Zorn’s of Bethpage
Since 1940, Zorn’s of Bethpage has been preparing fresh, wholesome homemade food on Long Island. Led by Chief Executive Officer Merrill Zorn-Jensen, the 100% women-owned business employs 68 people and uses its original recipes to make dishes from scratch daily, with only natural ingredients and no preservatives.
As a third-generation family-business owner, “my focus has been to keep my family legacy alive and continue serving the Long Island community with the same quality and traditions my grandparents were dedicated to when they started our business 84 years ago,” Zorn-Jensen said. “It is important to me that I influence other women in business by example with respect for my employees, customers and community. Giving back is my greatest joy! Women need to know that they can achieve anything they want to achieve. Be confident, have faith and learn along the way.”
Zorn-Jensen, who has five brothers, sometimes found it challenging to make her voice heard “among the many men in my family” when she was working alongside them in the retail store. “But I persevered,” she said.
A member of several chambers of commerce and business organizations on Long Island, Zorn-Jensen said that “women know they can approach me for advice for their endeavors. We also support women through organizations and other nonprofits that assist women as part of their mission.”
Zorn-Jensen is particularly proud that Zorn’s of Bethpage has retained its original property while building a new flagship store. “Our future is firmly rooted in our past, and we strive to continue our success on Long Island,” she said.
zornsofbethpage.com
This profile is part of LIBN’s In The Lead : Women Owned Businesses list. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree.