Local Native Starts New Business In Smithtown

SMITHTOWN, NY - One Smithtown High School grad recently proved you can go home again when she started a new business in Smithtown.

After working in the beauty industry at a top luxury consumer goods company in NYC for 12 years, Smithtown native Jennifer O’Brien decided to quit and start her own business in her hometown.

After receiving a message on LinkedIn from a State Farm recruiter, the 35-year-old proceeded to get licensed as an agent and opened her own State Farm agency on 329 East Main Street just two miles from her home.

Patch spoke to the local mother of 3 to ask her a few questions on her new business:

Patch: What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?

O'Brien: Reach high and dream big! Failure is not an option, there’s no plan B!

Patch: What’s your favorite part about being a business in Smithtown? What makes Smithtown special?

O'Brien: As a Smithtown native, I’m honored at the opportunity to give back to the community as a small business owner helping families with their insurance needs.

Patch: Did anyone influence you as a business owner? How?

O'Brien: My family is truly the wind beneath my wings. I have the most amazing and supportive parents, a wonderful hard working husband who also is a local small business owner, and my three children motivate me to work hard to provide for their future.

Patch: Did you ever make a business mistake and later on were glad you made it?

O'Brien: I am constantly evaluating and learning from my decisions, I truly believe that is how one grows as an professional, there is always room for improvement! It’s best to be humble and open to feedback and constant change.

Patch: Tell us something about yourself that people may not know.

O'Brien: I love working out! My hobby of choice would be doing boot camp classes at the gym! I am a big believer in early morning workouts to kick start my day.

Patch: What advice would you give to a business owner just starting out?

O'Brien: When things seem to be going wrong or not as planned, remember it could be worse, be agile to adjusting your plan, but always stick to your vision! Hard work pays off....it will take the time it takes but if you consistently do the lead measures to achieve success, the formula is proven!

Photo: Facebook.com/Jennifer O’Brien- State Farm Agent