We spoke with Aimee McLean, CEO, Kate McLean Homecare, to learn more about the family business. Founded in 2002 by Aimee's mother-in-law, Kate, provides in-home care for elderly, convalescing, palliative and post-operative clients throughout Auckland.
Tell us about your family business.
Kate McLean Homecare was founded in 2002 by my mother-in-law Kate. At the time, private homecare was a very new service to New Zealand, and she saw a gap in the market. I started in 2016 as General Manager, and in 2018, with my husband Jamie, purchased a majority share of the company from Kate. People like the fact that we are family-owned and not a big corporation, as it gives a more personal feeling. Word of mouth is our biggest referral source which makes me immensely proud. I go out and do all our initial meetings with potential clients, and I have a fabulous team of people in the office.
What has been your greatest success?
The greatest success has to be navigating the succession process, as it can be tricky and fraught. Looking back on it, it was relatively straight-forward, as Kate wanted Jamie and I to succeed.
Other successes include moving the business out of the family home, where it was started, and into a dedicated office space. It may not sound like much but realising that you have outgrown an office and need more room for more employees is a great yardstick for how the company is growing. It’s also a realisation that you can’t do everything yourself!
I have also recently been invited to attend an educational trip to Australia in April with the CEO of the New Zealand Aged Care Association, along with other heads of industry organisations and both Labour and National MPs, to learn more about what the Australian Aged Care sector is doing. Being able to raise the profile of homecare in New Zealand is a huge priority for me, as I feel it’s important people know they have options outside of residential care, and I am delighted to be included in this trip.
What do you value about FBA?
I decided we would join FBA as I feel that, despite different industries, we all have a similar background, and I think we can really relate to each other.
I also like the idea of referring people to other family-owned businesses, as I know how much passion goes into them. Family business owners are so dedicated.
What advice would you give to other family businesses?
Listen to older generations who have worked in the business. They have a wealth of wisdom and can often give you a different take on a tricky topic.
I find it helpful to talk to Kate, and it almost reassures me that if she’s dealt with it, then we can deal with it too.
Learn more about Kate McLean Homecare
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