Forest Hills Woman Wins Women's Business Network Award

Jean Ellen Flohr has crisscrossed the county during the last five years to offer notary services to those who can’t always leave their homes and head to an office.

As a female entrepreneur, she joined the Women’s Business Network three years ago for support when starting “Notary in Your Neighborhood.” The local WBN chapter is based in her neighborhood of Forest Hills. 

This year, she was honored with WBN’s Service Person of the Year award for her membership and contributions to the group.

“I was really tongue-tied,” she said of the honor. “It was really overwhelming.”

Flohr was nominated for her active promotion and support of WBN by fellow member Mary Anne Kirby, who works with Neighborhood Realty in Regent Square. WBN has more than 400 members.

The local chapter has helped Flohr to make connections, make new friends and learn on a continuing basis.

“It has helped me in building confidence in the fact that I can have my business, support of other professional business women, giving me a direction and a lot of networking opportunities,” she said. “The friendships are incredible.”

Flohr said while she recently had major surgery with a long recovery time, she was touched by the support her fellow WBN members.

“I just got back on my feet in early April and they were there to help me -- women from all over the network -- and it was really very gratifying,” Flohr said. “I didn’t expect that kind of support.”

Flohr’s business is focused on serving elderly people and the homebound with notary services that they need on an immediate basis, but aren’t easily accessible.

“I travel around Allegheny County and do notary work for people whether they are homebound, in assisted living, prisons - that’s the whole point. When you need a notary, you need it now, and people just can’t get to an office or can’t get a family member,” Flohr said. “They need somebody to come and help them with this transition.”

Flohr wanted to be her own boss after she decided to leave a job she was in for 10 years.

“I did this and really had no idea what it entailed, but I took classes from the Pennsylvania Association of Notaries and got my commission,” Flohr said.

When Flohr graduated from college, she originally worked for Lutheran Services Society where she worked with coordinating Meals on Wheels. She said her career has come full circle as she continues to serve those who cannot leave their homes today.

“While I don’t have a staff, I still go into homes and I meet the nicest people,” she said. “People are so appreciative of what I do - how could you not like it. I love what I do.”

For more information, e-mail notaryneigbor@comcast.net.