Comfort Keepers

When <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/butch-irwin-10872a126/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=monroe-franchisee-story-2729552" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Butch Irwin</a> thinks back to his childhood, one memory stands out.“My grandpa came home from World War II with a Harley and one leg,” he said. “When I’d visit, he’d say, ‘Butch, go grab my leg.’ I’d run down the hall to get his wooden leg, and even as a kid, I remember thinking how hard it must be to rely on others for everything. That moment planted a seed.”That seed would grow into a lifelong commitment to caring for others. After decades working as a respiratory therapist and raising six kids with his wife Dawn, a registered nurse, Butch saw firsthand what families really needed: someone to help with the little things that make a house feel like home — laundry, meals, companionship — and someone they could trust to treat their loved ones like family.Over dinner, the Irwins often talked about their day — visiting homes, helping patients, navigating tough situations. Those conversations left a lasting impression on their daughter <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/niki-irwin-43b7a8b7/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=monroe-franchisee-story-2729552" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Niki</a>. So when Butch decided to start a new chapter and open a <a href="https://www.comfortkeepersfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=monroe-franchisee-story-2729552" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Comfort Keepers®</a> franchise, Niki didn’t hesitate.“He asked if I’d be willing to leave northern Ohio and help him start the business in southern Michigan,” Niki said. “And I said, ‘Absolutely.’ It felt like a calling.”Niki had already been working in a caregiving role, helping a quadriplegic business owner with both personal and professional support.“I loved it,” she said. “Helping him live a full life made me realize how much I cared about people’s well-being — not just their medical needs, but their daily life, their dignity, their joy.”Together, father and daughter launched <a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers/info">Comfort Keepers</a> in a place where they didn’t know a single soul. With hope in their hearts and no safety net, they poured themselves into the mission of bringing comfort, connection and care to seniors — starting with one client, one caregiver, one family at a time.Over the years, their family business truly became a family business. Dawn joined the team as a nurse, and Niki’s sister Jamie is now stepping into a new marketing role. “We’re not just running a company — we’re living our values,” Niki said.Their differences make them stronger.“We definitely don’t always agree,” Niki said. “But that’s part of the magic. My dad brings decades of clinical wisdom, and I bring strategy and innovation. We push each other, we learn from each other and we trust each other.”Before going all digital, Butch would often voice his hesitation with a mix of humor and concern, asking Niki, “But what if your cloud falls out of the sky?!” Without missing a beat, she’d reply, “What if your building burns down?” It became a running joke between them, but also a great example of how their dynamic works — balancing caution with innovation, and always finding a way to communicate, challenge each other and ultimately come to the best decision together.Together, they’ve built a team that feels more like an extended family — people who lead with heart, serve with integrity and treat every client like their own loved one.“We hire people who believe in what we’re doing,” Niki said. “We can teach skills. But you can’t teach heart.”Their story is not without struggle. Like many family-run businesses, the lines between work and home were often blurred.“In the early days, it felt like we were working 24/7,” Niki said. “Eventually, we sat down and said, ‘We have to create space for family time. We’re still learning, but we’re getting better.’”And now, life has come full circle. After years of growing their Comfort Keepers offices in Southern Michigan, the Irwins have expanded into Northwest Ohio — back in the community where their family’s story first began.“Being able to serve people in the place I call home — it means the world,” Niki said.“People know us now,” Butch added. “They recognize us as the Comfort Keepers family. We’re not just in the business of care — we’re in the business of people.”So what does it mean, to build something like this together?“It means everything,” Butch said. “Working side-by-side with my daughter, seeing her take this dream and run with it—there’s no greater pride.”“I feel incredibly lucky,” Niki said. “We’ve built something rooted in love, in purpose, and in family. That’s a legacy I’m proud to be part of.”To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers">https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers</a>.

Family-Owned Comfort Keepers Franchise in Monroe, Michigan

1851 Franchise

This Father's Day, meet Butch and Niki Irwin - the heart behind Comfort Keepers in Michigan and Ohio, where care isn't just a service - it's a family value.

This brand page has been paid for by COMFORT KEEPERS. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

A Father-Daughter Journey Bringing Comfort Home With Franchise

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Comfort Keepers Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2026

Top 100 Franchise for Women by Franchise Business Review

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Why This Former Educator Is Expanding With the Comfort Keepers® Franchise in Seattle

 Comfort Keepers® Closes 2025 With Record Franchise Growth and Momentum Heading Into the New Year

Field Support Team Helps Define Franchisee Success at Comfort Keepers®

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When&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-braun-8500961">Michael Braun</a> thinks about the future of senior care in the Pacific Northwest, he sees an opportunity to help families experience the same peace of mind his own family once had.&nbsp;With a newly launched two-territory&nbsp;<a href="https://www.comfortkeepersfranchise.com/">Comfort Keepers®</a> operation spanning&nbsp;<a href="https://www.comfortkeepers.com/offices/washington/seattle/">King and Pierce counties in Seattle</a>, Braun is entering the market at a pivotal time, combining personal experience with a deep commitment to compassionate care.Before stepping into franchising, Braun spent two decades shaping lives in a very different way.“My background is actually in education,” he said. “I spent 20 years as an educator working in inner-city schools at all different grade levels — elementary school, middle school, high school — and then I became a school administrator.”His career was rooted in developing people by helping students grow, guiding teachers and leading school communities. But over time, Braun began thinking about how he could build something of his own while still making a meaningful impact.<h2>A Personal Connection to Senior Care</h2>The value of in-home care became clear to Braun long before he entered franchising. “As my grandparents were aging, they started needing extra help,” he said. “They always said that they were never going to go to a home.”Instead, his family brought care into their home by hiring companions and aides to support daily living. The results left a lasting impression.“I saw my grandparents really flourish and live, despite needing care,” Braun said. “My grandpa lived about five to seven more years and my grandma ended up living 10 more years after we brought support into the house. It was a blessing that they were able to use their savings and have these services that helped them really enjoy their lives well into their late 90s.”That experience introduced him to the power of aging in place and ultimately guided him toward&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers/info">Comfort Keepers</a>.<h2>Why Comfort Keepers?</h2>As Braun explored franchise opportunities, one concept stood out for its philosophy and approach to care. “I really liked the Comfort Keepers' promise to help seniors live with moments of joy,” he said. “I really connected to the idea of focusing on people’s safety, but once you get safety locked down, then you can look at their nutrition, their mental health and their body mechanics.”<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers/comfort-keepers-elevating-the-human-spirit-through-compassionate-holistic-senior-care-2727809">That holistic, “Interactive Caregiving” approach</a> of addressing physical, emotional and social well-being aligned closely with Braun’s background in education and people development.Now, operating across King and Pierce counties, Braun is entering one of the most promising senior care markets in the country.“There are definitely aging populations throughout these areas,” he said. “We have a growing veteran population and just in general a growing aging population. When it comes to the senior population, my area ranks second to Boca Raton, Florida. So there are quite a lot of seniors in my area.”That demographic shift, combined with a strong preference for aging in place,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers/comfort-keepers-franchise-personalized-care-services-2731629#featured">is fueling demand for in-home care services</a>. “It gives a lot of seniors another option for growing old in place,” Braun said, “as opposed to assisted living facilities and adult family homes.”<h2>Meeting the Moment in Senior Care</h2>Following his successful grand opening late last year, Braun is focused on intentional growth. While&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers/q1-2026-growth-2732011">Comfort Keepers has a strong national footprint</a>, Braun sees an opportunity to deepen its presence locally.&nbsp;“One of my first goals is to just build brand awareness,” he said. “Comfort Keepers has a great national presence, but I would like it to be better known in King County and Pierce County. At the end of the day, we want to take care of our clients like they’re part of our family. That is something I’m really striving for.”To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers">https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers</a>.

With a new two-territory deal in Seattle, franchisee Michael Braun is bringing a people-first approach to in-home care in one of the country’s fastest-growing senior markets.

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Franchisee spotlight with Steve and Blake Oakley and Comfort Keepers

How an Unexpected Career Change Sparked a Family Business With Comfort Keepers®

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How This Comfort Keepers® Franchisee Grew From One Acquisition to a Powerhouse

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Comfort Keepers Owners Expand Carolinas Senior Care Demand

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IRVINE, Calif. — As demand for in-home senior care continues to grow across North America,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.comfortkeepersfranchise.com/">Comfort Keepers®</a> is carrying strong momentum into the second half of 2026. The brand signed 14 new franchise territories and opened four locations during the first six months of the year, expanding its footprint across Texas, Florida, Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts, California, Canada, Nebraska, Mississippi, North Carolina and Indiana.The growth comes as more families look for ways to help aging loved ones stay safely at home, increasing the need for home care providers that can offer dependable service and consistent support. For&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers/info">Comfort Keepers</a>, that need has also brought more interest from entrepreneurs who see senior care as a business with both purpose and room to grow."We're seeing interest from people who recognize that senior care isn't just a growing category - it's a category that's becoming more essential every year," said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-oaks-39396612/">Scott Oaks</a>, vice president of franchise development for Comfort Keepers. "Most of the candidates we're talking with are second-career professionals who have significant business experience and are looking for something with purpose as well as growth potential. They want to build a business that can make a difference in their community, but they also approach it with an enterprise mindset. That’s why we try to be thoughtful about growth from the beginning. We’ll typically start new franchisees with no more than two neighboring territories, so they have time to learn the business, build the right team and get their operations in place before they look at what comes next.”Several of the brand's fastest-growing markets mirror broader population shifts occurring across the country. Oaks said states such as Texas and Florida continue to generate strong demand due to sustained population growth and an influx of new residents. At the same time, those migration patterns often create care needs in entirely different markets."When families relocate, it frequently creates a situation where aging parents remain in another city or state and need additional support," Oaks said. "Someone may move to Texas for work while their parents continue living in Nebraska or another market where they've spent decades building their lives. That creates a need for trusted in-home care providers who can help families stay connected and ensure that loved ones receive quality care. Those demographic trends are creating opportunities across a wide range of markets, not just the states experiencing the largest population growth."Like many brands in the home care sector, Comfort Keepers continues to navigate an increasingly competitive labor market. Oaks said caregiver recruitment and retention remain among the top concerns prospective franchisees raise during the discovery process, making franchise support in those areas especially important."Candidates want to know how they're going to find and keep great caregivers because they understand that's the foundation of the business," Oaks said. "We spend a lot of time helping franchisees develop effective recruiting processes, compensation strategies and referral programs. Just as important, we focus on matching caregivers with the right clients. When caregivers feel supported and clients receive the level of care they expect, satisfaction improves on both sides. That creates stronger retention and a healthier business overall."Looking ahead, Comfort Keepers expects to sign an additional 20 territories before the end of the year. Development efforts will remain focused on Texas, Massachusetts, Indiana and California, while the brand also works to generate additional activity in markets such as Utah, Salt Lake City and St. Louis."The opportunity in front of us is significant," Oaks said. "The aging population continues to grow, more families are choosing aging in place and we're seeing strong interest from entrepreneurs who want to be part of that solution. Our focus for the rest of the year is continuing to add the right franchisees in the right markets while giving them the support they need to build successful businesses that can serve their communities for years to come."About Comfort Keepers®For over 25 years, Comfort Keepers has been Elevating the Human Spirit℠ through its in-home care network for seniors and other adults by empowering them to maintain their independence and realize joy in the everyday moments. Comfort Keepers operates a franchise network that has grown to more than 600 locations in the U.S. and Canada, serving hundreds of thousands of clients since 1998. The company’s nationwide network employs thousands of caregivers, also known as Comfort Keepers®, who deliver joy through interactive caregiving by continually communicating with, involving, and engaging with seniors in everyday tasks and activities. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://comfortkeepersfranchise.com/">comfortkeepersfranchise.com</a>.

Comfort Keepers Franchise - Mid-Year Momentum 2026 - 1851 Franchise

As more families seek support for aging loved ones at home, Comfort Keepers continues to expand with 14 new territories signed through midyear.

Comfort Keepers® Franchise Growth Accelerates in 2026 With 14 New Territories as In-Home Senior Care Demand Rises

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Demand for in-home senior care has been climbing for years and shows no signs of slowing. That shift is pushing more entrepreneurs to look at businesses tied to long-term needs rather than short-term trends.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.comfortkeepersfranchise.com/">Comfort Keepers</a>, one of the leading names in the category, helps older adults remain safely and independently in their own homes while elevating the human spirit through personalized, compassionate care. Anyone exploring the opportunity usually starts with one question: What does it cost?Opening a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers/info">Comfort Keepers</a> franchise requires an initial investment of $116,950 to $188,200, according to the brand’s Franchise Disclosure Document. That estimate includes the $55,000 franchise fee, along with office setup, technology, licensing, insurance and early working capital. Because the model does not require a retail storefront or heavy build-out, startup costs are generally lower than those of many brick-and-mortar franchise concepts.&nbsp;The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows:<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Type of Expenditure</td><td>Min</td><td>Max</td></tr><tr><td>Combined Deposit Fee and Initial Franchise Fee</td><td>$55,000</td><td>$55,000</td></tr><tr><td>Professional Fees</td><td>$1,500</td><td>$10,000</td></tr><tr><td>Business Premises (Rent/Deposit)</td><td>$6,000</td><td>$24,000</td></tr><tr><td>Furniture &amp; Equipment</td><td>$5,400</td><td>$10,000</td></tr><tr><td>Insurance</td><td>$3,100</td><td>$6,800</td></tr><tr><td>Initial Training Expenses</td><td>$3,000</td><td>$6,000</td></tr><tr><td>Organizational Expenses</td><td>$650</td><td>$1,150</td></tr><tr><td>Telephone/Utilities Deposit</td><td>$550</td><td>$1,650</td></tr><tr><td>Advertising/Marketing</td><td>$2,300</td><td>$10,000</td></tr><tr><td>Licensure</td><td>$0</td><td>$10,000</td></tr><tr><td>Caregiver Training</td><td>$1,500</td><td>$3,000</td></tr><tr><td>Background Screening</td><td>$360</td><td>$600</td></tr><tr><td>Additional Funds (3 Months)</td><td>$37,590</td><td>$50,000</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Additional financial requirements include minimum liquidity and net worth thresholds to help ensure franchisees are prepared to support the business in its early stages. For Comfort Keepers, that means having at least $100,000 in liquid assets and a net worth of $300,000.The overall structure is designed to allow owners to focus their investment on building a team and growing their client base rather than funding expensive infrastructure.<h2>A Model Built Around Demand</h2>A big part of the opportunity comes down to demand. The senior population is growing, and more families are opting for care at home rather than moving loved ones into facilities. That shift has created a steady need for services that support aging in place, giving franchisees a chance to build a business tied to long-term demographic trends rather than short-term cycles.“To enter a business with this level of demand and long-term upside, especially when you look at average unit volumes, the investment is very reasonable,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-oaks-39396612">Scott Oaks</a>, vice president of franchise development. “Unlike many other opportunities, you don’t need $500,000 tied up in infrastructure. This model is about building the right team and tapping into a growing, sustained demand for care, which creates a compelling path to scalability and returns.”Rather than relying on foot traffic or a physical location, franchisees grow by building relationships within their local communities and establishing referral networks with hospitals, physicians and senior-focused organizations.<h2>Managing Costs and Building Margins</h2>Starting a new business, especially for first-time owners, can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time, but Comfort Keepers ensures franchisees are never alone. During the pre-opening phase, Comfort Keepers works with franchisees to build out financial projections using real performance data to understand what the business should look like from day one. That process helps set clear expectations around costs, staffing and growth. The brand also leans into a value-driven approach, so owners are not competing on price alone and can focus more on delivering consistent, high-quality care.“Comfort Keepers is committed to paying caregivers a good wage and delivering high-quality care, not competing to be the cheapest provider in the market,” Oaks said. “Franchisees are positioned to sell the overall value of the service, which supports stronger margins and long-term sustainability.”This positioning allows owners to focus on service quality and client outcomes while still maintaining a healthy financial structure.<h2>Ongoing Fees and Financial Structure</h2>Like most franchise systems, Comfort Keepers includes ongoing fees that support brand operations, marketing and franchisee support. The royalty fee is 5% of gross revenue. The national brand fund contribution is 2% of gross revenue. The national brand fund pools resources and leverages the system's scale to place national advertising and branding that enhance franchisees' local marketing, build awareness, and drive leads to the consumer website and to applicants on the C<a href="http://comfortkeepers.jobs">omfortKeepers.jobs</a> site. Franchisees are also required to spend on local advertising each month, with a minimum of $1,000 or 2% of gross revenue, whichever is higher.<h2>Why Timing Matters</h2>Timing plays a meaningful role in evaluating any franchise opportunity, and senior care stands out because of several overlapping trends. An aging population and a growing preference for in-home care have all contributed to increased demand across markets. That combination creates a stable environment for operators who are looking to build a business with long-term relevance.“All of the key indicators point to a strong and growing industry,” Oaks said. “With Comfort Keepers’ established footprint, there are still meaningful market opportunities available. You’re stepping into a business with decades of experience and a proven track record. It’s not a startup.”<h2>A Lower-Overhead Path Into Ownership</h2>Entrepreneurs weighing different franchise options will find that Comfort Keepers comes with a different kind of setup. There is no major build-out or large inventory to manage upfront, and staffing can grow over time as the client base expands. That approach allows owners to build the business step by step instead of taking on everything at once, while still working toward long-term growth.The model rewards operators who are focused on relationship-building, community engagement and team development. Over time, that approach can translate into recurring revenue and steady expansion.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers.">https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers.</a>&nbsp;

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Comfort Keepers® Franchise?

A detailed breakdown of startup costs, ongoing fees and the long-term demand shaping the Comfort Keepers® franchise opportunity.

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Comfort Keepers® Franchise? A Clear Look at the Investment and Growth Potential

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IRVINE, Calif. —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.comfortkeepersfranchise.com/">Comfort Keepers®</a>, a leading in-home care franchise dedicated to elevating the human spirit through quality, compassionate care, has been named a&nbsp;<a href="https://franchisebusinessreview.com/lists/top-franchises-for-women/">2026 Top Franchise for Women</a> by&nbsp;<a href="https://franchisebusinessreview.com/">Franchise Business Review</a>. Only 100 brands made this year’s list, which is based entirely on franchisee satisfaction.For over 25 years,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers/info">Comfort Keepers</a> has focused on more than just business. The brand has built a community centered on helping seniors remain independent at home. As demand for quality care rises alongside an aging population, the brand offers entrepreneurs an opportunity to build a business with a purpose. Its focus on practical training and franchise support has made it a strong fit for women looking to build a successful career around meaningful work.Franchise Business Review, a research firm that conducts independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction, publishes rankings based solely on franchisee feedback. Each year, the organization analyzes data across hundreds of brands to identify the top performers in key areas such as leadership, training, financial opportunity and work-life balance.Comfort Keepers was among more than 320 franchise brands, representing nearly 8,550 female franchise owners, that took part in Franchise Business Review’s research for its Top Franchises for Women list. Franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction across critical business areas.&nbsp;<a href="https://franchisebusinessreview.com/top-franchises/comfort-keepers-franchise-opportunity/">Comfort Keepers exceeded FBR’s benchmark</a> in every major category. Highlights include:<ul><li>91% of Comfort Keepers franchisees say they enjoy operating their business.</li><li>88% say they enjoy being part of the Comfort Keepers network.</li><li>93% say they are likely to recommend the franchise to others.</li></ul>“Being recognized as a Top Franchise for Women is especially meaningful for Comfort Keepers because so many of our franchise owners and caregivers are women who are driven by purpose as much as performance,” said Scott Oaks, vice president of Franchise Development. “We’ve built a system that supports their success operationally, financially and personally while allowing them to make a real difference in their communities.”To view the full list of the 2026 Top Franchises for Women, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://franchisebusinessreview.com">FranchiseBusinessReview.com</a>.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers">https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers</a>.&nbsp;About Comfort Keepers®For over 25 years, Comfort Keepers has been Elevating the Human SpiritSM through its in-home care network for seniors and other adults by empowering them to maintain their independence and realize joy in the everyday moments. Comfort Keepers operates a franchise network that has grown to more than 600 locations in the U.S. and Canada, serving hundreds of thousands of clients since 1998. The company’s nationwide network employs thousands of caregivers, also known as Comfort Keepers®, who deliver joy through interactive caregiving by continually communicating with, involving, and engaging with seniors in everyday tasks and activities. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://comfortkeepers.com">ComfortKeepers.com</a>.&nbsp;

Female franchise owners gave Comfort Keepers high marks for leadership, support and satisfaction, earning the brand a spot on Franchise Business Review’s 2026 list.

A Father-Daughter Journey Bringing Comfort Home With Franchise

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