The Healthy Buildings Guru
www.healthyhomereports.com
New Economy Green Business Launched
In 2005 Robin Pharo started her business, Healthy Homes, with a single idea - to make homes healthier for homeowners and for the environment. Since then Pharo’s successful business has evolved to offer consulting services to developers of primarily multifamily housing and commercial projects. She also provides training throughout the U.S. and runs the Green Built Home Verifiers Program. Healthy Homes was a recipient of a 2009 Dane County Small Business award.
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) helps Entrepreneur Build Successful Business
“I ended up working with (UW-Madison SBDC) business advisor, Jack Reiners (in 2006),” notes Pharo. “Jack has been phenomenal. We’ve continued to work with him as my issues have gotten bigger and as we’ve grown. Every strategic decision we make in the company doesn’t happen unless we talk to Jack about it.”
Pharo also credits Reiners for Healthy Homes’ strategic vision. That critical relationship with Reiners has led to other SBDC connections for Pharo, including an opportunity to be on Joan Gillman’s radio show. Gillman also introduced Pharo to Sarah White, whom she hired to edit her book. And SBDC education program manager, Barry Roberts, has worked with Pharo on various seminars.
“We have been blessed in being a part of the support services at SBDC,” adds Pharo. “They are as excited about my successes as I am. I don’t know if they treat every client this special, but they make me feel as if I am one of their top clients.”
Most recently Pharo spun off another business, Resource Robin, which offers consulting and expertise on sustainability across a range of categories. Some of that expertise can be found in Pharo’s soon-to-be-released book, “You Don’t Have to Wear Hemp Underwear,” which will go on sale on Earth Day, April 22.
Employment Grows with Success
Healthy Homes currently employs five people and is in the process of hiring two additional employees. Pharo started working with the UW-Madison Small Business Development Center (SBDC) when she was considering her first hire.
Pharo hopes to continue growing her successful business, adding employees and services. “My goal is to be at a point where our employees have an ownership stake in our company, and I’m able to be on the road promoting the book and speaking on that side of the business.”
She adds, “We want to make sure that our employees aren’t swallowed up the corporate world: that we are a company that cares for our employees. Jack saw that vision. He reminds us of that vision and helps us find that path.”
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