Webster defines a mentor as a trusted counselor or guide.  I believe true mentorship actually has several additional characteristics that are essential and necessary. 

Mentorship requires direction from not just a teacher or counselor, but by an industry specific leader that has “been there and done that” successfully many times before.  

In our company, each and every franchise owner gets that on-on-one attention directly from me.  It is not filtered down through others or handed over to another less qualified individual.  Preferred Care at Home has made a commitment from its inception that true mentorship would not only be a unique difference, but would also be a trademark for the success of the franchise owner.  Looking back at our start, now over 25 years, not having a mentor to direct and instruct me in the homecare business was a painful and tremendous handicap.  The price of making mistakes became nearly overwhelming.  I often look back and think of how much better off I would have been had I had a mentor who was a specialist in the business of home care.  Boy did I get banged up along the way!

Times have changed since I first started in this business.  With the explosive demographic growth of the senior population comes an ever-increasing flow of competition.  Many will not have a second chance to make mistakes that cost valuable resources of both time and money.  A derailing can doom a company as quickly as it gets started.  Our mentoring is designed to streamline effective business practices and safeguard against mistakes that affect businesses.  I’ve been there and know how to safeguard against the many stumbling blocks lurking out there.

Mentorship requires specific directive support, not just from the knowledge of years gone by but progressive leadership nurturing on how to be set apart from others today and tomorrow.

Many have heard me say, there is no such thing as being satisfied with your level of success.  A successful organization must consistently improve and progress to better serve those in need.  It is our ever-present commitment to encourage and motivate the franchise owners to press toward that mark and not be satisfied with nothing short of progressive excellence.  During our Motivational Monday, our semi-weekly webinar, my wife Jody inspires, encourages, and challenges every franchise owner, mentoring them to achieve great things.  We become that ever-present source of industry specific, fresh knowledge setting them apart form the rest.

Mentorship requires an open and honest accountability.

Accountability may be the single greatest characteristic and benefit of our mentorship program.  Accountability keeps our owners true to the cause of assisting those in need of care to truly celebrate life, dignity, and independence.  It is here that we can make subtle adjustments or re-tune some of their practices that have slipped.  It is also our way of staying in touch with the challenges they are facing and guide them through such challenges by turning them into opportunities.   Goals are consistently revisited and challenges are set before the owners spurring them on in their home care journey.

Those who purchase a franchise from Preferred Care at Home are more then franchise owners.  They become a part of something far greater and personal.  They become a member of the Preferred Family where there really is no place like home.