Meet Jennifer: Helping Schools Succeed Comes Naturally
Real school experience behind every call, email, and order.
If you've worked with EPI, chances are you've talked to someone who's actually done your job. Jennifer Guthrey, Customer Success Representative, is one of them and her path to our team is a story worth telling.
From Evening Walks
to EPI
Jennifer's path to EPI started on evening walks with a childhood friend and neighbor who worked here. After college, both had moved back to their parents' houses, and on every walk he'd ask how the job hunt was going and suggest she apply at EPI.
"I thought he was a pencil salesman and I had no interest!" she laughs. "Finally one day I asked exactly what he did and realized what a perfect fit I'd make at EPI. The rest is history."
That was 25 years ago when she joined the EPI team in Kansas City, MO as an Account Executive helping schools and parent groups with their school supply pack programs. Unfortunately, after 10 years on the Sales team, she left EPI for an out-of-state adventure with her family.
But the relationships she built at EPI and her connection to the company never faded. In 2020, Jennifer found her way back to EPI, rejoining the Sales & Marketing Team as a Success Representative. For Jennifer, returning felt like coming full circle. As she puts it, "This is my home!"
Her favorite part of the job? The people on the other side of every order: parent volunteers, administrators, and educators.
Advice From Someone Who's Done Your Job
When Jennifer says she understands the challenges schools and parent groups face, she means it. With more than 20 years of hands-on experience in schools, she's done a little bit of everything. From working as a substitute teacher and helping with before- and after-school programs to serving on PTA boards, leading school supply programs, and organizing spiritwear,
She spent 12 years as her children's school supply chairperson, so she understands the time, effort, and coordination that go into running a program. She also knows firsthand how much easier EPI can make the process.
"The families loved showing up to Meet The Teacher Night and the supplies were already on their students' desks," Jennifer recalls. "Every year I'd hear the same great compliments from families about the convenience, saving money, and helping raise money for the PTA!"
And while parents and PTA board members praised her for all her hard work, Jennifer laughs that the program was actually incredibly easy to manage.
That experience shapes how she works with EPI customers today. As Jennifer puts it, "I've been in their shoes and can relate!"
Her advice to schools and parent groups comes from that firsthand experience:
"Advertising to the families is key to spreading the word. Make sure to have lots of reminders, and use different methods - social media, posters, yard signs, the school app, paper fliers."
Jennifer's firsthand experience and genuine understanding of what schools need are qualities EPI President Ron Phelan admires most about her.
"Jennifer knows firsthand what it takes to lead a school supply program. She's an incredible resource for our customers, especially those working with us for the first time," says Phelan. "She has a unique ability to take something that can seem overwhelming and make it simple and stress-free. That's exactly the kind of experience we want every EPI customer to have."
What Customers Don't See
Quality control is a point of pride for Jennifer and most customers never know it exists.
EPI products are actually tested by the sales team and their families. The operations team checks every shipment of items that comes into the warehouse to make sure it meets our quality standards.
The sales team and others across the organization, regularly test the items and brands EPI sells. With 85% of the sales and marketing team being former teachers, parent group leaders, and school district employees, they understand what is important and what quality supplies look like.
Why Schools Choose EPI
Ask Jennifer why schools choose EPI and she doesn't hesitate: "The great prices on all brands, the product guarantee, and how we take care of our customers."
But beyond great products and pricing, it's the personal relationships and partnerships EPI builds with schools that make a lasting difference. Every school has different needs, and Jennifer understands that a successful program starts with listening, understanding their goals, and finding the right solution.
Martha Pearson, Director of Sales, works closely with Jennifer and sees that commitment firsthand. "Jennifer does a great job of listening to potential customers, understanding their needs, and identifying how EPI's school supply program can be a good fit for their school," says Pearson. "She's also very detail oriented and thoughtful in her communication, helping ensure schools feel supported throughout the process."
It's that combination of expertise, personal service, and genuine partnership that Jennifer brings to every school she works with.
Above is Jennifer's daughter, Jacquelyn, with her school supply pack from the drive Jennifer championed.
Outside of Work
Jennifer's dedication to helping others doesn't stop with her EPI customers. Outside of work, she brings that same passion for service to her family and community.
Jennifer and her husband stay busy raising three kids, including a college sophomore at the University of Missouri, a high school senior headed to Graceland University to play volleyball, and a seventh grader active in club and school volleyball.
She's also in her ninth year as a Girl Scout leader, currently leading two troops. Community service is a big part of what she teaches her Scouts, especially through her work with FosterAdopt Connect, an organization that supports children and families involved in foster care and adoption.
For the past five years, Jennifer has volunteered with FosterAdopt Connect's Give Joy Christmas and Back to School Backpack programs. And she doesn't do it alone! She regularly brings carloads of Girl Scouts to help set up events, volunteer, and make donations. Her dedication earned her FosterAdopt Connect's Volunteer of the Year award.
For Jennie O'Leary, EPI's Marketing Director, who has worked alongside Jennifer for the past six years, that commitment to helping others reflects exactly what makes Jennifer so special.
"What I admire most about Jennifer is that her genuine care for people doesn't end when the workday does. Whether she's helping a school launch a successful supply program, mentoring Girl Scouts, or giving back to families in her community, she puts her whole heart into it. That spirit of service and willingness to go the extra mile is exactly what she brings to EPI and our customers every day."
It's that combination of experience, compassion, and dedication that makes Jennifer not just a valued member of the EPI team, but someone who truly makes a difference in the lives of others.
More Than School Supplies. It’s Personal.
Jennifer's story is about more than 25 years of history with EPI. It's about understanding the people we serve because she's been one of them.
From PTA meetings and school supply lists to helping customers find the right program for their school, Jennifer brings firsthand experience, genuine care, and a personal touch to everything she does.
And she's not alone. Across EPI, our team is filled with former teachers, parent group leaders, and school employees who understand what it takes to make school programs successful.
That's the EPI difference. We're not just here to sell school supplies. We're here to listen, understand your needs, and help you find the right solution for your school. No pressure, just honest guidance, personal support, and a partner who makes the entire process easier. Because we've been in your shoes.
Ready to Begin?
Our team at EPI will help support you through every step. Contact us to get started today.