| When California Concierge began adding employees, Doner advised the Hamersky’s to prepare an Employee Handbook and have it reviewed by a legal expert. He also helped them overcome their hesitance to accept credit cards.
“Don explained that the long-term benefits would offset short-term costs by making payment easier for our clients,” Susan says. “He has also shown us how to protect our company name, and to try other ideas that have resulted in new business. But most importantly, Don is always a cheerleader. He listens to our struggles, then builds us up to feel that we can accomplish anything. We may even franchise!”
Three years after Susan first spoke to the friendly person in the business workshop, California Concierge has enjoyed a fivefold increase in revenue. “We haven’t reached our peak yet, but every year is better,” Susan says. “That’s a big credit to Don; we could not have made this kind of progress without him.”
Susan and Doner continue to meet once a quarter, or whenever she has a question. And, while California Concierge appears on track to a bright future, Susan admits she has one regret. “I can’t help but think about how different things might have been had we known about SCORE when we first started,” she says. “I’m just amazed that it’s a free service. We’ll always be grateful to Don for everything he’s done to help us.”
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