Welcome back to Care to CEO! In this powerful season finale, Crystal Smith dives into one of the most critical and challenging aspects of running a care-based business: real estate. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand, this episode is packed with wisdom and hard-earned lessons on everything from choosing the right property and navigating leases to building real wealth and protecting yourself from common traps.

Crystal Smith shares her personal journey, including the costly mistakes she made early on and how those experiences shaped her approach to real estate today. She breaks down the unique challenges care businesses face, why your first property should be a learning lab, and why renting might be the smartest move for new providers. They also cover tips for negotiating with landlords, handling licensing hurdles, and the importance of doing your local homework before signing anything.

If you’re passionate about growing your care business or just want to avoid the missteps that can sink your company, this episode is essential listening. Get ready to walk away with practical insights, renewed confidence, and actionable steps for protecting your business and setting yourself up for long-term success.

Timestamps:

00:00 "Real Estate: Balance of Roles"

04:27 Renting Over Buying

07:36 Avoid Early Lease Guarantees

09:55 "Confidence Over Details Matters"

16:09 Childcare Licensing and Zoning Variability

17:09 Navigating Home Care Zoning Requirements

22:56 "Start Small, Seek Counsel"

23:45 "Seek Legal Help and Resources"

27:28 "Strategic Thinking in Real Estate"

Care to CEO - Podcast Show Website - https://caretoceo.com/

Crystal Smith - https://www.crystalsmithandco.com/

Crystal Smith Mentoring - https://ft.crystalsmith.online/

TopHealth - https://tophealth.care/

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”

Welcome to episode 12 of Care to CEO! In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Crystal Smith and her husband, Ryan Smith, pull back the curtain on what it's really like to build a healthcare business and a life together as a married couple. The duo dives into their journey from chaos to structure, navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and the unique challenges of balancing work, family, and faith.

You'll hear candid stories about taking leaps of faith, overcoming business disagreements without hurting the marriage, and what it means to truly support your partner's dreams (even if it means jumping all-in on a brand new industry!). Crystal Smith and Ryan Smith share the systems and boundaries they've developed over the years, and how communication and a healthy dose of humor keep them moving forward.

This episode is packed with lessons about leadership, legacy, and the power of partnership. Whether you're navigating your own business with a loved one or simply looking for insight on building something that matters, this candid conversation will give you real, relatable advice and leave you inspired to keep building your own legacy. Tune in and join the journey from care to CEO!

Timestamps:

00:00 "Care to CEO: Our Journey"

05:42 "Faith, Trust, and Ambition"

08:16 "Beautiful Chaos of Everyday Life"

11:02 "Faith as Life's Compass"

13:41 Reliable Logistics Problem-Solver

17:51 "Unpacking and Patience"

22:38 "Importance of Clear Communication"

24:41 "Protecting Relationships and Peace"

26:54 "Sports Historian Husband Dreams"

Care to CEO - Podcast Show Website - https://caretoceo.com/

Crystal Smith - https://www.crystalsmithandco.com/

Crystal Smith Mentoring - https://ft.crystalsmith.online/

TopHealth - https://tophealth.care/

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”

Welcome back to Care to CEO, the show where real-life experiences transform into ownership, leadership, and lasting legacy. In today’s episode, host Crystal Smith, an entrepreneur, mentor, and advocate for breaking down barriers in the care industry, dives deep into the power of mentorship that doesn’t just hand out surface-level advice but lifts the curtain and truly opens doors.

You’ll hear Crystal Smith reflect on her journey from feeling like an outsider, struggling with imposter syndrome and gatekeeping in her field, to building her own tables where everyone is welcome. She shares personal stories of perseverance, building generational wealth, and how she now champions other women and new care agency leaders to become CEOs themselves. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at her recent experience at a professional convention, insights on building supportive communities, and honest conversations about entrepreneurship, mentorship, and why asking for help is the ultimate strategy.

If you’ve ever felt held back by self-doubt or struggled to find genuine support, this episode is for you. Crystal Smith opens up about what real mentorship looks like, why it’s especially vital for women, caregivers, and first-generation business owners, and how it’s never too early, or too late, to step into your power as a CEO.

Stay tuned as Crystal Smith reminds us that success is not reserved for a select few, and building a legacy starts with showing up for yourself and others, every single day.

Timestamps:

00:00 "Mentorship That Breaks Barriers"

06:43 Redefining Humble and Empowerment

11:24 "Struggling with Success Guilt"

17:28 Presence Speaks Louder Than Words

23:05 "Figuring Things Out Through Calls"

28:12 Fear, Confidence, and Sharing Information

36:18 Unlocking Your Natural Potential

43:11 Caregiver to CEO Mindset Shift

44:33 "Delegation Over Control"

51:06 Clarity, Structure, Accountability

56:13 "Overcoming Hesitation to Start"

01:01:38 "Mentorship, Access, and Care Business"

Care to CEO - Podcast Show Website - https://caretoceo.com/

Crystal Smith - https://www.crystalsmithandco.com/

Crystal Smith Mentoring - https://ft.crystalsmith.online/

TopHealth - https://tophealth.care/

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”