The Entrepreneur Series: Sydney Hughes
Hi Sydney! Why don't you introduce yourself and your business.
I’m Sydney Hughes, Founder and CEO of Senior Proof. We are a turnkey fall prevention contractor serving Florida, and soon Nationwide.
What led you to venture out as an entrepreneur? Senior Proof was founded out of love and necessity. After caring for my father following a bad fall, I realized he was no longer safe in his environment. After calling Medicare, his primary, and friends, I realized there wasn’t a turnkey solution to help senior proof his home. With 14 years of construction experience at that time, I knew I could be the solution to my father and the 36 million people who fall each year. This was my calling and God's plan.
What are some of the key things that have led to the success of your business? My time is very intentional. I have learned how to effectively manage my time and have some amazing mentors and a Board of Advisors who have helped me strategize and sustain the scale.
Our team and the culture we have created are at the core of our success. We have also partnered with some great organizations and Healthcare Systems to help prevent falls and save lives throughout Florida.
If you could start the business over again, what would you do differently? Having the right people in the right position. I wish I would have known about Patrick Lencionis Working Genius when I founded the company. Our company culture is at the core of our success, and with the help of these assessments, it has helped put the right people in the right position, which leads to everyone collaborating, developing and succeeding. What failures have taught you the greatest lessons? I don’t look at things like failures, but more like learning lessons. I’ve learned to listen to my intuition about certain situations and people. “If it (something or someone) keeps smelling like smoke, there’s usually a fire” - Yenvy Truong Who are the people in your life that have contributed to the success of your business? My family. Not only did they take a chance on Senior Proof, they also help daily with my 3 and 6 year old. When I have an event, or work weekends, my husband, my mom, and my mother-in law are always there to help. My Mentor, Yenvy Truong -Yenvy is the epitome of beauty and brains. She is the CEO of Upswing Health and I am so thankful she picked me as a mentee, she has helped me become a better leader, CEO and friend. Enrique Triay - Our wonderful COO, a Cornell graduate who comes from the Venture mentoring space. He has helped us create a strategic plan and a successful operational cycle.
What 3 things would you tell someone wanting to start their own business? -Know your numbers, from start-up costs, to financials to data, to target audiences etc. -Focus on strategic thinking, create a plan, and execute. It’s okay to pivot when needed! -Learn to enjoy the journey, not just the destination.
How can people learn more about Senior Proof? Our goal is to be a resource to our community. I invite you to visit our website, www.seniorproof.com and check out our resource page to see how you can help prevent falls and save lives ! Thanks again!