In 2004, Executive Care opened the doors to its home care business, providing a full range of in-home care services to individuals and families. Since its founding, Executive Care’s mission is to provide compassionate quality in-home care services to its clients so that they can remain safe and independent in the comfort of their own home.
Lenny Verkhoglaz, President and CEO of Executive Care, sat down with us to discuss what makes the franchise unique, where he sees it headed and what a typical day for a franchisee is like.
What’s special about the franchise?
It’s a combination of things that makes Executive Care unique. The collective wisdom of our team — from our headquarters to our franchisees to each of our caregivers – is incredible. Everyone has something to contribute. The way we provide services and support to our clients is also special. We take an individualized approach to each client so that we can make sure everyone is receiving the best quality of care. It’s also in how we provide training and support for our franchisees that allows them to run their businesses successfully and to provide an excellent level of care for their clients.
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What is the idea behind the franchise?
Executive Care was created to offer peace of mind to clients in need of home healthcare services. It was also created to give our franchisees the opportunity to become independent business people. Some franchisees are looking for financial success, while others want a way to contribute to society.
How does Executive Care compare to its competition?
There is very good competition in our field, but we aren’t afraid of it. We learn from good competition – that’s how we improve. We respect and work harmoniously with our competitors, both on the ground level and on a franchising level. In this business, we’re all working towards the same end result: providing quality care services for our clients.
What do you look for in a potential franchisee?
We believe that successful franchisees must possess two main qualities: They must be compassionate and caring, and they must demonstrate a certain level of business acumen. The ideal franchisee can balance these and understand how to make them work hand-in-hand. A franchisee should understand the essentials of management, team building and finances that it takes to run a successful business, but they also need to understand the very human side of what we do in working with our clients.
Where do you see Executive Care in five years?
I see Executive Care much stronger in five years, growing and increasing units across the country. It’s hard to predict, but I want us to be the premier home care provider in the U.S.
Can you describe a typical day in the life of a franchisee?
We deal with lives, so every day is different. Executive Care franchisees always need to have a pulse on their caregivers and their clients. There are so many moving parts of the business — it’s all in the details. For example, if a caregiver is allergic to cats, the franchisee needs to make sure they’re making the proper assignments for that caregiver and not assigning them to a client who owns a cat. It seems like something so simple, but these little details allow us to provide the highest quality of care to our clients.
What’s your background?
I have a BA in IT and an MBA in Finance. I worked in Corporate America for 20 years in field management and consulting roles in the IT departments for healthcare corporations. Because of my background in IT and the leadership roles I’ve held, I understand the nuisances of management that go into running a business. My past experiences also provided me insight into how large companies run their businesses. We now operate Executive Care on that same level of the corporate model.
What motivates you to keep going?
I don’t look at Executive Care as a business. No day at my job is the same. When you enjoy what you do, time goes by quickly. What we do for our clients is what motivates me. We know these families come to us looking for help, answers and assistance. That’s what we’re here to provide them.
If you were to start again, what would you do differently?
Nothing. I think we have done an outstanding job. We are one of the largest home health providers in northern New Jersey and growing. Our philosophy is simple: If our caregivers are happy, our clients are happy. If our clients are happy, our business is successful.
Please tell us your secret to success…
I think there are multiple parts to this. First, work hard — don’t shy away from hard work. There is always work to be done. Second, focus on your employees. Third, be smart and provide solutions to your clients.
What is the worst job you have ever had and what did you learn from it?
I worked for an insurance company at one point in my career that just wasn’t the right fit for me. But I believe that every job you have adds to your experience, and you learn from each situation.
What is one thing that really excites you?
Helping our clients in need. Our business is so personal; we make a difference every day.
Any final words for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Set a goal, but make it realistic. Build a good team and surround yourself with good people. No one has all the skills necessary to run a business — it’s all about who you surround yourself with.
Where can people find out more about Executive Care?
Visit the website here.
Where can people find Executive Care on social media?
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