Karen Caruso, CEO of Mind Your Business, Inc. and North Carolina Small Business Person of the Year for 2011, was honored in Washington, DC at the U.S. Small Business Administration's Small Business Week 2011, "Empowering Entrepreneurs."
Based in Hendersonville, NC, Mind Your Business conducts pre-employment screening, applicant background checks, and drug and alcohol testing services for national and international clients, including individuals, corporations, and government entities.
Caruso's inspiration to start her innovative business occurred in 1995 when she and her 10-month old daughter watched an episode of The Oprah Show on abusive child care providers. In 1996 - with $2500, one employee, a personal computer, and a vision - Caruso launched Mind Your Business in the basement of her New Jersey home.
Caruso describes her initial thoughts on creating the company: "I immediately saw a huge void that needed to be filled. As a single mother, I recognized the importance of having a trusted service to ensure that children, customers, and other employees are not at risk."
Caruso continues, "I'm proud that what started as a simple dream has grown into the thriving company Mind Your Business is today. I'm grateful to those who have helped us achieve this level of success."
With the assistance of SBA sponsored counseling and training through SCORE and the North Carolina Small Business Technology and Development Center, Caruso has grown Mind Your Business exponentially from its humble beginnings.
Today, Mind Your Business employs 15 full time employees and several hundred sub-contractors, and serves over 1500 businesses worldwide.
Despite the tough economy, Mind Your Business posted record profits in 2009 and 2010, due in large part to its dedicated management team.
The empowering story of Mind Your Business's inception - combined with Caruso's continued corporate leadership - perfectly align with the characteristics required of a U.S. Small Business Person of the Year honoree.