In celebration of Women’s History Month, Caring Transitions — the first national franchising concept specializing in senior relocation and transition services — is shining the spotlight on several remarkable women who not only play crucial roles within the brand but are also dedicated to empowering franchisees and inspiring future female leaders.
Liz VonDerHaar: Passion-Driven Support and Empowerment
For Marketing Manager Liz VonDerHaar, joining Caring Transitions was driven by a deeply personal experience. "My family went through this kind of transition with my grandmother about six years ago. It was very overwhelming, and seeing that impact has really just stuck with me," said VonDerHaar. After a career shift due to the COVID-19 pandemic, VonDerHaar found her calling in franchising, drawn to Caring Transitions' mission of compassionately aiding families during stressful times.
Reflecting on influential women in her life, VonDerHaar credits her sister as a major inspiration. "She advocates for herself, and sometimes as a woman, it can be difficult to have a voice if surrounded by strong male voices,” she said. “She’s never been shy and has encouraged me to go after what I want.”
VonDerHaar highlights Caring Transitions' strong support system for women. "Our network is very female-dominated. We have more women in the system than men, which proves the support we provide,” she said. “From the moment I walked through the door, I felt supported."
Working directly with franchise owners, VonDerHaar provides individualized support, guiding them towards success in their marketing efforts. "Working with the owners is really the most rewarding part,” she said. “When I can get them to that a-ha moment, it's amazing.”
Sherrie Henderson: Championing Female Leadership and Growth
Sherrie Henderson, Director of Franchise Business Coaching, brings more than a decade of franchise experience to Caring Transitions. Starting her journey in multi-unit retail management, Henderson found inspiration from numerous female leaders at companies like Bath and Bodyworks. "I had a plethora of amazing role models of women in management in that company,” she said. “That really helped me develop and grow.”
At Caring Transitions, Henderson underscores the brand’s supportive environment. "The brand has always empowered me, encouraging women to move up,” she said. “The caring aspect of Caring Transitions lends itself naturally to female ownership — our franchisees and coaches are primarily female."
One of Henderson's most rewarding experiences is coaching women franchisees from varied backgrounds. "We see women from all walks of life — CEOs, CFOs and stay-at-home parents — taking this leap as their first professional experience,” she said. “I especially love the mother-daughter and sister teams we support."
Reflecting on Women’s History Month, Henderson emphasizes the importance of recognizing women's accomplishments. "It's important to be aware of the strengths and perspectives women bring to the team that might differ from traditional male-dominated objectives," she said.
Kelsey Florek: A Relatable Advocate and Mentor
Kelsey Florek, Senior Franchise Business Coach, brings a connection to Caring Transitions that is profoundly personal. After witnessing family tensions during her grandmother's estate liquidation, she understood the urgent need for compassionate, neutral support. "When I heard about Caring Transitions, it resonated deeply because of that experience," Florek said.
Transitioning from being a franchise owner herself, Florek now leverages her firsthand knowledge to assist franchisees. "I’ve really lived their lives, so I can relate to the stress,” she said. “If I can help them through stressful moments, I feel like I’m bringing value."
Florek highlights the unique strength and community among women within the Caring Transitions network. "It's a very women-strong franchise because of the nurturing aspect of what we do,” she said. “The support is really strong across the board. As a sole female owner previously, I felt supported whenever needed."
She is particularly passionate about uplifting solo women franchise owners. "It can be easy to think you won’t accomplish as much alone, but that’s not true,” Florek said. “I want to be a cheerleader and support other women in those situations."
Empowering a Community of Women Leaders
Through the leadership and dedication of women like VonDerHaar, Henderson and Florek, Caring Transitions continues to foster an empowering, supportive environment for women franchisees and corporate leaders alike. Celebrating these women during Women’s History Month highlights their impactful contributions to the brand’s success, demonstrating the power of women supporting women in business.
To learn more about Caring Transitions franchise opportunities, visit https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/.