J. Kristensen Associates finding success in city

MERIDEN — Jean Kristensen is one of several New York investors discovering the city’s growth potential and its low cost of doing business.

A transplant from the Staten Island, N.Y., real estate market, Kristensen brings 28 years of business experience to her office at 101 W. Main St.

J. Kristensen Associates LLC provides help to organizations and individuals seeking administration, marketing, procurement, business development and human resource management services.

The idea is to help businesses reduce costs by providing consulting, technical writing, lead generation, recruiting/ background checks and more. One area of expertise is helping minority-owned businesses take advantage of the full government contract market available to them. J. Kristensen Associates also assists firms in obtaining certifications.

Before founding J. Kristensen Associates, Kristensen was chief executive officer of a home security company. She served on the board of the National Minority Business Council; is a former member of the American Women’s Economic Development Association, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and Professional Women in Construction; received the Eileen C. Dugan Public Service Award; and participated in President Bush’s Entrepreneurship Summit in 2002.

Kristensen is the wife of Orlando De Jesus, the owner of Hot Traxx Records recording studio on East Main Street. “We’re entrepreneurs, we bounce ideas off each other,” Kristensen said. “I help with the marketing and handle that aspect of it, and he helps me. It’s a great partnership.”

Q: How did you get started in business?

A: I started with my parent’s security guard business in 1984. They were doing a lot of government minority programs in the 1980s. Together we grew the business to over 500 employees. I helped with marketing. I worked with them to maximize the government contracts. This is an area of expertise

Government contract work requires a business plan — know who your target audience is. It’s pretty much the same as marketing to others. You can’t just sit and wait until the business comes to you. There’s a lot of networking that needs to be done.

Q: How did you end up in Meriden?
A: My husband and I are investors. We came here for the business opportunities. One of the things I find attractive are what the city has to offer in terms of incentives. It has a lot to offer. The Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce is supportive, and I like how members support each other. Everybody will need an extra set of hands.

Q: Who are some of your clients?
A: J.C. Security Services is a big one. We do copyright work, and background investigations for a law firm. I have clients from hair salons, assisted living and more.

Q: Where would you like to take this business?
A: I would love to see this become a multimillion-dollar business. As companies grow they identify short-term needs. I want to help them with that. It’s important to have continuity. I don’t intend to hire freelancers; I will hire permanent workers. As I take on more responsibility, my business will grow as my clients grow, and their needs grow.

Q: What is one cool fact you want readers to know about you?
A: I am a certified personal trainer. I am a strong advocate for fitness. If your body is well taken care of, so is your mind. Staying fit is important to business success as well as the mind.

mgodin@record-journal.com (203) 317-2255

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