The
4082
Story.
It all started with a farm and a pet store.
Jenn Hollern
The Story of ‘82
In 1982, Lane and Lisa Hollern purchased the only pet store in Emporia, KS.
As the daughter of small business owners, Jenn learned the power of a customer-first company before it was a corporate buzzword. For over 30 years, Jenn watched her parents nurture the relationships of a small-town small-business.
It’s about helping the delivery truck driver unload inventory. It’s about remembering customer purchases out of interest and compassion, not sales goals. It’s about deeply learning the needs of your customer.
After working in local, national, and international nonprofit organizations, corporate settings, and education, the center of Jenn’s career remained focused on the early principles of proper pet store management: the customer.
At Forge, Jenn is the data-nerd. Reach her for exciting projects or speeches about data you may otherwise find boring.
Abby Hollern
The Story of ‘40
An 8 year old girl moved to a farm just outside of Pittsburgh, PA in 1940.
Decades before she was born, Abby’s family purchased a plot of farm land that would become a multi-generational home, raising three generations of kids. As a child growing up in a house filled with four grandparents, two parents, and five siblings, Abby grew to love and observe people.
In her professional career, Abby became a sought-after expert in diversity, equity, and inclusion through higher education, corporate tech firms, and nonprofit organizations. Through training programs and workshops, Abby uses her natural skills in human connection to broaden how we think about and care for one another in a global society.
At Forge, Abby is the people-person. You’ll feel like family after your first conversation. After her trainings or workshops, so will your staff.