We had the good fortune of connecting with Dave Cherry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dave, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting Ellie Mental Health was a blend of personal passion and strategic planning. My wife and I have always been ardent advocates for mental health, driven by a desire to give back and support our community in meaningful ways. Although we’re not trained or experienced, our commitment to the cause spurred us to create a platform that could extend this support in our community.

We chose the franchise route because it offered a balance of independence and guidance. It provided us with a proven playbook and the backing of a corporate structure, which appealed to our entrepreneurial spirit. The franchise model also opened doors to a community of like-minded franchisees. This network has been invaluable; we learn from those ahead of us, share insights with peers at our level, and offer guidance to newer members. It’s a dynamic ecosystem where everyone contributes, collaborates, and grows together.

Ultimately, starting this business wasn’t just about creating a profitable venture—it was about building a legacy that could positively impact lives and foster a culture of support and understanding around mental health in our community.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career journey has been anything but predictable, beginning with aspirations of becoming an investment banker on Wall Street, to studying Finance and Law at the University of Pennsylvania. Despite my high expectations, I started with just two job offers, initially in HR at a credit card bank, a stint lasting only nine months. This unexpected start led me to Price Waterhouse where I surprisingly morphed into a ‘techie’ after learning how to code. While I was good at it, I realized it wasn’t for me. My consulting path continued at Deloitte, where I met my wife and furthered my experience in technology implementation.

Eventually, my career brought me to Columbus, Ohio, with Limitedbrands, and later led me to establish Cherry Advisory in 2013. Running my own consultancy has been incredibly fulfilling, giving me control over the projects I take on, the flexibility to work when and where I desire, and the choice to collaborate with people I truly respect and enjoy. This independence has also allowed me to engage deeply in other passions—holding board positions, teaching as an adjunct professor, volunteering, fundraising for charity, and pursuing marathon running.

Throughout this journey, I’ve honed my skills as a serial networker and connector, finding that helping others gives me the greatest satisfaction. Whether sharing expertise on a project or connecting people for career opportunities, I thrive on making a difference. This passion for helping others is what ultimately inspired my venture into the mental health business, seeking to impact the community positively. My path wasn’t easy, but the challenges taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of genuine connections. These lessons shape my approach to business and life: be flexible, stay connected, and always strive to make a meaningful impact.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Columbus, Ohio, for a week, I’d make sure they got a true taste of our vibrant city! Here’s how we’d spend those seven exciting days:

Day One: We’d kick things off with a live game to catch the spirited action of the Columbus Blue Jackets or the Columbus Crew, depending on the season. Nothing beats the thrill of live sports in a buzzing stadium!

Day Two: For a dose of culture, we’d head to a concert at Nationwide Arena or catch a performance at the historic Ohio Theater.

Day Three: Food adventure day! We’d dive into the diverse culinary scene at North Market – a must for food lovers wanting to sample a variety of dishes under one roof. For dinner, we’d indulge in an authentic Philly cheesesteak at Marlow’s, satisfying that nostalgia for genuine Philly flavors.

Day Four: Time for some exploration! We’d venture to a new spot we’ve both been curious about, making spontaneous choices along the way.

Day Five: A day in New Albany. We’d take a leisurely walk (or a morning run, if they’re game) around the scenic paths of my community, enjoying the lush landscapes and well-kept trails.

Evening Hangouts: Throughout the week, we’d also check out local breweries and cozy up in some quaint coffee shops to unwind and chat.

Relax and Reflect: We’d wrap up the week by revisiting any places they loved or doing anything they missed out on, ensuring they get the full Columbus experience!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d first and foremost like to thank my wife, Jyothi. Not only is she my partner in life, but also in our business, Ellie Mental Health. Together, we envisioned building something that could truly make a difference. I also owe a huge shoutout to our daughters, Anikha and Jaisel, who have supported us and sacrificed their time as we navigated the demands of our business.

Our Clinic Directors and therapists are the backbone of our operation; their dedication and hard work are what drive our success and allow us to serve our community effectively. I’m also immensely thankful for our corporate partners and fellow franchisees within the Ellie Mental Health network. Their constant support and guidance have been invaluable.

Lastly, I must acknowledge all our friends and family who have stood by us, listened to our goals, supported our endeavors, and offered help every step of the way. We truly couldn’t have done this without such a strong community behind us. Each of you plays a vital role in our story, and for that, we are deeply grateful.

Website: https://elliementalhealth.com/locations/columbus-westerville-oh/ AND https://elliementalhealth.com/locations/columbus-worthington-oh/ AND https://cherryadvisory.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davecherry17

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherrydave/

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