Career Ladder

Special for the Republic

Who: Sandy Robinson, 34, is president of SWValleyParent.com, an online resource that helps parents who live in the southwest Valley find information about everything from local preschools and child-care options, to family activities, children's classes, kid-friendly restaurants, pediatricians, mom's clubs, and birthday party ideas. It also features free classifieds, online coupons and an events calendar. SWValleyParent.com began just over a year ago, and Robinson has two part-time employees.

Education: Robinson holds a bachelor's degree in human resource management from Northern Illinois University.

Starting Point: As a teenager, Robinson held several part-time jobs including car-hop at Sonic, teaching children how to play tennis and camp counselor. After graduating from college and relocating to Arizona, Robinson worked in human resources at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix, as a recruiter for MaxServ in Tempe, and for the Federal Communications Group, Inc., also in Tempe.

After having her first child, Robinson ran an in-home daycare for three years. She said that running the business showed her how desperately parents need a reliable source for child and family-related information.

She says: "While running the daycare, I discovered a real need for a better way to match local parents with local resources like home baby-sitters, kids' sports options, and so much more... This community Web site has become an instant favorite with local moms. Our objective is to build a stronger sense of community by connecting southwest Valley parents to local businesses, organizations, and each other."

Climbing techniques: "Be a networker and pay it forward. It is so important to really listen to your co-workers, clients, employees, and other business associates.

"Do what you can to help others by giving them both personal and business referrals, accommodating their special requests, anticipating and helping them with future needs, and of course treating everyone with dignity and respect.

"Kindness and generosity in business, just like in your personal life, not only makes you feel good about yourself, but it comes back to you."

Aspiring advice: "To run a community resource Web site, I think it's key to be passionate about what you do and be motivated by the passion for providing a service to families, and not be motivated by money.

"Think outside the box with marketing and look to create partnerships with other businesses. Be active in and have a physical presence in your local community. My personal philosophy is to provide excellent customer service, make decisions based on fairness and ethics and follow through on my word."

Details: (623) 925-9388, sandy@swvalleyparent.com or www.swvalleyparent.com