A Life-Changing Injury Led Hammad Qayyum to Franchising With Right at Home

Hammad Qayyum spent years as a CPA in financial services, conducting health care audits and managing accounting processes. But after a debilitating back injury left him bedridden, Qayyum experienced firsthand the critical role caregivers play in recovery. “I herniated one of my lower spine discs — L4, L5 and S1. After the injury, I was bedridden for six weeks,” he said. “Initially, I had a caregiver for the first few days, and then my brother stepped in to help me.”

That experience opened Qayyum’s eyes to the importance of in-home care. “That experience made me realize how important caregivers are for individuals who don’t have family available to assist,” he said. “Before my injury, I thought people only received care in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. I didn’t know that care could be received at home.” 

Inspired to serve others, Qayyum chose Right at Home* for its mission and support system. “The main reason I chose Right at Home was the brand itself and the professionalism of the management team,” he said. “During my Discovery Day, they answered all my questions and gave me a clear understanding of how the business operates.”

Now operating in West Indianapolis, Qayyum is focused on providing compassionate care to seniors in their own homes. “Our primary goal is to serve the community,” he said. “We are working on completing the Medicaid process so we can serve low-income and underserved individuals.” Meeting clients face-to-face has been particularly rewarding for him. “I spend about an hour and a half with each senior instead of the usual 30 minutes because I connect well with elderly individuals,” he said. “Their appreciation and feedback are very motivating for me.”

1851 Franchise spoke with Qayyum about his passion for serving seniors, his franchising journey with Right at Home and his plans for the future. Here’s what he had to say.

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Hammad Qayyum: I recently moved from California. I’m a CPA by profession and worked in financial services, conducting health care audits. I’ve visited hospitals, dental clinics and nursing facilities, and created processes for nursing equipment and hospital audits.

Before joining Right at Home, I was the director of accounting at a company in Southern California.

Last year, I had a debilitating back injury while playing golf. I was very active in sports and working out, but I herniated one of my lower spine discs — L4, L5 and S1. After the injury, I was bedridden for six weeks. The doctors said it might take six to eight months for me to walk properly because the inflammation reduced the sensation in both my legs.

My family has a medical background — my father is a doctor and my sister is a cardiologist. They recommended I get a caregiver to help me during my recovery. Initially, I had a caregiver for the first few days, and then my brother stepped in to help me.

That experience made me realize how important caregivers are for individuals who don’t have family available to assist. Before my injury, I thought people only received care in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. I didn’t know that care could be received at home.

During my recovery, I started looking into home care and realized there’s an opportunity to serve elderly people in the comfort of their own homes, where they can live with their loved ones, go to church, get groceries and keep their pets. Having firsthand experience with professional caregiving, I appreciated the care plan and professionalism. That inspired me to step up and support others in similar situations. I pivoted from working in financial services to providing care firsthand.

1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Qayyum: I would say that prior to this experience, I thought franchising would be more hands-off. I didn’t fully understand how much relationship-building with referral sources matters, and I didn’t realize how rewarding it is to serve others through this type of business.

Franchising is really about having the right support, understanding the cause and finding a franchise system that aligns with your goals. I’ve learned that the first six to 12 months are critical — you need to hire the right people, create a strong plan and build trust in your community.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Qayyum: The main reason I chose Right at Home was the brand itself and the professionalism of the management team. During my Discovery Day, they answered all my questions and gave me a clear understanding of how the business operates.

I also spoke with existing franchisees — some who were just starting out and others who were two to four years into their journey. Hearing about their experiences gave me confidence that I could achieve success with the Right at Home model.

Right at Home also impressed me with their focus on community engagement, their campaigns and their commitment to providing quality care. That aligned perfectly with my goals and values.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?

Qayyum: Our primary goal is to serve the community. We are working on completing the Medicaid process so we can serve low-income and underserved individuals.

In the next six months, we aim to reach a break-even point while continuing to grow gradually. But most importantly, I want to stay focused on the actual cause — providing care and comfort to seniors in their own homes.

I enjoy visiting clients, doing assessments and hearing their personal stories. I spend about an hour and a half with each senior instead of the usual 30 minutes because I connect well with elderly individuals. Their appreciation and feedback are very motivating for me.

1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?

Qayyum: The reason I entered this business was my own personal experience. My back injury made me realize how vital caregivers are for those who don’t have family available to help them. I experienced firsthand how care at home can make a huge difference.

Now, my goal is to help families and give them peace of mind that their loved ones are well taken care of. That’s the core of why I started this journey.

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?

Qayyum: Do your research and take time to understand your goals. Find a franchise system that aligns with your values and will support you in the critical first six to 12 months.

Hiring the right people is key, as is building strong relationships with referral sources. You need to know why you’re starting this business — understanding your “why” will keep you motivated and focused.

ABOUT RIGHT AT HOME:

Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home care to seniors and adults with disabilities who want to live independently. Most Right at Home offices are independently owned and operated and directly employ and supervise all caregiving staff. Each caregiver is thoroughly screened, trained, and bonded/insured before entering a client’s home. Right at Home’s global office is based in Omaha, Nebraska, with more than 700 franchise locations in the U.S. and four other countries.

If you're interested in taking the next step in making a difference in your community as a Right at Home franchisee, visit http://rightathomefranchise.com or to read more about franchise ownership, visit our blog at https://rightathomefranchise.com/forc/.