No matter how much technology may transform the way it operates, the health-care sector will always be about improving the human condition.
That’s how Arif Abdulla, vice-president of global franchise development at Nurse Next Door Home Care Services, sees the advancements in his line of work.
“For us, it’s still very much about the human experience,” Abdulla said. “Any time we look at technology, it’s at how … it [allows] for an even more human experience for our caregivers and our clients, not about a less human experience.”
After attaining his bachelor of arts in communications from Simon Fraser University (SFU), Abdulla was drawn to the budding Nurse Next Door brand for its heavy investment in people and community.
For a decade, Abdulla has led the company’s marketing and brand strategy, putting it on the North American franchise map and helping the company achieve annual revenues of $10 million.
Abdulla has refined his capabilities in the health-care and franchising realms, going on to receive his graduate diploma of business administration from SFU.
“I’ve worn a lot of different hats [at Nurse Next Door]; I’ve been here for a long time,” he said. “I’ve helped build the business from one unit to almost 200 across North America, but it’s always been about that impact we’ve been able to make on people.”
Abdulla has his sights set on the international market. The brand has spread into over 150 markets across North America and it continues to grow.
As the leader of franchise development, Abdulla said he is proud to help provide a greater range of options for those seeking in-home care services.
“[What we do] is not transactional. It’s about providing a service that is meaningful and impactful by spending time together.… We like to call it happier aging.”
Birthplace: New Westminster
Where you live now: Mount Pleasant, Vancouver
Highest level of education: Bachelors of arts, communications, from Simon Fraser University
Currently reading: Exponential Organizations by Salim Ismail
Currently listening to: Frozen soundtrack (I have a three-year-old)
When you were a kid, what you wanted to be when you grew up: In business – just didn’t know what
Profession you would most like to try: Lawyer
Toughest business or professional decision: I had to narrow my scope of work giving up my first passion, marketing, in order to fully focus on sales and operations. I always tied success to an expanding scope. In hindsight it was the best decision for me, and the company, as it unlocked growth and opportunities that probably wouldn’t have happened otherwise
Advice you would give the younger you: Get comfortable with feeling uncomfortable. It’s the only time you’re learning and growing
What’s left to do: A lot. Top of the list is to take Nurse Next Door international
Join us to celebrate the 2017 Forty under 40 Awards on January 23, 2018, at the Vancouver Convention Centre. For tickets and event info visit http://www.biv.com/events/40under40
