Rediscovering Work-Life Balance: A Mission for Parents

Imagine this: You’ve built years of professional experience as an executive assistant, but when family life takes priority, you’re forced to put your career on hold. Does that mean leaving behind financial independence and the skills you’ve worked so hard to master? For many parents, this is the harsh reality, leaving them torn between the demands of parenthood and their professional aspirations.

This is precisely the struggle that inspired Andrew Lazar, co-founder of Lazar & Company, to carve out a new path. Having spent over 13 years as an Executive and Personal Assistant, Andrew and his wife, Nicole, faced the challenge of juggling demanding careers with raising a family. Both knew they weren’t alone in this dilemma, and they resolved to empower others to bridge the gap between parenthood and meaningful work with a simple yet game-changing idea: virtual executive assistance for stay-at-home parents.

"We wanted a way to help parents stay connected to the professional world while cherishing the priceless early years with their kids," explains Andrew Lazar.

Lazar & Company transforms how businesses hire executive assistants by connecting them with skilled parents who bring years of expertise to the table—all while working remotely. The result? Business owners get top-tier executive support, and parents regain their professional identity, financial freedom, and—most importantly—their time with family.

Breaking the Mold with Flexible Opportunities

What sets Lazar & Company apart is its wholehearted commitment to redefining traditional work models. Their approach centers on providing:

• Flexible schedules: Parents can work on their own terms while managing family responsibilities.
• Skills-based opportunities: Every virtual assistant role is tailored to match the professional expertise of stay-at-home moms and dads.
• Supportive networks: By fostering a community of like-minded professionals, Lazar & Company ensures that parents feel empowered, not isolated.

This isn’t just about filling roles; it’s about creating a win-win ecosystem where businesses thrive and parents flourish.

Curious? Here’s What Makes Their Journey Extraordinary

Andrew’s journey from navigating early-stage challenges to building a scalable, family-first business model is nothing short of inspiring. In the sections ahead, we’ll dive into:

• Key strategies that fueled Lazar & Company’s trajectory—from bootstrapping to leveraging referrals.
• Actionable steps for founders seeking to scale and individuals looking for flexible career options.
• Andrew’s personal insights on balancing entrepreneurship with parenthood and paving the way for lasting success.

Ready to see how Lazar & Company is revolutionizing remote work for parents? Let’s unpack their journey and uncover lessons that might just inspire your next big breakthrough.

Addressing a Major Problem: Work-Life Balance for Parents

Imagine being a parent who’s spent years building a career in executive assistance, only to find yourself sacrificing that hard-earned expertise when life demands you to become a stay-at-home parent. This dilemma isn’t uncommon, nor is it any less daunting for parents who find themselves losing financial independence and the professional identity they once carried with pride. Balancing work and parenting, particularly in a traditional 9-to-5 setting, often comes at a high emotional and financial cost.

Andrew Lazar, co-founder of Lazar & Company, understands this pain point firsthand. After over 13 years in the field as an Executive and Personal Assistant, Andrew and his wife Nicole experienced this struggle when they started their own family. They realized that traditional office roles weren’t conducive to spending valuable early years with their child while staying professionally engaged. This realization birthed Lazar & Company, a solution designed to empower stay-at-home parents with remote work opportunities that tap into their existing skills.

Lazar & Company offers virtual executive assistance services, but they’re not like other VA agencies. They specifically focus on providing opportunities to stay-at-home moms and dads who have prior experience in executive or personal assistance. These individuals can use the skills they’ve spent years honing without sacrificing the joys of parenting or compromising on income potential.

"We were meant to stay with the kids and build strong bonds during those crucial early years—just like other mammals do. Why should it be different for us as humans?" shared Andrew Lazar during an episode of the Founder Show Podcast.

By matching business clients with experienced virtual assistants and fostering a flexible work model, Andrew is creating a win-win paradigm. Clients receive professional and reliable support, while parents regain a sense of purpose and financial independence without leaving the comfort of their home. It’s a thoughtful solution to a problem that so many parents face, but few have the resources to address.

A Guide to Key Learnings from Lazar & Company

1. Bootstrap Like a Pro

• When starting Lazar & Company, Andrew relied on bootstrapping to save resources. He built the company website on his own, sought feedback from web developers, and made necessary tweaks.
• Utilizing tools like automated email campaigns with Apollo.io and leveraging LinkedIn marketing, Andrew minimized costs while attracting clients early on.
• Embrace the DIY mindset wherever possible—it can save thousands of dollars during early stages.

2. Referrals Are Gold

• Andrew emphasized that much of their client base originated from referrals. Providing excellent service encourages clients to recommend your business to others.
• Create a referral-worthy client experience: responsiveness, professionalism, and meeting deadlines go a long way.

3. Personalization for Every Client

• Unlike traditional agencies, Lazar & Company tailors each assistant-client matchmaking process. They evaluate client needs through discovery calls and recruit the perfect assistant for the job.
• A single cookie-cutter approach won’t work; personalize every match to build trust and long-term client relationships.

4. Build a Flexible Work Model

• Allowing employees and contractors to work flexible hours can boost productivity. Andrew noted that as long as tasks are completed on time, the execution schedule can remain fluid.
• This model enhances work-life balance for both clients and assistants, ensuring higher satisfaction on both sides.

5. Compatibility and Trust Are Key

• Andrew shared that the relationship between an executive assistant and their client thrives on compatibility and trust.
• Take steps to vet assistants thoroughly and ensure they align with your company’s values and client expectations.
• Even when mismatches occur, ensure smooth transitions to maintain professionalism and client trust.

6. Navigate Challenges with Creativity

• Marketing remains one of the biggest challenges for Lazar & Company. To address this, they’ve partnered with organizations like Sponsorship Concierge and are exploring unique avenues like brand collaborations.
• Every startup faces its unique hurdles; staying resourceful and open to partnerships can help you address challenges effectively.

7. Prioritize Family While Scaling

• Lazar & Company is proof that building a business doesn’t have to cost your personal life. The company’s flexible structure allows Andrew and Nicole to spend quality time with their kids while still running a thriving startup.
• If family life is non-negotiable, build processes and systems that allow your business to sustain itself without your constant involvement.

8. Plan for the Long Game

• Andrew advises founders to commit to a 5-year timeline when starting a business. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and resilience is critical.
• Highs and lows are part of every entrepreneurial journey—sticking with your vision through tough times is what separates successful startups from those that fail.

Actionable Steps for Entrepreneurs and Professionals

Whether you’re a founder navigating early-stage struggles or a professional exploring new opportunities, here are some practical tips inspired by Andrew Lazar’s journey:

For Founders

1. Start Lean: Build your business with minimal resources until you establish a consistent revenue stream.
2. Leverage Your Network: Existing connections can lead to referrals and partnerships, so invest in building genuine relationships.
3. Customize Your Approach: Go the extra mile to tailor your service or product to individual customer needs.

For Professionals

1. Refine Your Skills: Prior experience can be your greatest asset—continue honing your abilities to remain competitive.
2. Seek Flexibility: Remote opportunities like those at Lazar & Company prove that achieving work-life balance is possible.
3. Be Open to Change: Transitioning from an in-person role to a virtual workspace can re-open professional doors while improving quality of life.

Above all, remember to focus on long-term goals while giving your all in the present moment. Whether scaling a business or returning to work in a new capacity, consistency and persistence pay off.

Be Featured on Founder Show: Amplify Your Startup Story

Do you have an inspiring startup story that deserves to be shared with the world? At the Founder Show, we highlight early-stage founders, entrepreneurs, and small business owners who are making a mark in their industries. We believe in the power of stories—your wins, challenges, and learnings can inspire countless others on similar journeys.

By joining us, you’ll get the chance to:

• Share your unique founder journey
• Pitch your startup to a wide audience
• Connect with investors and growth opportunities
• Benefit from sharp, VC-style questions designed to showcase your vision
• Gain exposure through our podcast, videos, and blog

To apply, visit Founder Spotlight and sign up to be featured on our podcast and blog. This is your opportunity to amplify your mission, inspire others, and grow your network. The startup ecosystem thrives on shared experiences. Your story could be the next big inspiration!

Let’s make your entrepreneurial journey a spotlight moment. Don’t miss out!