By Logan B. Anderson

Laura Garofoli, a nurse since 2007, founded Lean On Me Cargiving after attending a Nurses in Business Association conference in 2019.

What made you start your business?

I have been a nurse since 2007 and since have obtained my Masters in Nursing Leadership. I always knew I wanted to make a big impact in our community.

Well, my mom is severely handicapped and elderly and home care is an essential part of our lives. I really wanted to help other daughters like myself know that their loved one is truly cared for so they can continue to have some type of normalcy in their own lives.

I have been interested in owning my own company as it’s in our bloodline, but I was not sure how to go about it. In 2019, I attended the Nurses In Business Association yearly conference in Las Vegas and that is where the idea of Lean On Me Caregiving was born. I was determined to use my leadership skills to form a business that provides high-valued home care services.

It is very important to me that those who want to age in place have the support, compassion, and encouragement they need to be as independent as possible in their homes for as long as possible.

How do you motivate yourself and stay motivated?

I have an amazing family, including a supportive husband and two sons who keep me going every day. I want to leave them a legacy. I also know what it is like to be a family caregiver and have a strong desire to help other family caregivers.

It brings me so much joy making a difference in others’ lives. It is my destiny. I continue to stay motivated by investing in myself by attending conferences, mindset mastery events and coaching to make sure I am being the best version of myself. I also believe that you can do anything you put your mind to. So staying focused and positive is a must. I am mindful about what I put my energy towards and focus on the good. I also read self-growth books and blogs.

What is unique about the services you provide?

We are a small nurse-owned company that focuses on relationships. Providing high-value care with an emphasis on compassion is key. This is not just a job; this is a life-changing experience. We want our clients to look forward to our visits and truly feel cared about.

Our daily goal is to create positive experiences for our clients through the needs we have identified while going above and beyond to build long-term relationships. Our company values are integrity, compassion, advocacy, resourcefulness, and excellence, which are all key factors in providing home care services that enhance the dignity and wholeness of those we serve.

Describe a major business or personal challenge you had and how you overcame it?

The pandemic has caused a lot of issues in our economy and small businesses are feeling the aftermath. There is a huge market for employment right now, yet finding compassionate and reliable people who are driven to work has been a major issue. Because the value of our services is so important to us, we overcame this issue by pausing on admitting clients so we could take our time looking for the perfect team members.

Owning a business is not about the money, but about the impact we can make on our community. We honored our responsibilities to our clients by putting our current clients needs first while finding additional compassionate caregivers. Sure, this meant we had to take a financial hit but staying true to our values is what is most important. We also added additional screening processes and incentives.

What resources/professional development/networking opportunities have you found helpful?

The Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce has been a huge resource for Lean On Me Caregiving not only being a member but being an active member. We have been introduced to so many amazing people in different industries. Being an active member allows people to truly get to know you, therefore they feel confident sending you referrals. We attend as many networking events that time allows for and network with as many people as possible.

I am also part of the CDCC Leadership Central Delaware program this year, which gives me the opportunity to meet many of central Delaware’s economic drivers. Having a personal business coach has also been essential in this process. Life coaching and business coaching is a huge part of personal and professional growth. I always strive to be the best version of myself and take advantage of every opportunity that God gives me.