Team PTPA!
It’s two days short of PTPA’s 5th birthday and I’m doing a lot of reflecting. I’m thinking back to the ideas that led to what PTPA is today and the dream I had for my company. I am truly amazed at how far we’ve come from the notes scribbled in my notepad that I wrote while keeping an eye on my son in his baby gymnastics group, (I am a serious multi-tasker)!
PTPA was my dream to leave my mark. Growing up, cancer was a big part of my life, my dad struggled with it for years and thank goodness overcame it but I always think back to a letter he wrote me when I was quite young and he was quite ill. He pointed out to me that as I grew older, I would need to find a way to leave my mark on the world. I would have to find a way to make a difference in the lives of others. This would be my legacy.
This is a message that has always pushed me and driven me. I have always wanted to find a way to stand out (for something other than my hair) and have always wanted to give back to those around me. PTPA has given me this opportunity and for this reason alone, I am so proud of who we are today.
I estimate that we give out over 2000 products a year through our testing program. Completely for free. No strings attached. Simply a request for feedback on the product. Sometimes its something small like diapers or bottles and sometimes its something that really helps a family out like nursery furniture or strollers for families that otherwise might never be able to “splurge”. Whatever the item, whatever its size,it gives me pride to know that this is part of our business model and this is something we will do for families for years to come. I also always hope that perhaps our actions inspire those recipients of free products to pay it forward by doing something kind for someone around them.
PTPA is made up of pretty amazing people:
First and foremost, our fans and parents who are part of our growing community. You are the reason we do what we do. We are constantly seeking out great brands for you because we know you work hard for your money and you don’t want to be wasting it on brands that don’t care enough to do it better than average.
Our Blogaholics who now number over 50, you are the people who provide authentic content, fantastic objective reviews of products and just damn great conversation, we are so lucky to have you and value each and every one of you!
The brands that trust us. We would definitely not be around without you. You believe in your products enough to have them tested by your target consumer. This to me means that you truly believe you have created a great product and are willing to get it tested just to prove that.
But the people behind PTPA are the ones who truly have allowed us to blossom into the company we are today. I am lucky enough to have the most amazing team of people and I don’t take a second of it for granted. If there is one thing I have learned, its that an entrepreneurial company is only as good as its people and damn it, we have great people. That stroke of genius I learned from my extremely entrepreneurial mama (who rocks as a BFF, #justsayin!)
On an even more personal note (this is a lot of getting personal for someone who is extremely private!), a special thanks to my awesome husband Graeme, who always has my back, always supports me and is definitely my biggest and proudest supporter.
So a huge thank you to you all for helping us get to our 5th birthday, I truly value all of you and thank you for helping me live up to what my dad had hoped for me, it means the world 
24 Responses to Where it all began…
Beautiful post! I am honored to be part of the PTPA Team and am amazed and inspired every day at what we as a team can accomplish! Happy 5 Years!!!!!!
Oh my gosh! SHARON!!! This post had me in tears before I even got through the second paragraph!
Look how far PTPA has come! It’s so amazing! What a great team and a fabulous community. I’m so honoured to be a part of this! Happy 5th Birthday, PTPA!
Awwwwww, what a great post Sharon! Thank you! As Kathryn said, I’m honoured to be a part of the team. Working for someone with as much passion for her business as you is absolutely the best. Happy Birthday PTPA!!!!
Awesome post. I truly look forward to getting up in the morning and going to work every day – most people cant say the same thing. You’ve created something unique and something that will certainly continue to leave a lasting legacy. Pappa Sol should be a very proud man. Happy 5th and many, many more.
Now more importantly, will there be beer at the party?
P.S. What a great looking team
xoxo
So awesome!! xoxo
Sharon, you are an inspiration. A walking, living and breathing inspiration. It is with great pleasure that I have joined this team…a team of strength and determination. I am certain your dad is looking down upon you with great admiration and pride. Happy 5th Birthday to a company that deserves as much as it gives!! xoxo P.S We are a pretty good-looking team
Such beautiful words! You followed your dreams and made them a reality! It is truly an honor to be part of such a fantastic team! Even at the most hectic times, we can always make each other laugh! Happy 5th PTPA, many more!!
Congrats! Making a difference and paying it forward feels good, facilitating so many others to do so should definitely feel REALLY GOOD. Happy Birthday. To many more!
What a beautiful and heart-warming post written by a true leader that has inspired many, including myself, and that turned her vision into reality.
In all the years that I have worked, never have I enjoyed and learned so much (in a shorter period of time) than with PTPA.
I’m very blessed to be included in this vision and not only to be working with honestly the BEST team I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with, but with such a remarkable, humble and persevering leader.
This post touches me immensely, Sharon, as I also have a father that has battled cancer.
I can’t even imagine how proud your father is of his beautiful daughter and the admirable company behind her name.
A legacy, indeed.
Cheers!
Happy Five Years, PTPA! Here’s to more!
Wow, you people are amazing because now you’ve made me cry damn it!
You all rock for believin in the PTPA dream!
Happy Birthday PTPA!
Happy fifth birthday!
Great story..
All the best
Sharon – you should be so proud of yourself! It is your drive and determination that got you here. So many people have an idea but so few have the courage to make it happen! Congratulations! I have no doubt you will be celebrating many more successes in the years to come.
Happy Birthday! You are inspiring others to leave thier mark and find to find something that they enjoy. I bet your Dad is very proud.
What a beautiful post! Happy birthday PTPA!
Congratulations on 5 years and on many more to come. I’ve had the pleasure of being along the PTPA journey from the inside, and it has left me with not only respect for what you do but also for what I learned.
Keep up the great work!!
WOW Sharon! What an amazing story to share! HAPPY 5th Birthday PTPA! Congratulations on making your mark! Your father gave you a huge gift, your drive has changed North America! I am so honored to be on your PTPA blogaholic panel! It’s an honor to be apart of history!
You are an inspiration to all especially me. Keep making a difference in peoples lives for many many more years to come. You are an exceptional person, business woman and most importantly to me…an exceptional wife and mom. Congratulations to you and the PTPA family on the 5th birthday.
Happy 5th Birthday PTPA!!! Now you are know for your fantastic company….and beautiful hair. To many more successful years PTPA.
Congrats, Sharon! Five years is a wonderful milestone; thanks for having me along for the ride.
Wishing you many more anniversaries to come!
Happy Birthday PTPA and I loved reading how PTPA came about!
that was a really nice story.
i hope i could take over ptpa one day
happy 5th b-day ptpa
i love you mommy
love blondie
(your favourite daughter)
Congrats on leaving your mark. It is a great accomplishment, and I am sure your father is so proud. I am very proud to be a Blogaholic! Thank you and happy birthday, PTPA