Every founder conversation I have kicks off with the same assumption. If you made it onto my calendar, you’re a fit for kaizenleap. That isn’t always true. We build with companies that want to adapt, validate, and scale solutions for post-acute care. If that’s not your focus, we’re not the right partner.

Post-acute care isn’t just another corner of healthcare. Startups coming out of hospitals, home health, or ambulatory settings sometimes try to roll straight into skilled nursing without making real changes. That shortcut doesn’t work.

Our credibility depends on putting the right solutions in front of operators. If I tie myself to the wrong company, I risk the trust we’ve worked hard to build. That’s a line I can’t cross.

Just because we don’t work together doesn’t mean the conversation’s a throwaway. I value the time with founders. I want to hear what you’re building, what problem you think you’re solving, and how you see the future of care delivery. Even if it’s not a fit for post-acute, I might see a spot where your work connects with someone in my network.

Relationships matter. This business runs on introductions, referrals, and the credibility that comes from helping without strings attached. I’d rather point you in the right direction than jam a square peg into a round hole.

kaizenleap grows when we’re disciplined about who we partner with, but I grow personally when I invest in relationships. Founders remember who gave them an honest read, who said no without slamming the door, and who made a connection when it counted. That kind of reputation builds over time.

In this business, opportunities rarely come from cold calls and a slap-pitch. They come from someone you helped a while back who later introduces you to the right operator, investor, or partner. That’s why I play the long game.

If you’re a startup building for post-acute care and ready to adapt your solution to the realities of skilled nursing, kaizenleap might be your partner. If you’re not, that’s fine. I’ll still listen, and if I see a way to connect you with someone in my network, I will. Growth isn’t just about deals. It’s about building a web of trust that makes the right deals possible.

Robert E. Dugas is Co-Founder of Kaizenleap Solutions, bringing 25+ years of experience in the post-acute domain. Learn more at https://kaizenleap.com/about-us/