Since 1991, Clearview Lantern Suites and Estates have
been providing exceptional housing and care to its customers. Former President
Steve Sandberg was a non-traditional college student at 48 years old; however
this did not stop him from pursuing his vision of becoming a business owner.
Steve purchased the Clearview Lantern Suites and
Estates in 1995. Before becoming an assisted and independent living residence,
Clearview Lantern Suites served the community as an elementary school. By 1997,
Clearview Lantern Suites and Estates opened its doors, and its 73 beds have
been full ever since.
Today, Clearview Lantern Suites and Estates has 30
employees and Steve’s daughter, Elissa Sandberg, has succeeded her father as
the president. Clearview Lantern Suites and Estates have also added adult
daycare and rehabilitation to the list of services they offer.
Recently the Ohio Department of Health changed many of
its procedures, and compliance with these new changes has been costly. Steve
also notes that with increasing costs, it is difficult to offer healthcare to
all of his employees.
Steve enjoys being a member of NFIB because he likes
having the ability to know how his legislators have voted on certain issues
that could affect his business. He reiterates this statement by stating, “You
need people out there telling you what is going on.” The voting record lets him
know where his elected officials stand on issues important to him and the other
25,000 plus members in Ohio.
Steve also appreciates having the opportunity to get
together and discuss issues with other business owners. The NFIB/Ohio
Youngstown Area Action Council offers him the opportunity to meet with fellow
members and hear from legislators and NFIB/Ohio staff on issues at the
statehouse.
Steve outlines the best part of being a small business
owner by affirming that his “decisions help people, both the employees and the
residents.” He recognizes that the decision to be a business owner was his and
he has the opportunity to improve the lives of others.
For someone who is currently in the process of
starting their own small business, Steve advises that they must be prepared to
wear many hats. He notes that business courses do not prepare you for
everything; thus a new business owner must be willing to learn and seek help of
professionals when needed.
For more information on
Clearview Lantern Suites and Estates, visit http://clsuites.com/home.html.
