Two Local Moms Successful in Business

Business is booming for Stephanie Ackerman and Kim Schofield, co-owners of the Boston Metro West branch of SeekingSitters, a secure babysitting service designed to match safe sitters with safe families.

The close friends, both Shrewsbury mothers, have built a successful franchise in just less than a year.

SeekingSitters is an on-demand, service linking members with babysitters after both parties have undergone thorough background screenings by licensed private investigators. Sitters have prior childcare experience and are certified in CPR and first aid. Families using the service have access to sitters for one-time needs as well as on a part- or full-time basis.

Ackerman and Schofield understand the need for reliable babysitting, as each is the mother of three young sons. They share something else in common, too—both left successful careers to stay home full-time with the kids. Before making the decision to stay home with her boys, Ackerman earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in accounting from UMass Dartmouth and worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers and Fidelity Investments.

Schofield, who has a degree in accounting from Babson College, also worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers as well as Robert Half International and Abbott Laboratories. After leaving their jobs to be at home full-time, they met through their boys and became friends.

Eventually they began to discuss a return to the work force, but, Ackerman says, “Neither of us wanted the full-time commitment that our previous careers required.” 

Ackerman knew of SeekingSitters from her cousin, who owns its San Diego location. She told Schofield about the company, and the two agreed that opening a branch of the business in Massachusetts would be a perfect fit for them. They decided to pursue ownership.

Last year, Ackerman and Schofield purchased the Massachusetts franchise, set up an LLC, and attended the three-day SeekingSitters training in Tulsa, OK.

They opened for business March 1, 2010, although advertising didn’t begin in earnest until April. Since then, the company has been featured in the Metro West Daily News, The Worcester Telegram & Gazette, and the Boston Parents Paper. Stephanie and Kim have also appeared on the Fox morning news and on NECN.

Since starting out, the pair has seen business grow steadily. “We’re constantly recruiting for sitters and marketing for new members,” Schofield said.

SeekingSitters has even been able to provide sitters for families who have never had success finding childcare via other means.

“It is a great feeling when a family calls and says they and their children love the sitters that we send to their home and that they have confidence in our ability to provide high-quality sitters who they trust to watch their children,” Ackerman said.

“We love when our members give us feedback on how much they love our sitters and our service. Also, we love when our sitters connect with a family,” Schofield adds.

To learn more about the services provided by SeekingSitters, visit their Web site or call (508) 842-3310. SeekingSitters is on Facebook and Twitter (@BostonSitters). Or follow the @BostonSitters feed on Twitter.

Learn a little more about the moms behind the successful business:

Name: Stephanie Ackerman

Husband: Bob Ackerman

Kids: Ryan, 11, Cole, 8, Cooper, 5

Mom icon: Clair Huxtable

Favorite song in my iPod: Fighter by Christina Aguilera

Words to live by: “Today is your day, your mountain is waiting, so get on your way.” – Dr. Seuss

How I unwind: I am a secret reality television junkie, once everyone is in bed.

Facebook: Yes

Twitter: No

Most memorable babysitting experience: I did babysit when I was younger and was fortunate to have all great experiences.

Name: Kim Schofield

Husband: Chris Schofield

Kids: Colin, 8, Matthew, 6, Jack, 2

Mom icon: Caroline Ingalls from Little House on the Prairie

Favorite song in my iPod: That is an ever-changing thing. If it’s on my iPod, it’s a favorite.

Words to live by: Live, Love, Laugh, also Schofield's high school yearbook quote

How I unwind: Retail therapy always works for me.

Facebook: Yes

Twitter: No

Most memorable babysitting experience: I remember showing up to my regular Saturday night babysitting job and the mom said to me, “My daughter has been experiencing night terrors. If she has one, she will start to sleep walk. Just follow her around and make sure she makes it back to her bed. DO NOT WAKE HER UP – she will go into shock. Okay, bye. We will be back by midnight.” I was 12 when that happened. It stuck with me forever because I was so scared to put her into shock.

Know of a local mom who is "making it happen," through working, volunteering or just has a great story to tell? E-mail story suggestions to Jennifer.Lucarelli@patch.com