Sydney Hughes
Sydney Hughes is the Founder and CEO of Senior Proof Inc., a company dedicated to transforming homes for older adults and caregivers to ensure safety, independence, and peace of mind. Her journey into this field began while caring for her aging father, when she realized there were no turnkey solutions for home safety and modifications. Drawing on her 16 years of construction experience, Sydney turned a personal challenge into a mission-driven business, seeing every client as an extension of her own family.
Before founding Senior Proof, Sydney honed her skills across multiple business roles, including Financial Controller at MG3 Developer Group, LLC, CEO of Hughes Business Development LL, and business development positions in construction and restoration. She also began her career at The Haskell Company, gaining foundational experience that would later inform her ability to scale Senior Proof into a multi-state operation. Her leadership combines strategic growth, operational oversight, and a focus on delivering solutions that prevent falls and enhance home accessibility for seniors.
Under Sydney’s guidance, Senior Proof has rapidly expanded nationwide, partnering with healthcare systems, non-profits, and retailers like Lowe's Companies, Inc. to deliver comprehensive safety solutions. The company has installed tens of thousands of safety modifications, hosted educational fall-prevention seminars, and earned accolades including NextDoor Vendor of the Year and Woman in Construction of the Year. Sydney frequently shares her expertise on national stages and through public speaking, emphasizing the importance of proactive fall prevention and advocating for accessible, safe aging-in-place solutions across communities.
• Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS)
• Saint Leo University- B.B.A.
• Saint Leo University- B.A.
• Parkinson's Foundation
• Elder Affairs Florida
• United Healthcare
• Sunshine Health
• Lowe's
• Memorial Healthcare Systems
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a deeply personal mission: after my father suffered a serious fall at home, I became passionate about creating safer, more accessible homes for the aging population. My father’s well-being has always been my “why,” and his memory continues to drive my work.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that mistakes are part of learning—embrace them, learn from every failure, and keep growing.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering this industry to seek out help and mentorship—don’t be afraid to ask questions of leaders you admire. And if there’s no seat at the table, create your own.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is that women make up only about 5% of the construction industry, but this also creates a huge opportunity for those ready to challenge the status quo and lead change.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are family, service to my community, transparency, and honesty. These principles shape how I lead, make decisions, and connect with others.