Consumer >> CEO Interviews >> April 8, 2002
SUSAN K. DUNKLEY is a co-Founder and shareholder of New Horizon
Enterprises, Inc., and has served as President of the New Horizon
Child Care division since its inception in 1971, when the company
opened its doors in one location with eight children enrolled. As
New Horizon grew, the company developed its own specially
designed child care centers. In the early 1980s, the Dunkleys
acquired the nonprofit chain Building Block Child Care, Inc., and
in the 1990s they purchased Kinderberry Hill Child Development
Centers from HealthEast medical centers. During the early 1990s
the Dunkleys connected with the casino industry, leading to the
creation of New Horizon Kids Quest, Inc., an hourly child care
concept which went public in 1992. New Horizon Kids Quest, Inc.
includes all Kids Quest locations (21), Cyber Quest locations
(3), out of state traditional child care locations (10), and on-
site employer care locations (3). In September 2001 City Business
named New Horizon Kids Quest one of the 'Fastest Growing Small
Public Companies.' In December 2001 Child Care Business ranked
Kids Quest number 11 in its ranking of the fastest growing
centers. In 1999, New Horizon was voted 'Best Day Care' in
Minnesota Parent Magazine's Family Favorites Awards. As a member
of the Early Childhood News Advisory Board, she received a
Distinguished Service Award in recognition of exceptional
leadership and service devotion. She has twice been honored by
the Boys and Girls Club of Minneapolis, being awarded its
Outstanding Board Service Award in 1995, and its Appreciation
Award in 1994. Ms. Dunkley was named 'Minnesota Woman of the
Month' in July 1986, an award sponsored by Skyway News and Magic
108, among others. Finally, the Coalition of Minnesota Business,
Inc., named New Horizon a 'Minnesota Business Success Story' in
1994 for its contribution to the community. Profile
Horizon Kids Quest and then an overview of things as they are
now?
Ms. Dunkley: The drop-off hourly child care concept started
