Jitka Bedford

From Vision to Impact: How One Entrepreneur is Changing Tenant Screening

You started a software company. What inspired you to pursue the path you’re on today?

As a young woman working hourly jobs, I often felt lost in the rush of a busy society, unsure where I truly fit. I kept asking myself what I could study, what path could give me a real sense of direction. It wasn’t until I turned 26 that clarity arrived—I chose to study business systems. The focus on effectiveness and efficiency immediately resonated with me, and for the first time, I felt like I had found my place.

I spent years working closely with property managers and saw firsthand how inefficient and redundant tenant screening processes created friction for both renters and landlords. Renters were frustrated by paying multiple application fees, and landlords had to juggle redundant paperwork. What inspired me was the idea of changing the ownership of the tenant screening reports to the renter, which creates one centralized system. That’s what Portable Tenant is built to do—give renters control of their own screening report, share it with multiple landlords, and help landlords stay compliant and efficient. Landlords receive a comprehensive, easy-to-read portable tenant screening report that includes Credit Report, Criminal Report, Eviction Report, Rental Application, and all supporting documents verifying employment, identity, and rental history (if any).

The moment that solidified my decision came during my conversation with a property management company in Boulder, shortly after Colorado passed the Portable Tenant Screening law. They told me that none of the software they used could actually help them comply with the new requirements. They were refunding about $400 per day in tenant screening fees to declined applicants  (per the new Colorado law) . That moment clicked for me. I realized the industry needed a solution built around the new legal framework—not patched onto old systems and my idea of centralized tenant screening fits right in. That’s when I committed to building  a solution – later, Portable Tenant was born.

What major sacrifices have you made in your life or career, and what lessons did you learn from them?

Throughout my life, I’ve made sacrifices that meant giving up comfort and security in pursuit of growth and purpose. One of the biggest was leaving my family on another continent to carve my own path—driven to discover my true self, convictions, and purpose, without a roadmap to follow.

During my college studies in America, I often worked two jobs so I could graduate without student loans. Later, I worked full-time while raising my children to provide the lifestyle we wanted. While that wasn’t an easy choice, it ultimately taught me resilience and resourcefulness—and it’s what inspired me to create Portable Tenant, a solution designed to make other people’s journeys a little easier.

How do you define success on your own terms?

I define success as reaching a point where I can look back with peace, knowing that the work I’ve done has created a lasting impact. For me, that means building solutions that outlive my direct involvement—like Portable Tenant, which is designed to change the way renters and landlords interact, making the process more fair and efficient.

Success isn’t just measured in numbers or growth charts; it’s in leaving behind systems, opportunities, and values that continue to serve others long after I’ve stepped away.

What personal motto or belief keeps you grounded through the ups and downs?

The comfort zone is a wonderful place, but nothing ever grows there.

 

Who is a woman—past or present—who has profoundly influenced you?

Many women have influenced me, including my mom, who never gives up and always goes the extra mile. In terms of business, Mary Kay Ash has had a profound impact. She saw an opportunity and built an empire while juggling the ordinary aspects of life.

Her saying, “Your attitude determines your altitude,” resonates deeply with me. Her “People-First” philosophy, focus on Legacy Beyond Profit, and commitment to building systems that lift others while delivering value—it all hits home for me.

What’s one ritual or habit that keeps you focused and feeling like yourself?

I’ve found that rituals keep me grounded and focused—they make work feel lighter and bring structure to my days. I don’t leave the house without my probiotic and vitamin drink. I walk my dog before and after work—he ensures I don’t overdo it at my desk. I also work out three to four times a week.

Those sessions aren’t just about fitness—they’re my time to think, dream, and plan the next bold steps. In fact, Portable Tenant started as a vision during one of those workouts. I remember the exact day and even the song that was playing.  I realized this wasn’t just an idea—it was a calling. Those moments remind me that the right balance of discipline, reflection, and play can turn a dream into reality.

Jitka Bedford is the founder of Portable Tenant, a platform designed for renters to create and share a full tenant screening report with unlimited landlords.

Reprints of Boss Babes Magazine featuring Jitka Bedford on the cover are available here.