Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Thomas
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey began in 2006, fresh out of an STNA program and eager to launch my healthcare career. At that time, I was enrolled in nursing school and working three jobs—fully committed to my goals despite the challenges. Although I ultimately did not complete nursing school, I was content with my progress as a CNA, earning a steady income.
During my early career, I observed a recurring challenge in various facilities: many colleagues, whether nurses, CNAs, or other staff, appeared to be motivated solely by a paycheck rather than a genuine commitment to patient care. This experience inspired me to envision a different kind of healthcare organization—one where every employee treats clients as if they were part of a family.
My aspirations became clearer when I worked as a care coordination specialist at the Council on Aging. There, I gained firsthand experience managing a home healthcare agency by coordinating essential services such as transportation, medical supplies, personal care, and homemaking. This role deepened my understanding of the industry and solidified my determination to create an agency that prioritized compassionate care.
Approximately three to four years later, I took the initiative to establish my own business. I set up an LLC, opened a business bank account, and secured my first client as an independent provider. While continuing my role at the Council on Aging, I began building my business on weekends, eventually hiring my first employee. Once I had saved enough from my annual tax returns, I resigned from my job and committed fully to my venture.
The first year of full-time entrepreneurship was incredibly challenging. I worked seven days a week from 9 AM until 11 PM, often missing valuable time with my family. There were moments when I questioned my sacrifices, having not spent much time with my children and husband. During these times, I sought guidance from God and persevered, trusting that I was on the right path.
After receiving approval as an Ohio Medicaid provider, I adjusted my approach by delegating tasks and focusing on strategic management. In just two to three years, my company grew to employ over 150 staff members and serve more than 200 clients.
Today, as we celebrate eight years of operation this February, I am honored to have received a proclamation from the mayor, including a designated day in Cincinnati in recognition of my contributions to the community. Although we have went through many struggles including me suffering and recovering from a stroke, we have been extremely successful. We have expanded to two locations, launched a non-medical transportation company, and opened a CNA training school that equips aspiring healthcare professionals with the skills necessary to pass the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry test and become certified healthcare professionals.
This journey reflects my commitment to creating a healthcare environment that values compassion, family, and excellence in service.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Throughout my entrepreneurial journey, I encountered numerous challenges that taught me invaluable lessons. I made mistakes along the way, learning firsthand the difference between what not to do and what to do. With a background in healthcare rather than business, I had to quickly master essential skills such as bookkeeping, scheduling, payroll, HR management, and billing. Additionally, suffering a stroke presented a major personal hurdle. I underwent rigorous physical, occupational, and speech therapy, relearning even basic skills like walking. Despite these challenges, I remained committed to ensuring that my business operations continued to run smoothly during my rehabilitation.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At Caring Hearts Home Care, our mission statement is at the core of our values. We are dedicated to providing exceptional personal care and homemaking services for the elderly and disabled, ensuring they can age safely and comfortably in the familiarity of their own homes rather than in impersonal nursing facilities.
Over the past eight years, Caring Hearts Home Care has provided compassionate care to over 400 clients and employed more than 500 dedicated professionals. What sets Caring Hearts apart from others is our reputation. I have earned a reputation as a trusted expert in the home care industry, with individuals seeking my guidance on starting and managing their own agencies as well as assistance for their loved ones. I built this company from the ground up, and my commitment to exceptional service has made Caring Hearts Home Care LLC. a recognized name in the community, with hospitals and other agencies consistently referring clients to us.
I am proud of the growth I’ve achieved as an entrepreneur and business owner. Despite starting with little business experience, the challenges and learning opportunities along the way have allowed me to master the art of running a successful home care agency. Being self-taught is one of my greatest accomplishments, and it is a testament to the resilience and dedication that have driven our success.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I often reflect on the moment I sat at my desk at the Council on Aging, debating whether quitting my job to pursue entrepreneurship was the right decision. It was one of the scariest choices I ever faced, especially with family and friends insisting I was crazy to leave the security of a steady job. The one person who truly encouraged me to take that leap of faith was my husband. His own experience running Rilclothing Inc. LLC, which he started in 2016, inspired and motivated me to embrace the risk. I am immensely grateful for his support—without his push, Caring Hearts Home Care might never have been born.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.caringheartshomecarecinci.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msjamierenee/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-thomas-aa5806351
- Other: https://linktr.ee/msjamierenee
