By: Joshua Finley
Running a business during a global crisis demands more than survival instincts- foresight, quick thinking, and solid planning. When COVID-19 hit the disability care sector in 2020, most service providers scrambled to adapt their operations. But some leaders saw the writing on the wall early. While others hesitated, one disability service provider doubled her staff before the shortage hit, stashed away crucial financial reserves, and completely rewrote their playbook for client care. This is how Michelle Nohotima turned a potential disaster into an opportunity to build a stronger, more resilient business.
Managing Money with Precision
The early days of COVID-19 taught Michelle hard lessons about financial preparation. Now, she runs her business with a military-grade organization, maintaining 10 separate accounts for different aspects of operations. “I have an account for annual leave. I have an account for 3 months worth of expenses,” she explains. This careful planning proved critical – especially for her pet boarding business, which she credits with surviving purely because of these financial buffers. Money management isn’t just about survival, though. Michelle found that having firm financial reserves freed her to think bigger. “I’m more prepared now, so then that allows me to expand because I’ve got the peace of mind that I have those things in place,” she says. “I’m not so stressed or uptight about the money side of things.”
Adapting to New Realities
Working in disability care during COVID-19 meant throwing out the old playbook. “Current procedures and policies don’t cut it,” Michelle notes. Her team had to completely rethink how they delivered services while keeping staff and clients safe. This meant constant adjustments – testing new approaches, keeping what worked, and quickly abandoning what didn’t. Michelle’s business was built on questioning rigid systems. She’d started her company after seeing “how traditional disability services couldn’t accommodate clients who wanted to travel.” This experience with innovation served her well during COVID. “You have to figure out ways you could still service the people but do it safely,” she explains.
Strengthening Team Morale
For Michelle, maintaining staff morale during uncertain times comes down to connection and recognition. Her approach mixes formal check-ins with social bonds: “We always have a lot of small team meetings whether it’s Zoom, on the phone, face to face. We also try to do things socially together and with their families.” She’s learned that meaningful rewards don’t always mean cash bonuses. “Some people don’t even want to pay. Some people just want a week off with pay,” she shares. Sometimes, she uses her travel industry connections to send staff on holidays. It’s about showing genuine appreciation for their work in ways that matter to them personally.
The global pandemic taught Michelle that being prepared financially isn’t just about surviving tough times – it’s about having the freedom to grow. With multiple financial safety nets in place, she can focus on expanding services and exploring new opportunities without constant worry about cash flow. “Being organized financially, I would say, is a big plus to navigating a crisis,” she reflects. This solid foundation lets her concentrate on what matters most: serving clients and supporting her team through whatever challenges come next.
Today, Michelle continues to run her disability services with the same forward-thinking approach that helped her weather COVID. Her story shows how careful planning, quick adaptation, and genuine care for staff can help a business thrive through difficult times.
To learn more about Michelle Nohotima and her approach at Always Able, check out her LinkedIn profile.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, business, or professional advice. The strategies and experiences shared are specific to the individual mentioned and may not apply to all businesses or circumstances. Readers should seek tailored advice from qualified professionals for their unique situations.
Published by Tom W.
