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Published April 03, 2018

Despite having a very successful business, it was no surprise when Daniel Holstead, CEO of Advocates for Healthy Transitional Living, LLC, contacted Green Bay SCORE for advice to improve reporting processes.    “He contacted SCORE for assistance in improving management reporting so he could improve his skill in managing the company,” his mentor, Gary Lewins, explained.    Lewins was impressed not only with the company Holstead has created, but also with his desire to keep learning and growing as a manager.  Holstead says it is something he realized when he started the business in 2011. He was at a crossroads in his career; having spent most of it in family services and family care and had ideas to offer more effective care.    “Even though I knew social work very well, I didn’t know business very well,” he said. “I don’t think that what anyone realizes is that whenever you start a small business, you are instantly thrown into a model. I can be the best social worker in the world, but if I’m not a good business person, I won’t be able to do good social work.”   That recognition started a journey to learn as much as he could about business and to seek assistance whenever there were questions. He met with various professionals including an accountant, attorney, banker, and other business owners.    “If I had to lecture someone, I would say to always be humble and reach out," Holstead said. "Whatever level of business you’re in, don’t try to wing it. Get the help you need.”   In addition to being willing to get help, he also listened to communities and sought to determine the best methods of reaching youth with extreme needs.    “These may be children who are removed from home or remain in a community setting.  How do we develop systems and programs in a way that will address those most extreme needs?” he asked. “When you have youth struggling, you also have parents who are struggling so the issue isn’t just the child, it is the impact on the entire system.”   Although Holstead’s original plan was to experiment with different models and interventions for foster care, the focus broadened as great needs surfaced. Advocates for Healthy Transitional Living now has four locations in Northeastern Wisconsin that serve more than 17 counties.   Utilizing a team approach, Advocates works with schools, families, and providers to help children in and out of their homes. The list of services includes case management, foster homes, in-home therapy, education to help with independent transition, skill development, medication management, and assistance in many other areas. Currently, there is a staff of about 75 who serve in a variety of capacities; all mirror the same desire that Holstead embodies.   “I started with my own vision and passion for youth, and I share that vision with my team so that it never gets lost. I can’t be everywhere all the time so as the organization has grown, I’ve hired people with that same passion,” he noted.   There are monthly meetings to review processes and talk about possible improvements.    Holstead added, “I am a 100% believer in teams. Team support each other, challenge each other, and understand the giftedness of the separate entities.”   They also understand that the business can’t get comfortable in becoming stagnant.  Needs are always changing, and the number of youth at risk is the only constant. There are other businesses working with youth, but Holstead says the most important thing to him is not the competitiveness, it is the creativeness.    “My goal is to be the best,” he said. “Even if I am getting feedback that what I’m doing isn’t working, if I can take that and craft it into something that works, then I will be effective. Success means to pay attention, always listen, be humble, and be willing to adapt and change.”      Tina Dettman-Bielefeldt is co-owner of DB Commercial Real Estate in Green Bay and Past District Director for SCORE, Wisconsin.