Emma Dickison, of Home Helpers Home Care, has been president since 2008 and assumed the title of CEO in 2016. Dickison’s 32-year history in franchising has allowed her to be a part of three wonderful franchise organizations, for which she is very grateful. By Cindy Charette
Meet Emma Dickison, CEO of Home Helpers Home Care
Emma Dickison, of Home Helpers Home Care, has been president since 2008 and assumed the title of CEO in 2016. Dickison’s 32-year history in franchising has allowed her to be a part of three wonderful franchise organizations, for which she is very grateful.
In her earlier years, Dickison went to college to become a high-school teacher. However, after graduating and spending time in her field, she soon discovered that, as a single mother, her teacher’s salary was not going to support her and her daughter. Fortunately, Dickison soon had the opportunity to join the growing franchise Blockbuster, as a corporate trainer. With a strong drive for success and the help of great mentors along the way, Dickison was recognized for her talent and was continually promoted from within.
Dickison left Blockbuster to join Sylvan Learning Center, as the vice president of franchise services. She said she was glad to be part of a brand in the education space and to be back in the field she had originally studied in college. Dickison was happy with her role and was not looking to leave, but when she was approached by the founder of Home Helpers, who was looking for her leadership, she eventually joined the Home Helpers Home Care brand.
Dickison was drawn to Home Helpers’ mission, which is to take care of individuals in their homes and allow them to remain as independent as possible as they age. Dickison was a caregiver for her family members for almost two decades and understands the challenges family caregivers face. She also knows the critical role that a business like Home Helpers can play in the community, by creating jobs and supporting families who want to keep loved ones at home longer.
As president and CEO of Home Helpers, Dickison is responsible for every part of the organization, including the strategic direction and results of the company. Under Dickison’s leadership, Home Helpers has increased revenue by more than seven times and the average unit volume has quadrupled. Not only is Dickison proud of the financial results achieved by the company, but she also appreciates her network of Home Helpers franchisees.
Throughout her time in the franchise industry, Dickison has made many sacrifices and bold choices. She moved a lot in the early part of her career, relocating every nine months to a new part of the country. As a single mother with a very young daughter, Dickison had to set up support networks with every move, which was difficult, she said. “I had decided early in my career, when I became a single mother, that I was going to do anything legally, ethically, and morally right that was good for me, my career, and my family.”
Dickison added: “I think people make decisions out of compelling trauma or compelling opportunity. I have been very blessed in my career to have had very compelling opportunities. The other side of that is you have to be able to say ‘yes’ when opportunities come your way.”
Often, Dickison sees individuals holding themselves back by putting every roadblock or reason in the way as to why they shouldn’t or couldn’t do something. “We talk internally about being bold and bringing your passion every day,” Dickison said. “If you want bold change, it’s going to require you to make a bold choice in your career. Decide what you want your career to be and then find not just one but a few good mentors who can help set you up for success. Mentors who can give you direction and feedback to help you be successful.”
Dickison also serves as president of the board of directors for the Home Care Association of America, which has seen an increase in memberships under her leadership. She is proud of many achievements, including her positions and lasting relationships with three great franchises, as well as her role as a single mother. She also enjoys being able to give opportunities to individuals who would never have owned their own business had it not been for the Home Helpers Home Care franchise business-model platform.
For more information on a Home Helpers Home Care franchise, visit homehelpersfranchise.com.
– Cindy Charette