Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in home care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Curtis Oviatt, Founder and CEO of Reliable Home Inc., located in Calgary, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We're a preventative maintenance and small repair company that caters to homeowners lacking the knowledge, time, or physical capability to properly maintain their own homes.
Tell us about yourself
I have always had a strong desire to help people. After spending 20 years in Emergency Medical Services as a Paramedic, I found it was time for a change. While listening to people's stories during my time as a Paramedic, I found there was a need to provide people with a trustworthy resource to help them with the day-to-day upkeep of their homes and easy access to timely repairs.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think the biggest accomplishment in any business is when you have created a business that provides a living wage to both staff and founders. Cashflow is what keeps the lights on and allows you to serve your customers. Being able to survive a startup and grow something while managing cash flow is an accomplishment in and of itself.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Work-life balance! You can never underestimate the time and dedication required to own and operate a business. Creating systems wherever possible to ensure efficiency will free up time to dedicate to the balance of not being consumed by the business. Time blocking is also an extremely effective way to be hyper-productive while providing the ability to set aside much-needed personal time.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Not all good ideas are good ideas! Recognizing this early can save you time, money, and frustration.
- Entrepreneurship is the ability to solve problems on the fly. You won't always come to the right solution, but having this ability is essential to survival.
- Systemize early and often. With so many technologies available to businesses, finding, implementing, and upgrading systems to be more efficient will reduce labor burdens on your operation.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.reliablehms.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anyageanyhome/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reliable_home_inc/
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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