When COVID-19 upended the world, businesses worldwide scrambled to adapt—but for LabMinds, a healthcare staffing agency, the pandemic was more than a disruption, it was a crucible that would define its future. For co-founder Catherine Aragon Bonjoc, what could have been a breaking point became an opportunity to innovate, adapt, and transform the company’s trajectory.
In this interview, Catherine takes us through LabMinds’ journey—one of resilience, groundbreaking milestones, and a forward-looking vision that continues to shape the healthcare staffing industry.
Reimagining Growth: From Vision to Reality
“Back in 2019, just before the pandemic hit, we envisioned steady growth through international placements. But things didn’t pan out as expected.” Catherine begins.
LabMinds initially faced difficulties with international placements due to immigration policies, which were further disrupted by the pandemic. “International was no longer viable, so we shifted to temporary staffing, especially for nurses. The demand was overwhelming, and we needed to scale quickly. It was no longer just the two of us managing operations.”
Catherine reflects on how ‘Tata Bonjoc’, brother to co-founder and husband Van helped them build a team in Cebu, Philippines, with his background in industrial engineering. “It was chaotic—figuring out logistics, hiring remotely, and even getting computers—but family stepped in to support us. By 2021-2022, we hit our new peak gross income. Which was baffling given the situation. The pandemic created the demand, but it was our adaptability that allowed us to meet it.”
“The growth we experienced wasn’t planned—it was necessary for survival.”
Overcoming Unprecedented Struggles
Asked about the struggles LabMinds faced, Catherine recalls the challenges of scaling operations rapidly. “We were a small team—just me, my husband, and a handful of others. Suddenly, the inquiries were nonstop. We had to figure out how to handle the volume.”
“The sheer volume of inquiries was our biggest challenge. Clients and employers needed urgent staffing, and we weren’t equipped to handle it initially.” This need led to the establishment of a Cebu office, a feat that required significant logistical effort. “Remote hiring via Zoom was new for us, and setting up operations overseas was full of hurdles. Logistics, processes, and managing expectations were challenging, but we leaned on our startup mentality and family support to push through.”
Milestones Amid the Pandemic
Despite the chaos, LabMinds achieved remarkable milestones. “Starting the Cebu office was a turning point,” Catherine says. “It allowed us to manage the influx of clients and inquiries more effectively.”
The team started in a mini-office in a rental space in downtown California, which became the ‘think tank’, where systems and processes were refined to support the company. “Van and I worked tirelessly on processes to ensure we could handle the growing demand.”Up til mid pandemic 2023, where we established the company’s first office in California.”
Additionally, LabMinds secured partnerships with major healthcare facilities. “These partnerships weren’t just about business—they were built on trust during one of the toughest times the industry has ever seen.”
Resilience as the Backbone of Success
Looking back, Catherine credits resilience as the key to LabMinds’ survival and growth. “When challenges come our way, we see them as opportunities for redirection,” she explains.
This mindset transformed negative experiences into learning opportunities. “The startup mentality is that challenges are part of the journey. But when you’re financially stretched, it forces you to innovate. That’s what kept us going.”
A New Direction for the Future
The pandemic reshaped LabMinds’ strategy, but its core mission remained intact. “The market will always have ups and downs, but our value—providing care through staffing—is something we know will always be needed,” Catherine says.
The company has doubled down on its commitment to prioritizing care over profit. “There’s a misconception that agencies only care about money. We’re here to change that narrative by focusing on the quality of service we provide.”
Addressing the ‘Next Pandemic’ in Staffing
With baby boomers retiring and the “great resignation” intensifying staffing shortages, Catherine sees an enduring role for LabMinds. “There’s going to be a shift towards hiring more overseas workers. Immigrants have always been a cornerstone of the U.S. healthcare workforce, and we’re ready to help meet that demand.”
LabMinds is already exploring both short-term and long-term solutions to address these challenges. “Whether it’s creating better systems for temporary staffing or helping facilities prepare for future shortages, we’re committed to being part of the solution.”
As the dust settles from the pandemic, LabMinds continues to prove that adversity can be a catalyst for innovation. As Catherine puts it, “The pandemic tested us in every way possible. But it also showed us what we’re capable of. I’m not sure what the future holds but we’re assuming the need and the value that LabMinds will be doing. I think we’ll still be there”