Q&A with Maggie Broadrick, owner of Kiddie Up Nannies

Maintaining a career after becoming a parent is difficult, as anyone who has tried to do both surely knows. Local Colorado entrepreneur Maggie Broadrick was able to find the balance between mom and professional by launching her own company that would help other parents do the same: Kiddie Up Nannies. Maggie was a nanny herself for over a decade before becoming a parent. Her unique perspective lead her to create a company that would help connect families with experienced nannies to fit their needs, and serve as a liaison between nannies and parents.

Finding a nanny is hard work, and Kiddie Up Nannies takes some of the stress off the shoulders of new moms and dads by hooking them up with experienced nannies, vetted through extensive background checks and a rigorous interview process.

We talked to Maggie about how she launched Kiddie Up Nannies, the challenges and rewards of her business, and why she loves Colorado.

Q:  How did the idea of the business come to be?

I wanted to start a business I was passionate and knowledgeable about. I felt parenthood was a like a secret society everyone knew about but no one knew how to navigate through it. I took my personal experiences as a parent and as a previous nanny and launched a business that would not only provide a service, but engage nannies and families. I strive to be a foundation for both sides and act as a liaison through a difficult, intricate path. I have been fortunate to co-own a very successful nanny agency for many years and now have the ability to meet the needs of more through Kiddie Up Nannies.

Q: What makes you different than others in this category?

Kiddie Up Nannies is different in many ways. First, we recognize the truth in the saying “it takes a village to raise a child.” We want to be a part of that village. Kiddie Up Nannies plays a role in the “village” by supporting and educating parents, nannies and the community. We host events like play dates, get-togethers, CPR classes, Love and Logic courses, Nanny 101 classes and seminars like “Being Okay with Being Away.” We feel strongly our job is not complete after placing a nanny. Second, Kiddie Up Nannies stays involved! We offer nanny reviews at any time and are always available to answer questions or address concerns. Last, Kiddie Up Nannies works hard to help every family’s needs. We offer the same services for less without cutting any corners. Kiddie Up Nannies places many different types of nannies such as full and part-time placements, occasional sitters, overnight nannies and event nannies. We have every type of care a parent needs!

Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?  And Reward?

Like many businesses, it is difficult to please everyone and be okay with that. As a people pleaser, I want everyone to be happy. It’s difficult for me to accept the fact that along with people come personalities.  I can’t write a script in real life.

The biggest reward is to help new parents. I can always tell a new parent- they are worried, anxious and have no clue what to do. I remember that feeling like it was yesterday. It is very rewarding to help parents and ease the stress… even if it is just in one department.

Q: What do you like best about your line of work?

I love this question! My absolute favorite part of my job is to witness the sacred bond between a child and his or her nanny. There is no higher honor than to have the approval of a little one.

Q: What do you most love about Colorado?

I love the diversity Colorado has to offer. Although there are so many different types of people, hobbies, interests, activities, and families, we all share the same devotion to our children.

Q: What is something readers would be surprised to know about you or your

business?

I think many people don’t realize there is a real person behind Kiddie Up Nannies. We are not just a computer program or automotive service. I want our clients and nannies to know I am on the other side of an email or the phone. I too am a mom and know just how hard it is to be a parent.  I want others to feel comfortable to shoot me an email or give me a ring if they have any questions or concerns.