When Valerie Forestiere joined Think Big Solutions three months ago, she warned her new boss she needed flexibility in her schedule.
Her 13-year-old daughter was diagnosed with diabetes, and medical issues were her first priority.
Forestiere, an information-technology professional with more than 25 years of experience, had more leverage than most new employees, because she came to the Commerce City printing company through 10 til 2, a placement company that specializes in working moms.
“Actually, in our contracts with our companies, it says if someone has a sick child, they will let you know (and) we will let you know, but they’re going to be home with their child,” said Jodi Olin, one of four owners of 10 til 2.
The staffing company offers workers unusual flexibility and part-time placement. It specializes in placing highly educated employees such as lawyers, MBAs and CPAs.
Workers are charged a $75 fee upon placement. After that, employers pay a margin to the company above wages that range from $10 to $65 per hour, without benefits.
After 18 months in business, 10 til 2 is experiencing strong growth, according to Jill Ater, one of the partners. With more than 2,000 available candidates and more than 100 employers registered, she estimated the talent pool is about 90 percent moms, 5 percent dads and 5 percent nonparents.
Olin said one goal for the company is to launch franchises this year. She has fielded inquiries from Seattle; Albuquerque; Phoenix; and Newport Beach, Calif. She said the company will soon be moving from Ater’s home in Parker into an office.
The firm was founded by four professionals who left the workplace to have children then couldn’t find part-time positions that suited them. Ater, who has two sons, stayed home with them for six years. She has 18 years of experience in marketing.
Olin has two daughters and more than 20 years in sales and marketing. Liz Norwood has an advertising background, a son and a daughter. The three – who met through mutual acquaintances – sought out their “numbers person,” Heidi Crum, a certified public accountant with twin sons.
Their success has made it harder to maintain those part-time goals, ironically. “We’re working more than full-time, between the four of us,” Ater said.
9News reporter Gregg Moss can be reached at 303-871-1499 or gregg.moss@9news.com.
