Comfort Keepers

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-johander-bauernfeind-3042586?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-comfort-keepers-multi-unit-franchisee-brings-passion-and-care-to-minneapolis-2727959" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jennifer Bauernfeind’s</a> journey toward franchising began with her work in retail and extended to roles within Target corporate headquarters and supplying for companies such as Home Depot and Walgreens.&nbsp;Her pivot to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.comfortkeepersfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=top-comfort-keepers-multi-unit-franchisee-brings-passion-and-care-to-minneapolis-2727959" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Comfort Keepers</a> six years ago was a natural extension of her love for helping others and her longstanding commitment to supporting her community. Now, after expanding her network to cover four territories,&nbsp;Bauernfeind understands the value of hard work, and with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers">Comfort Keepers</a>, she’s found a way to merge her business expertise with her passion for senior care.1851 spoke with Bauernfeind to learn more about her story, her path to Comfort Keepers and her plans for the future.&nbsp;1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Jennifer Bauernfeind: I spent my entire career after college working with big retail. I worked for Target for about eight years and then took over a sales and marketing company from my dad and ran that for a long time, selling consumer products to big retailers like Target, Home Depot and others.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?Bauernfeind: I’ve always had the entrepreneurial bug, even since I was a little kid. My dad started his own business, and I really wanted to follow in his footsteps. I didn’t enjoy the big retail environment anymore. We were a small company in a big ocean, and I wanted to do something new. I had a lot of ideas, but it was daunting to get funding, and I was doing everything by myself. A friend of mine got into a franchise business in the same industry, and that really piqued my curiosity. I started researching different franchise organizations.1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Bauernfeind: I was reading about the demographic shift with the senior population growing and&nbsp;always in the back of my mind, I knew I wanted to do something that would either involve seniors or children. I looked at several concepts, but when I met with the Comfort Keepers team, they really matched with my values and what I was looking for. The more they told me about the network, I knew it would be somewhere where I would be very supported. I feel incredibly supported; I can call anyone up and brainstorm, and I love that.1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?Bauernfeind: Since 2017, it has been a wonderful business. We grew by over 40% last year. We started with two units, and about six months in, one of my franchise neighbors closest to me asked if I was interested in buying her business. I have the support of the Comfort Keepers team. Looking ahead, we want to do the best that we can for the territories we have. I still feel that there is tremendous potential in our market.1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?Bauernfeind: I am very involved in the Comfort Keepers network, part of the national brand fund, working with the marketing team. I participate in performance management groups. I’ve learned that what you put into it is what you get out. It’s an incredible network of people with a fabulous mission of helping others, while still running a great business. You have to be half head and half heart - that’s what I love about it.1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?Bauernfeind: Learn as much as you can about the business environment in your market. Learn what the laws and regulations are specific to your industry. Ask a lot of questions and talk with a lot of different owners of all sizes and from all geographic areas. Get involved in the business — you get out what you put in.About Comfort Keepers®For 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&nbsp;Comfort Keepers®, who deliver joy through interactive caregiving by continually communicating with, involving, and engaging with seniors in everyday tasks and activities.&nbsp;For more information on franchising with Comfort Keepers, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers">https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers</a>.

Comfort Keepers Franchisee Jennifer Bauernfeind: Combining Passion and Care for Seniors in Minneapolis

1851 Franchise

Combining years of experience in business with a lifelong love for community care, Jennifer Bauernfeind is committed to elevating the lives of seniors with her four Comfort Keepers locations.

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

Top Comfort Keepers Multi-Unit Franchisee Brings Passion and Care to Minneapolis 

top-comfort-keepers-multi-unit-franchisee-brings-passion-and-care-to-minneapolis

FRANCHISE INFORMATION

Own a Comfort Keepers

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

Top 100 Franchise for Women by Franchise Business Review

What it Means to be a Comfort Keepers Franchisee

Learn

Download Brochure

Visit Website

COMFORT KEEPERS

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

TikTok

YouTube

SOCIAL MEDIA

 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®

Comfort Keepers® Targets Miami for New Franchise Growth as Demand for Senior Care Services Surges

COMFORT KEEPERS MOST READ STORIES

1851 LOGIN

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

ABOUT COMFORT KEEPERS

CONTACT COMFORT KEEPERS

facebook

instagram

linkedin

youtube

First Name

Last Name

Email

Phone

City

State / Province

Zip Code

What is the main reason you would like to own/operate a Comfort Keepers franchise?

Please add any additional comments you may have, or leave blank if none:

Own a Comfort Keepers Franchise

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.

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

why-this-former-educator-is-expanding-with-the-comfort-keepers-franchise-in-seattle

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

how-this-comfort-keepers-franchisee-grew-from-one-acquisition-to-a-powerhouse

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

comfort-keepers-carolinas-franchise-expansion-rock-hill

Comfort Keepers Franchisee Expands From Coast to Heartland

comfort-keepers-franchise-expansion

IRVINE, Calif.&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://www.comfortkeepersfranchise.com/">Comfort Keepers®</a>, the 600-plus-unit in-home care franchise,&nbsp;started 2026 with strong growth after opening three new territories, awarding six more, and receiving recognition from&nbsp;Entrepreneur and&nbsp;Franchise Business Review as one of the top franchises in the industry.“This quarter shows the steady, deliberate growth that we have built into the&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers">Comfort Keepers</a> system,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-oaks-39396612/">Scott Oaks</a>, vice president of franchise development. “We welcomed new owners in Frisco, Texas; and Palm Harbor and Clearwater, Florida; and celebrated expansion with current owners in Lincoln, Nebraska; East Calgary, Alberta; and Biloxi, Mississippi. In addition to continued footprint growth, we were honored to be recognized by both Entrepreneur and Franchise Business Review.”In 2026, Comfort Keepers earned spots on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500, Top Franchises for Less Than $150,000 and Fastest-Growing Franchises lists. The brand was also recognized by Franchise Business Review, which named it a&nbsp;<a href="https://franchisebusinessreview.com/lists/top-franchises-for-women/">2026 Top Franchise for Women,</a> based entirely on the feedback and satisfaction of Comfort Keepers owners.“These rankings are highly competitive and based on independent data; earning a spot within them is a testament to the strength of the Comfort Keepers system,” Oaks said. “As we continue to expand, we work hard to maintain a model that supports owners’ success while empowering them to make real change in their communities, and these awards only further validate those efforts.”As the population ages and demand for senior care continues to grow, Comfort Keepers represents a standout opportunity for franchisees looking to break into an industry with purpose. By prioritizing a people-driven approach alongside top-tier caregiving, Comfort Keepers builds stronger relationships, supports franchisees in hiring and retention, and ultimately delivers even better care.While Comfort Keepers has over 600 operating territories nationwide and another 40-plus in Canada, the leadership team is still looking toward strategic expansion. This year, they expect to award between 30 and 40 more franchise agreements for underserved markets across the country, and there is still growth potential remaining in major markets nationwide.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&nbsp;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;

Photo of Comfort Keepers team member and senior completing craft project

The 600-plus-unit senior care brand welcomed new owners in Texas and Florida, supported expansion in Nebraska, Alberta and Mississippi, and was named a 2026 Top Franchise for Women.

Comfort Keepers® Opens 3 New In-Home Care Franchise Territories, Awards 6 More in Q1, and Earns Spots on Entrepreneur Franchise 500

q1-2026-growth

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

comfort-keepers-franchise-cost

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.

Top Comfort Keepers Multi-Unit Franchisee Brings Passion and Care to Minneapolis

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS