Press

Press

Memphis Business Journal
(Volume 20, Number 10) July 10-16, 1998

Following Footsteps

Caregiver Retains Founder’s Philosophy

By Leigh Ann Roman

A Caregiver business that is spinning off from ServiceMaster’s own history in its philosophy.

Renee’ Smith, who had served as director of ServiceMaster’s Caring Companions division, purchased the company July 1, and part of her mission statement is similar to that of ServiceMaster founder Marion E. Wade.

Smith plans "to honor God by showing compassion to those in need." Wade, a one-time, minor league baseball player who founded ServiceMaster as a moth-proofing company, sought simply "to honor God in all we do."

Based in Downer’s Grove, Ill., ServiceMaster has grown to offer a broad network of services. It employs more than 34,000, manages about 200,000 more, and has systems wide revenues of more than $4 billion.

For Smith, Caring Companions is more than a business; it is a mission.

"I’ve always felt my calling was with the elderly and those who suffer," Smith said. "I grew up in foster homes, and I know what it is like to be lonely, to need help and to not have family."

Her business plan is simple. "I just want to take every dime of profits outside paying salaries and overhead, and use it to give back to people."

Smith says she plans to devote 10% of the profits to mission work through the non-denominational Central Church, 6655 Winchester.

After she pays off her business loan, Smith would like to set up an indigent fund with an additional 10% of profits to pay for home care for those who cannot afford it.

Services provided by Caring Companions include companionship, Alzheimer’s care, household chores, meal preparation, grocery shopping and errands, and transportation to appointments or social activities.

The company currently has about 45 clients and 35 caregivers, most of whom are part-time, Smith says. There are five full-time employees.

Smith purchased the company through a private $60,000 loan from an individual who prefers to remain anonymous, she says.

The company puts its clients first, Smith says. "This company is like a magnet that draws people who understand true suffering and loneliness, and they have empathy for these clients, "she says.

Smith’s background includes social services work at nursing homes and brand marketing for Promus Hotel Corp.

The company "is part of my heart and soul," Smith says. "If you’re in it for the money, you’re in the wrong business."

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