Who are you, and what do you do?
My name is Jen Moore and I am the co-owner of Pura Stainless.
What is one habit of yours that helps you be productive?
Being an entrepreneur, I try to ensure that every minute I have is productive. Making lists and prioritizing my most difficult tasks is something that really helps me. There are a lot of daily tasks that I can get bogged down in. I try to make decisions based on the tasks that are most relevant to moving my business forward.
What is your morning routine and how does it help you get the most out of your day?
I create a to-do list every day and check-in with my employees to make sure everyone has what they need to be successful and work efficiently.
In the last few years, what lifestyle, habit or behavior change has had the biggest positive impact on your life?
Two years ago we started to hire more employees. This has allowed us to grow faster. Hiring great people has helped to regulate my time so I don’t get bogged down in daily tasks. Daily tasks are essential, but I aim to focus on the ones that are moving my business forward, and having great employees have helped with this immensely.
When you feel unfocused, what do you do?
I often take a 3-5 minute break to get up, have a cup of tea, or get a snack. This is also a great time to take a quick walk. I try to give my body what it needs to help my brain work better.
What is one piece of software or a web service that you get immense value out of? How do you use it?
Every piece of software I use is immensely valuable. I do a lot of research to ensure that I have the right software/program for my company. It’s good to remember that if you are having problems with a task, someone has probably developed software to make it easier.
What is the one book you recommend most often and why?
While at my first professional job after college, I read several books from the One-Minute Salesman series.
What advice would you give a smart and ambitious recent college graduate? What advice should they ignore?
Two things:
Do everything you can to gain experience doing what you love, and don’t compare your interests to others. What is important to you? If you’re good at something and you enjoy it, you’re doing the right thing.
Unless you are going to hate it, spend at least 2 years at your first job. A lot of graduates spend a lot of time jumping from job to job always in search of something better. But it’s hard to figure out what you want if you are constantly trying new things, and not giving the opportunities you already have a fair shot.
What is your favorite quote, one you aim to live by?
“Know better, Do Better”
This quote is taken from part of a Maya Angelou quote. The whole quote is: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
I am a parent making Stainless Steel bottles for children. Ensuring they are made with the safest materials and to the highest standards is paramount, regardless of how this affects profit margins. When a better material or process becomes available we use it. There is more to life and business than only focusing on the bottom line.
