A head shot of Fran Maier, Founder of Match and Founder and CEO of BabyQuip. Fran is a white woman with shoulder-length brown hair and brown eyes. She is smiling and wearing a black-and-white patterned shirt, a gray-and-white pearl necklace, and dangling gold earrings with white stones.
Fran Maier encourages entrepreneurs to leverage the power of community, like her company BabyQuip does with its network of Quality Providers. — Fran Maier

If you could create your own fantasy board of directors, who would be on it? CO— connects you with thought leaders from across the business spectrum and asks them to help solve your biggest business challenges. In this edition, we ask an expert about how women can thrive as entrepreneurs.

In this edition of “Ask the Board,” we feature Fran Maier, Founder and CEO of BabyQuip, a baby gear rental company designed to make travel easier for parents in over 2000 markets worldwide. Fran is also the face behind other well-known business ventures, including Match.com and TrustArc (formerly TRUSTe). She shares her top career advice for female entrepreneurs and small business owners.

As an accomplished entrepreneur, investor, and fundraiser, I’ve pioneered game-changing solutions that have disrupted industries, built trusted brands, and driven growth and valuation. With these tips, you can follow my footsteps and enjoy unparalleled success.

Start with a strong mission and vision

A clear mission has been the cornerstone of every business I’ve launched. At Match.com, the goal was simple: to help people find love! With BabyQuip, our vision is to make family travel easier while empowering individuals—especially women—to earn income through the gig economy. Your mission should be a guiding light. It keeps you focused, inspires your team, and resonates with your customers. Think about what problem you’re solving and why it matters. That clarity will keep you going, even when things get tough.

Understand the importance of trust

Whether building a customer base, forging partnerships, or leading a team, trust is essential. It’s hard to earn and easy to lose, so I prioritize transparency, consistency, and delivering on promises. At BabyQuip, parents trust us to provide gear for their most precious cargo—their children. That’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly, which is why we focus so much on safety, quality, and customer experience. If you want to succeed as an entrepreneur, make trust a core part of your business.

Don’t be afraid to be the ‘first’

As the first female founder of Match.com, I broke barriers and paved the way for innovation. Similarly, with BabyQuip, I embraced the challenge of merging the gig economy with family traveling with young children. Being the first at something is never easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Women know their market! If you see an opportunity others don’t, lean into it. Take calculated risks and trust your instincts—they’re often your best guide.

Leverage the power of community

The BabyQuip community is one of the most rewarding aspects of our business. Our Quality Providers—mostly moms—don’t just rent baby gear; they deliver peace of mind to families. Entrepreneurship doesn’t have to be a solo journey. Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your community will lift you when you need it most.

Your mission should be a guiding light. It keeps you focused, inspires your team, and resonates with your customers.

Fran Maier, Co-Founder of Match.com and Founder and CEO of BabyQuip

Adapt when necessary

The business landscape is constantly changing. At BabyQuip, we’ve pivoted several times, adding new rental categories, including luxury baby gear rentals, beach [gear], and now even pet gear rentals, [and] bought and expanded a baby gear cleaning business during the pandemic. Your ability to adapt will define your success as an entrepreneur. Stay curious, listen to feedback, and don’t be afraid to change course when needed. Flexibility isn’t a weakness—it’s a superpower.

Balance big picture thinking with details

I’m naturally a big-picture thinker, but I’ve learned that execution matters just as much as vision. Paying attention to operational details ensures scalability and builds trust. Dream big, but don’t overlook the nuts and bolts. It’s the small, consistent efforts that deliver results. As a leader, know when to zoom out and when to dive in.

Celebrate small wins

Entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint. At BabyQuip, every milestone—whether onboarding a new Quality Provider or helping a family enjoy a stress-free vacation—feels like a victory. Take time to acknowledge your progress. Celebrating small wins fuels your motivation and reminds you why you started in the first place.

Empower yourself financially

Understanding the financial side of your business is critical. At BabyQuip, I’ve created a platform that allows individuals to earn income on their terms, empowering many women to take control of their financial futures. Know your numbers, plan for growth, and invest wisely. Financial literacy isn’t just empowering—it’s the key to building something sustainable.

Lift as you climb

One of the most fulfilling parts of my career has been creating opportunities for others. At BabyQuip, we’re not just helping families—we’re empowering our Quality Providers to build their own businesses. As you grow, think about how you can lift others along the way. Whether it’s mentoring, creating jobs, or sharing your knowledge, the impact you make on others will be one of the greatest measures of your success.

Be confident

Go out and do it! Don’t get overwhelmed by the details and the endless to-dos. Don’t get discouraged by the difficult funding environment. Take one step at a time and lean into all of your superpowers!

CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.

CO—is committed to helping you start, run and grow your small business. Learn more about the benefits of small business membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, here.

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