Happy March! While we celebrate woman-owned businesses all year round, it's particularly important to do so in March, designated as Women's History Month. Throughout the month, we'll be sharing some Q&As with woman business owners and leaders across the Toledo Region. Hear directly from these leaders as they discuss what the month means to them, the benefits of being a business owner in the Toledo Region and more. We're kicking things off with Jennifer Kearns, owner and president of Battery Wholesale. Happy Women's History Month, and enjoy!
Your Name and Title:
Jennifer Kearns, owner and president
Company Name:
Battery Wholesale
Industry:
Retail/wholesale battery sales and service
Number of Employees:
28
Website:
batterywholesaleonline.com
Brief description of your business or organization:
Retail and wholesale of batteries for cars, trucks, commercial equipment, household items, battery chargers and accessories and service.
Seven retail locations in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan.
We also offer business-to-business and large volume/fleet sales
Were you born/raised in the Toledo Region? If so, where? If not, where and why/when did you move to the area?
Raised in Bedford, moved to Ohio and attended St. Ursula Academy. Bachelor’s from the University of Cincinnati and MBA from Heidelberg University. Lived briefly in Chicago after graduating from UC and moved back to the Toledo area to work in the family business.
When did you launch your first business, and how did you get to where you are today?
I moved back to the Toledo area to begin working with my father with the intention that I would some day take over the business. Nine years ago, I bought the company from my parents and have been moving forward ever since. I have now worked in the business for 18 years. Battery Wholesale has been operating since 1983 (39 years).
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
It should highlight all that women have been able to accomplish and recognize those pioneers who trailblazed their way to get all of us where we are today. We still have a long way to go, but celebrating how far we have come is awesome.
What do you like most about your job?
I am very grateful for the people I have working at Battery Wholesale. If not for them, I wouldn’t be here. They are the ones who keep our doors open by providing the customer care and service I want to see from my business. Working with this group is probably the most enjoyable part of my job. Because they are so capable, I am able to spend some time out of my work week in the community with the Toledo Chamber, TASBA, ProMedica and other organizations I find valuable to the area.
What are some of your favorite things to do when you are not working?
I am very busy with my children’s activities, and I like to travel here and there. In the summer I somehow find the time to play a little golf.
Have you had any special mentors or supporters that have helped guide your career or business?
Other than my parents, I would have to say not really. I have mostly moved forward on my own.
Major accomplishment(s) that make(s) you proud?
Achieving my MBA was difficult, but I knew I needed those extra tools to pursue what I wanted to in my career. I have successfully opened two new locations in the last decade and am currently working on another.
What are the benefits and struggles of owning a business in the Toledo Region?
Toledo is a great area to raise a family. We have quite a bit to offer so I am glad to be a part of this community. I have had an opportunity to meet a lot of really great individuals over the years and these relationships make it rewarding to be a business owner in the area.
Jennifer Kearns, owner and president
Company Name:
Battery Wholesale
Industry:
Retail/wholesale battery sales and service
Number of Employees:
28
Website:
batterywholesaleonline.com
Brief description of your business or organization:
Retail and wholesale of batteries for cars, trucks, commercial equipment, household items, battery chargers and accessories and service.
Seven retail locations in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan.
We also offer business-to-business and large volume/fleet sales
Were you born/raised in the Toledo Region? If so, where? If not, where and why/when did you move to the area?
Raised in Bedford, moved to Ohio and attended St. Ursula Academy. Bachelor’s from the University of Cincinnati and MBA from Heidelberg University. Lived briefly in Chicago after graduating from UC and moved back to the Toledo area to work in the family business.
When did you launch your first business, and how did you get to where you are today?
I moved back to the Toledo area to begin working with my father with the intention that I would some day take over the business. Nine years ago, I bought the company from my parents and have been moving forward ever since. I have now worked in the business for 18 years. Battery Wholesale has been operating since 1983 (39 years).
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
It should highlight all that women have been able to accomplish and recognize those pioneers who trailblazed their way to get all of us where we are today. We still have a long way to go, but celebrating how far we have come is awesome.
What do you like most about your job?
I am very grateful for the people I have working at Battery Wholesale. If not for them, I wouldn’t be here. They are the ones who keep our doors open by providing the customer care and service I want to see from my business. Working with this group is probably the most enjoyable part of my job. Because they are so capable, I am able to spend some time out of my work week in the community with the Toledo Chamber, TASBA, ProMedica and other organizations I find valuable to the area.
What are some of your favorite things to do when you are not working?
I am very busy with my children’s activities, and I like to travel here and there. In the summer I somehow find the time to play a little golf.
Have you had any special mentors or supporters that have helped guide your career or business?
Other than my parents, I would have to say not really. I have mostly moved forward on my own.
Major accomplishment(s) that make(s) you proud?
Achieving my MBA was difficult, but I knew I needed those extra tools to pursue what I wanted to in my career. I have successfully opened two new locations in the last decade and am currently working on another.
What are the benefits and struggles of owning a business in the Toledo Region?
Toledo is a great area to raise a family. We have quite a bit to offer so I am glad to be a part of this community. I have had an opportunity to meet a lot of really great individuals over the years and these relationships make it rewarding to be a business owner in the area.
RSS Feed
