After Providing End-of-Life Care for His Father, Fresno Resident Takes Over the Local Right at Home

After working in IT for over two decades at Fortune 50 companies, Suraj Kairamkonda decided it was time to work for himself. At the same time, his father was recovering poorly from heart surgery and required full-time at-home care. 

Now, inspired by his experience with his father, he has taken over the business operations of Fresno’s Right At Home. This senior care brand offers in-home care to those who want to live independently. Kairamkonda hopes to bring quality elder care to the Fresno area.

1851 Franchise: Tell me your story – what did you do before franchising?

Suraj Kairamkonda: Before taking over ownership of Fresno’s Right At Home, I was a software engineer for more than  20 years. I had the opportunity to work for many Fortune 100 companies, but I was at the point in my career where I wanted to work for myself. Additionally, at the time, my father was hospitalized for almost a year after heart surgery, and I had to be a full-time caregiver. During the process of helping my dad recover, I came across many departments of health care, and I worked alongside them as they tried to take care of my dad. When I was looking for business opportunities to tap into, the home healthcare industry was growing, and it was something I had experience in. 

1851: How did you initially find out about franchising and what was your perception of franchising before becoming a franchise owner?

Kairamkonda: After my personal experience with my dad, I was positive I wanted to get into the home healthcare industry, so I didn’t look into many other business opportunities. The act of giving is satisfying for anyone, and I was looking forward to stepping into a compassionate industry that helps a lot of people.

1851: How did you decide you wanted to be a franchisee?

Kairamkonda: After working for large companies for the past two decades, I knew I wanted to work for myself and have financial independence. Franchising offers me the opportunity to be my own boss and have great corporate support. 

1851: How did you perform your research?

Kairamkonda: I was looking at other opportunities within the home healthcare industry, but after this opportunity came to fruition in January, things fell into place. I was sold on the company after speaking with corporate, other franchise owners and participating in discovery day.

1851: Why did you pick Right At Home? What excited you most about the potential?

Kairamkonda: I found corporate to be friendly and insightful, and after speaking with other franchise owners, I found that everyone expressed satisfaction with the corporate team. I am looking forward to meeting great people. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have not been to the corporate office. I am so excited to meet wonderful entrepreneurs to share ideas and learn their success stories.

1851: What are your dreams with the business? What does the future look like?

Kairamkonda: I am definitely willing to expand if business permits. Initially, out of the gate, I am just trying to run the location without pulling back on the great quality of service the previous owners left. 

1851: What advice would you have for others looking at buying a franchise?

Kairamkonda: It is important to do your evaluation and look at the financials of the franchise. It is also vital to know how much assistance corporate provides their franchisees. So far, Right At Home corporate has been very helpful with every aspect of running the business. 

1851: What do you do in your personal time (hobbies, family, sports, etc.)?

Kairamkonda: I love traveling. During the pandemic, I obviously had to pull back on traveling, but once things are a bit safer, I am looking forward to exploring new places and new cultures. I also enjoy getting outside as much as possible. I am a sucker for sunsets, beaches, hiking, and good food.

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 600 franchise locations in the U.S. and seven other countries. For more information about Right at Home, visit https://www.rightathome.net or read the Right at Home blog at https://www.rightathome.net/blog/.