Our last feature this month is Makenzie Lynn. As warm and confident as Suzanne Lynn is, it should come as no surprise that her daughter would be just as compassionate and focused. Growing up in the septic industry and watching her parents work hard to get a business going, while caring for their family and maintaining a home, instilled an unquenchable passion and drive in her. Makenzie runs five utility companies throughout the state of Virginia and assists with daily operations at Joiner Micro Labs.

What impact do you want to have? Personally/professionally?

I want to continue on my family’s legacy. Watching my parents give so much to so many, personally & professionally, has encouraged me to do the same.

What did you do prior?

I was essentially born into the industry – my dad opened his company in 1989.

Favorite free time activity?

Being with my family and my friends is my absolute favorite thing to do. My work is very demanding and can tax me very quickly, so I find solace in solitude and peace in the quiet moments I am able to find.

Mantra?

One day at a time. It is always ok to ask for help!

Who helped you most in your career?

Honestly, that is a hard choice between my Mom and my Dad. Having my mom as an incredible example of a woman who can own a business and run a family has always shown me that there is nothing I cannot do simply because I am a woman. My Dad is so driven, smart and has such a passionate heart for helping everyone he can, and doing it in the best way, has always inspired me. I absolutely adore watching my Dad teach classes to real estate agents, policymakers, and the like; he is one of the smartest people I have ever met in my life and I am incredibly blessed to have him as my Dad.

Advice for the next generation?

Never stop allowing yourself to grow & learn! You never know where you’ll land!

Female mentor or inspiration?

My best friend, Kyle. She and I have been friends for so many years and she has always been by me. Who she is as a person and what she has accomplished with her life inspires me every day. She had a baby young and struggled but still got her degree and created her own stability. Seeing her live her life, raise her daughter, meet and marry her now husband, all of these things about her that she just calls her life, galvanize me whenever I feel low or need a pick-me-up.

How do you support other women in business? What support do you think women in business need?

It’s important to me that we help each other in any way we can – connections, networking, resources.

Any foreshadowing from your childhood that you’d become an entrepreneur?

I guess you could have seen this coming, growing up in the family that I did. As a child, I was thrown into it and spent so much time with my Dad, watching him do what he loves. Witnessing my Dad work a profession he loves instilled that same passion in me.