River City Six – Brenda C. Ouellete
Meet Brenda C. Ouellette, the CEO at CareBuilders at Home in Omaha (www.carebuildersathomeomaha.com).
Tell us a little about your business.
CareBuilders at Home in Omaha provides in-home, non-medical services and care for people of all ages. We are dedicated to helping our clients lead dignified, independent lifestyles in the comfort and safety of their own homes. It is a gift to be a servant and to be trusted to care for something as intimate as someone’s healthcare needs. My clients and their family member(s) matter to me, and it is my goal with each person to bring them as much peace and comfort as possible.
How did you get started in the business?
Since about age 13, I have known that my purpose in life was to serve others, I just didn’t know to what capacity. A seed was planted in 1996 when I became a Certified Nurses Assistant at Millard Good Samaritan in Omaha. From there, my path became more clear.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
Not being able to help everyone who crosses my path with a need. Each person deserves the best quality of care and attention to detail, so I have to make sure I don’t stretch myself too thin. I trust my partnerships, and we all work closely to make sure everyone is taken care of.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
Stepping out on faith and partnering with CareBuilders at Home. Tell us a little about your family. – I have two beautiful children—Brittany (27) works for me as my HR manager and Brian (25) works for me as a Certified Nurses Assistant and Medication Aide. I also have the most amazingly smart grandson named Auriaun. I am the youngest child of four and my father was in the Air Force so I have lived in many places all over the world.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
In 2005 when I stepped out on faith and went to college full-time, I worked three jobs, was a single parent and obtained my associate’s degree in 2007, my bachelor’s degree in 2009, master’s degree in 2010, and my PhD in 2019.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
I love to garden, paint, read, take long walks, volunteer, and, most importantly, spend time with my family.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?
Servant.
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
“I Give Myself Away” by William McDowell.
Which talent would you most like to have?
To speak Italian, Spanish, Japanese, and French.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?
Missionary work.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
The Alzheimer’s Association. People with dementia deserve the best care possible.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – Meditations by Marcus Aurelius.
What is your favorite movie?
A Walk in the Clouds.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
(402) 506-9368; bouellette@carebuildersathome.com; www.carebuildersathomeomaha.com.