Meet the Adesinas: From engineering to starting a medical lab in Reno Nevada, USA
Being able to own a business and show your kids that it's possible motivates us
CATEGORY: FRANCHISE + MEDICAL LABORATORY
AFI: Tell us about Any Lab Test Now and what inspired you to start
My husband and I are the owners of Any Lab Test Now, Reno, Nevada. Any lab test now, Nevada, is a franchise model headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and it has stores in many places in the US. One thing I do like about the company is that it's a group of women who've come together to really empower other people. The primary purpose of Any Lab Test Now is to give people options for their medical lab tests. It's a place where you can get your lab test done regardless of your insurance status. We provide transparent pricing upfront. When you visit the website, you see the price; you know what you're paying, so there is no surprise billing. We also respect our clients' time because we know people have busy lives. We don't want to keep you waiting. You can get your tests done in under 15 minutes. You need not spend 2 hours in line. We offer both walk-ins and appointments. Our ultimate goal is to serve our community, so our prices are very affordable. We had a grand opening in June 2024.
AFI: When and why did you move from Nigeria to the US?
I moved to the US in January 2010. My husband and I both have a background in engineering, and I worked as a design engineer in Nigeria. However, when I got here for graduate school, I had a taste of an MBA and, from there, to information systems. I love technology, but I also love being able to relate to people.
AFI: What was it like transitioning from an engineering background to a biomedical enterprise?
It took a growth mindset. I usually have something in my bathroom that says, “I have the capacity to acquire any knowledge that would take me to the next level.” There's really nothing the human mind cannot do when we set our hearts to it. On the other hand, my husband took the state-required licensing exams to get certified, and we divided up tasks and learned new things as a team.
AFI: Many people come to the US with a small dream, not to build a big enterprise. How did you see beyond a regular salary job?
As a couple, we just sat down and asked what kind of life we wanted for our kids. You know, now you have a house and a degree, you go on vacation, but how can we build wealth for the children, something that will outlast us? Sometimes, we don't really understand how the things we see impact us. My dad worked for the government but also had a business. Although I used to say I was not a salesperson, business was in my subconscious. Getting a business is not a joke, and it takes a lot of sacrifices, but we're like, can we make the sacrifice now that we can and then afterward see the gains? One interesting thing about business is that once you have one, it's easy to start thinking of more.
AFI: What marketing strategies have been most effective in getting your business noticed both within and outside the African community?
Because this is a franchise, we do a lot of high-level marketing. But we're also local, so the most effective marketing strategy is leveraging relationships. That is the one-on-one strategy. We meet with doctors, especially African doctors in our network, who can refer people to the lab. I have a day in the week when I go out to some of the hospitals and reach out. I take fliers out. We also have a good staff member who has been in the medical field for a long time, so we also leverage her relationships. Also, being a member of the Chamber of Commerce and attending events has really been helpful.
AFI: What challenges did you face starting your business, and how did you overcome them?
A major challenge we had earlier was finding the right location that meets the franchise specifications. Real estate prices were very high when we got to the right location. We also ran into issues with our first contractor, who had to renovate the building. Due to some distance barrier, we had to cancel his contract and find another contractor, which delayed our start time. Hiring the right people was another challenge. Sometimes, you make an appointment, you're ready for the interview, and people cancel at the last minute. Thankfully, we eventually found a great person. Getting healthcare providers to hear about our services is also challenging. Above all, we are learning to maximize whatever opportunity we have.
AFI: What are some of your proudest moments doing this business?
The joy of owning a business and showing your kids that it's possible is indescribable, as is the excitement of carrying them along. Sometimes, they say, “Oh, God, send a gazillion customer!” Another joyful moment was during our grand opening in June when people from the Chamber of Commerce and other business owners came, and we discussed ideas for doing business together.
“Getting a business is not a joke, and it takes a lot of sacrifices, but we're like, can we make the sacrifice now that we can and then afterward see the gains?”
AFI: What advice would you give aspiring African entrepreneurs interested in buying a franchise like you did? Do you have any tips for learning to do business in the diaspora, considering that some of the processes and compliance laws may differ from those in your home country?
I'd say go for it after you've done your research. People say business is a gamble, but it's good if you research well. See the trends. Sometimes, things don't work as planned, but even if they did not, you've learned something. If you have any inclination, go for it. Start at a level that you can and keep building it.
Familiarize yourself with applicable laws in your State because every State has different laws. Find the laws that apply to the kind of business you do. Also, build relationships. Sometimes, you need someone who is in to open the door for you. Plus, you need excellent customer service no matter what business you do. Work on excellent communication skills and be confident. Don't be bothered about your skin color or accent. Your people will gravitate towards you.
AFI: What resources (books, mentors, courses, funding opportunities, training programs, workshops) have been helpful in your entrepreneurial journey?
I prioritize personal development because I believe in investing in myself. Read books or get a good coach in the area you are not. I learn from Dave Ramsey's resources. Regarding funding opportunities, universities and states usually have something to help. They ask people to do things like a poster presentation and all that. There's always something available if we can research in the right places.
“People say business is a gamble, but it's good if you research well. See the trends. Sometimes, things don't work as planned, but even if they did not, you've learned something. If you have any inclination, go for it. Start at a level that you can and keep building it.”
AFI: What is your dream for Any Lab Test Now in the near future?
I see it expanding from the one store we have now to a couple of stores around here, making giant strides and helping people. We look forward to having more staff, more time on our hands, and doing well in the community.
