Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Erin Maccabee. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Erin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

When I was at my lowest, battling years of substance abuse, it truly felt like I was nearing the end. The world as I knew it was unraveling, and sobriety seemed like a last-ditch effort to pull myself out of the abyss. Surprisingly, choosing to get sober wasn’t just about clawing back from the edge; it opened the door to a whole new chapter I never saw coming.

In the clarity of recovery, I met someone extraordinary—a firefighter burdened by the traumatic experiences of his job and personal life. Despite the heroism of his daily life, he was quietly suffering, haunted by what he’d witnessed and endured. Our paths crossed at just the right time, and we found a mutual understanding in our shared struggles. Throughout our relationship, I was influenced by a new outlook and aspirations, showing me the power of connection and the urgent need for mental health support, especially for those who spend their lives helping others.

Tragically, his battles overcame him, and he passed away, a direct victim of his own unspoken pain. His loss was a devastating blow, but it cemented my resolve to advocate for mental health, particularly within professions that face constant trauma like the first responder community. His legacy inspired me to help ensure that his story—and the stories of many like him—would lead to change and not just be a footnote.

What seemed initially like an endpoint was, in retrospect, a beginning. It was the start of a journey not just to save myself but to extend that lifeline to others, influenced by a man who taught me the real stakes of the battles we fight within. It’s strange how life works—sometimes it’s the toughest moments that lead you to your true purpose.

Erin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

As mentioned before, This deeply personal experience not only led me to sobriety but also opened my eyes to the profound impact that mental health support can have. Motivated by this calling, I pursued and obtained licensure as a chemical dependency counselor and gained recognition as a trained coach through the International Coaching Federation. This formal education equipped me with the tools necessary to make a tangible difference.

My professional career took a significant turn when I joined Whole House Counseling & Consultation, a private practice that caters exclusively to first responders and their adult family members. It was here that I found not just a job but a mission.

Together with a friend who quickly became my business partner, we’ve developed specialized wellness programs tailored specifically for first responder departments. We’ve also launched “After the Tones Drop,” a podcast that provides mental health insights and support directly tailored to first responders. Our latest initiative, the Copper Warrior program, is a comprehensive 12-week course designed to offer a new way of living for those ready to embrace change. This program focuses on providing structure and support to help individuals “mend, not break,” reinforcing their resilience and facilitating recovery.

In addition to these programs, we continue to offer one-on-one sessions, helping clients from various sectors of the first responder community navigate their unique challenges. What sets us apart is not just our focused expertise on this particular community but also our personal experiences and deep understanding of the realities these heroes face daily.

I am most proud of the real impact our work has on the lives of first responders and their families, providing them with the tools and support they need to not only survive but thrive. For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that our brand and work are built on a foundation of empathy, resilience, and a relentless commitment to improving mental health among those who give so much to protect and serve our communities.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

My business partner and I met under circumstances that now seem almost destined, though they started off on a comedic note. We first crossed paths over a decade ago in the rooms of recovery, a place where both of us were seeking solace and strength from our past struggles. Interestingly, her initial impression of me was far from accurate—she saw me as a “fake Barbie-like girl who was overly dramatic and attention-seeking.” Little did she know, my demeanor was a reflection of the deep despair and grief I was experiencing from the loss of that firefighter whose story profoundly impacted my life.

Our relationship took a pivotal turn at a Fourth of July party, attended also by the man who would later become my husband. From that day, the three of us became inseparable, forging bonds that were both deep and enduring. When my business partner decided to shift from her group practice to a private practice following the upheavals brought on by COVID-19, she found the transition to solo work to be quite lonely. Recognizing the synergies in our experiences and visions, she invited me to join her in what felt like a predestined mission.

Our partnership isn’t just built on professional alignment but also on a profound personal understanding and respect for each other’s life stories and challenges. While we can certainly drive each other crazy with our individual quirks—like any close relationship—our foundation is strong because of our mutual hard work, deep love, and the shared experiences that bind us. It’s a complex dynamic, comparable to a marriage, where professional and personal lives intertwine be it either harmoniously or at times belligerently. We often joke that we are each other’s true soulmates, and our husbands are just along for the wild ride.

Navigating this partnership has taught me that having a business partner who is also your best friend requires the same level of commitment, communication, and nurturing as a successful marriage does. It’s a balance of blessing and challenge, but one that enriches our lives immensely, allowing us to support first responders with a deep, shared understanding of resilience and recovery.

Have you ever had to pivot?

My journey with Candoo Downsizing, a business I started in order to create some financial wiggle room to stay home with our daughter, is a prime example of having to pivot in life and business. It began with a simple idea: selling refurbished items picked up from the side of the road. This venture quickly evolved into a service helping individuals transition from family homes into retirement settings, or clearing out homes after a loved one’s death. My venture thrived for several years, fueled by risk, determination, and a lot of trial and error. However, a convergence of challenging events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the sudden closure of my auction software company, and the upcoming birth of our long-awaited son, compelled me to step away from the business.

Initially, I saw this as a failure, but with some reflection, I recognized the multitude of blessings and lessons it brought. This experience taught me how to effectively coach others through grief and tough times, reinforcing the idea that quitting isn’t an option even when faced with daunting challenges. Moreover, Candoo Downsizing became a platform for healing, providing both my employees and clients with a sense of community, closure, self discovery and purpose through action. This pivot wasn’t just about closing a chapter; it was about the invaluable insights gained, which have profoundly shaped my approach to life and work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://whole-house.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthetonesdrop/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/After-The-Tones-Drop/100078098165402/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-maccabee-8a369160/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@afterthetonesdrop
• Other: https://www.afterthetonesdrop.com/