HomeCooked CEO and founder Claire Guarino has spent nearly two decades simplifying mealtimes, empowering employees, and giving back to her local community after transforming a leap of faith into a thriving local business.

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Celebrating exceptional local women making significant impacts in our community.

Our 2024 Women of Influence Award Winners were nominated by peers and selected by the Family Focus Media team based on their achievements and dedication to creating positive change, as revealed through comprehensive questionnaires. Their profiles showcase their inspiring journeys and accomplishments.

Beyond the awards, our Women of Influence Luncheons and Speed Networking Night attendees form our growing “Women of Influence Network,” a community fostering connections, collaboration, and mutual support. We invite you to explore our Award Winners’ stories and leverage our Network Directory in the Women of Influence Guide. Reach out to fellow members to harness the power of our network through shared growth and support. For further engagement, we welcome business and nonprofit leaders to join our Family Focus Media Community Builders Group on Facebook and our NEW Women of Influence LinkedIn Group.

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Nominated by Jody Peskin, Mutual Client and Friend

“Claire has built an amazing local business that supports families through her product, her camps, and birthday parties. HomeCooked is specifically built for making life easier for families. Their home cooked meals are fresh, creative, and easy to utilize. In addition to camps and birthday parties, they often offer sessions for times when schools are closed – perfect for busy parents! Claire is consistently supporting her local community, including but not limited to T&E Care, and she is also very supportive of other local businesses in her area.”

A Risk That Paid Off

Claire’s journey began with a bold decision in 2006. “Leaving my corporate job and life on the west coast to move across the country to create and launch HomeCooked was the biggest risk I have ever taken,” Claire shares. With little more than an idea and determination, she set out to bring the concept of a meal prep business she had experienced as a client to a new market.

“I had to figure out how to make things work and operate with faith that the idea in which I believed so strongly could help individuals and families would be a success,” Claire recalls. This leap of faith has certainly paid off. Nearly 18 years later, HomeCooked has simplified meal times for thousands of families, taught cooking and baking fundamentals to countless children, provided flexible employment opportunities, and become an integral part of the local community.

More Than Just Meals

While HomeCooked’s primary focus is providing fresh, easy-to-prepare meals for busy families, Claire’s vision extends far beyond the dinner table. The company offers cooking camps and birthday parties for children, fostering culinary skills and creativity from a young age. These programs, often led by high school and college students, provide valuable leadership opportunities and work experience for young team members.

Claire takes pride in mentoring these young employees. “I collaborate with them and then empower the team to make decisions and solve problems,” she explains. “That way they feel a sense of ownership of the programs but also have my support as needed.” Many of these team members stay with HomeCooked for years, growing personally and professionally under Claire’s guidance.

A Commitment to Community

Giving back to the community is a core value at HomeCooked, reflecting Claire’s personal commitment to making a positive impact. The company partners with local organizations like T&E Care and Fostering Hope of Montgomery County to provide meals to families in need. They also support local schools through fundraisers and donate gift cards to numerous non-profit organizations annually.

“We are grateful to our clients for supporting HomeCooked and in turn we are thrilled to be able to give back to the communities we serve,” Claire says. This reciprocal relationship between business and community is at the heart of HomeCooked’s success and impact.

Empowering Others Through Example

Claire’s example in building a successful, community-oriented business serves as an inspiration to others. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and community leaders is both encouraging and practical: “Do it! It will not likely be an easy road but it will be worth it if you truly believe in yourself. Seek to find a community of others who can support you and do not be afraid to take imperfect action and then evolve.”

She emphasizes the importance of celebrating accomplishments along the way and enjoying the positive ripple effects created in the community.

A Recipe for Success

Claire Guarino’s journey reminds us that with passion, hard work, and a commitment to giving back, a single idea can grow into something that truly nourishes a community in multiple ways.”Nothing makes me happier that I took that big risk in 2006 than when our clients say things like ‘I feel like a better mom when I serve your meals’ or ‘I don’t know what I would do without you,’” she says. It’s clear that Claire Guarino and HomeCooked have become essential ingredients in the lives of many.