Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kelli Ngariki, Owner of Healthcare Compliance Associates, LLC., located in Springfield, OR, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Within the overall goal of developing a healthy community, healthcare practices (medical, dental, surgery, aesthetic arts, etc.) have many additional regulations and demands on them from state and federal governments. Staying compliant with OSHA and HIPAA rules and regulations is often an unwelcome struggle. This can be stressful and time-consuming. It's hard to keep up with all the changes.
We, at Healthcare Compliance Associates, live and breathe this stuff, so they don't have to. We develop and conduct engaging training programs (onsite, virtual, and online), create practical checklists to make compliance easier, provide monthly newsletters with updates to stay informed, assist with setting up plans and policies, and provide personalized support to help in an inspection and with day-to-day challenges. Basically, we keep their employees working and focused on areas that help their patients and generate income. Not focused on compliance. In just 30 days, everyone in the office can be compliant, and it can cost less than $5 per day.
Tell us about yourself
This business has given me great opportunities to refine existing skills and build new ones. I am becoming the boss I always hoped to have and am surprising myself every day as I work through challenges and come out positive and hopeful on the other side. I enjoy engaging people and helping them understand complex topics in fun, practical ways. I am also a 'rule follower' - which is very helpful in working in compliance. I have master's degrees in business and education but wasn't satisfied working for someone or teaching in public schools. When this business opportunity came up, I jumped and haven't looked back. This business is the perfect blend of my skills.
Additionally, I am able to run Healthcare Compliance Associates from my home, which has helped with my work-life balance. I have a husband and two sons who still need my attention. 😊
My motivation comes from an internal drive to learn, grow, and succeed and to help provide for my family. Our two teenage sons have a diagnosis of fragile X syndrome, which is a genetic disease that causes cognitive disability, low language, anxiety, and other autism characteristics. They will likely live with us for the rest of our lives. I want to build a business that is a legacy and support them after I'm gone.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Expansion. This business was entirely stagnant for the five years before I took over. I have created standard operating procedures, developed a new online training platform, hired several new employees, and am constantly updating our presentations, manuals, and resources. This has all resulted in unprecedented service for my clients – particularly during COVID, as we helped them navigate back-to-work requirements and all of Oregon OSHA's additional rules.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Making so many decisions every day. It can be mentally exhausting. I have surrounded myself with some great mentors. My Dad is a retired small business owner, I have a mentor from SCORE, I have a business consultant, and I'm always reaching out to my staff and other business owners with questions. Humility is critical and allows me to reach out for new ideas and input from others. It takes a village to raise kids and run a business. Further, I ask God for guidance daily and remind myself to trust His plan for this business and my life.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Get a few mentors lined up (SCORE mentors are free and other business owners generally like to help and share their experience). Set up the business like a franchise so that you have systems and policies in place from day one. Take care of yourself – for me, that means regular exercise. And, of course, pray.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Create a strong team (whether it be staff, volunteers, or others). Surround yourself with great people and show your appreciation for them. Small things mean a lot: send an email or tell someone in person that you appreciate their effort or support. Create an environment where mistakes are a part of learning and encourage growth. When hiring, be sure that you are selecting good quality people with strong values and work ethics. Don't hire just based on a skill set. I love connecting with other business owners. Contact me if you need OSHA and HIPAA training or just want to chat.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://info.hlthcarecomp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthcarecomplianceassoc/
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3ODrbwR
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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