Caring Transitions

After losing nearly everything in a devastating fire in 2022, husband-and-wife&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dee-senter-3320b333/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=dee-stu-senter-caring-transitions-franchise-2730238" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Dee</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-senter-80201032a/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=dee-stu-senter-caring-transitions-franchise-2730238" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Stu Senter</a> experienced firsthand what it feels like to be surrounded by support in the wake of disaster. “When you’re in that place of personal crisis and people come to help you, it makes you want to do the same for others,” Dee said. “We want to pay that forward.”That desire to give back is what led them to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.caringtransitionsfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=dee-stu-senter-caring-transitions-franchise-2730238" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Caring Transitions</a>, the senior relocation, downsizing and estate sales franchise. Launching in September in Hendersonville, North Carolina, their business is built on compassion, community and the power of service — and they’re bringing their whole family along for the journey.1851 spoke with the couple to learn more about their backgrounds, what drew them to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/info">Caring Transitions</a> and their plans for the future.&nbsp;1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?Stu Senter: I worked for the Department of Defense for 26 years. I was a research psychologist and instructor in the area of polygraphs, and I spent the last several years as a supervisor.Dee Senter: My career has taken me all over — from special events planner to owning a couple of toy stores. We also had a family business running guided ATV tours. I’ve been an entrepreneur since 2007. We’ve been married for 30 years, and we have four children — we all plan to be a part of the business, so it’ll really be a family operation. We’re also both Appalachian State graduates!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?Dee: We really wanted to have a business with a purpose — something that helped people. That’s always been our mission. The franchise systems were already in place, and for us, that meant we could focus on helping others. With the established presence Caring Transitions has in the auction world, that really filled a need. They have bidders from all over the U.S. — that was a huge plus. Why reinvent the wheel?1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about the company?Dee: I was looking into opportunities tied to organization — having my own home decluttered and organized brings me peace. That’s how I first came across Caring Transitions. We really loved the idea of helping others, and this is really two businesses in one. We can generate income for our clients to help them pay for the services. It’s a win-win for everybody.Stu: We’ve both had jobs where the sense of purpose wasn’t always there. With Caring Transitions, the heart of the brand is service. You’re helping people through a difficult time, often a crisis. And being in a position to ease that stress — that’s meaningful. That’s where the passion comes from.1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?Dee: We want to be a source for the community — to provide a great service and also give back. That’s our goal.1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?Dee:&nbsp;We lost our ATV business because of a fire in 2022. Our home was above our business garage, and when that fire happened, we lost about 98% of our possessions. We were still pretty new to the area, but this community just wrapped us in love. People we didn’t even know were donating clothes and supplies — we had donations coming in by the SUV load. Six different fire departments responded. When you’re in that place of personal crisis and people come to help you, it makes you want to do the same for others. You learn humility fast — we didn’t go to the store to pick out a toothbrush; someone brought it to us. We want to pay that forward. We also just experienced the floods here. That community spirit of helping each other — that’s what we want our business to represent. Our faith in God has carried us through, and we’ve seen the good in people.Stu: One of the big incentives for us was also the Caring Transitions network — everyone is willing to help each other. That desire to serve doesn’t stop at the client level — it carries over into the way the franchisees support each other. They’re open about what worked and what didn’t. It really is a community.1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Dee: Trust your gut. Do your due diligence. Find something that brings you peace inside — that’s what led us here.Stu: Ask yourself: Do you love people? A big part of this is going out and building relationships with referral partners, realtors and assisted living communities. You also need to connect with clients. So you have to love people, and you have to believe in your employees, too. You can’t do every job. Your team will carry that message forward, so the care has to start from the top. If you truly care about people’s well-being, that’s going to be the foundation for everything.For more information about franchising with Caring Transitions, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/">https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/</a>. 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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.caringtransitions.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=dee-stu-senter-caring-transitions-franchise-2730238" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.caringtransitions.com/</a>.

1851 Franchisee Spotlight graphic with photo of Dee & Stu Senter & family, Caring Transitions logo

Caring Transitions Franchise | Dee & Stu Senter | Senior Relocation

1851 Franchise

After losing their home and business in a fire, the Senters were inspired by their community’s generosity. Now, they're paying it forward with a family-run Caring Transitions franchise.

How a Tragic Fire and a Fresh Start Led Dee and Stu Senter to Opening a Caring Transitions Franchise in Hendersonville, North Carolina

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For many couples, the dream of building something meaningful together goes beyond date nights and vacations. It’s often more about creating a shared future with purpose. Increasingly,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/caring-transitions-cynthia-ronald-cox-hartwell-ga-2730052">couples across the country</a> are finding that franchising offers a powerful way to combine their professional strengths, personal values and long-term goals.With its full-service senior relocation, downsizing and estate sale model,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.caringtransitionsfranchise.com/">Caring Transitions</a> has become an especially attractive option for husband-and-wife teams. The brand’s structure allows partners to divide responsibilities, lean into complementary skill sets and build a business that makes a tangible difference in their community.For&nbsp;<a href="https://www.caringtransitionsofpalmharbor.com/">Ken and Nicki Leonard</a>, becoming franchise owners together was both a natural next step and a deeply personal decision.<h2>A Shared Heart for Service</h2>Before joining&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/info">Caring Transitions</a>, both Ken and Nicki had long careers rooted in helping others."I am a service-minded person," Ken said. "I started doing design work and home repair, and Nicki’s brother, who was an administrator for our county, suggested substitute teaching. I ended up being a teacher for 10 years and when COVID happened, I got out of that. Nicky is a retired registered nurse with the VA, which she did for about 20 years. She is service-minded as well.”Nicki’s health care career spanned nearly two decades. “I started as a surgical technician and eventually went back to school,” she said. “I finished out my 18-year career as a certified wound care specialist. Primarily, our work was with veterans.”After stepping away from full-time nursing and taking travel assignments, the couple began thinking more seriously about entrepreneurship. Ken had always had a side hustle, including a successful Amazon book business, and both felt the pull to build something of their own.“We got the bug of owning our own business and setting our own schedule,” Ken said.When they were approached three years ago about taking over a Caring Transitions territory near them in Palm Harbor, Florida, the concept immediately resonated.<h2>Turning Personal Experience Into Purpose</h2>For many Caring Transitions franchisees,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/10-reasons-why-caring-transitions-stands-out-among-other-franchises-2727831">the decision to invest is deeply personal</a>. For the Leonards, it was shaped by their own family’s experience.Ken recalls struggling to help his mother from a distance when her health declined.“My mom had severe health issues, but she lived in Baltimore when I lived in Florida,” he said. “Her health started to decline and it was hard to tell from far away. On FaceTime, she seemed great, but when we came to visit her, she ended up needing surgery, and we ended up moving her to Florida. But we didn’t know what to do with the house and all of the things she had accumulated.”At the time, they didn’t know about Caring Transitions. “Had we known about Caring Transitions, we definitely would have used their services ourselves,” Ken said.Today, that lived experience fuels their empathy for clients. “As a husband-and-wife team, we can walk in and we know what that family is living through because we’ve been through it,” Ken said.Nicki adds that their professional backgrounds only deepen that connection. “We really appreciated the fact that our foundation and our professional past truly gives us a rock-solid foundation for these clients,” she said. “We are bringing a skill set that not many people have. It was really a no-brainer the more we started to get involved in the community.”<h2>A Model Built for Complementary Strengths</h2>One reason couples are drawn to Caring Transitions is&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/exploring-the-flexibility-of-owning-a-caring-transitions-franchise-how-you-can-build-a-business-that-fits-your-lifestyle-2729907">the flexibility of its service lines and operational structure</a>. The business includes senior relocation services, downsizing, estate sales and the proprietary&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/how-franchisees-can-tap-into-the-rising-trend-of-estate-sales-with-ctbids-2728327">CTBids online auction platform</a>, offering multiple revenue streams and operational roles.This allows couples to divide responsibilities based on their strengths. Some owners focus on sales and community outreach while their partner manages operations and logistics. Others leverage health care, real estate, project management or marketing experience. The model adapts to the team.For Ken and Nicki, the shared responsibility also means shared impact. “We decided to leave our 9-to-5 so we could make an impact in the community together, and it doesn’t run on the shoulders of one person,” Nicki said.That balance helps prevent burnout and creates sustainability, a key factor for couples planning long-term ownership.<h2>Flexibility That Strengthens Both Business and Marriage</h2>For many couples, franchising represents not just financial opportunity but lifestyle freedom. That was a major draw for the Leonards.“If we want to take a three-day weekend to jump in the RV and visit the family, we can because we know each other’s schedule,” Ken said. “That trust is there because we’ve been married for a while now. I don’t have to worry about somebody doing something with the company while we are gone.”That built-in trust is one of the biggest advantages&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/caring-transitions-macon-ga-jay-mcelrath-leslie-vito-2729746#stories">couples bring to franchise ownership</a>. “We can read each other’s minds. We don’t really have to talk about it,” Ken said. “But you do have to set that work-life balance, so that you aren’t always talking about business.”Nicki agrees that their communication as a husband-and-wife team has been a strength. “Our clients love that we are a husband-and-wife team, they really respond well to it,” she said.&nbsp;That dynamic can be&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/caring-transitions-a-recession-resistant-franchise-opportunity-for-entrepreneurs-2730712">especially meaningful in senior transition work</a>, where families are navigating emotional and complex life changes. Clients often find comfort in working with a team that models partnership and stability.<h2>Building a Business and a Life Together</h2>As America’s senior population continues to grow,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/scaling-with-purpose-why-caring-transitions-owners-keep-growing-2729104">demand for compassionate, professional relocation and transition services is rising</a>. For couples seeking both opportunity and purpose, Caring Transitions offers a unique path.It’s a chance to combine skills, share responsibility and make a meaningful difference side by side.“Having a spouse that supports you is huge, we could not have done this journey without having each other as sounding boards and true business partners,” Ken said.Together, they’ve built more than a franchise. They’ve built a shared mission rooted in service, strengthened by partnership and sustained by trust.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/info">https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/info</a>.

Why Couples Are Choosing to Own a Caring Transitions Franchise Together

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For entrepreneurs searching for more than just another business opportunity, the senior services industry has become one of the most meaningful and resilient sectors in franchising. At the forefront of that movement is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.caringtransitionsfranchise.com/">Caring Transitions</a>, a brand built around helping seniors and their families navigate life’s biggest transitions including downsizing, relocation and estate settling, with dignity and compassion.For franchisee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriemulhollandfrawley">Carrie Frawley</a>, the decision was deeply personal. “My husband and I started our business in March of 2024,” Frawley said. “In 2022, my father passed away from prostate cancer, and a year later, my father-in-law passed away out of the blue. So we had to clean out his home and get rid of his possessions. There wasn’t anybody around that was doing what&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/info">Caring Transitions</a> does.”That experience opened Frawley’s eyes to both a market gap and a calling she had felt since childhood. “I’ve always had a passion for helping seniors,” she said. “My husband looked into companies that we could hire to help seniors and their families. He came across Caring Transitions and asked me what I thought. There was nobody in the area who could help these families.”Soon after, she and her husband made a life-changing decision. “We both quit our corporate jobs. I worked in cybersecurity, and my husband worked in the tea industry, and in 2024, we opened up our business in Milford, Connecticut,” she said.&nbsp;<h2>A Growing Industry with Real Demand</h2>The senior services industry continues to expand as the aging population grows and more families face the emotional and logistical challenges of downsizing and relocation. Unlike traditional in-home medical care models,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/the-growing-need-for-senior-downsizing-how-caring-transitions-is-leading-the-way-2728831">Caring Transitions focuses on planned, project-based services</a>, creating predictability for owners while delivering critical support for families.For Frawley, that need was evident firsthand. “We understand what families have been through because we’ve gone through it,” she said. "Having that background, along with the trust we have built with our referral partners, has played a significant role in our growth within the community."<h2>A Home-Based, Low-Overhead Model with Scalable Growth</h2>One of the key advantages of owning a Caring Transitions franchise is its flexible, home-based structure. Owners don’t need a traditional storefront, allowing them to launch with lower overhead and scale strategically.“We liked that you had a support system behind you. I didn’t have to have an office, and we could run the business out of our home,” Frawley said. “And having the support of the Caring Transitions team behind you is absolutely amazing.”The results speak for themselves. “We’ve more than doubled our revenue from the first year to the second year,” she said. “Having someone who has been through it that can help us is amazing.”Because the model includes multiple revenue streams, including senior relocation services, downsizing, estate sales and online auctions through the&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/how-franchisees-can-tap-into-the-rising-trend-of-estate-sales-with-ctbids-2728327">proprietary CTBids platform</a>, franchisees can build consistent, diversified income while serving a clear market need.<h2>Unmatched Support and a Collaborative Network</h2>For many entrepreneurs, the fear of going it alone can be a major hurdle. Caring Transitions addresses that head-on with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/the-steps-to-owning-a-caring-transitions-franchise-2727519">structured training, coaching and peer collaboration</a>.“The organization as a whole is very caring. They really care about your outcome and how well you do,” Frawley said. “They connect you with owners that have been successful. It’s great to have those conversations and we know that we can do this.”That network of fellow owners provides both practical advice and emotional reassurance. “The problems that we have are the problems that they have,” she said. “That is really appealing to anybody who wants to enter the senior industry for the first time.”<h2>Building Community Relationships That Matter</h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/what-makes-caring-transitions-the-premier-franchise-choice-for-senior-move-management-2730948">Success in the senior services industry</a> is built on trust. Franchisees develop relationships with assisted living facilities, real estate agents and community partners, becoming a go-to resource for families in transition.“We really had to build these relationships ourselves,” Frawley said. “It was really about walking into assisted living and real estate agents and telling them our story as to how we can help.”<h2>A Business That Changes Lives (Including Your Own)</h2>At its core, Caring Transitions offers something many entrepreneurs are searching for:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/10-reasons-why-caring-transitions-stands-out-among-other-franchises-2727831">meaningful work</a>. Frawley recalls one client, for example, who needed to relocate from Connecticut to Florida because his wife had Alzheimer’s disease.“We had to step in and decide what to help with, what to pack, box up everything and get the moving company,” she said. “The last day we saw him, he broke down and cried because he said if it wasn’t for us, he wouldn’t have moved.”For entrepreneurs considering the senior services industry, the opportunity is clear: strong demographic demand, a scalable and flexible model, diversified revenue streams and a built-in support network.But for owners like Frawley, the real benefit goes deeper. “I can go to sleep a whole lot easier now knowing I made a difference in somebody’s life,” she said. “We’ve never been happier.”To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/info">https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/info</a>.

The Benefits of Owning a Caring Transitions Franchise: Why Entrepreneurs Are Choosing the Senior Services Industry

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When&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenda-c-jackson-0a78a8205/">Brenda Jackson</a>, the franchisee behind&nbsp;<a href="https://www.caringtransitionsfranchise.com/">Caring Transitions</a> of Essex, Maryland, began exploring franchising, she wasn’t just looking for a new career, she was looking for purpose.“I came to franchising really wanting to build something meaningful and stable, but also something that could be flexible enough to serve real people in real situations,” Jackson said. “I have a background in leadership and management, so I was very comfortable with structure. I quickly learned that this business requires patience, adaptability and a thick skin.”What ultimately confirmed her decision was the bigger picture.“Every day, 10,000 Americans are turning 65,” she said. “Within the next decade, we are going to see that population exceed the population under 18. This isn’t just a growing industry, it’s a growing responsibility. Believing in the service and its impact on families is what really kept me here.”For Jackson,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/caring-transitions-a-recession-resistant-franchise-opportunity-for-entrepreneurs-2730712">the senior services industry</a> isn’t just a demographic trend. It’s a calling.<h2>Choosing the Playbook Instead of Reinventing the Wheel</h2>Jackson was no stranger to entrepreneurship. She had built a successful real estate career and launched a trucking business. As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist, she had already developed a passion for helping older adults and their families navigate complex transitions.In 2024, when her company underwent a reorganization and she was affected by the change, she saw an opportunity.“I felt that was the opportune time for me to go out and start something on my own,” she said. “I thought about trying to really set up something similar to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/info">Caring Transitions</a> on my own. But as I started doing my research and competitive analysis, I realized I didn’t need to reinvent the wheel.”Franchising offered her something powerful: a proven roadmap. “Franchising would really give me the playbook, there are the systems and a proven model in place,” Jackson said. “I knew I would have to build trust and earn that trust every day. I felt that this was the right opportunity for me to do that.”The&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/caring-transitions-surpasses-400-locations-celebrates-record-breaking-first-half-of-2025-2729880">brand’s strong reputation</a> and the clear demand in her market sealed the deal.<h2>From Training to Launch</h2>Jackson finalized her franchise agreement and began training in October 2024. By February 2025, she officially launched her&nbsp;<a href="https://www.caringtransitions.com/locations/essex">Caring Transitions of Essex, Maryland business</a>.“The year has been great overall,” she said. “It hasn’t been without its challenges, but you have to be able to adapt and meet people where they are.”She entered the business with realistic expectations. “I didn’t expect to break out and hit extremely big numbers right away,” Jackson said. “I knew that it was going to be tough the first couple of years. But I really believe in the service I’m providing and I’m not afraid to make mistakes.”That mindset has shaped how she approaches ownership. “That is the one thing I would tell anyone that is interested in franchising, you will make mistakes. But what matters most is just continuing to show up.”<h2>Supported From Day One</h2>One of the defining aspects of Jackson’s first year has been&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/why-franchising-with-caring-transitions-is-a-smart-investment-for-entrepreneurs-2731027">the strength of the Caring Transitions support system</a>.“The team has ongoing training sessions. The mentoring program with more experienced franchisees has been great,” she said. “The onboarding process is also pretty extensive. Through the first year, they are really handholding and ensuring that you have a good handle on the best practices and your P&amp;L and your staffing and your marketing.”For Jackson, that level of guidance has made a meaningful difference. “I’ve really appreciated all of these things,” she said. “Anytime I need to reach out, they have been available to help me and support me and schedule calls.”<h2>Boots on the Ground and Eyes on Growth</h2>Today, Jackson is deeply hands-on in her business. “I am a boots-on-the-ground type of person and I really wanted to learn how to do everything myself,” she said. “I help with the moves, with everything. And I’m also out there networking and doing the consultations.”At the same time, she’s building for scale. “I had a very ambitious target for my first year, and I am a numbers person,” Jackson said. “My goal now is to double the revenue I did for last year and really focus on training, retraining and ensuring that my team is able to do everything they need to do.”Hiring a business development representative and strengthening her team are key priorities.“You have to be out there in the community so people can see you,” she said. “Making sure that I have a strong person in that role to ensure I have a stronger team is critical.”<h2>Meaningful Work in a Defining Moment</h2>Beyond the numbers, what keeps Jackson energized is&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/how-home-service-franchises-are-supporting-seniors-2725932">the impact</a>. “I’ve met some great people and amazing families,” she said. “I’ve had an opportunity to really support people at challenging times. Every day I knew that this is the right business for me.”She believes franchising can be a powerful pathway to entrepreneurship, but only when approached with humility and commitment. “It’s not about perfection, it’s about commitment to learning, serving and growing,” Jackson said.And in senior services, the opportunity is&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/why-compassion-driven-businesses-are-thriving-how-caring-transitions-leads-with-heart-and-purpose-2729594">both business-driven and deeply human</a>.“This work isn’t easy, but the need is real,” she said. “We are entering a moment when supporting older adults is becoming a defining challenge for families and communities. There is a huge opportunity here for anyone interested in becoming an entrepreneur.”For more information visit:<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/info"> https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/info</a>

From Real Estate Deals to Real-Life Transitions: How This Caring Transitions Franchisee Found Her Purpose

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Building a Caring Transitions Business as a First-Time Entrepreneur

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As millions of baby boomers age into their late 60s, 70s and 80s, the demand for compassionate, comprehensive transition services is accelerating. Brands like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.caringtransitionsfranchise.com/">Caring Transitions</a> are at the forefront of that movement, offering professional senior relocation, downsizing and estate sale services at a scale built to meet what many call the “Silver Tsunami.”“When we talk about why this is a growing industry, the major player in that is just the increase in the senior population,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-lewandowski-822b5011">Joe Lewandowski</a>, Brand President of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/info">Caring Transitions</a>. “We hear a lot about the Silver Tsunami, and it is now Peak 65 — a four-year period we are in right now where the most Boomers will turn 65, almost 11,000 a day. That trend will continue until 2027.”<h2>Peak 65: A Demographic Wave Driving Opportunity</h2>The sheer scale of aging Americans is unprecedented. Each day, thousands of adults cross the threshold into retirement age. The U.S. population of adults aged 65 and older has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/reports/files/Harvard_JCHS_Housing_Americas_Older_Adults_2023.pdf">increased by 34% over the past decade</a>, rising from 43 million in 2012 to 58 million in 2022. Despite a strong desire among older adults to age in place, with 92% of those aged 65 to 74 wishing to remain in their current homes,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/census-bureau-releases-report-domestic-migration-older-americans">more than 3 million adults aged 65 and older</a> relocate each year due to health changes, downsizing decisions and moves to assisted living. “When you look at just that sheer volume, you start to look at where the needs are,” Lewandowski said. “That is a huge contributor to why the senior industry at large is growing.”These needs often become urgent following a triggering event: a fall, hospitalization or the passing of a spouse. In those moments, families must act quickly. “There is a definite need around senior relocation and downsizing,” Lewandowski said. “We have all these seniors turning 65 and they get to a point where they can no longer stay in their home. When a triggering event happens and they are forced to make that change, the senior relocation industry is in demand.”And the demand is already measurable. “When we think about the level of need, we had 50,000 people reach out in 2025 to Caring Transitions asking for help,” Lewandowski said. “That is a huge number. The need is definitely there.”For franchising, that volume represents something powerful: sustained, long-term demand not tied to trends, but to demographics.<h2>Families Are Farther Away and Need Professional Help</h2>The aging shift is compounded by another modern reality:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/how-caring-transitions-supports-adult-children-in-managing-their-parents-moves-2728833">families are more geographically dispersed than ever before</a>. Nearly 40% of adult children now live in a different state than their aging parents, making hands-on relocation management difficult.“The other piece is the families,” Lewandowski said. “They are not around for a lot of the pieces that come up. More and more families are noticing that their senior loved ones might need to move to an assisted living facility, but there is no one there to help.”For adult children juggling careers and their own families, managing a senior move from afar can take six to nine months, which is time they simply do not have.“If I don’t live in the same state as my parents and these things need to happen, how am I going to do that?” Lewandowski said. “It doesn’t make sense for families, they don’t know where to start and it is a major undertaking to do all these things related to senior relocation.”“That is something a professional organization can accomplish in a matter of weeks,” he added. “They don’t have the time, they are in a different state, it needs to be done.”This gap between need and capability is precisely where senior service franchises are stepping in.<h2>A Recession-Resistant Category</h2>Senior transition services also stand apart in another key way: resilience. Life transitions do not pause during economic downturns. Seniors still need to relocate for health reasons. Estates must still be cleared. Homes must be prepared for sale.<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/caring-transitions-a-recession-resistant-franchise-opportunity-for-entrepreneurs-2730712">Franchisees within the Caring Transitions system have proven this firsthand</a>, launching during COVID, navigating housing slowdowns and even weathering natural disasters while continuing to grow.From a franchising perspective, this stability makes senior services uniquely attractive. Demand is driven by demographics and life events rather than discretionary consumer spending, creating a category with long-term staying power.As&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/why-compassion-driven-businesses-are-thriving-how-caring-transitions-leads-with-heart-and-purpose-2729594">awareness of senior relocation grows</a>, so too does the sophistication of the category. “There is also greater awareness of these services,” Lewandowski said. “Similar to when in-home senior care first started, people weren’t aware it was an option. That is happening now with senior relocation.”Caring Transitions has helped accelerate that awareness through scale and innovation, with more than 440 locations nationwide. That scale is paired with proprietary tools like&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/how-franchisees-can-tap-into-the-rising-trend-of-estate-sales-with-ctbids-2728327">CTBids</a>, the brand’s online estate sale platform, and streamlined quoting and operational systems designed to help franchisees move quickly and professionally.“We have been doing this for 20 years now,” Lewandowski said. “We have it down and know what it takes to help families transition through life’s stages.”<h2>The Future of Franchising in an Aging America</h2>As America continues to age, franchising is evolving alongside it. The next decade will not be defined solely by restaurants, fitness concepts or retail brands. It will increasingly be shaped by essential services tied to demographic inevitability.Senior relocation, downsizing and estate management represent one of the clearest long-term growth lanes in franchising today.For entrepreneurs, the opportunity is twofold: build a scalable, diversified business with multiple revenue streams and make a meaningful impact during some of life’s most emotional transitions.“We’re not just growing for growth’s sake,” Lewandowski said. “We’re bringing in the right owners, people who care deeply about their clients and communities.”In an aging America, that combination of compassion and operational strength may define the future of franchising itself.To learn more about franchising opportunities with Caring Transitions, visit:<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/info">&nbsp;https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/info</a>.

Senior Services and the Future of Franchising in an Aging America

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For entrepreneurs seeking a business that blends purpose, profitability and community impact,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.caringtransitionsfranchise.com/">Caring Transitions</a> stands out as a clear choice. The franchise offers a proven model built around compassion and support, helping seniors and families navigate one of life’s biggest challenges: downsizing, relocating or settling an estate.Franchisee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dershie-kurtz-1b77792ab">Dershie Kurtz</a> of Kerrville, Texas, knows firsthand why this model works. After decades in health care and business ownership, she found&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/info">Caring Transitions</a> to be the perfect next chapter, one that combines her passion for helping others with a turnkey system that allows her to focus on what matters most: her clients.“I am a physical therapist, so I’m used to working with seniors,” Kurtz said. “We owned a pediatric home health company and did that for about 10 years, which is where I got my business experience from. After selling that business, I retired for a little while but was looking for other things to do.”When she began seeing a friend’s posts about her own Caring Transitions franchise, showcasing beautiful home transformations and online auctions, Kurtz was intrigued. “I loved seeing her work with seniors and helping them move,” she said. “She would have reveals of what their house looked like after getting it ready, and those were really fun to see. I loved the brand. I&nbsp;loved the people. Everyone seems to be in it for the right reasons.”Kurtz launched her&nbsp;<a href="https://www.caringtransitions.com/locations/boerne-fredericksburg-kerrville">Caring Transitions of Boerne, Fredericksburg and Kerrville franchise</a> in late 2022 and quickly saw her business take off. “We’ve been so blessed. We started with our first house and really haven’t stopped since then,” she said. “We go from one house to the next, sometimes we have two auctions up at one time.”<h2>A Proven System and Unmatched Support</h2>For many entrepreneurs, starting a business from scratch can feel overwhelming, as developing systems, marketing strategies and processes alone is a large undertaking. Caring Transitions removes those hurdles.“As someone who had to do it all on my own before, I really liked seeing that all of that was already done for you, which I think was awesome,” Kurtz said. “The support that you have is unmatched. If you have a question, you aren’t just on your own; you have a whole team behind you.”<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/10-reasons-why-caring-transitions-stands-out-among-other-franchises-2727831">That comprehensive support system</a>, from corporate training to peer collaboration, allows franchise owners to scale faster, stay organized and avoid common pitfalls that independent business owners often face.“Since I had already owned a business, I knew it would be a lot of work,” she said. “But looking back now, I can see how much of a breath of fresh air this has been as a franchise, and it’s not nearly as stressful.”<h2>Meeting a Growing Need in a Strong Market</h2>Caring Transitions franchisees serve&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/the-growing-need-for-senior-downsizing-how-caring-transitions-is-leading-the-way-2728831">a growing demographic</a>: seniors and families navigating life changes. Kurtz’s Kerrville territory, which has one of the highest senior populations in Texas, presented an ideal opportunity.“When I saw those numbers, it felt like Florida,” she said. “I knew it’d be advantageous.”Her team now helps clients downsize, relocate and auction items through the brand’s proprietary&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/how-franchisees-can-tap-into-the-rising-trend-of-estate-sales-with-ctbids-2728327">CTBids platform</a>, offering both logistical and emotional relief. “People don’t know they need us until they really do,” she said. “They are so thankful for what we do because it takes the burden and stress off the client and the family. They can try to relax a bit in the process. We can take all that stress away from them.”For Kurtz, the personal connection is what makes every job special. “Working with the client and getting to know the family — they all have a different story,” she said. “A lot of us who work together talk about how we feel like we know the client just by seeing what they own.”<h2>Advice for Aspiring Franchisees</h2>Kurtz encourages potential franchise owners to do their homework, but also to trust the process once they join. “Research your territory and understand what the population is for seniors because that is the target market,” she said. “See if you have assisted living facilities in your area because those are great referral sources.”Her other key piece of advice: lean on the network. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions of the leadership group and other owners,” she said. “They have the processes and procedures in place, so just following that initially and ensuring you have it all in place is important. After you get some stuff under your belt, it all falls into place.”Caring Transitions’ recession-resistant model continues to grow nationwide, fueled by the aging baby boomer generation and an increasing need for trusted, compassionate help. For entrepreneurs like Kurtz, the opportunity has been deeply fulfilling.&nbsp;“It’s all about helping people,” she said. “This business has been such a blessing — a way to use my experience and passion to really make a difference in people’s lives.”To learn more about franchising with Caring Transitions, visit<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/">&nbsp;1851franchise.com/caringtransitions</a>.

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<a href="https://www.caringtransitionsfranchise.com/">Caring Transitions</a>, the nation’s largest and most trusted provider of senior relocation, downsizing and estate sale services, is closing out 2025 with what Brand President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-lewandowski-822b5011">Joe Lewandowski</a> calls “a record-breaking year across the board.” From hitting a historic franchise milestone to launching new technology and strengthening systemwide operations, the brand says the foundation is now set for a transformative 2026.“We hit a lot of milestones for 2025,” Lewandowski said. “It was a record-breaking year, with significant growth and the launch of key initiatives and operational improvements. The biggest one is hitting 400 locations. We will finish up the year with around 430 locations. That is huge.”<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/info">Caring Transitions</a> expects to close the year with approximately 70 new locations awarded, fueled by strong demand from franchisees eager to serve the nation’s rapidly growing senior population.Consumer activity surged as well. This upward trajectory extended across the brand’s proprietary online estate sale platform,&nbsp;<a href="https://ctbids.com/">CTBids</a>. “CTBids saw a number of records, including number of sales, items sold and consumer revenue,” Lewandowski said. “All of it demonstrates the momentum of that platform.”Much of Caring Transitions’ systemwide success in 2025 stemmed from strategic investments in operational tools and consumer-facing enhancements.“Operationally, we are working on increasing visibility, and a lot of that is paying off,” Lewandowski said. “We also launched core tech, customer improvements, the CTBids online website — everything we’re doing is supporting our long-term vision.”Beyond new tools, the brand has continued strengthening system standardization and consistency. “We are working on new processes, including a new operations model and updates to training,” Lewandowski said. “We’re also consolidating technology so that our platforms start talking to each other to promote efficiency.”Improving consumer experience remains a top priority for Lewandowski and Caring Brand as well. “We’re looking at different ways to improve the customer experience on the Caring Transitions website, including optimizing our search,” he said. “Our goal is just to sing the praises of this brand. We are the number one provider in our category. Nobody can do what we do at scale.”On the franchise development front, the brand will be targeting markets with high concentrations of retirees, and high demand for support services. “On the lead gen side, we want to target specific markets where we know we’re highly desirable but don’t yet have enough owners,” Lewandowski said. “South Florida, Northern California and Arizona are all major priorities, which are primary places where seniors are retiring.”As the brand enters the new year, Caring Transitions is preparing for one of the most significant moments in its history: its 20th anniversary.“We will be celebrating 20 years of the brand in Nashville at our national conference,” Lewandowski said. “It’s going to be an incredible moment to reflect on how far we’ve come and where we’re headed.”With record-breaking growth, strengthened operations, rising consumer demand and a clear roadmap for national coverage, Caring Transitions is entering 2026 with unprecedented momentum.“We are in a position no other brand in our category can match,” Lewandowski said. “We’re building for the future, and 2026 is going to be a defining year.”To learn more about franchising with Caring Transitions, visit<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/info">&nbsp;https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/info</a>.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 425 locations, Caring Transitions’ compassionate, experienced professionals minimize stress and relieve the burdens of life’s transitions. To learn more visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.caringtransitions.com/">https://www.caringtransitions.com/</a>.

Caring Transitions Closes Out Record-Breaking 2025 With Over 400 Locations, Continued Growth and Vision for 2026

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How a Tragic Fire and a Fresh Start Led Dee and Stu Senter to Opening a Caring Transitions Franchise in Hendersonville, North Carolina

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