Influential Woman · E-commerce | Technology Sales | Business Operations
Kristen Hartigan
Founder & Owner, Tech Nexus HQ
Rochester, MN 55901
Her Story
About Kristen Marie
Kristen Hartigan is an e-commerce entrepreneur, technology sales professional, and founder and owner of Tech Nexus HQ, a Shopify-based business specializing in premium home technology. Through her business, she manages product research, Shopify administration, supplier relationships, fulfillment, branding, marketing, website content, and customer experience. Her background also includes technology consulting, customer service, retail operations, and insurance sales, giving her experience across multiple areas of business and customer engagement.
At Target, Kristen works as a Tech Consultant and cross-trained team member supporting customer service, merchandising, inventory management, freight processing, cashier operations, and technology sales. She is recognized for her adaptability, teamwork, ability to learn new responsibilities quickly, and focus on maintaining a positive customer experience. As an entrepreneur, she has developed hands-on experience with e-commerce operations, product optimization, supplier coordination, advertising, and business administration. She is also developing her knowledge in technology and cybersecurity while exploring opportunities to strengthen her expertise in the technology sector.
Kristen's professional journey is characterized by self-direction, perseverance, adaptability, and continuous learning. She holds a High School Diploma from Granite Falls High School and a Veterinary Assistant Certification from Pima Medical Institute-Seattle, along with some additional college coursework. Her earlier experience in the veterinary field ultimately led her toward a different professional direction, and she now applies her entrepreneurial mindset and technology interests to e-commerce and business development. As a single mother and business owner, she is motivated by overcoming obstacles, building a successful future, and creating opportunities through her own determination and hard work.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kristen Marie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being self-driven, independent, and willing to work hard. I experienced significant challenges in my personal life, including leaving a difficult relationship with very little, and then an opportunity to build a business presented itself after I made a small investment. Over the past year, I have worked hard to launch and operate Tech Nexus HQ, continually learning and adapting as I build the business.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I have largely been my own mentor throughout my career. I have relied on self-motivation, hard work, and a willingness to learn as I have developed as a business owner. My experience has taught me the importance of taking responsibility for my own growth and continuing to move forward even when I do not have a formal mentor guiding me.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to remain perseverant and learn how to adapt and overcome challenges. There will be times when we have to be our own biggest cheerleader and mentor. Believing in yourself, continuing to learn, and staying determined can help you move forward and achieve your goals.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
As a business owner who is still in the early stages of building my company, one of my biggest challenges is continuing to learn and adapt as I develop the business. This stage also presents opportunities to grow my knowledge, strengthen my operations, and continue developing Tech Nexus HQ.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are perseverance, independence, hard work, adaptability, and determination. I value being able to share my story and demonstrate that it is possible to overcome significant obstacles and continue moving forward. As a single mother, I am especially passionate about my son, and he is an important source of motivation for me to work hard and pursue success.
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