My name is Jessica Guenther, I am 35 years old, a huge animal lover, workaholic, wife to my best friend and mother of amazing children. I am co-owner and founder of FreshTrippin which started as a dream of mine over three years ago as well as a fulltime accountant for the non-profit organization SEEDS. My passions include animals, children and elderly people. Probably in that exact order. I love going for a ride in our side by side, camping, playing cornhole, playing co-ed softball, and anything social. My goal in life is to be successful enough to help as many people as possible and to hopefully make a difference in the world.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have the most supportive husband in the world, 6 amazing children, a corgi named Ovie and two mini pigs that literally sleep in my bed with us every night.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am co-owner and founder of FreshTrippin, a company that offers cleaning of short term rentals, residential homes, and commercial buildings as well as concierge and handyman services. I love that we help create the best experience for people and create so many amazing memories.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I love Apache, Robby’s Taqueria, and The Roadhouse.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? What brought you to Grand Traverse County?
I have lived and worked in our community for 22 years. I moved here from Canada and only left this area for college and then returned. The Grand Traverse area offers opportunity with a small town feel.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
The most interesting person I have met is Sarna Salzman. Sarna is the Executive Director of SEEDS and the large organization was started by her and a few others in their garage many years ago with the dream of making a difference. Sarna was a critical part of growing SEEDS to be what it is today and impact so many young children’s lives in currently 11 different school sites. Sarna is selfless, smart, caring, and really is the change she wishes to see in the world. Sarna part of many strategy teams to fix housing issues, food waste issues, environmental issues, and many more. To me, she is the most impactful person I have ever met.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would travel to Africa to do the biggest and best safari I could find because I absolutely love animals. I would want my pigs to be able to travel with me, of course.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I love Viking shows. Game of Thrones. and any Jurassic Park movie.
Q: What advice would you give to people who want to visit our community?
Do your research and uncover all the amazing things there are to do here.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I would like to own a hobby farm.
Q: What current or former local business makes you feel the most nostalgic about our community?
I love the Commons.
Q: If you could choose anyone today with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you all meet for this lunch?*
I would love to have lunch with Jennifer Snowden. Jennifer is an amazing and empowering force in our community that has the biggest heart in the world. I would let her pick the location.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My favorite thing about our community is how unique it really is. We are really blessed.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself as a leading employer in the Traverse City and surrounding areas.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I want to own and design an indoor recreational center to give the community more indoor activity options in the area during the cold and wet months here.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Kauai Hawaii
Q: Favorite month? Favorite holiday? and the best single day on the calendar?
Favorite month is probably September. Favorite holiday is Christmas. Best single day on the calendar is probably mother’s day because my kids have to be really nice to me then.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My kids inspire me. I want to be the best person I can be for them.
Q: What is your favorite season in Northern Michigan? And what is your favorite activity to do in those seasons?
I love fall because the colors and the weather are amazing. I love to go hiking in the fall.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Safe, warm, and family
