can be the best that I can be for my clients."
Q.
What do you think are the biggest issues still facing women in the workplace?
"Sometimes I think women are their own barriers. I think the community has really opened up to women in business. Women carry their own fear and think it's a man's world; it's not. I don't think it's a man's world, it's open. There are so many resources for women. It's easier for women to get into business than ever before. They just have to conquer their fears and step out."
Q.
What drives you most in life and in your career?
"God and my family drive me the most. That's my No. 1 priority in life, and they support me in any direction I've wanted to go, and they believe in me.
"And I don't know how to sit still. I'm pretty self-motivated. And all the wonderful people that I meet is rewarding. That's right at the top of the list."
Q.
What advice would you give to a woman entering the workforce?
"To me, the biggest thing was don't be afraid to step out and find a woman in business that can help be your mentor and help guide you. That's so important."
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