INA, Ill. (April 23, 2025) — From her days as a student-athlete juggling volleyball practice and academics at Rend Lake College to her role as a Business Development Manager overseeing 14 states for ODP Business Solutions, Jenna Crouch (Sullivan, Ind.) exemplifies the power of perseverance, the importance of community, and the ability to discover passion through life’s transitions.
Jenna Crouch and her husband, Michael Crouch
Crouch started her academic journey at RLC in 2003. Initially undecided on a major, she took the opportunity to explore various fields of study and find the subjects that ignited her passion.
"These early years in college helped me discover who I was and what I wanted to do with my life," said Crouch in a recent interview. "While my degrees weren’t specialized — for example, a medical degree — they still provided me with foundational communication skills through courses such as speech and English."
Crouch played two years on the Lady Warriors volleyball team and added tennis as a sophomore.
"It wasn’t just about playing on the court. It also taught me teamwork, discipline and how to build meaningful relationships," said Crouch. "Sports instilled in me a 'go-getter' mindset that has been beneficial both personally and professionally."
Crouch in RLC volleyball uniform #6 (2003)
She looked to RLC Head Volleyball Coach Rhonda Carlton as a mentor.
"Being far from my hometown in Indiana, she became a mentor and support system for me," said Crouch. "She always set a great example and was there to guide us both on and off the court, which made a lasting impact on me."
Crouch graduated from RLC in 2005 with Associate in Science and Associate in Arts degrees. She transferred to Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) and started her career in sales, working at a jewelry company. She started small, selling jewelry for Osterman Jewelers, which eventually led her to a high-end store called Reis-Nichols Jewelers, where she sold luxury items like Rolex watches and diamonds.
"I was at Reis-Nichols for a few years," said Crouch. "It gave me a love for selling and relationship building. The competitiveness that I have in me helped me be very successful in sales."
After taking a short break to focus on family, Crouch returned to the workforce, eager to move beyond retail. She accepted a position with Novelty, Inc., an Indiana-based merchandise development company, as a sales coordinator. Before long, Crouch advanced to a key account manager role, overseeing multi-million-dollar accounts and working directly with clients to increase their sales.
Crouch and her family
In June 2017, Crouch sought something different and learned about an opportunity with ODP Business Solutions, formerly known as Office Depot’s business division.
"Initially, I wasn’t interested due to the retail association, but I soon discovered that the division worked with a variety of organizations, including schools, governments and private sector businesses," said Crouch.
Crouch began as a business development manager, covering a specific region in Indiana. Now, as a major account executive, she works primarily with public sector clients such as K-12 schools, higher education institutions and local and state governments.
"My territory has expanded to include 14 states, ranging from Indiana to Washington," said Crouch. "While challenging, I thrive in this broader role, as it allows me to develop strategies for cost reduction and establish meaningful relationships with clients."
Crouch provided some advice to future and current RLC students.
"I encourage students to remain open-minded, pursue their goals and rise to challenges," she said. " You never know where life will take you, but buckle up and be ready!"
