The essence of life is growth. – Jim Rohn
It was a memorable, fun, crazy and potentially deadly couple of years. Jennifer Hmielewski, like many teens of this generation, found her way out of the confines of youth and adolescence and into the world of budding adulthood. Within that world came newfound freedom and choices—Jennifer admits she didn’t always make the best ones, but they were ultimately choices that helped to shape her journey.
“I had lots of friends,” says Jennifer. “I was very social, always having fun, into sports, very outgoing. I was also into the adolescent partying and the other things that happen in high school. The group I was hanging out with in Nashville for a few years was a very social crowd, but also partying pretty hard. If I hadn’t gotten out when I did, I might have gone down the same road. There were people that either ended up in jail, had to overcome extreme addiction or worse, ended up dead. I knew I needed to get out and find my purpose, get into some self-actualization, find my why.”
High School Days
Jennifer ended up spending her post-high school years at Nashville Community College—living on her own, in an apartment, working and going to school full-time. But it wouldn’t be long before her life took a turn and as it turned out, would lead her to the place she now calls home, USHEALTH Advisors.
“It was my second year in college, and I was on my way to Atlanta, Georgia to see a concert when we got hit by a drunk driver,” says Jennifer. “I was asleep in the passenger seat when the car, going 80 miles an hour on I-75, slammed into my side. When I woke up, I couldn’t get out of the car—my leg was mutilated. I had to have emergency surgery at a hospital in Dalton, Georgia. I was forced to use a walker for six months. I couldn’t work and I missed the financial aid deadline for college. When I could walk again, I went back to waiting tables and was making only about $600 a week. My dad, Jim, was a Regional Manager and had recently opened the Orlando office for USHEALTH Advisors. He told me to come check it out.”
Jennifer continues, “I flew down and saw how everyone at the office was so happy. It was a desperate time for me, and I decided I wanted to get hired. My dad had been trying to recruit me forever, but he told me I’d still have to interview to get the position. I did and I got started, but I never had a sales job in my life. Everyone assumed just because I was Jim’s daughter, I would get it, but the exact opposite happened. It took me a month to get my first new business (first application) written and then I was consistently inconsistent. I would make a few thousand bucks then leave and go on vacation. Then make a couple thousand more and leave again. Then I realized, ‘Wow, what if I simply put in the effort and become more consistent?’ What helped was around the same time I read a book called Take the Stairs by Rory Vaden. I did a vision exercise, focused on true commitment and decided to see what I can really do, and it hasn’t stopped since. The challenge for me was growing up and gaining control and also handling the challenges of things out of my control, like the car accident. It’s the irony of how the car accident led me here.”
Dad & Daughter
They say in life you don’t get what you need, you get what you must have. Jennifer realized she had to have this opportunity with USHA because she knew somewhere deep inside this was her purpose. It’s a big leap to take, considering Jennifer is only 23.
“I know I’ve kind of grown up faster than people around me,” says Jennifer. “Being only 23 is a blessing and a curse. I grew up quicker than many of my friends because I faced so many challenges and failures early on, but I used them as opportunities to grow. Sometimes I look at my life and say, ‘Wow, I’m only 23, and things should be different.’ But I know God put me here for a reason. I’ve only been at USHEALTH Advisors for three years, and I’m so excited to help with the transformation of this company. It’s getting bigger, we’re hungry and the company is getting younger. But I’m an old soul because I have my dad Jim Hmielewski in my blood, and I want to make a big impact on this company—just like he has.”
Jennifer says when she first came to USHA, she wasn’t sure it was meant to be permanent.
“When I came here, it was like hitting the fast-forward button, but now I see how God works in mysterious ways. Now I see, of course, I should be here. Like I tell my agents, you are not meant to be mediocre, so why don’t you give it 100 percent and see what happens. It will either be the catalyst for the rest of your life or just another stop on your journey. The decision will be up to you.”
We all have a purpose, we all have a why. The greatest gift you can give the world is to discover yours. Jennifer says she has and she’s on a mission to share.
“My mission statement is, alignment plus achievement equals abundance,” says Jennifer. “My formula for my life is what I have always needed and what others need. My why is to teach and change the stigma of sales, to change the culture of sales. To show people you can achieve from a place of alignment in your life and be successful. People think you have to grind and grind and grind, but you have to take time to practice your skills in all areas of your life. Some think it’s just long hours and sacrifice, but you don’t have to cut corners or change who you are or get burned out to find abundance. I want people to see what’s possible, to love themselves enough to see their lives transformed. Be good for your word and show up for yourself. The person you are behind closed doors does matter. Don’t fake it until you make it, do it right the first time, every time. If you don’t have love and hope in your personal and professional life, you will lose both. I need that alignment immersion, to always be looking to see what does abundance really look like?”
Now serving as a Field Training Agent at the Tampa, Florida office for USHEALTH Advisors, Jennifer is responsible for 25 agents on her team and growing all the time. She says it’s her “why” that drives her.
“I’m always trying to be the best version of myself and to get better every day,” she says. “I want to help others to do the same. I want to help my agents to find their why, to find their purpose. That is my purpose. This is the right company to do just that and the vibe and energy I bring to this company levels up my entire life and the lives of others. Believing in this and believing in yourself here at USHA means all of your relationships, personal and professional, will continue to grow. Your perspective and your income will grow as well. Your goals can be conquered here. You can make sh*t happen! Humans are selfish people, so if you really want something, you’re going to get it. I’m here to help and to have a damn good time doing it. When that happens and I see other people radiating with what they’ve tapped into, that’s priceless.”
To help build her character, leadership qualities and her business, Jennifer stumbled upon Epic Impact last year. The purpose of Epic Impact is: catalyzing this generation’s top producing sales leaders to achieve at the highest level.
Jennifer is living out one of the fundamental principles of Epic Impact: We’ve only got one shot on this planet, and anything less than unlocking our fullest potential feels like a failure. Maximizing our talents to be truly impactful is the secret weapon of top performers around the world.
Epic Impact Group
As it turns out, once Jennifer got into the group, she realized someone else at USHA, Alexandra Kontos, was also a member. Both women each produced more than $1 million in sales volume last year. Besides the coaching, it’s the relationships. You are the product of the five people you spend the most time with—where they’re going, you’re going. Jennifer, Alexandra and others are successful because they are on this journey together.
Alexandra & Jennifer
$1 Million Women
Between business coaches, Epic Impact and her own process of self-realization, Jennifer says her life is on high, and she’s doing what everyone in life should do to level-up—she’s surrendering. “Right now, I’m focusing on loving myself and loving those on the journey, and whoever is supposed to be there will be there. Every action I take on a daily basis is supposed to be happening.”
Jennifer & CEO Troy McQuagge
It’s a matter of trust in yourself, the beauty of today and belief in abundance. Jennifer says she looks forward to spending time with her boyfriend Dillon, and traveling to at least 10 to 15 different countries in the next 10 years. She also wants to become a Regional Leader with USHA and a “massive influencer” with the company, as well as get married and start a family.
“I’ve grown up so much the past few years,” says Jennifer. “I see life differently, I see challenges differently, I see things as simple as the sunset differently, and this is just the beginning. I can’t wait to see what’s next. I’m manifesting every day what God put me here for. If it wasn’t for the trials and tribulations I have been through, I wouldn’t be where I am now”.
“Some people think when you wake up it’s just another day, but it’s not. The secret is letting go of all your limiting beliefs. I feel like I’m on the ride of my life right now. Sometimes I wake up and I’m like, ‘Is this real?’ But my life is real and it’s so cool and I feel so blessed. I have a purpose and USHA has taught me that, and self-development goes hand-in-hand with what this company is all about. The money is great, but it’s not just about the money—it never is. The beautiful thing is I get to grow.”
Until next time, thanks for taking the time.
Your Storyteller,
Mark Brodinsky
