Meet the Owner: Erica Carlisle

When Erica Carlisle acquired her Right at Home office serving Sonoma and Napa counties in April 2025, she wasn’t new to healthcare, but she was looking for something different. After a career spanning medical devices, pharmaceuticals, biotech, and consulting, she wanted a way to connect more directly with the people whose lives were affected by her work.

Just over a year into ownership, Erica has found exactly that.

Serving communities in California’s North Bay, Erica leads an established Right at Home office that has been helping seniors age in place since 2010. While stepping into an existing business came with a steep learning curve, the opportunity to work closely with clients, families, caregivers, and fellow Franchise Owners has made the experience deeply rewarding.

From Corporate Healthcare to Home Care Ownership

Before joining Right at Home, Erica spent years working for larger healthcare organizations. While she knew her work was helping patients, she often found herself removed from people benefiting from those solutions.

“I was craving more of the human aspect,” Erica shared.

That desire led her to explore business ownership, specifically within the home care industry. As she evaluated opportunities in the San Francisco Bay Area, one thing quickly stood out about Right at Home.

“The Right at Home owners were not only more welcoming to me, but they had a stronger sense that we’re all in this together,” she said. “You could feel that right away.”

During her validation calls with Franchise Owners, Erica noticed something she didn’t encounter everywhere else: a genuine willingness to help and support fellow owners.

That collaborative culture became one of the biggest factors in her decision to join the Right at Home Network.

The Power of Community

Ask Erica what has helped her the most during her first year of ownership, and her answer is immediate: the people.

There’s no shortage of questions when learning about a new industry and operating a business, but Erica says she has never felt like she had to figure things out alone.

“Whenever there’s a challenge or something I encountered before, I can reach out to other owners,” she explained. “Everyone has been incredibly generous with their time and knowledge.”

From peer groups and performance groups to casual conversations with fellow Franchisees, Erica sees the strength of the Right at Home Network as one of its greatest advantages.

“I can’t imagine trying to do this independently,” she said. “You never feel like you have to reinvent the wheel.”

Every Day is Different

Like many Franchise Owners, Erica wears multiple hats throughout the day.

One morning may involve meeting with a prospective client and helping them navigate a long-term care insurance claim. The afternoon could include attending a community event, interviewing a potential employee, managing payroll, or working with caregivers and office staff.

“As a small business owner, you have about ten jobs,” Erica said.

While the variety can be challenging, it’s also one of the things she enjoys most about the role.

“There is always something new happening. You definitely never get bored.”

Her background in consulting prepared her to juggle multiple priorities, and she enjoys the constant opportunities to learn, adapt, and solve problems.

Support Makes a Difference

When asked which Right at Home support has been most valuable, Erica pointed to several areas that have helped her shorten her learning curve.

From national marketing initiatives and branding support to software tools and operational resources, she appreciates having experienced professionals she can turn to when questions arise.

She also highlighted the importance of peer collaboration, performance groups, and access to subject matter experts throughout the Right at Home System.

“For me, it’s all about not having to start from scratch,” Erica said. “There are resources, experts, and other owners who have already been through what you’re facing.”

That support allows her to focus more time and energy on serving clients and growing the business.

The Moments That Matter Most

While there are many aspects of running a business that bring satisfaction, Erica says the most meaningful moments are often the simplest.

Whether she’s helping a family understand long-term care insurance, guiding an adult through the process of arranging care for a parent, or answering questions from someone who feels overwhelmed, those interactions remind her why she chose this path.

“I love being able to help someone who doesn’t know what to do,” she said.

As someone currently helping care for her own parents, Erica can often relate personally to the concerns families bring to her.

“They pick up on the fact that I understand what they’re going through,” she explained. “Those conversations are the most rewarding parts of the job.”

For Erica, there’s a unique sense of fulfillment that comes from helping families find answers and support during challenging times.

Advice for Future Franchise Owners

For individuals considering Franchise Ownership, Erica encourages them to go beyond simply checking boxes during the research process. Her first recommendation? Take full advantage of conversations with existing Franchise Owners.

“Really make the most of those validation calls,” she said. “You learn so much about the people who will become your colleagues and support system.”

She also suggests learning about the local senior care community in the market you’re considering. Erica has been pleasantly surprised by the collaborative nature of other care providers in Sonoma County.

“We all want what’s best for seniors,” she explained. “Yes, there’s competition, but there’s also a lot of collaboration and mutual support.”

Understanding those local dynamics can provide valuable insight when evaluating an opportunity.

Building a Business with Heart

For Erica, the first year of ownership has been a period of growth, learning, and connection. While she’s proud of the operational accomplishments that come with running a business, it’s the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives that continues to motivate her every day.

Helping seniors remain independent. Supporting families during difficult decisions. Being part of a community that genuinely lifts each other up.

Those experiences have reinforced that she made the right choice when she joined the Right at Home family.

And just one year into her journey, she’s already paying it forward by sharing what she’s learned with the next generation of Franchise Owners.

Interested in learning more about what it takes to be a Franchise Owner? Contact us to hear from one of our development directors.