By: Maria Williams

Professional success often demands persistent focus on the bottom line. Therefore, it’s truly notable to witness individuals who dedicate their careers to making a tangible, positive impact. Such individuals recognize gaps within their field and commit to creating solutions that drive meaningful change. The journey of Sharon Lurtsema, the CEO and Founder of CorporateCARE Solutions (CCS), embodies this essence of compassion and innovation.

Sharon moved to New York City to care for four boys in 1990. As a nanny for a family that treated her like one of their own, she experienced the importance of quality care firsthand. This experience sparked her desire to provide professional Child and Adult Care services, leading her to launch her first business (nanny and adult care agency) after returning to the Grand Canyon state. 

Sharon’s agency flourished from its humble beginnings of operating out of her father’s home with only a typewriter, phone, and an ad in the newspaper. Over the next three decades since its establishment in 1992, the founder expanded the company’s services from child to adult care, pet care, housekeeping, house and pet sitting, and sick and emergency backup childcare. Sharon is one of the original pioneers of employer-sponsored Backup Care. Being the innovative soul that she is, Sharon recognized that a national solution is essential in this sector. 

In 2014, while running a successful nanny and adult care agency she opportunistically launched CCS, to serve her clients nationally. It was not until she divested her agency in 2022 that she decided to focus exclusively on Uberizing the Backup Care industry. The CEO understood the impact of absenteeism on employers and the necessity for advanced, affordable Backup Care. She then made it her mission to empower individuals to thrive in both their professional and personal lives by providing reliable and compassionate care.

Prior to the pandemic, Backup Care has been viewed as a luxury or nice-to-have benefit, often unaffordable for most employers. Sharon believes ensuring employees can get to work despite family care disruptions shouldn’t be considered a luxury. After all, such support is necessary for maintaining a present and productive workforce. The visionary drives this change through CCS, advocating for Backup Care to be recognized and valued nationwide.

It’s worth noting that while solidifying the forward-thinking company’s presence, Sharon encountered personal challenges that tested her strength and resolve. She navigated a divorce, several relocations, and a battle with breast cancer, which forced her to undergo multiple surgeries. These trials were among the most difficult periods of her life. However, her commitment to caregiving guided her to focus on the impact she could make through her work.

Sharon has always been determined to make a difference. “The thought I had back then was there was no time for setbacks. I told myself, ‘I had a business to build and lives to impact.’ Knowing that motivated me to move forward,” the woman leader remarks. Essentially, CCS has provided her with purpose and spotlighted the vital role of caregiving in all aspects. 

The founder utilized the insights she gained through decades of experience in the caregiving industry regarding what works and what needs improvement to develop the most disruptive technology in the industry. Truly Uberizing Backup Care by connecting employees, employers, care providers, caregivers, and CCS in one unified platform.  “Our vast experience ensures our solutions are practical and effective. Having lived and breathed this industry, I believe our award-winning technology and a pay-as-you-go model, are game changers for this industry, delivering an unmatched solution,” she adds.

With her contributions to the field, Sharon received The Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) Celebrating Innovation in the Workplace Leadership Award in 2014. This is in recognition of her ability to adapt to changing business demands and inspire a culture of ownership. The following year, she was awarded second place in the Outstanding Entrepreneur category by the Women of Influence Awards, celebrating her impact on the community and business world. 

She was also awarded the Technology and Progress Improvement Award by the Society for Human Resources Management in 2018 and the 2019 Executive Excellence Award by Tucson Business. In 2022, CCS earned recognition from Wells Fargo for Innovation by The Copper Cactus Awards. 

Given her expertise, Sharon served as a featured panelist for the Get Started Pitch Competition, providing valuable feedback to budding entrepreneurs. The hardworking woman, always striving to gain knowledge and improve her skills, and a graduate of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program.

Sharon Lurtsema’s journey serves as an inspiration to those who seek to make a positive difference, proving that remarkable impact is achievable with heart and dedication. Through CorporateCARE Solutions, she continues to initiate change in Backup Care and transform the lives of individuals and families. 

Published by: Khy Talara