Carissa Reynertson Fulfills Her Passion for Helping Seniors Through Right at Home Franchise in Minnesota

Carissa Reynertson always knew she wanted to make a difference in her community, but it wasn’t until she discovered Right at Home* — the franchise that provides in-home care for seniors and people with disabilities — that she found the perfect way to do it. After spending 18 years in compliance and medical records management, she and her husband decided to pursue a business that aligned with their passion for helping others. Seniors had always held a special place in her heart, and opening a Right at Home franchise in Lino Lakes, Minnesota, allowed her to provide care and support to those who needed it most.  

Her connection to senior care goes back to her days working at a grocery store, where elderly customers were regularly bused in to do their shopping. One gentleman in particular would bring her a new coin each week and share the history behind it. “That experience stuck with me,” said Reynertson. “Now, I get to work in an industry where I can have those meaningful conversations daily and also make a real impact on people’s lives.”

That early experience reinforced her belief in the value of meaningful connections. Now, as a Right at Home franchise owner, Reynertson is committed to providing compassionate care while building relationships with seniors in her community. “I want to be involved in every aspect of our business,” she said. “I meet with potential clients and senior community directors personally because our involvement is key to our success. It’s important for people to know they can count on us to provide exceptional care.”

1851 Franchise recently sat down with Reynertson to discuss her passion for helping seniors, her franchising journey with Right at Home and her plans for the future. Here’s what she had to say:

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Carissa Reynertson: Prior to opening my Right at Home office, I was in compliance, office management and medical records management for 18 years with the same company. After a while, I felt like my heart just wasn’t in it anymore. My husband and I always knew we wanted to open our own business, but it had to be something we were passionate about and that could make a difference in our community. Seniors have always held a special place in our hearts, so we landed in home care.

We spent three years thinking about this decision because leaving a stable profession was a big leap. But in our hearts, we knew it was our calling. We also knew we couldn't do it alone. Franchising was the right move for us because we wanted the guidance and structure that a franchise system provides. Finding the right match was crucial, and when we connected with Right at Home, we immediately felt welcomed. It felt like joining a family, not just a corporate entity handing us a training manual. The ongoing support and connection with other franchise owners reassured us that this was the right decision.

1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Reynertson: We never saw franchising in a negative light. We have friends who own franchises and my dad owned one for a period of time, so we understood the benefits of being part of a proven system. Now that I am in it, I can confidently say franchising provides an incredible support system. Right at Home, for example, has 30 years of experience and that expertise helps franchisees navigate challenges successfully.

For us, being in a heavily regulated industry like home care, we knew we needed guidance to ensure compliance. Without the support of a franchise, that process would have been much more challenging. Additionally, the network of fellow franchise owners has been invaluable. We can call, email or text each other at any time for guidance, which is something you don’t get if you start a business from scratch.

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

Reynertson: Right at Home’s mission and passion stood out immediately. You can sense it not just from the corporate team but from the franchise owners as well. Before signing, we had the opportunity to speak with multiple owners, and they all had the same experience — Right at Home is invested in its franchisees. They don’t just give you a manual and leave you on your own. They guide you every step of the way.

We also loved the sense of community. Everyone we spoke with had the same passion for helping others, and that was important to us. Right at Home felt like the perfect fit because of its strong support system and shared vision.

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

Reynertson: Ideally, we would like to expand into another territory. We want to serve as much of the North Metro area as possible and be a trusted resource in our community.

I want to be involved in every aspect of our business. I meet with potential clients and senior community directors personally because our involvement is key to our success. It’s important for people to know they can count on us to provide exceptional care. As we grow, I want to maintain that personal connection and ensure that our reputation is built on trust and service.

1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?

Reynertson: When I was younger, I worked at a grocery store where they would bus in seniors for their shopping. One gentleman, in particular, would bring me a new coin each week and tell me about its history. We connected over those stories, and I saw firsthand how much seniors have to share.

That experience stuck with me. Now, I get to work in an industry where I can have those meaningful conversations daily and also make a real impact on people’s lives. It’s incredibly rewarding, and I feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

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

Reynertson: If you’re considering franchising, take your time and do your research. Don’t rush into a decision just because you had one exciting phone call with a franchisor. Let that initial excitement settle and make sure it still feels like the right decision.

Talk to as many franchise owners as you can. Don’t feel obligated to go with the first franchise you look at — find the right fit for you.

Finally, understand the value of support. Franchising gives you the opportunity to lean on a network of people who have been where you are. That guidance can make all the difference, especially in highly regulated industries like home care. Having that foundation and knowing you're not alone is invaluable.

ABOUT RIGHT AT HOME:

Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home care to seniors and adults with disabilities who want to live independently. Most Right at Home offices are independently owned and operated and directly employ and supervise all caregiving staff. Each caregiver is thoroughly screened, trained, and bonded/insured before entering a client’s home. Right at Home’s global office is based in Omaha, Nebraska, with more than 700 franchise locations in the U.S. and four other countries. For more information about Right at Home, visit https://www.rightathome.net/ or read the Right at Home blog at https://www.rightathome.net/blog/.