“I love that what we do has such a dramatic impact on a person’s basic needs. I am thankful that I get to help lead a team that does so much for others.”
As VP of Strategic Development for LifewiseCHM, Chris Larson supports both the internal and external development of our organization by working with the project management and clinical teams, our contractor network, our prospect clients and much more
Recently, we connected with Chris to learn more about his role at LifewiseCHM. Read below for his insights:
How long have you been with LifewiseCHM?
In January, I have been with LifewiseCHM for 5 years.
Describe your role as VP of Strategic Development.
As VP of Strategic Development for LifewiseCHM, I lead our project management team, manage our contractor network, collaborate with our clinical team, and guide business development with new accounts.
As we’ve grown, I have been fortunate to be involved in almost every aspect of the business, including collaborating with our leadership team to create our strategic direction for the future.
What is your favorite part of being part of the LifewiseCHM team?
People! Specifically, our internal team, our network of contractors and our clients. I am blessed to work with a great group of people. We all bring our own unique set of skills and talents to the table.
We have a great group of professionals who “get it done” every day. We are experts at what we do, and we are aligned in our mission to help people stay and live in their homes. The combination of both our internal team and our contractor network helps change our clients’ lives, and that is very rewarding.
What motivates you as VP of Strategic Development?
I love that what we do has such a dramatic impact on a person’s quality of life. For example, when we can provide an accessible and safe way to take a shower for the first time in years, or easily exit one’s home to enjoy the outdoors, that motivates me. I am thankful that I get to help lead a team that does so much for others.
Who, or what inspires you?
I am inspired by anyone who never gives up. Whether it’s a soldier fighting for our freedom, a disabled person fighting to remain independent, or someone overcoming a difficult season of life.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
My father impressed upon me that whenever things seemed easy or status quo, one never grows as a person. During the challenging times in life, one grows the most. I have always tried to embrace challenges instead of breaking under them because of what he said. Our CEO, Kathy Dodd also shared the following advice to “let go, and let God.” I love that simple but powerful advice. I find myself constantly saying it and sharing it with others.
What surprises you about work at LifewiseCHM?
I am surprised at how resilient some people are. We have a chance to interact with many who are in a tough spot and yet they just keep on living life. It’s remarkable.
What is your favorite quote?
I have two. One is from the Bible. One is from a President.
“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses? Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” ― Matthew 22 vs 36- 40
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” ― Theodore Roosevelt.