2019 40 Under 40 Yearbook: Kari Hamra, 36

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Then: Internal communications manager in corporate services, O’Reilly Automotive Inc.
Now: Communications manager in corporate services, O’Reilly Automotive; and co-founder, SelectSitter

Kari Hamra knows a thing or two about balancing a successful side hustle with a full-time job. In 2014, she worked in the communications department at O’Reilly Automotive and as a part-time freelance graphic designer.

While Hamra still manages the communication around the O’Reilly brand, she also does freelance graphic design, serves on The Victim Center’s board and has added a second son to the mix. To make time for date nights, Hamra relies on help from babysitters.

So in late 2017, she launched SelectSitter alongside her husband, John, and friends Adam and Sarah Howey. The app connects parents and guardians with babysitters, and each sitter has public endorsements. So far, the app’s had 909 downloads.

“We are a free app and are just working hard to make the community aware of this convenient service we offer for busy parents,” Hamra says.