Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Herrera-LemLer.
Julie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am originally from The Silicon Valley and moved to Rochester, MN for a job. I am proud to say that I have been a Minnesotan for 27 years. LOVE IT. I have had different types of jobs while living here. I also started a baking business and ran it successfully for almost 8 years. It became an award-winning business. I am a recipe writer and write articles about food and have been connected with the Taste of Home Magazine as a Field Editor.
I am now in the sector of helping people start and grow their small business as I work through the SBDC – Small Business Development Center. I help in a number of ways as their program manager and as a consultant.
My favorite things include: leadership, supporting other leadership roles esp. women and people of color, planning
events with themes and meaning, organizing anything and everything!
My top skills are:
1. Includer (no one gets left out…everyone gets invited to The Carne Asada!)
2. Positivity (I enjoy happiness for myself and for others!)
3. Disciplined (I like a little (and a lot) structure to keep me focused on the prize!)
4. WOO (Winning others over is a knack I have for any type of person!)
5. Communication (Connection is easy for me!)
I am part of ACHLA – Alliance of Chicanos, Hispanics, Latin Americans. I am a volunteer and sit on their Board.
Various roles in my career have been: a program manager, a union negotiator, a union steward, a mediator, a baker, a project assistant, a key note speaker, an author, a wedding officiant, a judge of various competitions, an election judge and more.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Struggles seem to come with the life. I have gained a lot from struggles but always want to see the positive side of things and dream for successful outcomes.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) helps people start and grow their business. We are connected with the SBA – Small Business Administration. Our Host organization is RAEDI, Rochester Area of Economic Development, Inc. The SBDC assists in a number of ways. Our services are Free and we handle things in a confidential manner. We assist with business plan development, financial planning, marketing support, tax planning, budgeting questions, branding, data analysis, just to name a few things. I have been here for just about three years now and have really grown to love this job.
I am the first person of contact here at the SBDC. I get to hear about everyone’s dreams of becoming a small business owner. I am enthusiastic about all the types of businesses that are presented to me! I like to think I can help take people from “Dreams to Ribbon Cuttings!”. I end most of my initial conversations with “I can’t wait to go to your ribbon cutting!”, giving people confidence by believing in them from the very first conversation I have with them.
We have a very smart team of consultants that I get to work alongside with. I believe every single one of them is amazing! I took the time to get to know all of them on a professional and personal level. If I was going to lead/manage this group, I wanted to make sure captured all their talents and likes.
We recently held a large MINNESOTA STATE SBDC Conference called KEP (Knowledge Exchange Program). We hosted all nine MN SBDC regions in Rochester, MN. The MN SBDC moves this event around each year, and this is the first year that our region has hosted. Being an event planner by nature, I knew I wanted everyone to come to Rochester, MN. The theme I created was IMPACT and APPRECIATION. I wanted every consultant and SBDC Staff member in the room to feel that their work has made a significant IMPACT in all MN communities and that their work was APPRECIATED. I created a WALL OF IMPACT where I spotlighted every one of our consultants! I also created a WALL OF GRATITUDE where I asked folks from around the state of MN to send me words of appreciation that I can share with the whole MN SBDC Network. I had a successful response to this! Senators Amy K and Brad F even sent letters for us to read to everyone! It was powerful and meaningful.
Can you tell I love what I do here?!
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned on my journey with the SBDC is that support really does change lives. I’ve seen firsthand how just one conversation, one resource, or one connection can completely shift someone’s business path—and their confidence. I often think back to when I was starting my own business and didn’t know where to turn. Now I get to be that person for others. It’s reminded me that what might feel small to us—like a phone call or a checklist—can be huge for someone else. That perspective keeps me motivated every day.”
And I’ve learn that you need to – Show up, have a seat at the table and ask questions.
Pricing:
- FREE Services
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julie.herreralemler
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-herrera-lemler-66217211/
