Today we’d like to introduce you to Dulany Reeves Dent.
Hi Dulany, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in Wilmington, Delaware, where I was one of a few girls who voluntarily played three sports ia year. I thrived on the camaraderie and excitement of being part of a team and went on to play two Division I sports at Colgate University. I was elected team captain of every team that I played on which speaks to my ability to peronally connect, empathize, and lead. At Colgate, I majored in economics and was deeply influenced by my advisor, Jill Tiefenthaler (now CEO of National Geographic Society). Her course, Economics of the Family, sparked a passion in me for understanding gender roles and the ensuing wage gap. I proceeded to write my senior thesis on how child care and household responsibilities impact women’s earning potential – and the economy as a whole – and it became clear to me even then that solving the child care crisis was key to advancing gender equity in the workforce.
After working in finance and private equity, I realized I was itching for something more. I moved to San Francisco to work for an internet startup focused on increasing the number of women in leadership. It was founded by a fellow Colgate alum/women’s soccer player, and I was convinced (this was during the dot.com boom) that we were going to be the game-changer for changing and equalizing gender roles in the work force. My career path then led me to Wharton for my MBA where I took a course called Entrepreneurship through Acquisition (ETA) that really resonated with me. But it wasn’t until I became a mother and personally struggled to find reliable child care that everything clicked. When I used The Nanny Network to find a nanny for my son, it changed my life and my career. I reached out to the founder about buying the business, and a few weeks later, we met for coffee and struck a deal. That was 19 years ago, and I’ve been steadily building the company ever since, helping families, companies, and caregivers thrive.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being an entrepreneur while raising three children has been one of my greatest challenges. I’ve always been intentional about being present for my kids, but the consequence of that is that finding focus, and time to concentrate, has been incredibly difficult. Everything feels important—whether it’s supporting my children through life’s ups and downs or showing up for my team to foster the right culture and drive growth. The emotional labor required on both fronts is real, and prioritizing one often means feeling like I’m shortchanging the other (or my own self-care).
In the in-home child care space, it can also feel isolating. The industry is small and fragmented, and while I’ve built strong relationships through APNA, where The Nanny Network has been a proud member since 2008, being the sole decision-maker without a full executive team is tough. I’ve worn every hat—strategist, operator, accountant, product development. sales—all while bootstrapping the business with no outside capital. But despite these constraints, we’ve grown steadily over the years and built a resilient company with a strong foundation. And now we’re ready to scale in a big way.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m most proud of the authenticity, transparency, and purpose that define the culture at The Nanny Network. The company is built on strong core values, where trust, kindness, and teamwork guide everything we do. That spirit extends beyond our walls. We’re committed to giving back to the community through philanthropic efforts, and I’ve personally found deep meaning in my volunteer work at the Kennedy Krieger Institute. It’s important to me that our company not only serves families and caregivers well, but also encourages a broader culture of compassion and service.
From a business standpoint, I’m incredibly proud of the software platform we built in-house. It has become a key differentiator and allowed us to scale efficiently while continuing to deliver a high-touch experience. The combination of heart, teamwork and innovation that has been woven into the business over the years is powerful.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
As an entrepreneur, CEO, or leader in any capacity, it’s essential to be intentional about caring for yourself if you want to effectively lead and support others. The risk of burnout is real, especially if you’re also taking care of loved ones. Without consistent efforts to recharge and prioritize your well-being, burnout becomes inevitable. One of my most important lessons learned is to set clear boundaries and make space for the people and activities that bring you joy.
Don’t rely solely on your work for fulfillment. Investing in relationships with those who uplift you and creating meaningful experiences outside of work isn’t just healthy, it’s vital. Prioritizing your physical and mental health is never time wasted, and you’ll never regret making space for the things that truly sustain you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nanny-network.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nanny_network/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNannyNetworkLLC/#
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nanny-network-llc/?viewAsMember=true
