Jay McElrath and  Leslie Vito know first-hand the emotional and logistical weight of helping aging parents downsize or settle an estate. After spending the last few years guiding their own families through senior transitions and loss, the Macon, Georgia, couple decided to turn their experience into a business that could help others in similar situations.  “My mother owned an antique and gift shop for 45 years and was an avid collector,” McElrath said. “When she passed, she left a house packed to the gills with antiques, jewelry, porcelain, plus four storage units full of items. I spent over a year sorting through everything, and while I eventually hired an estate sale company, it was overwhelming. That’s when I discovered  Caring Transitions and realized just how valuable this kind of service would have been. It inspired me to explore the brand further, and here we are.” Now, with the launch of  Caring Transitions of  Macon , they’re providing much-needed services and peace of mind to families in their community, backed by a brand that shares their mission of compassionate support and operational excellence. 1851 spoke with the couple to learn more about their backgrounds, what drew them to Caring Transitions and their plans for the future.  1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know? Leslie Vito: We’re both at an age where we have aging parents. I’ve helped my own parents downsize and move into a cottage at an assisted living facility, and Jay spent all of 2024 going through his mother’s estate after she passed. We’ve packed the boxes, hosted the sales — we really understand what families go through during this time. Jay McElrath: My mother owned an antique and gift shop for 45 years and was an avid collector. When she passed, she left a house packed to the gills with antiques, jewelry, porcelain, plus four storage units full of items. I spent over a year sorting through everything, and while I eventually hired an estate sale company, it was overwhelming. That’s when I discovered Caring Transitions and realized just how valuable this kind of service would have been. It inspired me to explore the brand further, and here we are. 1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you? Vito: I was in job recruitment. McElrath: I worked in the mortgage industry for 20 years as a loan originator, and later became a controller and COO at a copier dealership. I stepped away shortly before my mother passed. I didn’t want to go back to a desk job, I wanted to own something that aligned with my values. I started researching, and when I found Caring Transitions, it just clicked. 1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know now that you're in it? McElrath: I wasn’t looking to buy a franchise specifically, but when I started looking for a business that would make a real impact, I came across Caring Transitions. The timing was right. I did the research, and it felt like the perfect fit, both personally and professionally. 1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company? McElrath: It was about the service to the community, helping seniors and their families through challenging life events. I really connected with the mission and was impressed by the culture of the brand. The training and onboarding process is very thorough. They have the systems, the support and the playbook to help owners succeed. The collaboration with other franchisees has also been incredibly helpful. Vito: We were already looking for a way to give back in the community, especially to the senior population. This franchise offered both the ability to help people in need and run a meaningful business. 1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth? McElrath: Eventually, we’d like to expand and add another territory, but first we’re focused on meeting the needs in Macon and doing it well. 1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?   McElrath: We have deep roots in this community, and that means a lot to us. Vito: In Georgia, you need an auctioneer license to conduct online auctions, and we’ve secured that. It sets us apart and ensures we can provide the full suite of services that families need. 1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners? McElrath: Do your research. Talk to the business development team and learn everything you can. This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to provide a meaningful service in their community, but it requires skill and compassion. Vito: Caring Transitions really is with you every step of the way. From day one to launch and beyond, they’re always just a call or email away. They want you to succeed, and they prove that through their ongoing support. 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/ .