Downsized Professional Over 50

It was a pleasure to experience a "day in the shoes of" Lucie Shaw as she managed her franchise of The Nurse Next Door. Her enthusiasm for the employee, the client, the client’s family and the management of the business side by side with her family was infectious and inspiring to experience.

I shadowed Lucie through an early morning business networking breakfast to begin with. After that lively discussion we proceeded to consult one on one with several of her staff and clients in the home environment . It was clear that a strong rapport and level of trust had developed between Lucie and her clients. I was very privileged to be allowed a tour of a very progressive nursing home where several of Lucie’s clients resided. Along the way we touched base with the representative of a brand new retirement village. During the morning we also met with a colleague who owned the neighboring franchise. He and Lucie were meeting jointly with another entrepreneur offering skills and expertise in retirement planning that might be of use to the clients of Nurse Next Door (more networking and an example of the services offered to their clients).

The day ended with an in depth review of her office procedures and policies, meeting her very keen staff and her family who are very involved in the business as well.

All in all it was a very dynamic and informative day. It was well worth the experience and I gained a real insight into the commitment and work required to run a successful franchise opportunity.