When  Brenda Jackson , the franchisee behind  Caring Transitions 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,  the senior services industry isn’t just a demographic trend. It’s a calling. Choosing the Playbook Instead of Reinventing the Wheel 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  Caring Transitions 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  brand’s strong reputation and the clear demand in her market sealed the deal. From Training to Launch Jackson finalized her franchise agreement and began training in October 2024. By February 2025, she officially launched her  Caring Transitions of Essex, Maryland business . “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.” Supported From Day One One of the defining aspects of Jackson’s first year has been  the strength of the Caring Transitions support system . “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&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.” Boots on the Ground and Eyes on Growth 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.” Meaningful Work in a Defining Moment Beyond the numbers, what keeps Jackson energized is  the impact . “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  both business-driven and deeply human . “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: https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/info