Meet Valerie Heedum, the Business Development Director at Caring Friends In-Home Care (caringfriends.com).
Tell us a little about your business. – Caring Friends is a non-medical in home care provider covering 43 counties in Nebraska. We provide companion care for individuals ranging from pediatric to seniors.
How did you get started in the business? – I have worked in senior health for over 20 years. I have known the owner for many years and love connecting with providers and clients in the community. Senior Health is important and I feel great when I can help connect people to meet a need.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Finding a role where I can make a real impact matters to me. Working with the team at Caring Friends has offered me that opportunity.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – A few years back I was recognized as business partner of the year by the Nebraska Health Care Association. I felt humbled to be acknowledged by my peers who I respect so much.
Tell us a little about your family. – I am married to Jeff who also works in Senior Health. We have a blended family and together we have three kids, Alex, Ellie and Avery. We have his and hers dogs, Judge and Chance.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Being a mom has been one of the most rewarding and meaningful things to me. I am now close to being an empty nester and that is harder than I thought it would be. I miss having them home but am proud of them for their independence.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I am learning Pickleball and try to play a little golf too.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I love learning. I listen to podcasts and audible books a lot and recently signed up to Master Class App too. I tend to be a YouTube it kind of person too and try to repair things at home too.
Who inspires you? – This may be cliché, but Taylor Swift is a female role model I am rooting for. Her kindness, vulnerability and overall success are impressive!
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – I try to live my life by walking the walk. I never want to over promise and under deliver.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Authentic.
If you had a theme song, what would it be? – “Unstoppable” by Sia.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – I love connecting with seniors. I don’t get to do that everyday but have a soft spot for them and it brings me joy when I get to do that.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Dolly’s Legacy is where I got my rescue dog Chance. I love advocating for adopting pets. Teammates program really was a lovely experience for my daughter Ellie and her Team Mate Betsy.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – val.heedum@caringfriends.com | (402) 207-1050