Crib Sheet #33: Plumtree Press & Marketing’s Linda Coss.

This resourceful momtrepreneur has turned a very personal, real issue in her family life into a highly successful book publishing business and then company.  Read on about Linda Coss’ great successes…and then pass it on.

What business did you start up?

I have two businesses:
•    Plumtree Press is my book publishing business, formed in 2000 to publish my first book, “What’s to Eat? The Milk-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-Free Food Allergy Cookbook.” Since then I have published two additional titles, all meant to help fellow parents of severely food-allergic children cope with this difficult condition.

•    Plumtree Marketing, formed in 2006, is my freelance marketing writing business. I help businesses (primarily small, entrepreneurial companies) succeed by writing targeted and effective copy for their websites, brochures, newsletters, and other marketing materials.

What motivated you to do it?

•    Plumtree Press: When my oldest son was first diagnosed with life-threatening food allergies, this was an extremely uncommon and almost unknown condition. Very few resources were available. Once I learned to accommodate his special needs I was motivated by my desire to help others do the same for their children.

•    Plumtree Marketing: I’m really quite a homebody, and the thought of being my own boss and working from home was very appealing to me. When I looked back on my many years in the marketing field I realized that what I truly enjoy the most is writing. So becoming a freelance copywriter was a perfect fit!

How many children do you have, and how old are they?

I have two boys, ages 16 and 19 (and my 19-year-old is now off at college).

How long have you been running your business?

Since 2000 and 2005.

How long did it take you to start becoming profitable and/or successful, however you chose to measure success?

•    Plumtree Press: Financially my first book broke even in about a year or so. However, I considered it an amazing success when three months after releasing this book I had an experience that made the entire project worth while: my book may have saved a little girl’s life.

To make a long story short, here’s what happened. There was a mom who had a heart attack and went into a coma. While her husband stood vigil at her hospital bed, her sister-in-law came in to care for their two small children, one of whom (a 3-year-old girl) had life-threatening food allergies. This little girl immediately ended up in the hospital with a severe allergic reaction, because the aunt didn’t know how to cook for her or what to do. The aunt reached me, I overnighted my cookbook to her (plus gave her a bunch of advice), and this woman was then able to successfully care for the children for the next few weeks. Eventually the mom came out of her coma, and last I heard everyone was doing well.

•    Plumtree Marketing: Within a year my income exceeded my income from my previous job.

How did your family react to you starting your own business?

They were very supportive.

Easiest part of your job?

Doing work that I love.

Hardest part of your job?

Stopping. I can be quite a workaholic. That’s the problem with doing work that you love!

What skill would you most like to improve?

Sales.

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

Creating books that have helped over 20,000 families to make delicious dairy-, egg-, and nut-free food, and to keep their children safe and alive.

Favorite part of a typical day?

My morning walk.

A few more questions, just because American Express should be featuring more momtrepreneurs…

Childhood ambition….I assumed that because I was born in Hollywood I would be a movie star.
Indulgence….dark chocolate.
Last purchase…..alarm clock.
My Life…..is wonderful.