A Little About Me

About Me: 

Hello, and welcome to my website! My name is James Lipo, also known as JJ. I am a motivated professional with a diverse background and a passion for personal and professional growth. Allow me to share my journey and experiences with you.

Background and Education: 

I graduated from Sharpsville Pennsylvania's high school in 2008. Eager to pursue a career in computer science, I enrolled at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. During my initial years, I delved into information systems assurance, honing my problem-solving skills and learning programming languages such as Java, C++, and even COBOL.

However, one night in a dimly lit lab, I had an epiphany. I realized that sitting behind a computer screen in an office wasn't the path I wanted to follow for the rest of my life. It was at this moment that I made a pivotal decision to switch my major to business.

In 2012, I proudly graduated with a bachelor's degree in Small Business Administration/Entrepreneurship. The entrepreneurial spirit ignited within me, and I have nurtured the desire to own my own business ever since.

Professional Journey: 

After college, I embarked on an internship with the Primary Health Network, the largest federally qualified health center in Pennsylvania. This experience allowed me to understand the inner workings of a large non-profit organization and reinforced the principles I had learned about small businesses, which could be effectively scaled up.

While interning, I worked a second job as a technician in one of the doctors' offices, along with cooking and bartending on weekends. Eager to advance my career, I joined JB Robinson Jewelers, an offshoot of Kay's, where I gained valuable experience in commission-based sales and developed strong interpersonal skills.

In 2013, an exciting opportunity arose at Verizon Wireless, where I joined as a sales representative. Combining my passion for technology with the joy of helping people, I found my true calling. Over the years, I transitioned from sales to roles such as Experience Specialist and Retail Sales Support, where I focused on teamwork, inventory management, and customer satisfaction.

I faced a significant setback when my position was eliminated during a round of layoffs, but my resilience led me to secure a Solutions Specialist position at Verizon, leveraging my system and inventory expertise. I excelled in this role, contributing to a 35% reduction in risk scores for our store.

Despite my successes, I felt the need for new challenges and opportunities for growth. In 2019, I joined Windows2goandmore, where I took on the responsibility of in-home sales of high-ticket items, working on a commission basis. With dedication and perseverance, I increased sales by over 200% year over year.

In 2020, I became involved in a new venture, Coatings2go, focusing on selling and installing concrete floor coatings. As the sole salesperson and a minority shareholder, I navigated the challenges of a growing business and achieved remarkable sales growth even during the pandemic.

Looking Ahead: 

As I reflect on my journey, I am now seeking a company that aligns with my long-term goals. I desire a supportive and dynamic work environment where I can contribute my skills, knowledge, and dedication to help the company thrive. My passion for personal and professional growth, combined with my diverse background, allows me to bring a unique perspective to any organization.

If you believe I could be a valuable asset to your company, please reach out. Let's explore the potential of working together to achieve mutual success and create a bright future.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me.

James (JJ) Lipo