Deb Schwarz, LCC in CA
What was your professional background before becoming an LCC?
I was a marketing researcher and advertising executive for Fortune 500 companies (e.g. Pillsbury, Del Monte, BBDO, Landor) and then had my own market research business before having four children. I'm now a realtor, along with being an LCC. On the volunteer front, I've facilitated groups for adoptees and battered women. I have a degree in Social Psychology and a graduate degree in Market Research. I definitely use my marketing, sales and psychology skills in the LCC role. How did you find out about the LCC opportunity? After having triplets (plus one), our family was introduced to the wonderful world of au pairs. We have had 15 au pairs over the past 11 years (sometimes two at a time) and prior to having children, we were world travelers and have lived abroad in Australia, Scotland and England. My own LCC at the time told me about the opportunity, and since many host families were already calling me for advice, I thought it made sense to earn some money for all those phone calls! What is a typical day for you as an LCC? I spend a lot of time on the computer: prospecting for au pairs, helping with matching sales outside my area and within my town, on the phone troubleshooting issues with au pairs and host families and planning fun meetings. I also might have a host family interview during the day or sometimes at night. The hours are very flexible so I find that I can be on the computer at night when the kids are in bed (while I try and watch my favorite shows in the background). What was your favorite trip that you've earned as an LCC and why? My favorite adventure was Stockholm, because it was my first. Up until that time, my husband was skeptical about the compensation scale, but when he spent time in the sauna with the President of Cultural Care—and met the fun and inspiring staff at the company (and bonded while jumping in the freezing cold lake with them)—then he was sold on the merits of the company and the job. Another trip that I really enjoyed was 10 wonderfully warm days in Australia in November (their summer) and the side trip to the Great Barrier Reef with my Cultural Care LCC friends. I also got to see two of our previous au pairs and it was so much fun catching up with them. What are your thoughts on how what you earn as an LCC? The international travel, making friends and networking in your community is probably the best bonus of the job (besides the satisfaction of helping others). I get a lot of leads for my other business (real estate) which contributes significantly to my compensation. Visit Deb's website to learn more about her host families and au pairs. |
Yes! I'm interested in the LCC position
Please contact me about the local childcare coordinator position in my area.
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