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Mind Your Business
Hendersonville, NC
"My company has continued to grow and prosper in this difficult economy thanks largely in part to government contract opportunities."
Mind Your Business of Hendersonville is recognized as an
industry leader in the screening of applicants for corporations,
businesses, organizations, and families that require accuracy,
accountability, responsibility, and sensitivity in their hiring
practices. After watching an Oprah Winfrey episode on abusive
childcare providers in the early 1990s, Karen Caruso, a mother of
two daughters, was inspired to ensure the protection for children
and their families. This inspiration resulted in the creation of MYB.
Karen started MYB from the basement of her New Jersey home, with only $2,000, a computer, and an unwavering determination, seeking change and commitment to achieving it. After an article was published about MYB in a local parenting guide, the New York Post contacted Karen for an interview. Following the publication of this in 1998, Karen found herself inundated with requests for televised interviews from major networks, including NBC, ABC, and CBS. An appearance on Gayle King’s show became a catalyst for Mind Your Business and the success that it began to achieve. In only its third year of business, MYB became profitable.
In an effort to move into new markets, Karen sought assistance
with finding and acquiring government contracts. She met with
Mark Mills, now SBTDC’s Procurement Technical Assistance
Center (PTAC) Director, and MYB was soon registered with
CCR and GSA. Mark helped her understand the value of subcontracts
in government work and encouraged her to connect
with large prime contractors. In 2009, MYB was awarded a
significant purchase order with the U.S. Department of Interior
to provide equal employment opportunity services.
“My company has continued to grow and prosper in this difficult economy thanks largely in part to government contract opportunities,” Karen said. “PTAC has been an integral part of this success.”
Today, Karen continues to work with business counselor Annice Brown of the Asheville office. “Annice is a mover, shaker, and rainmaker,” says Karen of Annice’s ability to find first-rate resources including Western Carolina University students. The students worked with an MBA student who developed a marketing plan, and computer science students for improvements in their information technology and website.
Karen, a licensed private investigator with over 20 years experience, works hard to maintain MYB’s success and ensure the success of her staff. She has hired several local women to join her 15-person staff, many of whom who were disadvantaged and needed a new start.
“The SBTDC counselors are great guides and mentors to navigate the process,” says Karen.
Story originally featured in the SBTDC's 2009-2010 Annual Report.