In years past, a career in the printing industry meant a lucrative salary and numerous job prospects. The recent move of print and catalog development onto a digital platform meant that the print industry dried up. By Elice Morgenson
In years past, a career in the printing industry meant a lucrative salary and numerous job prospects. The recent move of print and catalog development onto a digital platform meant that the print industry dried up.
Charlie Craig faced this career change and decided to research franchises. “I looked into franchising, and then my Dad got sick. It was then that I realized what it was to need home care. Nobody knows exactly what home care involves until you need it. I decided I wanted to make a difference, not just collect a paycheck.”
Home Helpers® Home Care displayed the qualities that Craig had been searching for. “Home care is not a competition; it is all about the care and the caregivers. People doing this type of work want to help, and Home Helpers treats them like family. Emma Dickison, the president, is warm and down to earth. David Ogilby has been my business coach and is also provided by Home Helpers to all franchisees. Their insight from working with other franchisees, and understanding of best practices is invaluable. They are engaged in the business and share the same feelings about care for the patients.”
This pandemic has created a stronger need for home care and brought new challenges and difficulties to light. The opportunity to receive care in one’s home provides fewer junctures for contracting an illness and is often what the client prefers. “Home Helpers corporate was incredible. Emma Dickison and her team provided incredible leadership throughout the COVID-19 crisis. Before CDC guidelines had even come out, we were already prepared with PPE equipment and a plan in place. We had one of the top employment law firms providing written documentation of what to do or not do. We couldn’t have done this alone,’’ Craig said.
The home-care industry is growing by leaps and bounds. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 34% growth in employment for home-health aides and personal care aides by 2029. This growth is due to an aging population of baby boomers and increased demand for in-home services, as opposed to residential facilities. Craig said: “There is as much business as you need within home care, you just need to figure out how to stand out. You need to separate yourself and connect with clients on a personal level. You need to be available to meet with people on nights and weekends, or whenever it suits their schedule.
“A former boss contacted me after seeing my job profile on LinkedIn. I was just getting started as a Home Helpers franchisee, and we talked about this opportunity to make a big career change. In a way, I helped hire my old boss. The former boss has since signed on with Home Helpers and completed training in the last month. He worked with me all along the path, and we continue to communicate so he can better understand the business opportunity and what the start-up looks like. He also worked with Bobby Kelley, who is one of our corporate sales consultants. This is a paid referral that all franchisees with Home Helpers have the opportunity to take advantage of.”
Home Helpers offers franchisees an incredible amount of support as they delve into ownership and face changes. Craig said they have happy hour Zoom calls where franchisees can discuss struggles they have, and all contribute with suggestions about how they can make a difference and help each other.
Craig credited the success of his business largely to his amazing team. Catherine Dickson, vice president of operations, and Rae Brock, director of community relations, are invaluable members that keep Home Helpers successfully moving forward.
If you are interested in a franchise opportunity in an industry that is reliable, recession-resilient, and essential in your community, go to homehelpersfranchise.com or call 1-800-216-4196 to learn more.
– Elice Morgenson