Andrea McGinty was the Founder of internationally known dating service, It's Just Lunch! Andrea started the company from an office in Chicago and grew it to more than 100 locations worldwide.
She sold the company and after the birth of her daughter, Dagny, now 22 months old, Andrea was inspired to start a website of "cool" kids products called Baby Dagny. Here Andrea talks about the balance she has found in her life and her hopes for her daughter.
Samantha: You were in the dating industry for many years. Did you see singles incorporate their work/family issues into their choice of mate?
Andrea: Absolutely. For instance, one of my favorite clients, Craig, in Chicago was a very successful TYPE A investment banker. I remember sending him out on a date with a talk show host (a very driven woman) and he called me afterwards and said, "Andrea, are you crazy?" I have 3 young children and I want a sweet, TYPE B personality who is more nurturing and the opposite of me." Same with professions: a well-known chef can't be home every night for dinner and kids' soccer games ..so that all plays into who they end up being in a relationship with.
Samantha: You sold your company last year and you already started another one. Had you always intended to go from your last company to another entrepreneurial venture?
Andrea: Definitely. I love working for myself and the people I work with. But I always stay focused on the company that I am working on at that time. Trying to write a business plan while juggling the day to day operations of another company leads to mistakes and not doing either thing well. I try to stay focused on one company at a time.
Samantha: They say that having a company is like having another baby. What are your tricks to maintaining balance between your family life and your work life?
Andrea: Well, I think I did things backwards. First I had a company and then sold it. Then I had a baby and started another company. For a very scattered and disorganized person like myself, I realized I needed help balancing work and family. So, the things I love stay number one: my husband, my daughter, Dagny, and my family. The things I don't like (and am terrible at) like cooking, cleaning and grocery shopping, I outsource. Then there's no guilt. I can play with Dagny, golf with my husband Daniel and not feel bad that the rugs need cleaning. Other tricks are things like hair and nail appointments. I do them during lunch time; therefore, no guilt.
Samantha: What is your childcare situation?
Andrea: I have a nanny who lives in our home and is part of the family. She's from South Africa and is going to college here so it works out for all of us. She brings a fun perspective to our family dynamic because she came from such a different background than ours. Plus, she knows songs and games that are new to us and Dagny loves!
Samantha: What is a typical day like for you?
Andrea: I try to keep a written schedule. 30 minutes in bed with daily newspapers with Daniel and Dagny. Dagny looks at books during this time. Mornings I like to reserve for Dagny go to the zoo, park, swim, etc. Then I'm in the office by noon until 5ish. Dagny comes to the office some days; she has a play room there that I built for her. My Dad took me to work quite often as a child and I want her to learn good work ethic. Three times a week for family dinners, with a 23 month old those are quite funny, but we talk adult talk! 3-4 nights a week I go out to dinner with Daniel alone or with Daniel and friends. I try to see one movie each week too. At night I spend another 2 hours on the computer for work. Then off to bed, where I spend 30 minutes reading before I go to sleep. OH, and I reserve every Friday from 12-2pm for a Girlfriend Lunch. My Dad taught me a lot about business my Mom taught me the importance of regular girlfriend lunches. It helps keep perspective.
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