Anchored in Faith, Driven by Purpose: Jennifer Barnes’ Mission to Build Business with Heart
Jennifer Barnes
CEO of Optima Office
LinkedIn
Website: www.optimaoffice.com
In a world where corporate ambition often eclipses character, Jennifer Barnes stands as a radiant exception—an entrepreneur who has proven that business success doesn’t require compromising your values, but rather anchoring them in something greater.
Jennifer Barnes is the dynamic CEO and founder of Optima Office, a company revolutionizing the fractional CFO, controller, bookkeeping, and HR space. With a dual degree in Finance and Marketing from the University of Arizona and an MBA from San Diego State University, Jennifer’s academic path was only the beginning. She also completed the Becker CPA coursework and spent over 15 years as a Controller for various companies and nonprofits in San Diego. In 2012, she launched her first company—an endeavor that quickly rose to become the 5th fastest-growing business in San Diego by 2016 and made the Inc. 5000 list two years in a row.
But accolades alone don’t define Jennifer. From being named Woman of the Year by the San Diego Business Journal to being listed among the Top 50 Women of Influence in Accounting and Finance for two consecutive years, Jennifer’s true success lies in her ability to lead with integrity, compassion, and Christ-like love. Her greatest award? Creating a workplace recognized as a “Best Place to Work”—a tribute to her unwavering commitment to employee happiness and retention.
Building Business the Kingdom Way
In a recent conversation with David Mansilla on the Anchoring Hope podcast, Jennifer shared the heart behind her mission. “Be a good person, do the right thing, help others.” These aren’t just nice sayings—they are her company's north star. Jennifer’s success flows from her unshakable foundation in Biblical values. Though not always overt, her leadership is steeped in Christ’s teaching: treat others as you would want to be treated. Love your neighbor. Build others up.
David put it perfectly: “If you align your culture and values with the Bible, even if you don’t talk about it all the time, you will be successful. Because those are universal laws.”
Jennifer’s story is one of redemption. After being unfairly ousted from the very company she built—locked out of her own office by former business partners—Jennifer did what only a woman of grit and grace could do: she rose again. Within three days, she launched Optima Office. And just like the Resurrection story that defines our faith, what looked like defeat became the very foundation of something far more powerful.
Culture of Freedom and Trust
What makes Optima thrive isn’t just great financial services—it’s the freedom and trust embedded into the company's DNA. Jennifer created a business where employees have flexibility over their hours and income, where culture isn’t about control but empowerment.
In Jennifer’s own words: “You want to give people freedom and flexibility and kindness—and they’re going to do a much better job… You want them to feel valued.”
Sound familiar? It’s what Jesus modeled—servant leadership. She doesn't just lead a company; she shepherds a team. And the result? A business that continues to grow, with over 100 employees and projected revenue of $14 million this year alone.
A Future Fueled by Purpose
Jennifer isn’t in it for the buyout. Though she’s approached multiple times each week by potential buyers, her response remains firm: Optima is not for sale. Because this isn’t just business. It’s a calling.
“My exit plan is to keep doing what we’re doing. To build. To serve. To give back,” she said. “Maybe 10 years from now, I’ll turn it into an ESOP and give it to the employees.”
She dreams of buying a building in San Diego, starting a nonprofit, and supporting even more companies and causes—especially nonprofits, which already make up 15% of Optima’s client base.
Jennifer doesn’t just run a company—she multiplies goodness. She’s a modern-day Proverbs 31 woman: entrepreneurial, wise, and generous. Her billboard message to the world? “Be kind. Help someone. And don’t drive slow in the left lane.”
In other words—lead with love, live with purpose, and don’t block someone else’s blessing.
Anchored Hope
Jennifer’s journey reminds us that God uses all things for good—even betrayal, even pain. And when we build our businesses, our dreams, and our lives on the rock of Christ, storms may come, but they will not destroy us.
To learn more about Optima Office, visit optimaofficellc.com or reach out to Jennifer directly at jennifer@optimaofficellc.com.
Let Jennifer’s story be a reminder: success isn’t just about revenue—it’s about revelation. And the greatest ROI will always be relationships, obedience, and impact.
Written by Jovilyn Dela Cruz
“Be a good person, do the right thing, help others.”
