Jennie Groff on Entrepreneurship, Community, and Impact. Episode 311
Listen Here Now On Apple Podcasts (or wherever you listen to podcasts)
Jennie Groff is a co-founder and leader behind Stroopies, a purpose-driven business rooted in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, that creates handcrafted stroopwafels while providing meaningful employment opportunities for resettled refugee women. Raised on a dairy farm, Jennie’s journey into entrepreneurship wasn’t traditional, but through faith, persistence, and a deep commitment to community, she and her husband transformed a simple idea into a growing business that blends quality products with real human impact.
In this episode, Brad and Jennie Groff explore the story behind Stroopies beginnings, from humble roots and early uncertainty to building a thriving operation that now produces tens of thousands of stroopwafels each month. Jennie shares how the business evolved from a small, faith-led idea into a scalable model that supports women from around the world. The conversation dives into entrepreneurship, leadership, cultural diversity in the workplace, and the lessons learned through trial, faith, and steady progress. Jennie also reflects on gratitude, community, and the deeper purpose behind building something that serves others.
“Life is better if we share what we have.” – Jennie Groff
“Sometimes you just don’t know. You try things, some work, some don’t.” – Jennie Groff
“Just don’t bury the seed, keep going, even if it’s not perfect.” – Jennie Groff
This Week on The Wow Factor:
Jennie’s upbringing on a dairy farm and early entrepreneurial instincts
The origin story of Stroopies and its mission to support refugee communities
Turning a European treat into a scalable, purpose-driven business
The challenges and uncertainty of building a business from the ground up
Creating a workplace that bridges cultures, languages, and backgrounds
The role of faith, prayer, and persistence in decision-making and growth
How small moments and “sign markers” helped guide the business forward
Jennie Groff’s Word of Wisdom:
Don’t bury the gifts you’ve been given. You don’t have to do things perfectly to move forward, what matters is that you keep going. Growth comes through trying, learning, and staying committed, even when the path isn’t clear. Keep planting, keep working, and trust that progress happens over time.
Connect with Stroopies:
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