For many entrepreneurs, there is often a personal experience or event that shapes career trajectories. This was also the case for me…
As my grandmother endured the final grips of dementia, the care and consideration she received from hospice caregivers were just that…so meaningful to change my future path. Traveling back to Minnesota where I grew up, I was able to meet these caregivers at my grandmother’s funeral. They told stories of how they were able to keep her smiling in her final days by curling her hair and painting her fingernails. One caregiver even mentioned that my grandmother was so happy wearing her ‘favorite new blouse’ – a blouse exchanged from that aide’s own grandmother also going through a similar experience with dementia. I was inspired by the thoughtfulness and the dignity these caregivers provided my grandmother, and how their actions made a challenging time more manageable for my mom. She mentioned at one point that if she knew help like this existed, she could have kept her mom at home longer. That stuck with me as I suspected there were many other parents/grandparents and families across the US who could benefit from in-home care. As it turns out, there were home care firms established in that rural Minnesota town – she was just not aware of the option…
Where I Started
After college, I was able to utilize skills and training in engineering to start a career in product development. I learned a lot from experiences across four industries using my technical know-how, and program/product management skills after picking up an MBA along the way. Navigating the corporate world over 2 decades, I often had one eye on ‘climbing the ladder’ and another eye looking out for the ‘next chapter’ in my career.
My career ‘book’ wouldn’t be complete working for others – I realized this after passing over a few opportunities with other firms doing more of the same. New executive management positions included more ‘people’ and ‘time’ challenges – areas I have excelled at in the past. I yearned for new learning and having more control over my future.
My (Calculated) Leap of Faith
I resigned from the comfort of a healthy salary to move into small business ownership after research and evaluation, consultation, and tumbling numbers. My technical background (and diligent wife!) wanted me to analyze the opportunity to build my confidence in making this business investment decision.
How did I know the path chosen was right for me?
Initial research split business ownership into three categories: buying an existing business, starting from scratch on my own, or investing in a franchise. Another consideration was the type of business to pursue. When looking at business models, there are many to evaluate, and the options can be overwhelming. In the end, a few criteria were most important to me:
- Industry outlook, demographic trends, and resilience in down markets
- Growth/scalability
- Role of the owner – level of involvement in the day-to-day business, and over time
- Personal interests, connection – am I passionate about this?
Along my search, I met a career coach from The Entrepreneur Source who helped me evaluate various business models that matched my background, interests, and personality. Franchise consultants are very knowledgeable about types of businesses and models and can expedite what could be an extensive research effort. While the evaluation initially expanded the field of potential ownership options, that work helped solidify in my mind that I truly cared to help others.
Home health care was very appealing because it aligned with the criteria above. Directly impacting families and providing quality care to their loved ones as my grandmother received felt right in my heart. I also see home health care as a ‘win-win’ business: many people want to live retirement at home, and our incentive to keep individuals healthy at home longer aligns with the business objective/growth.
I was initially hesitant about franchising as one objective in leaving the corporate world was to have control of my path forward. I learned through evaluating franchises that the right culture can allow for substantial autonomy, offer much more support and training vs. oversight, and provide the needed tools and expertise when entering a new field/industry. With Assisting Hands Home Care, I can grow a business that leverages a relatively small office team to serve clients in a broad geographical area. There are efficiencies and technologies available that can enable expansion with streamlined operations, while maintaining the quality of care.
Key Take-Aways – After 3 Years in Business
Business ownership has taught me quite a lot about myself and how to lead a growing company. A few nuggets of wisdom I can share include:
- Entrepreneurship is about your ability to adapt – your tasks on day 1 are much different than how you’ll feel leading your business through growth spurts in years two and three.
- Be humble – listen and learn from others. The world is full of very smart and creative people – you will achieve your goals much quicker when you incorporate best practices and solutions from other ‘trailblazers.’
- Do what you do best, and hire the rest – While continuing to work on being a better leader and inspiring others to do amazing things, I have learned to delegate more, as our growth as a team is dependent on leveraging our collective skills.
Would I Do It Again?
feedback from family members who are happy with the support we are providing our clients. When I get calls from family members saying that ‘We couldn’t have done this without Mary!’ Or… ‘We’re so grateful having Jane help Mom…can we have her come every day?’ I get energized and motivated to do more. Below is a recent testimonial from a client and caregiver:
It is very likely that in your career you have worked at firms with amazing cultures, and probably some companies with “not so amazing” cultures or work environments. I was most proud to be able to establish our values, and who we are, why we do what we do – building a culture that is inviting and accommodating, focused around delighting our clients and families.
As an entrepreneur, I am often asked ‘would you do it all over again?’ Yes, I would. And, I wish a similar experience for you. Please reach out – I look to help others follow their passion and have a fulfilling career.
I am actively recruiting franchisees to help grow the Assisting Hands brand in New England – if you or someone you know would like to learn more, please reach out to me.
Contact Dave Tasto at 781-315-6700, or learn more about his home care business here: assistinghands.com/bostonnw.
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