Chad Hardin’s career has always been about helping people build their lives — first as a restaurant owner bringing people together, then as a real estate broker guiding families toward homeownership. Now, with the launch of Caring Transitions of San Marcos and Kyle, Hardin is supporting families through one of the most emotional transitions of all: downsizing and relocating aging loved ones. 

Drawing from his real estate expertise and a personal calling to serve, Hardin is stepping into this next chapter with a business that allows him to honor legacies, support seniors and continue giving back — one move at a time.

1851 spoke with Hardin to learn more about his background, what drew him to the Caring Transitions brand and his plans for the future. 

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

Chad Hardin: I’m a broker and I do real estate as well. I got into real estate because I liked the idea of helping people and building legacies — helping them grow. When they get to a certain point in life, they can use their homes to support their needs or leave it behind for their children. That ties into what we’re doing with Caring Transitions, it’s that closing chapter. People can use this transition to pay for the remainder of their life or cover different expenses.

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

Hardin: I used to own a bar and grill before I entered the real estate world. But I felt like God was giving me that feeling, that nudge, to go help folks. When I discovered this franchise, it just confirmed that calling even more. It made me stand up and say, “Okay, this is something I can do to be an advocate.”

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?

Hardin: We’re a family of entrepreneurs, and we’ve had franchises before that didn’t go so great, so I wasn’t really looking to get into another one. But when I came across Caring Transitions, I liked what I saw. They were very supportive, that’s why I went with them.

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

Hardin: The support system was a big thing, they’re not going to leave you out there alone. The deeper you get into it, the more you start to feel the family connection with the other owners. Everyone’s in it for the same reasons. We want to grow our businesses, yes, but we also share the same values and the mission to help seniors.

Real estate helped me support people as they built their lives. With Caring Transitions, I get to help them on the other side of that, making sure their home transitions go smoothly, helping them downsize, move or sell. I want to be more than just someone who shows up, I want to be an advocate for them.

I also worked with a company that helped with lending, and I had to build a business plan for that. They walked me through everything and made the process easy. Compared to other franchises, Caring Transitions isn’t as expensive because it’s home-based. You pay your initial franchise fee, and then there are smaller investments to get things up and running so you can start making money.

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

Hardin: We’re definitely planning to expand. Right now we want to get this location up and going, but we’re already looking at buying new territories before they get snatched up.

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

Hardin: Take it day by day. Do your research and don’t let yourself get overwhelmed. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Know your strengths and where you’re going to need help, that’ll make all the difference.

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/.