Dec 11, 2018
In 1996, Jenny Thompson made one of the most important decisions of her life: To leave her Dilbertian job and answer an ad in the Baltimore Sun (That’s an actual ad in an actual print newspaper!) for a marketing manager. Soon after, she joined the team at Agora Inc. where she began her career with the company at The Oxford Club.
In her first year there, she tripled profits. On the heels of that success, the owners asked her to take over the fledging health business. After just 10 months in that role, she increased the bottom line 500%.
Over the next 2 decades, Jenny introduced over a dozen newsletters, launched 4 supplement lines, and acquired a skincare company. At its peak, her business marketed 18 newsletters, more than 70 dietary supplements, and 8 skincare products to more than 1.2 million customers and prospects around the world, averaging 18% growth annually during her tenure.
In 2016, with the business projected to hit $70 million, Jenny made the decision to let the next generation take over and go out on her own. After 6 months consulting in the same market, she decided she wanted something “newer.” So, knowing nothing about technology, Jenny focused all her energy on a new software startup. SafetyPIN created a virtual trust badge that’s designed to make the internet a safer place for all of us. With SafetyPIN holders currently in 39 states, Jenny is working to build awareness and make “Do you have a SafetyPIN?” part of every conversation in the sharing economy.
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