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As an ALF provider or small business owner, do you know which parts of your operation lift you up — and which parts quietly drain you?

  • kwyattgerman
  • 3 hours ago
  • 3 min read

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned as a small business owner — especially in the assisted living and consulting space — is that growth requires honesty. Not just with the business, but with yourself.


Every business has strengths and weaknesses and ignoring them doesn’t make them disappear.



Facing them is what creates clarity, strategy, and real progress.


This week, I took a hard look at my own journey. After 18+ years as an ALF owner, administrator, and trainer, I realized there are two areas that have consistently challenged me:


1. Insurance Management


Even though I have my Life & Annuities License, managing insurance for an Assisted Living Facility and a Homemaker & Companion agency is a completely different world.

Both require different types of coverage, different renewal processes, detailed compliance documentation, and a much higher level of risk oversight than standard personal or life insurance transactions.


And the truth is: one missed renewal or unexpected change can create stress, setbacks, and extra financial pressure. When you’re running operations, consulting, training, and actively supporting other providers on their journey, it’s easy for this part to fall through the cracks.


2. Marketing Consistency


I’m great at serving, teaching, leading workshops, and supporting owners.

But marketing consistently — posting, emailing, updating the website, following up, building funnels — hasn’t always been easy.

And the truth is: without consistent marketing, growth slows down.


These weaknesses don’t define me.

They simply remind me where I need better structure and support.


Doing a SWOT Analysis Changed Everything



A simple tool that brings clarity.
A simple tool that brings clarity.

For years, I thought SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) was only for big corporations.

But when you run a small 6-bed ALF, a consulting practice, or a training academy, SWOT is survival.


Here’s what mine looked like:


Strengths


  • Compliance

  • Leadership

  • Teaching and training

  • Deep understanding of ALF operations

  • Being a mentor to other small ALF owners

  • Community engagement

  • Pivoting when necessary

  • Never giving up

  • Being a great listener

  • Uplifting and encouraging others

  • Being a strong team player


Weaknesses


  • Insurance management across multiple business types

  • Inconsistent marketing

  • Trying to carry everything alone

  • Not asking for help early enough


Opportunities (The Doorway to My Next Chapter)


This season has also shown me the opportunities already in front of me:


  • Growing SBK Academy statewide

  • Expanding ALF Core Training into weekday + weekend sessions

  • Creating mentorship programs for small ALF owners

  • Developing digital products and online courses

  • Offering compliance audits and mock surveys

  • Helping new providers start their first ALF the right way

  • Building a full consulting suite for 2026

  • Using my experience to help owners avoid the mistakes I’ve made


These aren’t just business opportunities —they are part of my purpose.

I’ve walked the walk. I’ve lived the challenges.

And now I get to guide others through them.


Threats


  • Rising operating costs

  • Market saturation

  • Staffing challenges

  • Insurance instability

  • Burnout

Laying it out wasn’t overwhelming — it was clarifying. It gave me a roadmap for the next chapter.


Why I’m Sharing This


If you're a small business owner, ALF provider, or entrepreneur, here’s my message:


➡️ Be honest about what drains you.

➡️ Do the SWOT.

➡️ Fix the weak areas before they grow.

➡️ Build on your strengths — they are your advantage.

➡️ Never hide from your story — it will help someone else grow.


Your business doesn’t need perfection.


It needs self-awareness, strategy, and support.

I’m finally embracing that truth for myself — and stepping into a new season with clarity, courage, and intention.


Happy Friday and keep building with purpose.


Call to Action


If you need help getting your ALF compliant, audit-ready, or if you’re ready to start your facility in 2026:


📞 813-900-7479

✨ Registration now open for December ALF Core Training


Lead with Heart. Build with Strategy.




 
 
 

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