Ram Malayan served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years, stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, and Hawaii before retiring in 2005. The experience enabled the native Filipino to travel to various parts of America – completing boot camp in San Diego, attending engineering school in the Great Lakes of Illinois and carrying out his first tour of duty in Norfolk, Virginia. By Jessica Jones

Ram Malayan served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years, stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, and Hawaii before retiring in 2005. The experience enabled the native Filipino to travel to various parts of America – completing boot camp in San Diego, attending engineering school in the Great Lakes of Illinois and carrying out his first tour of duty in Norfolk, Virginia.

“It was a wonderful experience – one that really shaped who I am,” Malayan said.

In 2007, Malayan took a job with Homeland Security as a customs and immigration officer and was assigned to San Francisco International Airport, where he worked for 13 years.

“I retired from the military because I wanted to do many things with my life,” Malayan explained. “After 13 years with Homeland Security, it was time for another change.”

Eager to become an entrepreneur and build a stable business of his own, Malayan met with Alicia Fortaleza and Ester Aure, who were in the process of opening a 1Heart Caregiver Services franchise location.

An in-home care agency that specializes in providing services to the elderly and other adults who require some assistance in meeting their healthcare needs, 1Heart Caregiver Services has been in operation since 2003. Franchised in 2015, the company offers low startup costs, several available prime territories, hands-on coaching, and extensive training.

“It sounded like a solid business plan, and I wanted to join their efforts,” Malayan said. “I loved the idea that I could make a business and help people at the same time.”

The trio became partners and opened their San Francisco 1Heart Caregiver Services outpost on February 14, 2020.

“It was a tough time to open a business,” Malayan said. “We were only open a month when the pandemic hit, and that was difficult to navigate.”

But 1Heart Caregiver Services was deemed an essential business, and Malayan fulfilled his commitment to help those in need.

“This business is sustainable,” he concluded. “We survived a very tough year, so I know we will only continue to thrive.”

For more information about starting a 1Heart Caregiver Services franchise, visit 1heartcares.com.

– Jessica Jones