Alyssa Heck-Lewis is a dedicated entrepreneur and the proud owner of Hudson House Assisted Living, nestled in the heart of Canyon, Texas. With a passion for providing exceptional care to seniors, Alyssa embarked on her journey with Gina Woodward at the SBDC in 2020, and her commitment to excellence has been evident, as she tirelessly works to ensure that residents receive the highest standard of care and comfort.
When did you start your business/year started?
I purchased the Hudson House in 2020, however, it was originally opened in 2002
Why did you decide to start your business?
I have always loved the elderly! I have a deep desire to make a difference in our world. It does look much different than I had imagined, but it is easy to walk down these hallways and feel inspired and like the work we do matters.
What is your favorite memory in the business?
There have been so many fun and hard memories in the last 4 years, but my top memory would have to be bringing my 3-day old baby to meet the residents. I came in with my tiny baby and let everyone hold her. (That was not the plan! But man, it was precious!) They love babies and children, but do not typically get much exposure to them at this point in their lives but watching them help raise my baby and enriching her life has been so sweet.
If I could give another, it would be the day one of my residents got a job at United Supermarkets.
What is the most rewarding part of running a small business?
The most rewarding part of running a small business is being able to step in and make things happen, not relying on someone who doesn’t understand the situation whether it be with residents, family’s or staff. We can make things happen!
What is the hardest part of running a small business?
The hardest part of running a small business for me has been not knowing what you don’t know. I have some great resources and friends who have helped when needed, but there have just been so many things that were simply not expected because I was new to a business and covid changed everything.
How does the business get to positively impact your community?
We get to offer the seniors of our region a safe place to live as they face many challenges in their later years. Whether it be the loss of a spouse, dementia, cancer, Parkinson’s, broken bones, we can help for a short time or a long time. There are too many diagnosis and issues to list, but we are honored to be able to step in and care for them during this difficult time in their lives.
Biggest challenge in the business?
There are many challenges in owning an assisted living, I would have to say the ever changing pace. One week it is calm and things are great. The next minute, someone has broken a hip, the state is doing an inspection, someone else has the flu!
What makes your different from your competition?
Honestly, the majority of my competition is corporate. I will stand behind anyone going into the business they own and working to make things better. The corporate feel is just different and less personal on every level. From the menu to the money things are just handled very differently.
The other thing that sets us apart from our competition would be the staff. Hudson House hands down has the best. Sade Thomas is our Executive Director – she knows (almost) everything about every single resident OFF THE TOP OF HER HEAD. Craig Ames is our Facilities Manager. He know this building like the back of his hand. There are also some long term caregivers – Sylvia Luna and Bri Butler. They are the exact kind of people you want to work with everyday and the people you want to see when nothing is going right. I just feel like the team we have is really special.
Best tips for others in business?
Don’t get to get too comfortable.
Love goes a long way.
Do the right thing.
What’s something you wish someone had told you or that you wish you had learned earlier?
Man, this list could be a mile long. I guess I am grateful they didn’t tell me anything because I just might have been scared enough not to do it. I have done so many things that I would have been afraid to do
What is your favorite place to travel to?
I love to go anywhere with (my husband) Trevor! Yes, it’s cheesy but having someone you love and traveling is so much fun!