Founded in 1994, Sparta Systems maintains an extensive customer base in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, biotechnology, CROs, consumer products, electronics manufacturing, and other highly regulated industries. The company offers its customers a complete global quality management software solution, including the on-site solutions delivery support required throughout the project lifecycle.
In June 2013, Martinson was named a New Jersey Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award recipient in the software and IT services category. She is an accomplished enterprise software industry veteran with more than two decades of executive leadership experience. Martinson graduated summa cum laude from Philadelphia University, where she was recently appointed chair of the board of trustees. She was also the recipient of the PhilaU 2012 Leader of Innovation Medal and is a member of the RWJ University Hospital Hamilton board of directors. In addition, Martinson is a well-known speaker on topics as diverse as women’s leadership in business and getting a company profitable, and staying that way.
A noted philanthropist, she is involved in the Martinson Family Foundation, which funds and guides more than 25 dedicated programs at major universities to advance K-12 instruction in science, mathematics, and technology.
Describe your morning routine.
I am a natural early riser and like to work out every morning. Afterwards, I will usually try to connect with our business units and global customers that are overseas to take advantage of the early hour.
How do you wind down at the end of busy day or week?
Nothing is better than time with my husband and family.
What is your favorite part of your job and why?
I enjoy mentoring people at various stages of their careers, whether they are just starting out, in mid-management, or at senior levels. Developing leaders and seeing people succeed is very fulfilling to me.
What leisure activities occupy your time away from the office?
Enjoying my not-for-profit board work and watching the Philadelphia University basketball teams.
Finish the sentence: Most people don’t know that I—
Up until recently lived my entire life in New Jersey, from South Jersey to North Jersey to the Shore.
What is a perfect day?
Closing a large, hard-won deal, then shooting under my handicap.
Biggest pet peeve.
When people don’t treat others with respect.
Stranded on a desert island, name the three items you need to survive.
A super-sized solar battery charger, iPhone, and a Tesla.
If you could start over, what profession would you pursue?
I would be a university professor. I get great satisfaction from mentoring young adults and helping them on their life journeys.
If you could learn any skill, what would it be?
I would replace my expert ability at making reservations with cooking delicious, gourmet organic meals.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned in business?
I firmly believe that the most important lesson in running a growing business is to keep a laser focus on profitability and cash.
Describe the characteristics of a successful professional in your industry.
We look for those who can exhibit our company values by being smart, courageous, action-oriented, agile, collaborative, and who are good listeners.