First Friday Female Founder Feature: Brooke Markevicius
This month’s First Friday Female Founder post features Brooke Markevicius, Founder and CEO of Allobee. I was first introduced to Brooke when she hosted a workshop for WALTER Magazine’s WINnovation Summit about “How to Sustainably Build Your Team & Track YourSuccess”, where I was blown away by Brooke’s knowledge, professionalism and true care for each of the business owners seeking her help. As a fellow member of the National Association of Women Business Owners, Brooke regularly reinforces and is able to carry out her commitment to bettering the multi-passionate female entrepreneurs who desperately need her. I know that you, too, will be blown away by Brooke, whether in this interview, through her team or following @HireAllobee on social media across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Enjoy this peek inside the mind and heart of this absolute rock star!
Brooke Markevicius started her career in nonprofit management and, then, discovered a love of all things technology as she was fixing everyone’s computer issues and suggesting ways to upgrade their systems. This love of technology propelled her to get a Masters in Computer Information Systems from Boston University. She went on to work at Postmates in Operations until realizing its lack of flexibility for her as a new mother. After doing freelance web development and IT project management, Brooke co-founded a co-working space for moms, The Pod Works. There, she saw that moms had created their own little economy, buying and selling each other's goods and services. To get moms paid more and on a bigger scale, Brooke took her tech skills as well as love for supporting mom-owned businesses and merged them into one idea, Allobee, an agile, all-encompassing, business team solution. Brooke has a Bachelors in History & Education from Appalachian State University and a Masters of Computer Information Systems from Boston University. She lives in Durham, NC with her two kids, Lily & Lukas, her husband and their two rescue dogs.
First Friday Female Founder Feature:
Brooke Markevicius
How would you describe your company and the products / services you offer?
Allobee is a one stop business solution for the overwhelmed entrepreneur and small business owner. Our managed marketplace connects business owners with a fully vetted workforce of women who have left or been forced out of the 9 to 5. We utilize leading technologies paired with our workforce to support your business so you can Scale Simply.
We offer services ranging from virtual assistants to all areas of digital marketing, web design and development, bookkeeping and more. We offer hourly work, project based and even micro-jobs or short projects.
Why did you start your company?
To get moms paid more and on a bigger scale. The idea began in 2018, but the company was founded in 2019 as I realized that others were facing the same struggles as me needing more flexibility to be the mother I wanted to be.
What has been the most rewarding part of your journey in founding this company?
Providing paid flexible work to women and getting to work with an amazing all female team that has my back.
About what are you most proud?
Getting to where we have so far as a small and scrappy team while not letting go of our values.
Are you naturally organized, was it a skill you learned or is it something with which you regularly struggle, and what tips or tools do you use to stay your most organized?
I am definitely not a super organized person, but I found a method that works for me. My life is in Google Calendar so I know where to be and when. My team keeps me organized in our shared drives for Google, and, then, I have a daily checklist on my phone Notes app. Nothing fancy!
Who’s the one person who changed your life, and why?
My grandmother, Nancy. She was an energizer bunny and loved life and her work. She had a strong work ethic, loved her family, was very well read, loved to travel and was feisty. She worked as a real estate agent until she was almost 90. She taught me that you can be a mom and have a career and love life.
What words of wisdom would you have for someone who is overwhelmed with staying organized and / or productive?
Do not over think it. Start small and in one area of your life or business and slowly move throughout to organize the rest. Also, consolidate; you do not need all the productivity apps.
Do you use technology to help stay productive or organized? If so, what’s your favorite program, app or tech tool?
Google Calendar and Asana are my favorites and keep me the most organized.
How do you feel about work/life efficiency or integration in your life, including any tips or challenges for managing the personal and professional commitments in your life?
I feel we have different seasons of our life that might be fuller with work commitments or personal life. I think time blocking to make sure you include both is important.
About what causes are you most passionate?
Getting women paid for flexible work, parental leave and affordable childcare
What have you found to be the most effective way to relax after a long day or super long week?
Curled up with a book and a blanket on the swing at our mountain house.
What is your favorite author/book?
Such a hard one as I love to read! I am a big fan of Sue Monk Kidd and love her books.
What is your favorite inspirational quote?
"Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn't be that women are the exception." Ruth Bader Ginsburg
What is your go-to accessory?
I am so not fashionable, but I do love a cute purse.
What are the fundamentals of your beauty routine?
I am probably not the person to ask about this, but I do *try*. I have a facial steamer, microdermabrasion wand and a facial exfoliator at home. I wash with the exfoliator most days and use the other two once a week. I love Alpyn Beauty products and, then, makeup from Beauty Counter.
What is your favorite food?
Anything Mediterranean
Of the locally-owned and -operated establishments in the place you currently live, which are your top 3 favorites and why?
Cocoa Cinnamon Coffee because I am a coffee snob and theirs is the best hands down.
Pompieri Pizza because I love wood-fired pizza.
Viceroy because their paneer makhanwala is to die for.
What is your favorite place that you have visited?
I love the mountains of North Carolina; it is my happy place.
What streaming show or movie could you watch on an endless loop?
The Holiday
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
To create more time in a day
What advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Be Bold and believe in your own power.
If you could have lunch with anyone (living or deceased), who would it be and why?
I feel like this changes for me often. Today, it would be Reese Witherspoon. I love what she has built with Hello Sunshine, her advocacy work and just being an awesome mom and actress.
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