When sisters Lisa Perez and Sabrina Kay lost their mother a few years ago, they found themselves wishing a service like Caring Transitions had existed to help them through it. Now, they’re bringing that exact service to their new hometown of Douglasville, Georgia. With Perez’s background in social work and Kay’s experience managing an HR Block franchise, the duo is combining heart and hustle to launch their Caring Transitions location this month. Their senior relocation, transition and estate sale business will not only honor their mother’s memory but also help others navigate similar journeys with care and ease.

1851 spoke with the duo to learn more about their backgrounds, what drew them to the brand and their plans for the future. 

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?

Lisa Perez: We’re sisters, and we’re new to Georgia. We moved here from California, and we were really drawn to Caring Transitions because of the mission and values the company represents.

1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Sabrina Kay: I managed another franchise — HR Block — for about 10 years, so I’ve been in that space before.

Perez: I was a social worker, working with different populations. I definitely worked with seniors through home health and hospice, and I also worked with families at a local hospital in Washington State.

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

Kay: We always knew we wanted to do a business together, and Lisa mentioned Caring Transitions. Once I found out it was a franchise, I was all in. I love the idea of a franchise — the support you get is amazing. They’ve already done the homework for you. You’re just adding to it — you’re not reinventing anything.

Perez: The proven processes really stood out. When you see how other franchisees have found success, you know you’ve got the opportunity to build on that.

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

Perez: I love the support that seniors receive. Caring Transitions is one of those franchises where they really do care about the people they’re helping. It’s not one-size-fits-all — you’re able to cater to each client’s unique needs. That’s something really special.

Kay: It’s also full-service. It’s not just one thing — it helps with transitions, estate sales, online auctions… it’s got a lot of different avenues. A lot of companies just focus on one.

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

Perez: We’re already looking at a second territory. We just want to get grounded and confident in this area first, and then expand. That’s definitely part of the plan.

1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?

Perez: When our mom passed a few years ago, we said to each other — “Wow, this kind of service would’ve been amazing for her.” So just from our own experience, we see how much this company would’ve helped our family.

We’re really excited to run a sister-owned business. We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and we balance each other out really well.

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

Perez: You really don’t know until you start. Research as much as you can, and learn from other owners. That’s been one of my biggest takeaways — connecting with other franchisees. Everyone has their own story, and you can take little pieces of wisdom from each of them. We’ve learned so much just by reaching out. Even the people we’ve met at corporate — it’s been incredible. So be open to learning, and don’t be afraid to network.

For more information about franchising with Caring Transitions, visit: https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/.

ABOUT CARING TRANSITIONS:

Caring Transitions provides older adults and their families with the most trusted, respected and comprehensive downsizing, right-sizing, estate sales and online auctions, and move management solutions in the industry. Founded in 2006, the brand is committed to helping people in a compassionate and caring manner during life's many transitions while providing a total and easy solution for clients in their time of need. Through their proprietary online sales platform, CTBIDS, Caring Transitions also prepares clients for the process of liquidating assets through their own online estate sales auction site. With more than 350 locations, Caring Transitions’ compassionate, experienced professionals minimize stress and relieve the burdens of life’s transitions. To learn more visit https://www.caringtransitions.com/.

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Luca Piacentini

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Luca Piacentini

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1851 Managing Editor