In the inaugural Client Spotlight, we’re talking to Emmie Knox, the co-owner (with her husband, Louis LeSassier) of Assisting Hands Home Care in West Austin.
Their company provides seniors, and others needing non-medical assistance at home, with the care option that most people prefer – to remain independent, safe and comfortable in their own homes.
What did you do before you started working for yourself? How did you decide it was time to be your own boss? Were you scared of making that leap, or excited, or both—how did you feel about it?
I was a social worker and had worked in skilled nursing, hospice, and crisis intervention. My husband and I decided on our honeymoon we wanted to open and operate a business together. We were excited about the leap and felt confident going into our new roles as “bosses.”
How did you pick what business to start, and what was the journey like in doing it?
We looked into several industries and finally decided on healthcare largely due to my background in medical social work. Before healthcare we were looking at the restaurant industry and the possibility of franchising. Once we decided on healthcare we narrowed it down to non-medical home care and did decide to go with a franchise for the support.
We chose Assisting Hands because of how much they cared about why we wanted to open a home care business, and they vetted us strongly (whereas other companies didn’t seem to spend as much time getting to know their potential franchisees).
What did you not know when you started the business, but had to learn really quickly?
How important it is to get people “in the right seats” within your team. Identifying people’s strengths and getting creative with roles and duties instead of trying to make certain things fit that aren’t a fit.
You started a franchise, so what were some benefits and cons of having that support (and, in some respects, limitations)?
Benefits would be amazing support, and the policies/procedures and checklists for helping get you started as well as ongoing support and educational events/camaraderie.
There aren’t many disadvantages; it is very valuable to have a team of other owners I can rely on for support and advice, and a national team that has my best interest in mind.
How did you approach marketing before you began working with Mandel Marketing, and how has your viewpoint on that changed since?
Our first few years I did mostly in-person marketing at networking events as well as social media and some print ads. I still do those, but I am less reliant on them, as Mandel Marketing helps generate traction with online referrals and managing my google ads.
What advice would you give someone who was thinking of going into business for themselves?
Learn your industry and take the leap! It is very liberating working for yourself and creating your own team, schedule, and future!
About the Owners of Assisting Hands Home Care in West Austin
Emmie Knox is a Licensed Master Social Worker and native Austinite. Emmie earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in social work from the University of Texas. She has an extensive background in medical social work and healthcare administration, particularly when it comes to the elderly population. She has worked in skilled nursing, assisted living, hospice care, and crisis intervention. In her spare time, Emmie enjoys volunteering with a local Girl Scout troop, cooking, reading, and relaxing in nature.
Louis LeSassier is a proud Austin native with an extensive background in the oil and gas industry. With over ten years of management experience, Louis prides himself on attention to detail and superb customer service. Prior to his professional life, Louis earned a degree in marketing and advertising from Texas State University, where he also played on the lacrosse team. When not at work, Louis is an artist and avid outdoorsman, with a love for long-distance hiking.
About Assisting Hands Home Care
Assisting Hands Home Care in West Austin offers their clients personalized non-medical support services in their homes, assisting the elderly, disabled and others needing assistance to maintain quality of life. Their services support the individual’s choices and preferences in order to maintain their dignity and independence. They assist clients in a spirit of concern for their welfare, gaining satisfaction and a sense of pride for the value that we add to their lives.