And Baby Makes Three When one boss brings an infant into a fledgling firm, it steps up the challenge.
By Steve Sears
Opinions expressed by BIZ Experiences contributors are their own.
Michele Lanfrank and Susan Belfer launched Lanfrank +Belfer Communications in Red Bank, New Jersey, in 2002. With"ideas so grandiose," says Lanfrank, 31, the firm grewquickly and significantly. Then in 2003, Belfer gave birth to herfirst child, Eva.
"Michele took on two roles after Eva's birth,"says Belfer, 35. "She managed accounts, pulling it alltogether, while I wrote from home. But Lanfrank + Belfer was myfirst child, and I had a choice to make." So after working upuntil her due date, Belfer returned to her company's officewith Eva in tow--two and a half weeks later.
The challenge of moving the business forward after Eva'sbirth has given the duo and their 10 staff more fire. "Wedefinitely had to reprioritize and keep going forward," Belfersays of the company, which has projected 2005 earnings near $1million. "We've been each others''lessons'--I've taught Michele patience, she'staught me strength."
