Jennifer Miree Cope

Described as thorough and organized by her closest associates, Jennifer Miree Cope graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1985 with a degree in Electrical Engineering.

Jennifer has a deep-seated passion for several non-profit organizations. Especially with the Susan G. Komen Foundation and The O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, which has treated several of her close friends and family members.

Jennifer’s respect for the generosity of nonprofits inspired her to become a volunteer. Currently, she is involved with several charities started by Independent Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama: STAIR tutoring, the Children’s Fresh Air Farm, and Holiday House.

Jennifer’s husband, Pat Cope, is the founder of Cope Private Wealth — a prestigious financial planning firm. When not relaxing with her husband and two sons in Mountain Brook, Jennifer can often be found exercising, walking her dog, or hiking in the mountains of North Carolina.

Where did the idea for your career come from?

The idea first came to me when we had our yard landscaped for the first time. I thought to myself, “This is something I can do too.”

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

Well, there’s quite a bit that goes on day to day. It typically starts with some exercise, then I get to work, visit with friends, exercise some more, and finally I either go out to eat or watch something on Netflix while dining in. Every day, make a list of tasks, and make sure it gets done by the end of the day.

How do you bring ideas to life?

First, you always need to write out a plan. Then you should consult others to see who can help and to get any advice you can. But in the end, you just have to execute.

What’s one trend that excites you?

That’s an easy one. Bitcoin. Or anything related to cryptocurrency really.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

This isn’t a trade secret but it’s not a common trait for most entrepreneurs. My most productive habit is that I enjoy tedious tasks.

What advice would you give your younger self?

It’s pretty simple: Don’t be so hard on yourself. There are plenty of chances to achieve success.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

I truly believe, after spending a lot of time looking into the literature, that all processed foods can shorten our life spans.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

When you are starting a business, make sure you form an LLC or some other corporate structure to protect yourself and your business.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

It has to be word of mouth. Marketing is only half of the strategy (if you even need it in your line of business). Simply do good work and the phone will keep ringing.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

In the past, we had bad hires that were made by somebody other than me. Now, I will never let anyone else do the hiring (or the firing, for that matter).

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

Establishing a moving business for college students in your town would be very profitable.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

It had to be a copay on physical therapy. That’s because as we get older, we all need to work on our health. It is something like a second job.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

The obvious answer for me would have to be Instagram. Helps my marketing greatly, maybe the best tool I use.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

Basically, I would recommend anything written by Donna Tartt – for the sheer magnitude of her brilliance.

What is your favorite quote?

“The price of greatness is responsibility.”
― Winston Churchill

Key Learnings:

• Write out your business ideas before jumping into them; a solid plan will lead to you success
• Make sure you end up hiring the right people for the job, company culture is the most important thing you have
• Marketing is important but remember: It can never replace word of mouth