Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Paul Krauss, Clinical Director of Health for Life Counseling, located in Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Health for Life Counseling is a group of trauma-informed therapists in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with 3 locations for in-person therapy. Health for Life Counseling also serves the entire State of Michigan online through telehealth therapy. Our clients are anyone who wants an advanced approach to counseling from holistic-minded therapists that actually care.
Tell us about yourself
I am motivated because mental health and emotional well-being affect every part of our lives, whether we are aware of it or not. I have grown up watching people suffer due to various factors, including ignorance about mental health, not having the resources to get help, undiagnosed trauma, depression, anxiety, and so much more. I wanted to make a big impact, so I started seeing clients as a Licensed Professional Counselor. Sixteen years later, I am the Clinical Director of a Therapy Clinic with high standards.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Knowing that we have excellent quality therapists providing services to people of all cultures, ethnicities, and socio-economic statuses.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The world economy has had massive swings in the past 10 years, and in the United States of America, that has led to the largest wealth equality gap we have had in over 100 years. This gap has led to a myriad of issues both on the employment side and in the lives of the clients we serve. It means navigating how to pay people well and keep the excellence we strive for, even with less earning potential and margins for the business. We must stay true to our mission of quality, despite what the economy is doing.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Have a Mission and Vision of what you want to accomplish first (not including anything about money or profitability).
- Provide a product or service that you can proudly tell people about and promote that is in line with your personal values--not one that you have to hide or explain away (e.g., "I'm a hedge-fund consultant" aka, "I strip assets from small businesses and sell them..."
- Do NOT cut corners. No matter what your business, the employees and the customers will all notice.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://healthforlifegr.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HealthForLifeGR/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthforlifegr/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/healthforlifegr
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulkraussmalpc49546/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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