Business coaching is some of the most fulfilling and rewarding work there is. You get the opportunity to positively influence the lives and businesses of others. Today is no exception. I just received a press release about Home Helpers, one of our many and growing number of national account clients. Here is a wonderful story about the powerful impact business coaching can have on the lives and businesses of entrepreneurs. Many lessons for all of us to adopt and adapt.
Last month, John Squires, president of the Home Helpers in Media, PA was awarded their prestigious National Franchising Award and the Pioneer of the Year Award. Such awards were based on outstanding performance, client service, innovation and commitment to education in the non-medical, in-home care industry. If that weren't enough, last year, John's company also received the 2007 Presidential Award for outstanding business performance, the highest award offered in that franchise system. What is John's secret to success? What can we learn from him? A whole lot.
Squires started his company in 2003 with his wife Janet as they witnessed family and friends struggle to find qualified care and support for aging parents and relatives. He had a modest vision back then. He wanted to work with his wife and generate income to fund his daughter's college education among other things. He decided to join a very good franchise system, entered the hot senior care industry, had passion and goals, made sacrifices, and provided lots of hard work. Then he was provided with the opportunity to learn to work smarter, not harder; "on" his business, not "in" his business; more strategically, less tactically. He was offered business coaching.
His progressive franchisor sponsored a national business coaching program with The Growth Coach for their franchisees. Not everyone jumped or as quickly at the opportunity. John did. In fact, in 2006 and 2007, John went through the entire coaching and accountability program with The Growth Coach. Again, what set John apart? It was his commitment to personal growth and development as a strategic business owner. In addition to success, he also wanted more balance in this life. He was strong enough and smart enough to get some help. After all, even Tiger Woods has a coach.
Most owners and franchise owners don't get those concepts. And believe me, John had lots of corporate experience, but very little entrepreneurial experience. Very different worlds. Sadly, most business owners think they have all the answers or simply stop trying to learn. But here is a cold reality...unless an owner continues to grow, the business can not grow. An owner must continue to grow their knowledge, mindset, skills and habits if they expect the company to grow. John has done just that. More than a few of us are proud of his achievements.
Below is a testimonial John was kind enough to send me earlier this year on his business coaching experience. I removed all financial references but believe me, they are quite substantial and impressive. Because he wrote this so eloquently and with such frank admissions, I knew one day these valuable insights could serve a much bigger purpose and help coach other owners. I took the liberty of bolding certain sections for emphasis.
Dear Dan, I usually would not take the time to write a testimonial. However, because of the impact that The Growth Coach and Tim Shepelak (my coach) have had on my business, I need to make an exception. I truly believe my Growth Coach Sessions have played a key role in doubling my business in 2 years. More importantly these sessions have given me the strategic mindset that will allow us to sustain our rapid growth and realize my ultimate goal of selling a very profitable business one day.
As you know, I had a fairly solid corporate career prior to buying my Home Helpers franchise. I started my entrepreneurial journey with a strong work ethic and solid knowledge in all business facets from successfully running a $75MM Division of a Fortune 100 Company. What I didn't bring to my journey was “An Owner’s Mentality”. When I started the business I was content to run a small profitable business out of my home. It was the perfect opportunity to start a business with my wife and provide income to fund my daughter’s college education. There was no end game, just a job that gave me the title Owner/President. There was only one problem. My small little business started to explode and became my 24/7 passion and personal nightmare. We were doing all the right things to realize our vision of being the most trusted home provider in our area, but my personal life was non-existent.
I was somewhat reluctant to pull the trigger and take risks to do what I knew was the right decision of treating my “Little” franchise like a real business. It took only 2 Growth Coach Sessions before I started to realize my mindset was changing and pulling triggers was no longer that difficult. Since that second session, I moved the business out of my home, brought on a partner who is my “End Game”, and now have a management team of 10 great, compassionate employees who share our vision. This year we are on track to maintain our 35% growth rate and should exceed our multi-million revenue target. Not bad for a less than 5 year old start-up.
We are also now looking at opening a second office and are exploring investing in complimentary businesses. I may have gotten to this point without Growth Coach, but I doubt it, and definitely not in 5 years. Janet, my wife also thanks you. Growth Coach has definitely brought balance to our lives. We are no longer 24/7; have started collecting art and have booked our 1st vacation in 7 years.
Sincere thanks and regards, John Squires, President
This is why we do what we do at The Growth Coach. You can't ask for more reward than this!
Daniel M. Murphy
Founder, President & Business Coach
The Growth Coach
Business Coaching Franchise System