As their business was becoming more established, Roger and Melinda Soucy decided it was time to take the next step in their company’s development. In 2007, they attended a seminar held by Kurk Lalemand of Next Level Business Coaching, who peaked their interest in actually owning a business, instead of just owning a job.

The Soucys, who own Livermore-based PuroClean, a company focused on restoring properties damaged by water, fire, smoke, mold and bio hazards, said Next Level has helped them to set goals and develop a marketing plan.

“Kurk helps us stay focused on the business aspect of our company rather than everyday tasks,” Roger Soucy noted. “We work on the business instead of in the business, and create systems and procedures to do things more efficiently.”

Melinda Soucy said she finds Lalemand to be “compassionate and caring.”

“He’s just wonderful,” she added. “He really knows how to deal with people, even difficult people, and has helped us in so many situations.”

Roger Soucy appreciates Lalemand’s honesty and thoroughness.

“Kurk is a straight shooter,” he said. “By addressing whatever we bring to his attention, he shows us that he believes in his clients and their businesses. He helps us grow.”

The Soucys also enjoy Next Level’s dependability.

“Kurk is always there for us and I can call whenever I need him,” Roger Soucy said. “It doesn’t matter what the issues are. He deals with whatever comes up.”

The Soucys feel that PuroClean has benefited from Next Level’s coaching in several ways; perhaps most importantly, the manner in which the company has been guided along a definite path to the future.

“Business owners need a coach,” Roger Soucy noted. “You need someone to bounce ideas off of, and Kurk is always there to give his opinions and steer us in the right direction. He’s like a partner in our business.”