New York Kids Club

Company: New York Kids Club
Company Description: The New York Kids Club is Manhattan's premiere childhood enrichment facility. Founded in 2001 by mother of four Pam Wolf, the company has grown to six locations in little over seven years.
Nomination Category: Individual Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Mentor of the Year

Nomination Title: New York Kids Club Founder, Pam Wolf; Mentor of the Year

1. Describe for the judges the nominated individual's activities and accomplishments that supported women in business during the eligibility period (up to 500 words):

Pam Wolf is an extraordinary mentor to young business women.

A mother of four, and the successful entrepreneurial guru behind the 7 million
dollar per year New York based New York Kids Club, shares that more than 98%
of her employees happen to be under the age of 30.

“Employees need to feel valued, appreciated and encouraged each and every day.
As a company we are constantly seeking to find new and creative ways to
recognize, mentor and inspire our team,” explains Wolf.

In addition to providing mini-medical and vacation package plans to hourly
employees, the New York Kids Club hosts monthly company wide social
gatherings, an annual “Employee Achievement Awards” presentation honoring the
individual and team accomplishments of New York Kids Club employees and a
quarterly “Founder’s Five” cocktail party for five top employees at the home of Ms.
Wolf.

Ms. Wolf explains that, “While compensating employees is important, I believe
mentorship, coupled with inspiring energy and creativity ultimately translates to
happier employees and by way a more enriching experience for our clients.”

I personally began my tenure with the New York Kids Club as a ballet instructor at
the flagship location on Manhattan's Upper West Side.

By way of Ms. Wolf's guidance, support and ongoing belief, I progressed quickly in
the company to the position of Director of Operations and Development,
overseeing the day to day happenings of six New York locations, as well as,
playing a role in the evaluation of future partnership, collaborations and
developments.

Those who have benefited from Pam's selfless mentorship are known in the
company to have earned their WMBA (a Wolf MBA); an honor taken very seriosly
by those fortunate enough to have blossomed under Ms. Wolf's leadership.

2. List the URLs (web addresses) of any online news stories, press releases, or other documents that you would like the judges to see that support your entry. IMPORTANT: List each URL on a separate line, begin each URL with http://, and enclose each URL in square brackets. For example, [http://www.yourcompany.com/pressrelease.html]:

http://www.nykidsclub.com/founder.cfm
http://www.nykidsclub.com
http://www.entrepreneur.com/magazine/entrepreneur/2008/january/187698.html
http://www.brooklyneagle.com/search/index.php

3. Provide a brief biography of the nominated individual (up to 100 words):

Founder - Pam Wolf

Founded by Pamela Wolf in September of 2001, the New York Kids Club has
grown to become New York’s premiere enrichment center for children 6 months –
12 years.

Ms. Wolf, who was recently recognized as one of 2008’s top female entrepreneurs
of the year by Entrepreneur Magazine, paired her extensive business background
with her experience as a mother of four, to build a strong foundation for the
organization that has grown to include five locations, with a sixth opening in
Battery Park City fall of 2008.

Under Ms. Wolf’s visionary leadership, the New York Kids Club is constantly
seeking to set new industry standards in the areas of children’s curriculum,
customer service, cleanliness and community involvement.

“We are the kids club with heart,” says Ms. Wolf, “our team is committed to
creating communities at each of our locations and special and long lasting
relationships with our clients.”

This commitment to community extends to all facets of the organization from
contributions to school auctions and selection of staff volunteer committee
activities to the many employee enrichment and recognition programs she has
implemented to inspire and motivate her teams of educators and
administrators. “My employees are my greatest asset,” says Ms. Wolf.

Of the several successful businesses Ms. Wolf has owned in New York, she is
most proud of the New York Kids Club. “Celebrating a child’s growth and being a
part of their first experiences is extraordinarily rewarding,” she shares.