By any measurement standard, the senior care franchising market is a thriving sector, as over 10,000 Americans reach the age of 65 every day in the U.S. In addition to the desire to meet the growing demand for quality senior care, this couple’s decision to purchase A Place At Home was deeply personal. Adam and Trista Johnson of Conroe, Texas, had each experienced the burden of declining health in a close loved one. They realized firsthand the importance of caring for seniors with dignity, helping to preserve their independence, and supporting elders and their family members during their time of need. Adam and Trista opened their A Place at Home franchise in 2021 and today have 36 employees, ensuring the highest level of care for seniors in their community. Their decision to go with A Place At Home was based on the robust training and support systems offered by the A Place At Home franchise and the positive feedback they heard about the franchisor during the validation process. Trusting their own instincts and intuition, they discovered a greater purpose through franchise ownership—the opportunity to positively impact their community.
Why did you purchase your A Place At Home franchise rather than start an independent business?
We decided to move forward with a franchise because we really valued the industry insight and existing platforms the business models offered. Additionally, this franchise, A Place at Home, offered abundant support from the initial licensing phase to the present day, some three years later.
Did you have your heart set on a specific industry or brand from the start?
Yes, many personal life events pushed us toward a senior care franchise. We’ve experienced the stroke of one parent and another parent’s battle with cancer, and finally, having grandparents in assisted living communities. We’ve seen how difficult it’s been for them and the family as a whole, especially not being able to see or visit during the pandemic. This really drove our desire to enter this industry and provide the best care options possible.
Which of your prior skills and experiences were most helpful in launching your business?
I have nearly 15 years of experience in disability insurance processing and management, including numerous years supervising a team of fantastic RNs. My wife Trista is an attorney by trade and is currently pursuing her BSN. The combination of leadership/management skills, knowledge of policies, procedures, state regulations, and overall attention to detail was very beneficial. Our work histories really complemented each other well. Everything from going through the launch process to where we are today with the daily operation of our agency.
When researching franchises to buy, what criteria or data points mattered to you most?
We looked closely at a few criteria. First, the success of the overall franchise system. Second, the support systems in place from the franchisor during launch and ongoing assistance. Third, we took a good look at the franchisor’s overarching mission. We needed to feel comfortable with each other before making our final decision to join, and of course, we were. We’ve received all of the support we were promised, and the mission of the franchisor, along with ours, has not wavered.
Did you speak with other A Place At Home franchise owners?
Yes, the validation sessions were very helpful. We asked numerous questions of multiple franchise owners to help us determine whether the current owners were successful and happy with their decision to join the franchise, whether they would do it again, and how they defined their successes and failures. Those questions allowed us to evaluate and determine whether or not this was the business/industry/franchise for us.
Which questions did you ask the franchisor?
We mostly focused on the basics. We asked for specific information on their financials, the training they provided, what type of ongoing support we could expect, and details of the overall business operations. It was also important for us to learn about local competition, the territory parameters, and information on any relevant industry trends.
What were your biggest challenges when you first started out, and how did you overcome them?
The initial investment can be a challenge. Finding the right location, recruiting and training staff, marketing, and ensuring compliance with all regulations were also on the list. Proactively addressing these issues and challenges, asking for help when needed, implementing new strategies when we struggled, and remaining flexible made a difference. Overall, we’ve learned that having strong mental resilience greatly increases your chances of navigating these challenges and becoming successful.
How does the A Place At Home franchise support and encourage your success?
We have received a great deal of support from our franchisor. This has included but isn’t limited to, the franchisor’s comprehensive training programs, ongoing business guidance, operational tools, marketing assistance, the ability to leverage purchasing power with suppliers, and networking. It truly is a partnership that, by design, fosters mutual growth and prosperity.
What are you most proud of as A Place At Home franchise owners and why?
I am most proud of two things. The first is probably obvious, but helping our clients age safely at home provides a level of joy and satisfaction that is simply wonderful. The second is in our ability to provide competitive wages to a great team of caregivers while witnessing many continue pursuing further growth opportunities within our organization. We can’t express the feeling of fulfillment we get from positively impacting our community.
What advice would you give to new or potential franchise buyers?
It is important to do your due diligence. You must thoroughly research opportunities that interest you the most and ensure they align with your personal preferences and business goals. Make it a point to speak directly with existing franchise owners and visit an existing location whenever possible. Finally, trust your instincts and intuition. Choose a business and a franchisor that you feel comfortable and confident in pursuing. Make sure they are as passionate and enthusiastic as you are.
To learn more about the A Place At Home franchise opportunity, visit aplaceathome.com/franchise/, email [email protected], or call (402) 957-0048.
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