Jobs website creator Maryellen Ruvolo

Maryellen Ruvolo is seeking to position her startup firm as an alternative to the "black-hole abyss" of online job boards.

Starting with the pharmaceutical industry -- where her background is -- she says, Pharmstorm.com will allow companies to access resumes of candidates for free, while the job candidates pay a monthly fee.

"This was created from my head," she says. "This is not copied from someone." Her company has offices in East Islip and Staten Island.

Ruvolo, 45, belongs to the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering and the Drug Information Association.

She considers Walt Disney World her favorite place to go.

What do you look for when you're hiring?
"I need people who love people. They have compassion and passion for whatever it is they do for a living. I look for people who have a [high] level of energy. You're not going to believe this, but one of my big questions is whether or not they like animals. Some people like animals but really can't have them. But -- if somebody can look at a puppy and say 'Ew!,' there's something off with them," she says with a laugh.

What are your plans for growth?
"We don't just plan to serve the pharmaceutical industry. We have a rollout of over 15 different industries that we will be opening up to. The next plan is to roll out a healthcare storm.com. Those domains are all coming out." 

What do you remember about the first time you were somebody's boss?
"I tried to take the best of what I did learn and leave the bad behind. Remembering 'I hated this' about the bosses I used to work for. I wanted to make sure I never repeated that mistake that I felt they made with me -- their arrogance, being pompous. I tried to take a different approach -- to realize that with everybody there are qualities [to be nurtured]. You don't just dismiss people.

"You asked me my title as president of the company - I hate that title. I don't really believe in that, I believe in a team effort of good people around me." 

How do you get people to do what you need them to do?
"I don't get them to do what I need them to do. What happens is through discussion and education of our own experiences and what we've all shared in life, we come to the table with what's best for this company and what we believe are the needs and wants. We as a group make the decision."

Referring to her five-member board, she says, "Right now the way it stands, of course, they have one vote, I have two, but we've never really been in the position that we haven't all agreed." 

What would you change about Long Island?
"I did have the pleasure for five years of being in Florida. The lifestyle was just a much healthier lifestyle. It was much more relaxed. The stress level was different. Here, you work your whole life just to live. There, you get to live -- and work. I do love Long Island; I just wish it was a little easier on people." 

Corporate snapshot

 NAME: Maryellen Ruvolo

TITLE: President

COMPANY: Pharmstorm

BUSINESS: Website for job seekers in pharmaceutical industry

LOCATIONS: East Islip, Staten Island

TYPE: Private

REVENUE: Projected $2 million annually

EMPLOYEES: 7