Parentpreneurs: A Decade of Deals from a Messy Minivan

The authors, partners in marriage, parenting, and business, detail the ups and downs of growing their company CertifiKID in this enjoyable blend of memoir and business how-to. “What if there was a deal site that focused specifically on what parents want and need”—like a Groupon for parents—Jamie wondered in 2009, and the idea was born. Each chapter covers a year, first in Jamie’s words then Brian’s, as they chronicle the launch of their site (on launch day “we had sold five vouchers.... To say that Jamie and I were both floored and ecstatic would be an understatement”), the couple’s appearance on reality show Shark Tank (where they scored a deal with Kevin O’Leary), surviving the pandemic, acquiring ad company Macaroni KID, and raising their own family. Along the way come business tips for busy parents: “Timing matters. But when you’re married with kids and have full-time jobs and endless responsibilities, the timing is never ideal to take a risk, right?” And though the back-and-forth perspective shifts can get repetitive, they offer a nice look at how differing personalities complement each other through high-powered deals and downtime at home. This fun tale is entertaining and inspiring in equal measure. (Aug.)