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Brighter Day
Workout Program LLC
Jennifer Graham, President
Founded:
2008 Primary Business:
Creative Movement & Exercise for Adults with Dementia
www.BrighterDayWorkout.com
The founder…
Jennifer Graham, a dedicated activities professional,
designed a program with caregivers and activity professionals in mind
and then formed her very own LLC.
As a young entrepreneur, Jennifer saw a need and filled it.
She works as an activities
director at a local assisted living community.
Finding a need and filling it…
Ms. Graham determined that
caregivers and activities professionals needed something to help their
loved ones and patients.
They needed a tool to help individuals with Alzheimer’s burn off
restless energy, increase flexibility, improve circulation, and help
with activities of daily living.
"The whole DVD idea came to me rather slowly. It became clear to me that
our residents with dementia needed a good quality exercise program that
suited them, met their special needs, and was available anytime. I'd had
great success with the classes that I led daily and it seemed only
natural that I'd be great at leading exercise via video.” And so
began the exciting and educational process of making the video. It was
a perfect solution for her and their residents, they could have the
exercises they loved and she could occasionally have a day off.
How did the SBDC help...
Not only did Ms. Graham produce a
product, she is now a small business owner and having never run a
business before, knew she needed support. "The SBDC has given me
the support I needed to turn a great idea into a blossoming cottage
industry. The initial seminar at Ivy Tech helped me to understand the
idea of having a business plan and how important it is to think through
every aspect of the business from funding and buying merchandise to
marketing and limiting the company's growth. With so much "food for
thought" I became overwhelmed with enthusiasm for my product, but unsure
about several details. It was clear that I needed more help.
I met with Sheryl Olivey at the SBDC and she quickly assured me
that I was on the right track. She made several useful suggestions,
expanding my professional relationships helping me be even more
successful. Knowing that a great organization like the SBDC exists to
help folks like me really erases many of my worries about starting a
small business. I truly appreciate the guidance and suggestions and look
forward to a long and successful relationship!"
What does the future hold…
"When I think of the future of my
company, I see the birth of several more products. I think it’s only
natural to want to do a series. I've learned so much with the first DVD,
I'd love to use that knowledge and confidence to pursue other related
projects.
It makes Ms. Graham extremely happy to think of the potential impact of
her product. Exercise DVDs made specifically for adults with dementia
gives professional and home caregivers a wonderful tool to help those
they care for. It seems so simple, but it really does make a difference. |