August 2022

August 2022
Jeffrey Mejia

(BBA, Management, ’10)

Q & A:

1. What was your favorite class, who was your favorite professor, or what is your fondest memory of Hofstra?
   My favorite class was Management 101 with Dr. Mamdouh Farid. He was a sort of mentor to me, and through his passion and knowledge, he managed to give me the necessary tools to be successful after graduating from Hofstra University. Dr. Farid’s lessons, in fact, remain with me to this day, and they apply to my everyday life. I still find myself passing them down to my staff on an everyday basis.
2. What was your first job after graduating from Hofstra, and what was the most valuable thing learned in that position?
   My first job after graduating from Hofstra University was as director of sales and marketing for a startup digital marketing firm named Chronax Consulting Corp. The most valuable lesson I learned was the importance of digital marketing in businesses and its grand effect throughout all industries.
3. What is your field of specialty, and how did you come to work in the industry?
   My focus is creating effective marketing strategies for small businesses and brands, as well as incorporating the newest technology to strategies that businesses can apply to move along with ever-changing markets. Technology has always been a long-lived passion of mine and by working within the business banking sector throughout my career, I began building bonds with business owners. This is when I really started to gain knowledge regarding traditional marketing approaches. I soon realized that with the changing market, it would have been ideal to use my knowledge in technology to re-create those same ideals into software systems and web development to facilitate that same approach in an expanded market.
4. What advice would you give Hofstra students?
   Do not wait to figure out your life until after you graduate Hofstra. Make sure to take the time to think about what you really want out of your life. Try something challenging even when you feel you aren’t ready for it. You never know; it could be something that becomes your niche in the long run.
5. In one word, how would you describe Hofstra?
   Rewarding. My experience at Hofstra University can only be described as rewarding. Everything from its amazing staff to its students. I feel Hofstra University provided me with the necessary tools to prepare me for the outside world. It provided me with the instruments I needed to succeed and hold myself accountable in being able to direct my career to this point.
6. After working for numerous high-profile banks, what inspired you to found two companies?
   What really inspired me to go into business for myself was the ability to use the skills I learned at Hofstra University, as well as my work experience. My ability to communicate with clients and find solutions for them gave me the idea to go into an ever-growing industry within tech to be able to help small businesses thrive. LSG Software Solutions and Nextra IT Solutions were primarily focused on assisting small businesses to keep up with the times we are in, where technology has become an essential part of everyday business. Both companies assist businesses in incorporating their existing marketing and business management techniques and segment them with technology to implement an easy and efficient approach. I have recently launched a new initiative called Welcome to Times Square. This multifaceted digital platform provides branding vehicles such as billboards throughout NYC, offering an extensive and brand empowerment option for small businesses.
7. What unique experiences or qualifications set you apart from other individuals in your field?
   My attention to detail for my clients’ needs is one of my strongest assets. This industry can be very transactional. What has set my companies apart has been the ability to tailor my clients’ needs to achieve their objectives.
8. What is one obstacle you needed to overcome throughout the course of your career?
   The fear of leaving the sense of security I felt working for high-profile banks and starting up my own business. In taking the leap of faith, many emotions were running through me, but as mentioned, I felt I needed to try something challenging, even if I was not ready. I believe that the type of passion that drove me during my banking career is what helps me guide businesses to succeed and grow.
9. What is your favorite part of your job?
   Passing on knowledge to my team. Being able to nurture their growth has been something that was instilled by my professors at Hofstra University, and I believe that a great leader should be able to pass on their knowledge to others. Helping them grow not just in business, but personally as well is my favorite part of the job.