Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lucas MacMillan, Owner of Delbrook Integrative Medical Centre, located in North Vancouver, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We help people to feel and look their best. We offer naturopathic and integrative/functional medicine, massage therapy, nutrition/personal training services, and more.
Tell us about yourself
Healthcare has always been the obvious choice for me. I love it. I was previously a registered nurse and continued as a naturopathic doctor. Consider the medical doctor route, but I felt this otherwise awesome option wasn't what I wanted. I love reconnecting people with hope. Too many of my patients have hit dead ends. They aren't aware of the options, whether nutrient, lifestyle, prescription medication, or otherwise... There is nothing better than seeing someone's face light up when offered new directions, or especially when the new directions actually work.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
We survived COVID despite starting the clinic immediately before the lockdowns and have been growing ever since. We have had almost no turnover since starting years ago because we value people - both patients and team members. I am most proud of the strong team and fun atmosphere we have at the clinic. We are professional and get our work done, but we enjoy doing it.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Disagreements for problems that weren't discussed in advance. COVID shutdowns were a great example of this. Everything is easy when everyone knows what to expect, but the stress and uncertainty of the COVID shutdowns mixed with a lack of plans and templates to move forward were difficult - even scary. Our awesome team was able to pull through and was another example of why it is so important to have good relationships and trust each other.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Value your people. Customers/patients/clients are a given, but the team you work with must work smoothly and must have brownie points in the bank for when the unexpected happens.
- Have fun. We've all seen the business owner who clearly hates life, and it is no fun buying from these people.
- Be brutally honest with finances. Almost all business owners have financial scares and major stresses; often, they are cyclical. Live within your means, and know when you need to cut costs.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://delbrookintegrative.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DelbrookIntegrative/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delbrookintegrative/
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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