Jessica Winters

You and your husband have a thriving kitchen remodeling business. What led you to your current profession?

We were approached by a franchise broker at just the right time and the opportunity was irresistible. It ended up bring a great decision and we love what we do. I especially enjoy working with our clients and helping them design their dream kitchens.

In the past, what have been your biggest obstacles in business? What helped you overcome those obstacles?

Honestly, my biggest obstacle is my immense aversion to disappointing people in business. Transparency in handling a problem and being generous with the compassion I hope to receive in return has helped, significantly.

What have you learned about leadership that doesn’t get taught in schools?

Lead with a bold and unapologetic vulnerability and show empathy.

What is one piece of advice you’d give your pre-career 20 something self?

Don’t listen to the people who tell you you will never be good at something you want to do, they don’t know you like I know you.

What gets you up in the morning?

My responsibilities. I have employees and a family that are counting on me and the last thing I want to do is let them down.

When in your life have you felt most confident and why?

After we got married, my husband made me feel that I was intrinsically capable and beautiful. He saw sides of me that I didn’t know were there and he helped me realize who I really was and what I was capable of being. His support gave me the confidence to become who I was meant to be, and it shows every day we are in business together.

What has been your greatest achievement professionally?

Building a business takes a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication. And I’m incredibly proud of the business we’ve built together and that it’s something that our employees and customers can rely on. Other achievements that I’m proud to share are that we’ve received a national customer service award, and will be opening our new showroom this summer.

What advice do you have for those starting a new business?

You have to be all in. If you’re serious about starting a business and making it a success, you can’t handle it like a casual commitment. Success is the result of perseverance in spite of challenges.

I like to end every interview with a quote. Do you have one that resonates with you?

“Be kind and compassionate to one another” –Ephesians 4:32

Jessica Winters is the co-owner of Kitchen Tune-Up in Castle Rock, Colorado. They specialize in 1-5 day kitchen updates and offer cabinet refacing, redooring, custom cabinets, and kitchen design.