Caroline Caskey-Goodner is UpSpring Baby’s highly driven, yet totally fun-loving CEO.  With Caroline at the helm, our team has been able to grow our business with creative freedom, positive energy, and a collaborative environment.

Caroline grew up in Houston, Texas and earned her undergraduate degree at Duke.  She then went on to earn her business degree at Rice University.  In 1993 she founded and operated Identigene, a company that did DNA identification testing.  In 1997 she sold Identigene to another strategic company in the same space.   She also founded and was CEO of MendelWorks, a DNA lab focused on research scientists who use genetically-engineered mice to do their research and sold it in 2007.

Caroline’s husband, Sam Goodner is also an entrepreneur and was recently interviewed about his business and family in the Austin Business Journal.

Caroline was kind enough to answer some get-to-know-her questions for us:

Q:     What was was the biggest factor influenced your decision to join UpSpring Baby?

A:     The amazingly creative and desirable products and the terrific people.

Q:     What are you most proud of about how UpSpring Baby has developed since you’ve been at the helm?

A:     Launching a new product (Shrinkx Hips) successfully.

Q:     What has been your greatest challenge since you’ve joined UpSpring Baby–something that really forced you to push your own limits?

A:     Learning to work with investors, founders, and other stakeholders.  At my previous companies, I was the sole owner and stakeholder.

Q:     You have two children, ages 6 1/2 and 5).   How has being a mother changed your perception of business and particularly of UpSpring Baby’s mission?

A:     Sam Jackson – age 6 ½ and Catherine – age 5.  Being a mother, I see how practical and beneficial certain products can be for every day use.  While I used to provide a fairly technical scientific service, the products at UpSpring are helpful because they address unmet needs that matter to moms.

Q:     What has been the most rewarding thing about becoming a mother for you?

A:     Watching my kids learn, laugh, and develop their own very distinct personalities.  And hugs and kisses.

Q:     What advice would you give to women who want to balance motherhood with entrepreneurship?

A:      Each woman has to decide for herself what makes her most comfortable as a mother.  Many women choose to stay at home full time – I so respect that.  But for others like me, I feel best when I have the work/entrepreneurship outlet.  I know I’m a better mother when I’m also working, but the balance is never easy.  There are always moments when you wonder if you’re giving enough of yourself at home or at work.

Q:     What is your favorite book to read to your children?

A:     I loved reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to them…it was longer than the typical book we read together, but they had to use their imaginations when picturing the action.  I hope to instill a major love of books in them!

Q:     Do you have any recommendations for books, websites or other resources that have been particularly helpful for you and your husband in your journey through motherhood?

A:      As both of my kids are learning to read, I’ve used Headsprout, an online learning to read video game program that has really helped them improve.  And the parents are very active in helping with the process.

Q:     What is your favorite children’s charity and why?

A:      The Beyond Batten’s Foundation.  It is near and dear to me because a good friend has a child with this horrible disease.  It’s a very rare genetic disorder that is slow and difficult for the patient and the family.  My friends founded the charity and have already done amazing things with it.  I have high hopes that they will meet their mission to eradicate this disease.  Along the way, they will help identify hundreds of other “orphan” (rare) diseases in children with a new test they are developing.  I strongly recommend going to www.beyondbatten.org and if you are as moved as I am, make a donation!  Anything helps.

Q:     What would you like to see from UpSpring Baby as a business in the coming years?

A:     To be known as the leading innovator of consumer products for moms and babies in the health, wellness, and safety areas.