Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Best.
Hi Jennifer, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up in New Jersey and went to college at the University of Delaware. I’ve lived in a few different states since then – Virginia, Kentucky, and Indiana – before settling in northeastern Maryland. That’s where I raised my family.
Meanwhile, my mom and sister both settled in Raleigh, and I’d visit the area often. My kids loved to visit here, especially when that trip included a stop at Frankie’s. I loved the vibe in the area, and so, after my divorce, I decided that as soon as I could move down, once the kids were grown, I’d do it. I wanted to live in the same area as my mom and sister because I’d spent all of my adult life living out of state from them.
On my first date with my husband, I told him that I’d planned to move to the Triangle in 6 years, so if he wanted to stick around, he’d have to be ok with that. Fortunately for me, he agreed. We married in 2016.
When my youngest son told me that East Carolina University was his first choice for college, we got the official move and building process started in the fall of 2019.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’m sure my story isn’t unlike many others who moved during the pandemic. But, I guess what’s different is that I arrived in Raleigh the weekend that the country locked down in March 2020. I was starting a new job in Durham that Monday. I was fortunate to stay with sister and brother-in-law (and their puppy) until my husband finished his job and our house was completed.
When our house was ready to close, we did it from our car. I will never forget it – the closing attorney bringing the documents back and forth from the office to our car, then brought us the keys. She told us to keep the pens.
We moved into our new home in Youngsville by that summer, but we didn’t get to explore the area as much as we wanted to. It was hard living in a new state and not being able to meet people or explore the area.
By January of 2021, I made the decision to join the American Marketing Association’s Triangle chapter and to volunteer. All activities were still remote, but I was able to take on leading their mentorship program, and that’s when I would say I started building my community. I’ve served on the board for the chapter since 2022, and I am the chapter’s President Elect and will become President for a year starting in July 2026.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about JBNC Marketing Group?
Since 2020, I’ve worked as a marketing consultant for my own company, JBNC Marketing Group. It first started as a side hustle working on strategic projects for other marketing agencies during the pandemic. After a career spent in marketing, I’ve done or managed every area within the field.
In March of 2025, I took the side hustle full-time. I now support several different companies, all small businesses, providing part-time marketing leadership. I build marketing strategies, launch plans, communications roadmaps, and help companies leverage marketing automation as a HubSpot Solution Provider. I also coach and train others on marketing.
Even with its ups and downs, this has easily been the best year of my professional career. I picked up multiple clients from referrals and networking, and I find myself now in a position of growth heading into the new year.
It’s exciting to be an entrepreneur – but I know that it isn’t for everyone. Both of my parents were entrepreneurs and my sister is as well. For me, it’s in my DNA.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Some of the things that make me happy
– My husband, my family, and my dogs – they make me laugh like nobody else.
– Hiking at Falls Lake, yoga, reading (I helped start our neighborhood book club), photography, and walking with friends. All of these make me feel fulfilled physically and emotionally.
– Crisp cool fall days spent in my swing on my screened porch – that’s the best time of year.
– Traveling to and exploring new places with my husband, locally and beyond. It’s fun to discover unexpected places.
– Having the ability to create my own business and pave my way in the world. I get to work when I want to and with the people I choose to.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jbncmarketing.com
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jenbest6
