Investing in a franchise can be stressful. For aspiring franchisees and veteran entrepreneurs alike, feelings of trepidation may bubble up as they wonder if they are selecting a franchise that not only leads to success but also is grounded firmly in meaningful core values. By Brianna Bohn
Investing in a franchise can be stressful. For aspiring franchisees and veteran entrepreneurs alike, feelings of trepidation may bubble up as they wonder if they are selecting a franchise that not only leads to success but also is grounded firmly in meaningful core values. 1Heart Caregiver Services, a female-founded in-home care agency, has put those fears to rest with its time-tested, scalable concept supported by a team of healthcare professionals who have a combined 90 years of experience.
Founded in 2004, 1Heart Caregiver Services assists more than 1,000 seniors every month and has plans to reach even more. The brand is opening three more franchises in Irvine, Temecula, and Rancho Cucamonga, California, and this growth isn’t surprising.
A visionary who has adopted a laissez-faire leadership style, CEO and Founder Belina Calderon-Nernberg knows that she can rely on her team to help grow the brand. “I always focus on the big picture, take risks, and stay optimistic, and I believe this inspires my team to achieve our common goals. Effectively delegating responsibilities to managers has also fostered leadership qualities in them. So, I am able to dedicate more time to other projects. I take control only when needed,” she said.
With the brunt of the pandemic impacting all businesses, especially in-home care franchises, Calderon-Nernberg made sure to step up for franchisees and their clients. After she pivoted to the ‘new normal’ and launched updated support systems, franchisees were able to provide their essential services with confidence. This isn’t new for the CEO, though.
“I’ve learned to listen and adapt. During meetings and strategic planning sessions, I listen to the wisdom that comes from team members who have years of experience in the business world, as well as the foresight that is embodied in the ideas and recommendations of the younger team members,” Calderon-Nernberg explained.
Bringing over two decades of experience to the table, Calderon-Nernberg said she still feels a rush of excitement when franchisees perform well and make a difference in their communities. “A great source of pride comes from seeing our franchisees blossom, from being longtime employees to becoming successful business operators who have not only improved their professional and financial standing but also provide jobs to a lot of people while serving the seniors in their communities,” she said.
Three of those franchisees, Teodorico Azores and his wife, Pia Azores, and Raymond de Guzman, have done just that. Teodorico expressed his gratitude for the in-home care agency. “When I learned about the 1Heart franchise, I knew it was a good fit,” he said. “We share the same goals and concept of how to serve the senior community, while making a living doing it,” he said.
Since opening their Thousand Oaks, California, location five years ago, the Azoreses have earned numerous awards, including being a top-revenue performer, franchisee of the year and member of the Million Dollar Club. Currently, Teodorico and Pia are opening their second 1Heart Caregiver Services location.
De Guzman, who saw such great success at his first location in Santa Barbara, California, opened a second location, which received an award for highest growth performance in 2021, and he acquired a third location in December 2021, with plans for further expansion.
“When we started, I had no idea about home care, how to do sales, and how to effectively run the business. However, Belina and the corporate team are always there. 1Heart has been a family to us,” de Guzman said.
Area development agreements and prime territories are available for those interested in making a difference in their communities and becoming a part of the award-winning 1Heart Caregiver Services team.
Brianna Bohn
Contact: 1heartfranchise.com, Randolph Clarito, 805-338-8100