Fear Starting A Group Home

Are you in fear of starting your own business? I definitely had my share of thoughts as to all the possible consequences. What did I do to go from this fear into making over a million dollar shared housing business? First I stayed out of the results

Second, I realized to make money you must be willing to take risks

Third, I worked hard in the beginning. I researched everything from procedures to marketing to who else was doing housing in the community. I found it essential to put your name out there and your purpose. Know what you are looking for and be conscious of the community's needs and the resources. Make friends with people in the social services realm. You never know what can happen.

In our case, a single phone call to a hard-money lender launched Uncle Dave’s Housing and gave us the opportunity to house over 30,000 people in Los Angeles.

Looking back now I see I was in fear of starting my own business. I was not a risk-taker but thank God my husband had no fears. When you want to be your own boss and go into business on your own, there are risks to be taken and you must face to your fears. I was fortunate to have my husband as my partner and together we built a million dollar business with a great reputation in Los Angeles, California.

I remember I wanted to start a group home for the investment when discussing if we should jump in and take this 4 unit apartment building. My therapist at the drug and alcohol treatment center where I met David specifically asked me if I was going to lie awake worrying that the beds are empty. That made me think and get scared. My husband is a great manipulator when he wants something. He was working at Tarzana treatment center as a drug & alcohol counselor. He worked 12 hour shifts 4 days a week while I was working for a downtown Los Angeles law firm for about to 60 hours a week.

David wanted out. He saw the light at the end of the tunnel. I'm so grateful to him for making the move and pulling me along. So many people have wanted to partner with us but we are a fabulous team together. He is good with people while I'm good with the business side. I no longer see this as a real estate investment.

What changed?

Watching the lights in clients eyes come on.

Seeing them excited about getting a job, going back to school, starting their own business, reuniting with their kids, milestones of sobriety and many more good things happening to clients.

You can't put a value on this feeling. . . .

I think the best feeling was when a house manager who came to us from prison told me for the first time in his life he felt he belonged.

He belongs to the family at Uncle Dave's Housing. My advice is don't be afraid. It's worth so much working with people in need of housing.

It's priceless. Just start your home today!