Couple Combines Leadership at Fortune 500 Companies and Caring for Aging Adults Experiences to Franchise With Seniors Helping Seniors

Lee and Linda Caulder both come from diverse professional backgrounds, with Lee’s career centered around HR (human resources) and HSE (health, safety and environment) leadership roles at major global companies like Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company and Albemarle Corporation, while Linda’s experience spans therapeutic recreation, physical rehab, behavioral health and education. 

Seeking to transition from corporate life, they were drawn to franchising as a means to operate their own business with a meaningful impact. Their personal experiences with family members needing care fueled their passion for Seniors Helping Seniors, a brand they chose for its genuine commitment to helping the elderly age with dignity. Through franchising with Seniors Helping Seniors, they found an opportunity to combine Lee’s business acumen and Linda’s background in caring for aging adults. The pair look forward to serving Horry County in South Carolina and Brunswick, Columbus, Bladen and Robeson counties in North Carolina.

The Caulders took the time to chat with 1851 Franchise to discuss all of this and more. Here’s what they had to say.

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

Lee Caulder: My career has primarily been in HR and HSE leadership for global Fortune 500 companies. I’ve worked for the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in several of their operational sites around the U.S. and later at their corporate headquarters for several years. Most recently, I worked with Albemarle Corporation, a specialty chemical company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, where I held leadership roles in the HR function for both the lithium global business unit and its global employee and labor relations center of excellence.

I decided to pivot to franchising as I was looking for an opportunity to move away from the corporate world. I’ve always been interested in operating my own business, partly due to personal family experiences where there was a need for care and assistance as loved ones grew older. I felt that franchising was a good match to do something meaningful within the community — helping those in need, providing dignity and respect to aging individuals — while also allowing us to finish our careers with an entrepreneurial spirit by running our own business.

Linda Caulder: I graduated from Longwood University with a degree in therapeutic recreation and completed an internship in adult daycare. After graduation, I worked in physical rehab, assisting individuals who had experienced strokes, hip and knee replacements and brain injuries. I also spent some time in behavioral health.

Later, we got married, started a family, and I became a stay-at-home mom for a while. As we moved, I worked with children in camp, school and preschool settings. Most recently, I worked with an enrolled agent, handling data entry for taxes. When this franchising opportunity came up, it felt like everything had come full circle, bringing me back to working with adults and the aging population. It also allowed Lee and me to take on this opportunity together.

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

Lee: I understood the basic concept of franchising but wasn’t intimately familiar with the intricacies, such as the roles of the franchisor and franchisee, or the process of securing a franchise. We worked with a franchise consultant when we decided to invest in our own business. Recognizing that we weren’t experts, it was beneficial to have someone guide us through the process — helping us find a franchise that matched our skills, passions and goals. The consultant facilitated discussions about what we wanted to achieve and linked us with a franchise that would be mutually beneficial for both parties.

Linda: One benefit of being with a franchise that I didn’t fully appreciate until we were in it is the mentorship you receive. The franchisor has already done this before, so instead of reinventing the wheel, they help us adapt their model to meet our needs. It’s reassuring to have someone to bounce ideas off of.

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

Linda: We loved the concept of “seniors helping seniors.” The idea of giving back, helping people stay in their homes as long as possible and providing genuine care really resonated with us. The philosophy behind the brand isn’t just about the bottom line — it’s about fostering genuine relationships between caregivers, clients and us. It’s all very positive.

Lee: There was a genuine sincerity from everyone we engaged with within the organization. It was clear that this business was designed to help people while still allowing us to be financially successful. The leadership and team we interacted with all seemed truly aligned with the company’s values, mission and vision. Unlike some other interactions where people seem to be reciting a script, everyone here seemed genuinely committed.

1851: What’s your big goal for your first year?

Lee: The primary goal for our first year is to establish a strong foundation to deliver high-quality service. We aim to have the right systems, processes and caregivers in place to meet the needs of our community. By providing quality care and support, we hope to build a strong brand and reputation in the marketplace.

1851: What advice do you have for aspiring franchisees?

Lee: Engage the right individuals to support and facilitate good decision-making, ensuring the right fit. It’s crucial to balance pushing hard to get things done with being patient. Some things are beyond your control and you need to be prepared to navigate the ups and downs to ensure everything is done right and that you have a strong foundation for success in your first year.

Linda: There are certain things you can take immediate action on — focus on those and stay on top of them. However, other aspects are beyond your control, so it’s important to be patient and trust the process. Keep moving forward with what you can control, so you’re ready for the next step when the time comes.

ABOUT SENIORS HELPING SENIORS:

Seniors Helping Seniors® franchise system was founded by husband-and-wife duo Kiran and Philip Yocom. Kiran, who grew up in India, later worked to advance humanitarian efforts alongside Mother Teresa. After Kiran moved to the U.S. in 1995 and married her husband Philip, the Yocoms felt called to provide loving care to seniors and to cultivate an exchange of gifts at every generational level. Together, the Yocoms founded Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home services in 1998, opening the brand up to franchising in 2006. With a mission to be the most respected and rewarding homecare provider in the U.S., Seniors Helping Seniors® locations stand apart from competitors as the only company that prioritizes hiring active seniors to provide care services to their less-active counterparts. Seniors Helping Seniors® service aligns caregivers and care recipients based on the abilities and needs of both by offering a wide range of care services. Seniors Helping Seniors® network has grown to 200-plus locations, 125 franchise partners in 30-plus states and international markets. For more information on Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care, visit seniorshelpingseniors.com.