: About Me

While I was voted "Most Likely To Be A Writer" in high school, I am currently the Founder and President of Jump 'n Play Gym. Established in 2003, Jump 'n Play Gym offers parent-child interactive play and music classes for children in their developmental years (birth - 5).

Prior to founding Jump 'n Play Gym I spent 15 years in the Automotive Industry. During this time I enjoyed a high-profile career that encompassed Benchmarking, Finance, Process Re-engineering, Cost Estimating, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Sales, Marketing and PR.

Academically, I hold a B.S. from Michigan State University in General Business with a double minor in English and Computer Science. That was earned with honor through the Honors College. I also earned my M.B.A. at Michigan State University, in Finance. I completed the entire 2 year program in 11 months, and honestly admit that I was not the most pleasant person to be around during that time!

When my child was born I realized that I needed an environment that let me balance the time and flexibility I wanted with my son and my need to maintain a presence in the business world. I chose to pursue an American Dream - owning my own business.

I established my business in the child services sector in order to make a difference. And of course, there was the lure of the challenges inherent to owning and operating a business in that dynamic market!

In the course of establishing my business, I also functioned as a business consultant to other entrepreneurs in the play gym market. That and the overwhelmingly positive response to Jump 'n Play Gym led me to franchising Jump 'n Play Gym, which is currently underway.

My passion is ...

Applied without restraint to projects that interest me.

I know too much about ...

Too many things! I'm a true "jack-of-all-trades" and very eclectic in my pursuits.

My parents always told me ...

"Your face is going to freeze like that." Didn't everyone hear that one growing up?

My childhood ambition ...

Was to be a veterninarian. Right up until the first operation I witnessed.

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

Given my business, I'm very up on Pop Culture for the under-5 set. On my own time, I read across the board, except for horror. In my world, that just wouldn't exist.

My first job ...

Was at a Dairy. While the job was a wonderful experience and good preparation for "real" jobs later on, I'll never look at cottage cheese the same way after seeing how it's made. Bleh!

My best moment ...

Is the moment I'm in. Well, not really, not yet... but that's how I want to live and I'm learning.

Business > Entrepreneurship How to choose the best location for your new business

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You've decided to open your own business. You've done your homework and you know your market, financials, projections and competitors. You're in the process of securing funding and you're looking for the perfect site. You've heard that location is everything, but you're not entirely sure that's true. And even if it is, you don't have an unlimited budget. Should you hire an expert to help you find the perfect location? Even if you do choose to retain outside help, the ultimate responsibility for site selection rests with you. You have to know and be able to evaluate the essential factors in...

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