5 Pieces of Advice from Right at Home Franchise Owners for Prospective Franchisees

Starting a home care franchise is an exciting opportunity, but it also comes with challenges that many prospective owners don’t fully understand until they’re in business. We asked several Right at Home franchise owners for advice for someone considering franchise ownership. Here is what they said:

Be Willing to Learn Every Part of the Business

Many people enter franchising with strengths in one area, whether that’s leadership, sales, healthcare, or operations. But business ownership requires a little bit of everything.

“You have to be involved in absolutely everything,” said Tony Mau, owner of Right at Home Sioux Falls. “You have to understand every facet of the business.”

That doesn’t mean you need to become an expert in every discipline overnight. It does mean being willing to step outside your comfort zone and learn the areas where you have less experience.

Whether it’s finance, marketing, operations, or staffing, successful owners invest time in understanding how all the pieces work together. The more you understand the entire business, the better prepared you’ll be to lead it.

Make the Most of Your Franchise Validation Process

One of the most valuable steps in evaluating a franchise opportunity is speaking with current franchise owners. Yet too many candidates treat those conversations as a checklist item.

“I would encourage making the most of that opportunity because you get a really good sense of the other people who will be your colleagues,” said Erica Carlisle, owner of Right at Home Sonoma.

She also recommends learning about the local senior care community in your market before you open. Building relationships and understanding how providers work together can help you enter the market with realistic expectations and stronger connections.

In home care, collaboration often matters as much as competition.

Don’t Try to Do Everything Yourself

Many first-time business owners feel pressure to wear every hat. While that may be necessary at times, trying to build a business entirely on your own can become a major obstacle to growth.

“Don’t try to be a lone wolf,” said Katung Aduwak, owner of Right at Home Tukwila. “Identify your strengths and hire people who can do the things that you cannot do, so you focus on what you can do.”

Strong teams create stronger businesses. The right people can help carry responsibilities, improve operations, and allow owners to focus on the areas where they have the greatest impact.

Katung shared that not investing in his team sooner is one of his biggest regrets. In his second year of ownership, he focused on scaling and automating, allowing him to experience exponential growth.

Trust the Process and Stay Patient

Home care is a relationship-driven business. Referrals, community partnerships, and reputation take time to build.

“You have to be patient,” said Mike Brown, owner of Right at Home Columbia. “You have to trust the process.”

Many new owners enter the industry expecting rapid growth, but sustainable success is rarely built overnight. Brown encourages prospective owners to approach the business with humility and realistic expectations.

“These are relationships that are built over years.”

Those willing to put in the work, stay committed, and focus on serving families often find the rewards far outweigh the challenges.

Lead with Purpose and Focus on Quality Service

While home care is a business, our owners who experience the fastest growth understand that people are at the center of everything they do.

“If you’re passionate about what you do, let it show,” said Kristen Carlson, owner of Right at Home Galveston. “People know very clearly when you’re in it for the right reasons.”

She also emphasizes that exceptional service is what ultimately sets providers apart.

“You’re going to have things go wrong, but it’s how you deal with it and how you present that to the client or to the family that you will stand out among your competitors.”

In an industry built on trust, delivering excellent care and support isn’t just good for clients. It’s also the foundation for long-term business growth.

Final Thoughts

No two franchise ownership journeys look the same, but the advice from these Right at Home owners points to a few universal truths.

Learn every aspect of the business. Build relationships with fellow owners and your local community. Don’t try to do it alone. Stay patient. And never lose sight of the families you’re serving.

For prospective franchisees, those lessons may be some of the most valuable preparations you can receive before opening your doors.