- My name is Linda Jeschofnig. My company is Hands-On Labs. My husband and I are
both retired educators. Peter was a science professor and I was an accounting
and business professor. Years ago when we were living
in Leadville, Colorado, Peter had a lot of students that just couldn't get
across the mountain passes to be in labs. We developed this science kit
that really does replicate the exact kind of experiments, utilizing the exact same
chemicals and supplies that students would do on campus. The only difference is that
they utilize small quantities that are safe, that can be shipped even
though they are potentially hazardous chemicals
like hydrochloric acid, cobalt-nitrate, things of that nature. When I started this it was me and I wasn't really out
to make a big profit. We were just trying to cover our costs. Now I've got like 50 people
whose lives and families depend on us running this company well. Plus hundreds of colleges and
universities across the US whose students really need what we do. So there's an obligation, there's a responsibility. But we feel good about what we do. Today my role is more one of
promoting science education and helping the people who work for us to do their jobs well and continue to make our
products even more effective. I feel like Andre Previn directing now rather than my being in the orchestra and playing an instrument. Another advantage of
being an entrepreneur is it gives you the opportunity
to live your values. And our legacy is that
we are serving quality science education. We're helping to reduce science illiteracy in the world. Not only am I doing something
that I feel proud of, but it's given me the
opportunity to make friends with other women entrepreneurs
that share my issues and we can talk openly about them. I think a lot of girls
especially my generation, are brought up thinking
men have some kind of secret knowledge we don't know about and sorry guys, I've learned that's not true! (laughing) If you're surrounded by
bright women who understand, they've been there, they have the same problems, having that support of
other female entrepreneurs has been invaluable to me.