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ParentPreneurs: A Decade of Deals from a Messy Minivan
"This fun tale is entertaining and inspiring in equal measure." Publishers Weekly
Come along for the ride, as Jamie and Brian Ratner show you how to build a successful business with your spouse.
When Jamie Ratner pitched her new idea for a family-friendly Groupon to her husband Brian on their drive to Pittsburgh for the Christmas holiday in their messy minivan, Brian’s response shocked her. He said, “That’s a great idea.” For the rest of their holiday, while his parents watched their two young kids, they worked late into the night on a business plan and timeline to launch what soon would become CertifiKID. Jamie was an entrepreneur at heart but had no business background. Brian was a partner at a Washington, DC, law firm whose practice was litigation not corporate law. They had no free time. The timing to start a business was far from ideal. They did it anyway.
More than a decade later, in ParentPreneurs, Jamie and Brian tell their rollercoaster story of how they built a multi-million dollar company through thousands of deals with small and big businesses for the benefit of their million plus members; cut a deal with Kevin O’Leary (aka “Mr. Wonderful”) on the ABC television show Shark Tank that was one of his biggest deals in 10 seasons; and navigated the Covid pandemic that sent their business to the edge of the cliff by making a risky pivot acquisition. They give an honest account from each of their own unique perspectives on the toll and rewards of mixing marriage and business at every stage. They provide tips and lessons for how to manage both, maintain work/life balance especially in this age of remote and flexible work, and accomplish your personal and professional goals.
This is a book for every entrepreneurial parent, whether you’re in the game or just thinking about it. It is real and uplifting, and it will inspire you to rethink how you view your work and determine whether you can start or build something new that will bring you greater joy and fulfillment.
Jamie and Brian show how parents can be successful entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs can be successful parents and spouses. And so can you.
Come along for the ride, as Jamie and Brian Ratner show you how to build a successful business with your spouse.
When Jamie Ratner pitched her new idea for a family-friendly Groupon to her husband Brian on their drive to Pittsburgh for the Christmas holiday in their messy minivan, Brian’s response shocked her. He said, “That’s a great idea.” For the rest of their holiday, while his parents watched their two young kids, they worked late into the night on a business plan and timeline to launch what soon would become CertifiKID. Jamie was an entrepreneur at heart but had no business background. Brian was a partner at a Washington, DC, law firm whose practice was litigation not corporate law. They had no free time. The timing to start a business was far from ideal. They did it anyway.
More than a decade later, in ParentPreneurs, Jamie and Brian tell their rollercoaster story of how they built a multi-million dollar company through thousands of deals with small and big businesses for the benefit of their million plus members; cut a deal with Kevin O’Leary (aka “Mr. Wonderful”) on the ABC television show Shark Tank that was one of his biggest deals in 10 seasons; and navigated the Covid pandemic that sent their business to the edge of the cliff by making a risky pivot acquisition. They give an honest account from each of their own unique perspectives on the toll and rewards of mixing marriage and business at every stage. They provide tips and lessons for how to manage both, maintain work/life balance especially in this age of remote and flexible work, and accomplish your personal and professional goals.
This is a book for every entrepreneurial parent, whether you’re in the game or just thinking about it. It is real and uplifting, and it will inspire you to rethink how you view your work and determine whether you can start or build something new that will bring you greater joy and fulfillment.
Jamie and Brian show how parents can be successful entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs can be successful parents and spouses. And so can you.
170 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 21, 2022
4 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 26, 2022
Currently mid-book and am amazed at what they juggled as parents as they got this business off the ground and maintained its success. I am grateful for the honesty that Jamie shares when it comes to comes with running a business, being a mom and maintaining a marriage. There needs to be more of that reality put out into the world. Looking forward to the rest.
Edit: Finished! The book was a quick read because I was so interested in their story of being real parents and starting what is now an incredibly successful business. I loved seeing how their partnership works (they balance each other out and communicate) and also loved and appreciated their (sometimes brutal) honestly (and humor!) Running and acquiring a business is not always pretty work and both were very honest about it - I’d be skeptical if they said it was all positive and easy. I was most amazed by Jamie’s tenacity and fearlessness and no nonsense approach to business and personnel. I 100% appreciate a no-time-for-drama (professional!) approach. They intertwined their stories with concrete advice and tips for running a business - as someone who usually trails off in professional readings I enjoyed this format. Definitely recommend if you want to learn more about entrepreneurship but also if you are a parent that runs a small business. I found myself feeling validated having had similar struggles, doubts and of course mom guilt. If’s a great relatable read.
Edit: Finished! The book was a quick read because I was so interested in their story of being real parents and starting what is now an incredibly successful business. I loved seeing how their partnership works (they balance each other out and communicate) and also loved and appreciated their (sometimes brutal) honestly (and humor!) Running and acquiring a business is not always pretty work and both were very honest about it - I’d be skeptical if they said it was all positive and easy. I was most amazed by Jamie’s tenacity and fearlessness and no nonsense approach to business and personnel. I 100% appreciate a no-time-for-drama (professional!) approach. They intertwined their stories with concrete advice and tips for running a business - as someone who usually trails off in professional readings I enjoyed this format. Definitely recommend if you want to learn more about entrepreneurship but also if you are a parent that runs a small business. I found myself feeling validated having had similar struggles, doubts and of course mom guilt. If’s a great relatable read.
August 22, 2022
Writers often reveal more about themselves through their word choice and style of writing than intended. This book reveals the female writer is a privileged gossip queen, one of those women that you know is going to talk about you as soon as you leave the table… or in this case leave the business.
I can’t imagine how she thought this was professional. I guess she wants everyone to know if there is any hiccup in a business merger or deal, she will one day write a book about it and share the gossipy details, that you assume a professional would take in stride and keep quiet.
I learned nothing by reading this book. I’m not sure why it’s classified as a business book when it’s more of a memoir.
I can’t imagine how she thought this was professional. I guess she wants everyone to know if there is any hiccup in a business merger or deal, she will one day write a book about it and share the gossipy details, that you assume a professional would take in stride and keep quiet.
I learned nothing by reading this book. I’m not sure why it’s classified as a business book when it’s more of a memoir.
August 23, 2022
I am reading this book and I cannot put it down! I am fascinated by folks who seem to be able to "do it all" and I love how the authors admit that while it may look easy on the outside, it's hard work running a business AND a family.
Jamie & Brian discuss not only the "successes" in running their forward-thinking business but their "failures" as well. Their real-world advice is invaluable for anyone wanting to chase their dreams while also raising a family.
For anyone needing the inspiration and know-how to start something new, while deep in the trenches of parenthood, this book is it!
Jamie & Brian discuss not only the "successes" in running their forward-thinking business but their "failures" as well. Their real-world advice is invaluable for anyone wanting to chase their dreams while also raising a family.
For anyone needing the inspiration and know-how to start something new, while deep in the trenches of parenthood, this book is it!
September 19, 2022
This is the perfect guide for any parent that is interested in starting their own business--especially if they plan to do so with their partner. The Ratners lay the groundwork for prepping to start your business. You can learn from their pitfalls and successes as well as enjoy the backstory behind their successful businesses. This is a quick and enjoyable read that could easily kickstart your own entrepreneurial journey.
February 1, 2023
The true story of the parents behind the company CertifiKID, this book gives an account of the last 12 years since their inception.
As a parent, I found the company to be interest. The story was interesting to read. The book was somewhat wordy and long-winded at times (and I was fascinated at how intimate some of the relationship details that were shared about the couple were - at least to me). Overall, enjoyable and interesting to hear this business story.
As a parent, I found the company to be interest. The story was interesting to read. The book was somewhat wordy and long-winded at times (and I was fascinated at how intimate some of the relationship details that were shared about the couple were - at least to me). Overall, enjoyable and interesting to hear this business story.
August 24, 2022
This was such a feel good book! The authors expressed what it takes to start a business and maintain a family. The fact that the business they created continues to benefit so many families by providing their children with experiences they may have not had!
Definitely a must read!!!
Definitely a must read!!!
August 23, 2022
This was a fantastic read. It includes incredible advice for parents on creating their own business with all of the glamour and bumps along the way. Thank you!
March 5, 2024
Good book that a lot of parents can find themselves in the pages. It was easy to read and I finished in about 3 ish days,
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews