Environmentalism, philanthropy and positive employee relations are the cornerstone principles of AT Home Care (ATHC) that CEO Ed Kassab shares with Google chief Eric Schmidt.   Keeping current on the latest innovations in health care, communications technology and forging a connection with the greater community are all important goals for Kassab. “The most important thing for a business to succeed and grow is to have happy, motivated employees,” says Kassab, who would rather spend money on employee benefits for an experienced staff, than have continuous recruiting and training expenditures.  Ed embraces his employees as a team which is evident in the constant communication, teaching and strategizing that goes on to create a dedicated staff that translates into a successful business. Kassab also feels strongly about giving back to the less fortunate; and that quality health care should be available to all.  AT Home Care supports medical efforts abroad through its affiliation with Physicians for Peace.  Each of ATHC’s therapists is encouraged to take time off, beyond their vacation time, to participate in medical mission work in one of Physician for Peace’s Walking Free programs in developing countries.  An extension of this program is the annual Limb Drive, co- sponsored by AT Home Care, each spring.  This event collects new and used prosthetics for needy patients participating in the Walking Free Program.  VCU basketball is another of Kassab’s beneficiaries.  AT Home Care is the lead sponsor for their RAY (Rams Assisting Youth) program which gives underprivileged children the opportunity to go to VCU basketball games. Ed’s love of sports, especially basketball, is evident in his daily dress…basketball shorts, t shirt or hooded sweatshirt and sneakers.  Nothing gets in the way of his 3X a week basketball games which he has been playing at a local court for the last 10 years.  Sports is a metaphor for his business…”you’ve got to be nimble and anticipate the moves of your competition to excel in your ‘game’.”   This philosophy and a love for innovation keeps AT Home Care on the cutting edge of communication and medical technology.  This Fall, ATHC is adopting a new wireless communications software which links all information on a patient to each home care giver, and allows them to receive real time information from doctors.  Improved information and coordination allow the clinicians to have more quality time with each patient.  It simultaneously reduces paper output by 95%, thereby having the smallest environmental footprint possible. By embracing tech innovation, employee benefits and the greater good of the community that Google exemplifies, Kassab has raised the bar for quality home health care.