Welcome back to Care to CEO! In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Crystal Smith, founder, business consultant, author, and now business broker, whose journey from caregiver and single mother to industry trailblazer is nothing short of remarkable. Crystal opens up about the steep costs and overlooked pitfalls of going solo in business, the invaluable role of mentorship, and the lessons she’s learned as she’s helped first-generation entrepreneurs, especially women and those from underrepresented backgrounds, build, grow, and ultimately exit valuable businesses. Together, we explore how the home care industry is evolving, why soft skills from caregiving translate into elite business leadership, and what it means to truly “show up” for yourself and others. Whether you’re an aspiring founder or a seasoned operator, get ready for powerful insights on creating sustainable freedom, building generational wealth, and embracing your unique superpowers as you grow from care to CEO.
Timestamps:
00:00 Crystal Smith's business journey
03:23 Helping Underdog Entrepreneurs Succeed
07:30 Ready-to-buy business market
12:00 Choosing the Right Mentor
13:30 Importance of getting guidance
18:04 Developing Skills Through Caregiving
20:26 Empowering women in the workplace
22:59 Expanding beyond health care
29:11 Showing up for yourself
30:48 Building a Valuable and Sustainable Business
Building Legacy Businesses: Lessons from the Care to CEO Podcast with Crystal Smith
In the latest episode of the Care to CEO podcast, we sit down with Crystal Smith, a dynamic founder, business consultant, author, and business broker. Throughout the conversation, Crystal Smith shared honest reflections on entrepreneurship, the value of mentorship, and the unique challenges faced by caregivers turned business owners. This episode is packed with actionable insights for ambitious entrepreneurs, especially those in the healthcare industry. Here’s what you need to know.
From Caregiver to CEO: Crystal Smith’s Journey
Crystal Smith began her career as a caregiver and CNA, later evolving into a business owner and mentor for other entrepreneurs. Her real-world experience, especially as a single mother building an "empire," makes her relatable to many first-generation and underdog founders. On the podcast, she highlights the importance of recognizing the true value of your business and the legacy it can create.
The Hidden Costs of Going It Alone
One key lesson Crystal Smith shares is the high price of trying to navigate entrepreneurship solo. She emphasizes that the cost is not just about lost time but real money lost from mistakes that could have been avoided with proper guidance. Crystal Smith candidly admits, “I wish I had someone much sooner than I did…the cost is so high because the cost is not just time, but there’s money attached to it too”. Her advice is clear: invest in support and mentorship early instead of waiting until you are overwhelmed or burnt out.
The Power of Soft Skills in Business
Many caregivers are unaware that the "soft skills" they develop on the job are actually executive business skills. Crystal Smith explains that problem-solving, crisis management, communication, and resilience are crucial for business success. These foundational skills compound in value as your company grows and help caregivers-turned-entrepreneurs thrive in leadership roles.
Mentorship and Community: Your Secret Weapon
Mentorship, according to Crystal Smith, is not about constant motivation but honest and experienced guidance. She stresses the importance of having someone who can hold you accountable, challenge your thinking, and provide strategies based on real industry experience. Crystal Smith warns against relying solely on generic online advice, pointing out the difference between consuming information and being coached through real-life challenges.
Knowing When to Ask for Help
A common mistake among entrepreneurs, especially solopreneurs, is waiting too long to delegate or seek assistance. Crystal Smith shares that once you are consistently making at least $5,000 per month, it’s time to align with professionals and set up proper systems. Doing everything solo not only leads to errors and burnout but also risks stalling business growth.
Shifting Focus: Building Valuable, Sellable Businesses
Crystal Smith has evolved her focus from helping people start businesses to guiding them toward building companies that are valuable and attractive to buyers. She notes that many entrepreneurs, especially in the healthcare space, do not fully recognize what they have built or realize that buyers are looking for turnkey operations ready for acquisition. Understanding the worth of your business can create true generational wealth and legacy.
Mindset and Showing Up
Resilience is a recurring theme throughout the podcast. Crystal Smith encourages entrepreneurs to show up for themselves every day, even on tough days. By taking that first step, regardless of how perfect things are, you build up not only your business but your self-confidence and leadership capacity.
Final Thoughts
The episode closes with a reminder that the ultimate goal isn’t just business ownership but building something sustainable, valuable, and liberating for yourself and those around you. Crystal Smith inspires listeners to get out of their own way, recognize their unique skills, seek mentorship, and show up consistently to achieve true business freedom.
Looking for more inspiration and actionable business advice? Catch the full episode of Care to CEO, and remember to show up for yourself every step of the way.
Care to CEO - Podcast Show Website - https://caretoceo.com/
Crystal Smith - https://sellwithcsmith.com/
TopHealth - https://tophealth.care/
“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”