As the public perception of home care continues to shift across the world, the demand for in-home care is showing no signs of slowing down. And with a recent study showing that 38% of Denver seniors are choosing to age independently at home, there has never been a better time for Nurse Next Door Denver South Franchisee, David Craven to launch this exciting next chapter of his career.
In the lead-up to the launch, David took a moment to answer a few questions so that we can get to know him a little better and share his story.
Tell us a little about yourself – what’s your background?
I graduated with Honors from the University of Texas (Austin) and have a B.S. in Advertising. I’ve spent the majority of my career in restaurant branding and marketing, and I chose the restaurant industry not only because I love food, but due to my love of serving others and being in relational/social settings with people. I love the power of “story” and that’s what always attracted me to branding and the role it plays (or should play) in business. I’ve now reached a point in my career where I’m focused on having a greater, tangible impact in the lives of others, and there’s no better way for me to do that than to serve the senior community in Denver.
What experiences (professional and personal) prepared you, or made you want to get into this business?
My father was an orthopedic surgeon so the healthcare industry has been something I’ve been exposed to from a very young age. In fact, going on rounds with my dad at the hospital is one of my most vivid childhood memories. During high school, I worked in the recovery room of Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, TX, and I’d say that it’s what gave me the initial itch to serve in the healthcare space in some capacity. While my career path went in a different direction for a while, the idea of wanting to be in healthcare in some capacity never left me, and that was even further realized when my father was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer in the fall of 2017. During that time I was able to see firsthand how valuable and meaningful it was for him (and my family) to be able to remain at home in between hospital visits. That experience coupled with my growing desire to make a substantive change in my career were what led me to the senior homecare business and Nurse Next Door, in particular.
What need is there for home care in your community?
Prior to COVID there was a growing need and demand for seniors to remain in their home as long as possible, and since COVID struck that demand has only grown. It’s imperative we do all we can to help seniors age happily and safely, and there’s simply no better place to do that than in their own home. Some say there’s no better “medicine” than being in the environment that houses so many cherished memories, experiences, and love so I’m excited and honored to be able to play a role in helping Denver’s senior population age safely at home, but as importantly, help them experience the utmost in life during what can sometimes be a time when many may feel that’s not possible.
In addition, I’m very passionate about providing Caregivers an incredible employment experience that recognizes and value the incredible work and contributions Caregivers make in the lives of those they serve. Caregivers are the heart, the literal life blood, of this industry, and I’m so excited to provide a home care agency experience they can thrive in…one that supports them, trains/develops them, and rewards and recognizes them.
Why did you choose to start a Nurse Next Door franchise? What are your goals? What are you most excited about?
One of the main reasons I chose Nurse Next Door was due to their “Happier Aging” purpose. I believe that every business should have a genuine, guiding purpose. To have the most impact, that purpose should be tied to the human good/impact that will come as a result of that business’s existence, and Nurse Next Door is built on this principle. Therefore, I’m most excited about helping as many seniors experience Happier Aging as my team and I possibly can. For me, it’s all about bringing a smile to the faces and hearts of every client and client’s family we serve, and the fact that we focus on that core idea and build our service experience around it is so powerful!
How does Nurse Next Door compare to the competition in your community?
Nurse Next Door has clarity when it comes to why it exists, and oddly enough, that’s something many businesses don’t have. It’s easy to identify the functional role your business serves, but if you can’t identify the emotional connection your business/services will have on those they serve, then you’re a commodity. I look forward to not only making a difference in the lives of those we serve, but doing so in a way that distinguishes us in the marketplace. It’s kind of ironic that my career has been spent focused on how to beat the competition, yet now that’s not my goal. My goal is simply to do what I’ve stated above, and I believe that if I’m successful in doing that everything else will take care of itself. In other words, my focus isn’t on “beating the competition”…my focus is on ensuring this business has the very best impact it can in the lives of our clients and team members.
Last but not least, what does Happier Aging mean to you?
Happier Aging is such a dynamic concept and it encompasses so much. From maintaining the ability to do the things someone loves doing to rediscovering a former passion in life to finding or experiencing joy in ways or at a time when someone may have thought it not possible…these are all ways that Happier Aging can manifest itself, and I’m confident I’ll discover many more as I see our Clients and Caregivers embrace its power and creativity!
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We’re excited to see David and his team bring Happier Aging to life in Denver. If you also want to make a difference and have been thinking about owning your own Nurse Next Door franchise, we want to hear from you! Get Access to your Welcome Package.
