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CAROL LOLLIS

Jamie Caplan

Job title and company: Founder and president, GivingPreparedness, Northampton, www.givingpreparedness.com

Age: 43

Your duties: My favorite part of the job is working with customers. I like discussing people's risks and helping them to understand how they can mitigate those risks. I'm proud that I can offer a product to meet their needs. I also love to research and experiment with new products as we develop additional gift boxes. In terms of my day-to-day work, I do a bit of everything - from customer service, to product development and marketing. I surround myself with a great team of local experts who provide support for shipping, Web design and bookkeeping.

How did you land your job? I have two kids, six pets, aging parents and a business. I began to realize that, like me, many people have these responsibilities as well as a desire to get prepared. GivingPreparedness is the answer for busy people and businesses who know they should prepare for disasters but don't have the time or the know-how to get started. I created this job as a way to use my expertise in emergency management to help small businesses and citizens prepare for disasters.

What's most challenging about your work? I have my hand in everything, which is challenging. Yet, it is also what I most love about being an entrepreneur. Because I juggle many aspects of the business, I take the time to keep the big picture in mind. That seems to help.

What is your key to success? I sell a unique and quality product in three sizes: safe, safer and safest to meet the needs of a large customer base. I am honest with and respectful of customers, vendors and co-workers and I combine this with a strong work ethic and a ton of persistence. It all adds up to a chance for success.

Why did you choose to do business in the Valley? We cannot stop winter storms from creating hazardous conditions, nor can we prevent hurricane strength winds from knocking down trees and power lines. However, we can prepare our loved ones and our customers for these and other disasters that may come their way. For example, we can post the Poison Control Number (1-800-222-1222) near telephones and we can have first aid supplies on hand to treat minor injuries.

Who has helped mentor you professionally? I have the pleasure of working with many national experts in the field of emergency management. Several of them have mentored me professionally. My mom is a great role model. When I was growing up she ran her own business and raised two kids. She seemed to juggle everything with incredible efficiency and a good sense of humor.

Name a few of your goals for the coming year: GivingPreparedness is not just about sending emergency supplies such as flashlights, energy bars and emergency stickers; it is about education. Each of our boxes comes with information about how to prepare for and respond to a disaster. This year I want to expand the reach of GivingPreparedness and document success stories detailing how our products have helped those who use them. I would like to see GivingPreparedness Gift Boxes sold in veterinary offices and I would like to see real estate agents and automobile dealers give them as gifts to their customers.

Tell us a little-known fact about you: I do the Daily Jigsaw Puzzle on the Addicting Games Web site every morning before I start work.

What is your advice to others seeking business success? The Valley is full of resources. Utilizing these resources benefits our entire community. I recently joined the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce and I'm taking advantage of all it has to offer.