Comfort Keepers of North Idaho was started in 2000 by Tom and Kat Vercruyssen as a result of the personal challenges caring for their aging grandparents. They observed that many seniors really wanted to stay in their own homes and keep their independence, but they struggled with daily activities such as house cleaning, driving, and getting in and out of the shower safely.
Initially, Comfort Keepers of North Idaho opened their office in leased space in Coeur d’Alene with 4 employees serving the local community. Tom managed the financial aspects of the new business while Kat handled the marketing responsibilities.
In 2004, the twenty-five year relationship of Tom and Kat was abruptly torn apart by Tom’s fatal heart attack. Left with the daunting task of running the business on her own, Kat attended business classes at North Idaho College’s Small Business Development Center. Additionally, she sought individualized business coaching from ISBDC Regional Director Bill Jhung since Kat knew nothing of the financial side of the business.
Seven weeks after losing her husband, Kat was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer. It was at this time that Bill, her mentor, helped Kat through grief, chemotherapy, and surgeries while quickly teaching her the financial aspects of her business. Overcoming her personal obstacles, Kat continued to manage Comfort Keepers. Since 2007, Comfort Keepers has enjoyed consistent annual growth in revenue of over 30% annually.
Today, Comfort Keepers owns and occupies a beautiful headquarters building in Coeur d’Alene and maintains offices in Sandpoint and Kellogg, Idaho. Currently, Comfort Keepers has 105 employees serving seniors, children with special needs, and disabled persons in 5 counties in Idaho.
Kat gives of her time freely to the community by volunteering and financially supporting senior programs like Onsite for Seniors, Alzheimer’s Association and Area Agency on Aging. Kat served on the board of directors for the Area Agency on Aging for several years and as past president of CareNet, a local non-profit organization of senior providers. In addition, Kat volunteers in the senior community as a valuable resource for seniors that need assistance applying for Medicaid.
When asked about the award, Kat Vercruyssen stated, “Receiving this award is very special to all the fine employees who make up our outstanding team at Comfort Keepers. Our entire staff is committed to client satisfaction. Our goal is to provide support and services that improve the lives and enable independent living of those we serve.”
“SBA is proud to honor Kat Vercruyssen as the 2011 Idaho Small Business Person of the Year,” said Norman Proctor, Boise SBA District Director. “Under Kat’s leadership, Comfort Keepers has experienced tremendous growth over the last few years. SBA is pleased to have assisted Comfort Keepers of North Idaho with training and business mentoring through the Small Business Development Center in Post Falls as well as an SBA loan.”
No doubt, Kat Vercruyssen is a very caring person. But with her renewed health, and a bevy of life experiences to draw upon, Comfort Keepers of North Idaho has a very bright future. Not only is she providing care for those in need, the growth of Comfort Keepers is creating jobs during these challenging economic times.