Comfort Keepers

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/loretta-smith-794745322?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=more-than-a-caregiver-loretta-smiths-support-extends-to-fellow-caregivers-clients-and-the-community-2729752" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Loretta Smith</a> isn’t just a caregiver — she’s a source of light for everyone around her. As the 2024 Caregiver of the Year from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.comfortkeepersfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=more-than-a-caregiver-loretta-smiths-support-extends-to-fellow-caregivers-clients-and-the-community-2729752" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Comfort Keepers®</a> office in Plymouth, Massachusetts, Smith has spent the last five years going above and beyond for her clients, her team and her community. But her commitment to caregiving runs far deeper — it’s a passion she’s nurtured for more than three decades.“I just love what I do,” said Smith. “I’m very compassionate and I have empathy. I’m very loyal and responsible. I support not just our clients, but I also support our caregivers out in the field and give them the knowledge and experience they need to be successful.”From personal care to mentoring caregivers and even helping with durable medical equipment education, Smith does it all. But it’s the way she&nbsp;connects with people that truly sets her apart.<h2>A Calling Fueled by Empathy</h2>Smith’s journey into caregiving started at home. She lost both of her parents at a young age after caring for them through illness. That early experience lit the spark for what became a lifelong career in caregiving.“I would do anything for anybody,” she said. “Connecting with other people gives me that sense of purpose and satisfaction. It’s just so rewarding caring for people and just being there for them and supporting them through their times of need — especially for those who have more long-term disability. I just love what I do.”Now, in her senior caregiver role with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers/info">Comfort Keepers</a>, she channels that passion into every visit and interaction. Her humility and gratitude are palpable when she reflects on the award.“I’m very humbled,” she said. “It’s not just me that won this award. It’s everyone who helped me get there — my team, my clients, and my caregivers.”<h2>Care That Connects</h2>One of the most touching examples of Smith’s caregiving happened recently, when she arranged a surprise outing for a client with Parkinson’s dementia. The client, a local artist, had spent many years volunteering at a nearby horse rescue but hadn’t been able to visit in years. Smith made it happen — and the reunion was unforgettable.“Not only did this have significant meaning for our client, but the horse rescue owner personally reached out to tell us what an amazing moment it was for everyone,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-oaks-39396612?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=more-than-a-caregiver-loretta-smiths-support-extends-to-fellow-caregivers-clients-and-the-community-2729752" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Scott Oaks</a>, vice president of franchise development.For Smith, these are the moments that define her work. “I have a client who’s 100 years old,” she said. “We sat in the kitchen and painted pumpkins together. The happiness that was glowing on his face — it was everything.”She also puts time into building relationships with clients' families. When caring for a woman with dementia whose children lived in California, Smith documented their activities together in a scrapbook — Q-tip painting, beach outings and coffee filter crafts — and mailed it across the country.“It gave the family a sense of what she did during the day,” she said. “They were amazed at the quality of care and the time I spent to create that book.”<h2>A True Advocate for Her Team</h2>What makes Smith’s impact even more powerful is the support she extends to fellow caregivers. From sharing her experience in the field to simply being a comforting voice on the other end of the phone, she is always there.“When I talk to a caregiver,” Smith said, “I tell them, ‘Even though I’m not with you, I’m in your back pocket. Don’t be afraid to call or text anytime.’”She even found ways to give back during the holidays, arranging a Thanksgiving meal for a caregiver in need through a local grocery store. “That really hit me,” Smith said. “I was in tears, so happy to be able to say, ‘Please use this for your family.’”<h2>The Comfort Keepers Difference</h2>Comfort Keepers has long stood out in the senior care space for its&nbsp;Interactive Caregiving™ model, which emphasizes&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers/comfort-keepers-elevating-the-human-spirit-through-compassionate-holistic-senior-care-2727809">holistic support for seniors</a> — mind, body and spirit. It’s a philosophy Smith lives and breathes every day. “We’re nothing without our caregivers,” said Oaks. “People like Loretta are the heart of this organization.”Comfort Keepers’ commitment to its caregivers shows in the numbers — 90% of caregivers report being satisfied with the personal fulfillment gained in their job, and in 2023, the brand&nbsp;<a href="https://www.comfortkeepersfranchise.com/media-center/comfort-keepers-certified-as-a-great-place-to-work?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=more-than-a-caregiver-loretta-smiths-support-extends-to-fellow-caregivers-clients-and-the-community-2729752" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">earned the Great Place to Work® certification</a>. Part of that caregiver satisfaction is due to the support Comfort Keepers provides to their caregivers and franchisees. Comfort Keepers' system for matching the right caregiver with the right client puts the caregiver in a position to do their best work. This not only impacts job satisfaction but also helps to improve retention.For Smith, caregiving is more than a job. It’s her purpose. “Comfort Keepers supports me in everything I do, and I can’t say enough about how amazing this company is,” she said. “I love what I do. It just fuels me every day.”And for Comfort Keepers, she’s the embodiment of their mission:&nbsp;elevating the human spirit, one act of compassion at a time.For more information on franchising with Comfort Keepers, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers">https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers</a>.

Loretta Smith: Comfort Keepers' 2024 Caregiver of the Year | Compassionate Care

1851 Franchise

Recognized as Comfort Keeper of the Year by Comfort Keepers®, Smith uplifts clients, mentors caregivers and brings joy to her community through heartfelt service.

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

More Than a Caregiver: Loretta Smith's Support Extends to Fellow Caregivers, Clients and the Community

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IRVINE, Calif.&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://www.comfortkeepersfranchise.com/">Comfort Keepers®</a> is ending 2025 in a very different place than it began. The brand is closing the year with more than 20 new territories awarded, marking one of the strongest periods in the company’s recent franchise history. This momentum reflects a deliberate effort over the past 18 months to reenergize development and put the franchise ownership opportunity back in front of qualified operators.“Our objective is to reaccelerate organic growth by awarding new franchises and developing untapped territories,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-oaks-39396612/">Scott Oaks</a>, vice president of franchise development for Comfort Keepers. “While we remain deeply committed to supporting existing franchisees who are expanding their footprints—which is always a strong indicator of system health—we also believe that bringing in new owners from outside the network is critical. These new partners help us enter new markets, strengthen share and penetration, and infuse the brand with fresh perspectives, experiences and skill sets that elevate the entire system.”<h2>Expansion Accelerates in Key Growth Markets</h2>The growth showed up on the map, too. Markets that have long had lighter coverage, including Seattle, picked up steam as new owners opened multiple territories and signed their first clients quickly.The&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers/info">Comfort Keepers</a> team now hopes to replicate that success in markets like Salt Lake City and other parts of Utah, while continuing to capitalize on the strong interest in cities like Dallas, Houston, Boston and Miami.Potential new franchise owners tend to look for opportunities with strong, steady demand, predictable profit margins and the ability to scale. The increase in candidate interest also reflects broader demand for a senior care brand with a strong franchise model.&nbsp;Comfort Keepers has refined its model for nearly three decades.“One consistent piece of feedback from candidates is that they’re looking at home care because it’s a people business. Part of this business is staffing. And, at the end of the day, our caregivers are the product,” Oaks said. “The better job we do hiring good caregivers, managing them and creating an environment where they feel valued, the better they care for clients.”<h2>Investments in Digital Development Drive Candidate Engagement</h2>Comfort Keepers has invested heavily in strengthening its franchise development engine. A fully overhauled franchise development website, relaunched at the end of last year, modernized the brand’s digital presence and created a more intuitive, engaging experience for prospective franchisees. These upgrades, paired with a growing embrace of emerging technologies, have positioned the brand to better attract, educate, and qualify candidates in a competitive landscape.To support that momentum, the brand has also expanded its franchise development team, ensuring that increased interest is met with faster follow-up, more personalized guidance, and a smoother path from inquiry to discovery. “Staying proactive instead of reactive — and not finding out too late that you didn’t pivot quickly enough — has been crucial,” Oaks said. “By investing in both our digital platforms and our people, we’re able to move with greater speed and intention, while giving candidates a clearer picture of what it takes to succeed in our system.”<h2>Looking Ahead to 2026</h2>Comfort Keepers expects to carry this momentum into 2026, with a goal of expansion in 30 to 40 new territories. By embracing technology, properly assessing target markets and investing in franchise owners looking to make a difference, Comfort Keepers remains primed for significant growth in 2026.“Even though we have more than 600 operating territories in the U.S. and another 40-plus in Canada, we still have many strong, viable markets left. We still have major metropolitan areas available. So we feel these are realistic goals,” Oaks said. “I’d say this is a very exciting time for Comfort Keepers. We’re growing in units and in system revenue. And, at the end of the day, when we grow, we’re able to provide care that allows more seniors to live the highest quality of life at home. That’s the goal.”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>.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>.

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

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In the franchised home care world, success tends to arrive quietly. Not with a ribbon-cutting or a fancy grand opening, but with a single heartfelt phone call from a family in need.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.comfortkeepersfranchise.com/">For&nbsp;Comfort Keepers®</a> franchise owners at the local level, sparking the initial momentum necessary to build a sustainable business is where the franchisor’s Field Support Team becomes essential.“Success is when the franchisee can start serving new clients in their community,” said Vice President of Operations&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-tepe-8152865/">Chris Tepe</a>. “The Field Support Team is key to that because they can take the new franchisee out into their community and guide them on marketing and sales calls to try to get those critical first calls from people that need our help.”&nbsp;<h2>Early Hands-On Guidance and Experience</h2>The Field Support Team plays a pivotal role for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers/info">Comfort Keepers</a>, supporting new franchise owners as they begin to navigate early challenges. The support of a strong system is a franchising hallmark. Comfort Keepers’ approach involves active guidance from the start, with the franchisor helping franchisees become more engaged at the local level by helping with initial sales calls in an effort to build a critical initial clientele.&nbsp;&nbsp;Such a hands-on approach stands out, and it’s informed by Tepe’s personal journey with Comfort Keepers, with the company making a concerted effort to develop an understanding of the franchisee experience to provide the highest level of support as possible.&nbsp;“I was a Field Support Specialist when I joined the company 13 years ago. I had no home care experience. That opened my eyes to the fact that I really did not understand the daily processes of our franchisees until I had to live them,” Tepe said. “I realized there was a knowledge gap in our support team and made a conscious decision that anyone who was going to directly support our franchisees would have to have lived in their shoes, not just spend some time in their offices.”<h2>Experience Translates to Results</h2>Such a strong operational background informs how the team approaches franchisees as well as the way support is delivered to franchise owners. Engaging extensively with franchisees, Comfort Keepers addresses everyday operational challenges in areas like caregiver retention, leadership development and overall office efficiency.&nbsp;Through its unique use of data and real-world experience, Comfort Keepers is able to help local franchisees build actionable strategies that can address most operational issues, which has reduced client turnover while specifically identifying fixable inefficiencies.<h2>Building Trust Through Consistency</h2>Consistency is another franchising hallmark. It’s also a concept that drives the relationships forged between franchise owners and the Comfort Keepers Field Support Team, dependable relationships built over time as opposed to occasional visits. Regularly scheduled weekly or biweekly virtual check-ins create consistency, ensuring that in-person visits become even more efficient problem-solving moments, building trust during franchising process.&nbsp;“I believe that the credibility and respect from the support team resonate strongly with the franchise community,” Tepe said. “Because they clearly understand the difficulties and challenges, the franchisees can create a relationship with the Field Support Team that goes beyond just consulting.”<h2>Listening and Adapting</h2>Listening to its franchise owners has become an effective tool for Comfort Keepers, one that helps them continually gauge the effectiveness of the support provided. Anonymous annual surveys, coupled with strong ongoing and open communication, allow franchisors to compile and assess feedback. That enables them to continually refine their general support approach. It’s the type of proactive responsiveness that reinforces a culture of collaborative improvement while properly aligning the support offered alongside the actual needs of franchisees.<h2>Servant Leadership at the Core</h2>At the heart of this model lies a leadership philosophy based on the concept of servant leadership. As Comfort Keepers continues to grow, the Field Support Team will remain an integral part of the franchisor’s uniquely supported franchise model.“If the field team cannot serve our franchisees in whatever way they have a need, then how would we expect those franchisees to serve all the different needs of our clients?” Tepe said. “When we can bring insight or a different perspective to our franchisees to help solve a problem, then we are living our mission to serve others and elevate the human spirit.”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>.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>.

Field Support Team Helps Define Franchisee Success at Comfort Keepers®

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Boston has emerged as one of the most compelling expansion opportunities for the in-home senior care franchise&nbsp;<a href="https://www.comfortkeepersfranchise.com/">Comfort Keepers®</a>. With a large and aging population, strong household incomes to support private-pay care and multiple open territories ready for new leadership, the region offers a powerful combination of demographic fundamentals and brand presence. For candidates hoping to enter a proven system with deep regional roots, Boston stands out.“It’s a major metropolitan city where we have got large areas of open territory that we feel like are primed for franchise growth and expansion,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-oaks-39396612">Scott Oaks</a>, vice president of franchise development for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers/info">Comfort Keepers</a>. “We have some existing franchisees in and around the Boston area who perform very well, so any new franchisee coming into the marketplace is going to benefit by having some strong neighbors and operators and being able to tap into that strong brand reputation that’s already there.”<h2>A Market Defined by Senior Density and Income Strength</h2>Like all Comfort Keepers’ target markets, Boston was selected based on specific demographic benchmarks that indicate both need and sustainability. Central to that analysis is the senior population.&nbsp;“The biggest demographic that we look for is that 65-plus percentage of the population,” Oaks said. “Our minimum population requirement is that we want a minimum of 10% of the population to be age 65 and older, and in Boston again looking at averages of 15% or more in these various territories — up over 20% of the population being aged 65 and older — as well as strong household incomes to be able to support our private pay model.”This alignment matters because approximately 70% of Comfort Keepers’ business comes from private pay clients. While the brand supports third-party relationships like the VA and long-term care insurance, its strongest markets tend to be those where families have the resources to invest in high-quality care.Boston’s combination of concentrated senior density, affluent households and stable population growth makes the region well suited for operators who want to build scalable, multi-territory businesses.The characteristics that define&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers/franchisee-stories">successful Comfort Keepers franchisees</a> are consistent nationwide — and Boston is no exception. The formula blends business leadership with community connection and a meaningful commitment to service. In this category, a franchisee’s mindset is as important as their resume. The brand seeks people who can build teams, create trust locally and approach care with a mission-driven perspective.<h2>A Seamless Onboarding Process for New Owners</h2>Comfort Keepers’ expansion playbook is built to move owners from signing to opening in as little as 60 to 90 days. Support begins immediately.“All of our franchises go through a three-week new franchise training,” Oaks said. “They get assigned a dedicated franchise support specialist that guides them through the brand opening process and works with them through their first six months of operation. They’re doing weekly calls with them. They’re getting them connected to different vendor resources, taking them through all of the checklists that we have that’ll guide them through opening, including helping them get their home care license.”As the brand expands into major metros like Boston, its cultural center remains steady. The focus is on delivering high-quality, dignity-centered care, and that starts with selecting franchisees who embody that commitment. “We want to make sure that the franchises that we're bringing into the Comfort Keepers system and family align with that mission of elevating the human spirit,” Oaks said.&nbsp;Comfort Keepers then reinforces those values in the hiring and training of caregivers. The aim is ensuring “the right people who go through the right training who can deliver on the promises that we're making to clients and their families.”For candidates evaluating Boston,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers/comfort-keepers-ranks-among-top-franchises-on-entrepreneurs-franchise-500-for-2025-2728444">the brand’s national track record</a> provides further reassurance.&nbsp;“Given that the brand has been in business for over 27 years, it has got a history and a track record of success and growth,” Oaks said. “With over 600 locations throughout the U.S., franchisees can really feel confident in the training and the support that they’re going to get, in addition to that proven track record of the business model.”<h2>Why Boston — and Why Now</h2>Boston offers a rare combination: established brand success, a large and growing senior population, strong household economics and a meaningful number of open territories. For operators who want to make an impact while building a scalable, sustainable business, the region is uniquely positioned for success.With its blend of mission, market fundamentals and franchisee support, the path to elevating the human spirit in New England is wide open — and Comfort Keepers is ready to welcome the next generation of Boston owners.For more information, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers">https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers</a>.

Why Boston Is a Prime Market for Comfort Keepers® Franchise Growth

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Comfort Keepers Named a Top Recession-Resistant and Most Profitable Franchise 

Comfort Keepers Named a Top Recession-Resistant and Most Profitable Franchise for 2025 by Franchise Business Review

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When&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-miller-16648829">Nathan Miller</a> entered the senior home care industry with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.comfortkeepersfranchise.com/">Comfort Keepers®</a>, the leading in-home senior care franchise, his motivation came from a desire to work for himself, to empower small teams and to build a business that could support his family for decades. And that is precisely what he found with his&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers">Comfort Keepers</a> business across Colorado’s Front Range.<h2>From Oil Wells to Home Care</h2>Before franchising, Miller spent 10 years as a petroleum engineer in Texas, drilling long oil wells and working in high-pressure environments. “I loved my job the first five years; didn’t like it the last five,” he said. As he and his wife welcomed their first child, he realized he was ready for a major change. “I wanted to work for myself. I loved working with small teams and empowering them to do their jobs,” he said.He also had a close example of what business ownership in senior care could look like: “I have a twin brother who runs another home care franchise in San Antonio … so I knew of the senior home care space and saw he could provide for his family.”Still, Miller wasn’t interested in starting from scratch. When an existing Comfort Keepers business came onto the market in Denver during 2020, the opportunity aligned with his growing desire to take a leap — and with his wife’s willingness to relocate. “Three months later, a Denver opportunity came up with Comfort Keepers. And her mom lived in Denver. So that’s how I got my wife on board.”Miller purchased the business from a long-time owner, acquiring five territories and a full team. “We bought an existing business that had about 60 caregivers, an existing book of business, inherited a management staff and moved from Texas to Colorado in COVID in 2020 — and off to the races.”<h2>Strategic Expansion Across Colorado</h2>Since that first acquisition, Miller has become one of the most significant&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/top-comfort-keepers-multi-unit-franchisee-brings-passion-and-care-to-minneapolis-2727959">multi-unit operators</a> in the Comfort Keepers system. He used a combination of strategic financing and steady acquisition to build a regional presence that now spans from Denver to the southern Front Range.To finance that first purchase, Miller tapped into a powerful tool many new franchisees overlook: “We came in using a SBA 7A loan and we used a rollover for business startup. It allowed me to take about $200,000 I had in my 401(k) and use it as the down payment. It allowed me to preserve cash flow.”From there, the growth accelerated. “In 2021, the Colorado Springs owner wanted to sell. So we got two more territories,” said Miller. “In 2022, the Castle Rock owner wanted to sell, so we got two more territories, and this last year, we picked up an extra territory and a few more zip codes. And then we just bought an independent last week and are bringing it into the Comfort Keepers system.”Today, Miller owns the entire Denver metro footprint and the full Southern Front Range.&nbsp;<h2>Why Comfort Keepers Was the Right Fit</h2>Miller says his success is rooted in three foundational areas:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers/comfort-keepers-named-one-of-americas-best-home-care-providers-2730227">business principles, Comfort Keepers system principles and spiritual principles</a>. On the franchising side, he believes wholeheartedly in leveraging the system. He shared the story of a standout general manager who joined his team thanks to Comfort Keepers corporate connections.“Within three months, there was an office on the East Coast who had a general manager… she was moving to Denver,” said Miller. “The regional director called me and said, ‘Are you hiring?’ I said, ‘Not really, but because she’s so skilled… we’ll make a position for her.’ She has made a huge difference in our growth in Denver.”Miller says this type of talent pipeline is a unique benefit of being part of a national brand.<h2>Building a Team-Driven Culture</h2>Even with seven territories, Miller stays focused on hiring well, empowering his managers and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers/more-than-a-caregiver-loretta-smiths-support-extends-to-fellow-caregivers-clients-and-the-community-2729752">ensuring everyone is in the right seat</a>. “A lot of owners are like a-type personality. That's not me,” he said. “I want strong general managers running day-to-day. I don’t want to touch anything operationally.”His philosophy is simple: if he has to get involved in daily operations, something is off. “If I’m having to get involved in operations, that means we haven’t hired right.”One example he shared illustrates this clearly: a long-time employee who disliked scheduling wanted to quit altogether. “We moved her over to billing and payroll specialist. She loves her job,” he said. “She’ll tell you it’s the best job she’s ever had. We had the right person, but she was in the wrong seat.”<h2>A Model for Growth, Culture and Stewardship</h2>Miller’s story shows that the path into senior home care doesn’t always begin with a personal caregiving experience. Sometimes it begins with a desire for autonomy and a commitment to developing people and a willingness to take bold steps for one’s family.Comfort Keepers, he says, offered the ideal foundation. “That’s the power of the Comfort Keepers name,” he said. “The power of getting really good talent density in your staff. That’s getting the right people in the right place.”Today, with hundreds of employees and a thriving multi-unit operation, Miller remains focused on what matters most: “I want to be there for my kids. I want to be home every night.”His growth across the Front Range — and his thoughtful, values-driven approach — show what’s possible when a franchise system and a franchisee’s philosophy align.For more information about the costs to buy this franchise, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers">https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers</a>

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For more than two decades,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-couchell-36351a8">Erin</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-couchell-12918a6">Chris Couchell</a> have built a strong presence for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.comfortkeepersfranchise.com/">Comfort Keepers®&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;across North and South Carolina. What began as a personal search for better care for Erin's mother — who developed early-onset Alzheimer’s at age 46 — has evolved into a multi-unit operation serving families across the region. Now, the Couchells are expanding again, adding the Rock Hill, South Carolina, territory to support the growing demand for in-home care.Erin Couchell traces the roots of her&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers">Comfort Keepers</a> journey back to her years as a schoolteacher. When her mother became ill, Erin found herself balancing caregiving responsibilities with work and relying on an agency that didn’t meet her family’s needs.“We were thrust into caregiving with no experience," she said. "And we were using an agency that did provide a little bit of care, but it was just not a great experience.”That experience opened her eyes to the real gap in senior care services. After researching franchises with her father-in-law, she felt Comfort Keepers stood out.“It had all the things that we were looking for,” she said. “I took a big leap of faith, left teaching and&nbsp; opened up my very first franchise in Spartanburg, South Carolina.”She returned from her franchisee training with new tools and best practices and built the business from the ground up — often personally visiting homes, meeting families, and caring for her mother along the way.&nbsp;<h2>Expanding Into Rock Hill</h2>Over the years, the Couchells have added territories across the Carolinas, including Greenville and Anderson additional South Carolina markets, and regions in North Carolina. Most recently, the pair acquired the Rock Hill territory — a fast-growing suburb of Charlotte and a market seeing rapid population growth among older adults.“We purchased Rock Hill territory which is south in South Carolina but really considered the suburbs of Charlotte,” Couchell said. “We have a lot of people that are moving there and retiring there… this is just an opportunity for us to continue providing care and filling in additional gaps that others do not provide.”She added that expansion isn’t just about serving families — it’s also about creating meaningful employment.“We’re not just providing care for people,” she said. “We are giving people livelihood… employing them and training and giving them better work opportunities.”<h2>Managing Multiple Markets</h2>With five territories spanning two states, Couchell has learned that each community requires its own strategy and approach.“Every territory is unique,” she said. “You can't go in and think that you're going to just rubber stamp out the same thing. Every community is unique… ultimately it's taking care of people and always doing the right thing.”At the center of their operations is a people-first philosophy:“When going in with the attitude that we're always going to do the right thing, make the best decision and put people at the heart of every decision we make, then good things come about.”<h2>What Sets Comfort Keepers Apart</h2>While Couchell believes deeply in the brand’s mission of elevating the human spirit, she emphasizes that the people behind the brand — especially franchise owners and corporate leadership — are what truly differentiate Comfort Keepers.“The owners of the Comfort Keepers franchising systems are amazing people,” she said. “I can call anybody I need any time of day and get an answer… I always feel like I have the support and commitment from the franchising system and that goes a long long way.”Weekly or bi-weekly check-ins with regional directors ensure consistent support, guidance and oversight across territories.<h2>Evolving Demand for In-Home Care</h2>The Couchells have watched the needs of seniors shift significantly in the past 20 years. Families now wait longer before calling for in-home support — and arrive with more complex needs.“People are still needing care and they're needing more care than ever before because they're waiting later to call us,” Couchell said. “Twenty years ago we would have a lot of calls that were strictly just companion care… but now when people call, they're already past that basic level of care.”She also sees rising demand coming from hospital systems seeking partners to reduce readmissions.“Our goal is always to keep our people home and safe and keep them out of the hospitals so that they are just healthier for longer.”<h2>Keeping “Elevating the Human Spirit” Alive Across Locations</h2>Even as the footprint grows, the Couchells maintain a consistent culture across every office.“Every huddle in every office begins with a 'culture moment,'” she said. “We talk about how did you bring joy today? It is culture and elevating the human spirit is not a one-and-done and let's put it on a poster. We have to live it and breathe it.”With Rock Hill officially added to their growing portfolio, the Couchells plan to turn their attention to new service offerings and enhanced technology — including AI — to better support caregivers and streamline operations.“I'm going to really work on optimizing technology in the homes and leveraging AI,” she said. She also hopes to expand into more advanced and nursing-level services “depending on state licensure.”After two decades with Comfort Keepers, Erin and Chris Couchell remain committed to the same mission that inspired their first franchise: caring for people, supporting families and elevating the human spirit across the Carolinas.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;

Carolinas-Based Comfort Keepers Owners® Add New Territory Amid Growing Demand for Senior Care

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