Improving Quality of Life After Neurologic Injury - Neurohope

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Chris Leeuw, Founder of NeuroHope, located in Indianapolis, IN, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

NeuroHope is a physical therapy and wellness clinic for people recovering from spinal cord injury, brain injury, and stroke. Its unique model is based on providing an affordable continuum of care for patients after they leave the hospital. We started from scratch and, over the course of eight years, have secured expansion funding from the state legislature, major foundations, and healthcare providers to build a multidisciplinary center that has helped hundreds of people along the road to recovery.

Tell us about yourself

A spinal cord injury at the age of 28 left me paralyzed from the neck down with little hope of regaining movement. I was introduced to the complex world of healthcare and the limitations that exist for affordable care following catastrophic injuries. After I was discharged from rehabilitation and into a nursing home, I found a center across the country to continue my rehabilitation. Over the course of two years, I regained the ability to walk, move my arms, and become independent again. I moved back to my hometown of Indianapolis, devoted to create a continuum of the care center in my community for people living with paralysis. Quality patient care often falls through the cracks of the traditional healthcare system. My motivation comes from knowing my team's positive impact on patient's lives every day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Crafting a lasting culture and finding the right team members devoted to the mission of the organization. The growth of any start-up and the sustainability of any organization is completely dependent on the work ethic, integrity, and ability of the team that moves it forward.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Managing a work/life balance can be difficult, especially in the early years of entrepreneurship. There will always be high-order action items, and there will always be fires to put out. It is important to organize priorities.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

1. Be devoted. Perform a true "internal audit" on your motivation, time, and desire. Recognize the sacrifices that may be necessary to succeed. And if you take the plunge, be all in.
2. Your company culture is your north star. Define your mission, find a passionate team, and stay on course. Root out toxicity. There is no place for it.
3. People will doubt you. Ignore them. People will encourage you; embrace them.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.neurohopewellness.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Neurohope/100064779456502/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurohope/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/neurohope
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-leeuw-7bb61b12/

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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