Care to CEO
The only podcast built for underdog entrepreneurs, everyday people, and caregivers who want to build their own care-based business (Group Homes, Home Care, Foster Care, Behavioral Health Housing, Veteran Housing, etc.) without a trust fund or a fancy degree.
This show is hosted by Crystal Smith, a former CNA turned CEO & City Councilwoman, who shares the real, unfiltered, from-the-trenches playbook, helping you focus on the transformation journey from being an overworked and underpaid worker to becoming CEO and business owner — just like Crystal did — with tactical steps, mindset shifts, mentorship, and hard truths.
Care to CEO
Turning Dreams Into Dollars: How to Land Your First Paying Client in Care
Welcome back to Care to CEO, the go-to podcast for people dreaming of building real businesses in the care industry. In today’s episode, Crystal Smith takes us on the journey from securing a license to landing that all-important first paying client. Crystal shares the unfiltered story behind her entrepreneurial beginnings: the mistakes, the setbacks, the hustle, and the invaluable lessons she learned along the way.
She digs into why trust, reputation, and word-of-mouth matter far more than flashy ads when you’re just starting out, and offers real-world strategies for getting your name out there, even if you’re feeling intimidated or uncertain. Whether you’re frozen by fear, stuck after becoming licensed, or needing a nudge to get moving, this episode is packed with practical advice and encouragement that proves you don’t have to be perfect; just present, prepared, and persistent.
So if you’re ready to turn your care business dreams into dollars, tune in and let Crystal show you how she did it and how you can too.
Timestamps:
00:00 Starting a Residential Care Business
06:34 Relationships Drive Client Acquisition
09:38 Trust as Marketability
13:13 Embrace Learning and Consistency
16:14 "Emphasize In-Person Networking"
20:34 Networking with Ohio's County MRDD Boards
22:31 "Fully-Furnished Rentals Appeal"
26:58 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Politics
31:17 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
32:26 "Unexpected Business Growth Journey"
37:45 "Sporty Business Attire Evolution"
39:12 "Overcome Fear: Lead with Action"
41:58 "Get Clients: Be Present, Persist"
Care to CEO - Podcast Show Website - https://caretoceo.com/
Crystal Smith - https://www.crystalsmithandco.com/
TopHealth - https://tophealth.care/