Home Helpers® Home Care provides nonmedical personal care and companion care services to seniors as well as others who need assistance through more than 300 franchises nationwide. By Patty Horansky
Home Helpers® Home Care provides nonmedical personal care and companion care services to seniors as well as others who need assistance through more than 300 franchises nationwide.
Founded in 1997, its longevity and proven model are among the many reasons Chris Drungell and Eric Hathaway decided to jump on board with the brand in June 2023. They officially opened their location in West Austin, Texas, in September.
With the Austin area expanding rapidly, the duo is seeing a huge demand for their services.
According to Chris, they signed more than 20 clients within their first six months of ownership.
Last year, Chris approached Eric about opening a Home Helpers franchise. They worked together before at a major medical device company. Eric was a people manager working with HR and Chris led the sales analytics teams. “I like numbers and building systems, and he is really good with people. It seemed like a great fit for opening a franchise,” Chris said. They were drawn to Home Helpers Home Care’s proven model and year-over-year growth that has sustained more than 25 years.
They vet and hire the best caregivers while paying above market rates. Through initial assessments, the duo strives to customize the match between the caregiver and client based on their needs and personalities. “We provide comfort and independence at home and take the burden off the supporting families,” Chris said.
The brand’s stellar training consists of five days at its Cincinnati headquarters and two years of hands-on support. Franchisees attend weekly Zoom meetings with a performance coach who helps with day-to-day questions. “Home Helpers points you in the right direction,” Chris said.
They recently promoted Angela Gage, with 20+ years’ experience, as the Care Administrator and she has been an essential addition to the leadership team. While Chris focuses on the finances and marketing, Angela and Eric are focused on assessments, scheduling, care plans, and the overall needs of the caregivers. Their combined experience helps them ensure the right caregiver and customized plan for every client.
“We want to be known as the provider that looks out for our clients” said Eric.
Patty Horansky