1851

After two decades in corporate communications, including time at a major thrift chain,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-schaeffer?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=erin-schaeffer-caring-transitions-bellevue-federal-way-2729725" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Erin Schaeffer</a> saw the waste, the need and the opportunity to make a difference. A lifelong Seattle-area resident, Schaeffer was drawn to the mission of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.caringtransitionsfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=erin-schaeffer-caring-transitions-bellevue-federal-way-2729725" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Caring Transitions</a>: helping seniors while promoting sustainability and reuse. She spent more than a year working for another Caring Transitions franchisee before purchasing the Bellevue West/Federal Way territory. For Schaeffer, this isn't just about running a business; it's about creating a fulfilling new chapter that fits her life while making a real difference and lifting others up. “I love that you have the opportunity to support people,” Schaeffer said. “I always liked employee communications, but a lot of time in a corporate role you get so busy doing business that it’s hard to focus on the people. This is more of an opportunity to help people and provide a service that people really need. You’re not trying to sell them on something they don’t need. You’re actually helping people.”1851 Franchise spoke with Schaeffer to learn more about her story and her decision to franchise with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/info">Caring Transitions</a>.&nbsp;1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?Erin Schaeffer: I’ve lived in the Seattle area my whole life. I worked in corporate communications, and one of the places I worked was a chain of thrift stores — I saw a lot of data on reuse and how many perfectly usable goods end up in landfills. I’m drawn to things with history, I like finding things secondhand, I am very interested in the sustainable aspects of Caring Transitions — the circular economy.I worked for a franchisee for over a year. I quit my corporate gig and was looking for something to do that helped people and was available part-time. I started working for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-black-b132427/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=erin-schaeffer-caring-transitions-bellevue-federal-way-2729725" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jennifer Black</a>, and I loved the variety of the job. When a transfer became available, I purchased the area — and it was great because it happened to be in my community. Jennifer has been with Caring Transitions for 14 years. It was great working for a woman empowering other women.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’re in it?Schaeffer: I liked the flexibility and not sitting in an office all day. After 23 years in a corporate environment, I wanted more flexibility with my time. My kids are teenagers now and aren’t going to live with me much longer. I wanted to start a business that I could blend into my life, versus trying to fit into the schedule of others. Franchising offers that model.1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Schaeffer: I really love the ability to use different talents. I love that you have the opportunity to support people. I always did employee communication, but a lot of time in corporate you get so busy doing business that it’s hard to focus on the people. This is more of an opportunity to help people and provide a service that they really need. You’re not trying to sell them on something they don’t need. You’re actually helping people.I also love treasure hunting, and I think Caring Transitions does a great job helping people find things online. That’s an exciting hobby for collectors or young people setting up a home. The big things were sustainability and supporting seniors.1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?Schaeffer: Right now, we feel like we have enough, but there’s really an opportunity to grow. I’m also excited to offer people a path to employment, especially women who are mothers. I love working with teams with smart and savvy people who want to work in an unconventional way.1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?Schaeffer: This will be a family business. I’m working with my husband, Brandon, who owns a business in video and television archiving.1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Schaeffer: Find a company that aligns with your values and interests and dig in. I spent more than a year working with current rock star franchise owners — Jennifer Black and Tina Nash — who graciously employed me, mentored me, gave me the opportunity to learn about the company from the inside, and encouraged me to jump in and drive my own success.I think any company that will open their doors to you owning a part of the success through franchising is worth exploring. If you echo the parent company’s passion for what they do, and you see a challenge as a thrilling opportunity, do your research — then go for it.For more information about franchising with Caring Transitions, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/">https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/</a>. ABOUT CARING TRANSITIONS:Caring Transitions provides older adults and their families with the most trusted, respected and comprehensive downsizing, right-sizing, estate sales and online auctions, and move management solutions in the industry. Founded in 2006, the brand is committed to helping people in a compassionate and caring manner during life's many transitions while providing a total and easy solution for clients in their time of need. Through their proprietary online sales platform, CTBIDS, Caring Transitions also prepares clients for the process of liquidating assets through their own online estate sales auction site. With more than 350 locations, Caring Transitions’ compassionate, experienced professionals minimize stress and relieve the burdens of life’s transitions. To learn more visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.caringtransitions.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=erin-schaeffer-caring-transitions-bellevue-federal-way-2729725" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.caringtransitions.com/</a>.

From Thrift to Purpose: Erin Schaeffer Brings Caring Transitions to Washington

Erin Schaeffer | Caring Transitions Franchisee | Bellevue West/Federal Way

1851 Franchise

After leaving a 23-year corporate career, Schaeffer is building a sustainable, people-first business that aligns with her values — and helps other women do the same.

From Thrift to Purpose: Erin Schaeffer Brings Caring Transitions to Bellevue West and Federal Way, Washington

erin-schaeffer-caring-transitions-bellevue-federal-way

Comfort Keepers

Comfort Keepers - Midyear Press Release 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Comfort Keepers® Hits Mid-Year Stride With Strong Franchise Growth and Rising Demand for In-Home Care

comfort-keepers-franchise-midyear-momentum-2025

petbar

petbar - Garrett Dewan - Why I'm Investing - 1851 Franchise

Why Garrett Dewan Is Choosing To Reinvest in petbar

petbar-franchise-austin-garrett-dewan-multi-unit

Paris Baguette

NJBIZ: Paris Baguette Ramps Up Expansion With New Franchises, Facility and 2030 Growth Target

njbiz-paris-baguette-ramps-up-expansion-with-new-franchises-facility-and-2030-growth-target

Busy Bee Jumpers

Top 10 Reasons To Buy a Busy Bee Jumpers Franchise in 2025

top-10-reasons-to-buy-a-busy-bee-jumpers-franchise-in-2025

Home Halo

home-halo-former-athletes-frachisees-image

Why Former College Athletes Can Make Winning Home Halo Franchise Owners

former-college-athletes-home-halo-franchise

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Wendy's CEO Kirk Tanner Steps Down - Breaking News - 1851 Franchise

Wendy’s CEO Kirk Tanner Steps Down Amid Challenges, Leaving Franchisees Facing Uncertainty

wendys-ceo-transition-kirk-tanner-franchisee-uncertainty

"Come in, We're OPEN" sign against abstract background

Small Business Optimism Dips, Raising Concerns for Franchise Owners

small-business-optimism-dips-raising-concerns-for-franchise-owners

Photo of Roof Scientist truck and trailer

Roof Scientist Expands Into Northern Indianapolis as Entrepreneur Dale Speckman Launches New Business in Fishers

roof-scientist-expands-into-northern-indianapolis

Image of Donald Trump pointing with red stripes in the background

August 1 Tariff Deadline Is Said to Have ‘No Extensions’: What This Could Mean for Franchises

august-1-tariff-deadline-franchise-impact

What June’s Jobs Report Means for the Franchise Industry

what-junes-jobs-report-means-for-the-franchise-industry

From Prescriptions to Pastries: Kari Khandelwal Creates a Comforting Community Bakery 

From Prescriptions to Pastries: Kari Khandelwal Creates a Comforting Community Bakery in Overland Park, Kansas

paris-baguette-franchise-overland-park-khandelwal

Kansas Couple Revitalizes Local Childcare With Children’s Lighthouse

From Corporate Careers to Community Roots: Kansas Couple Revitalizes Local Childcare With Children’s Lighthouse

kansas-couple-opens-childrens-lighthouse-gardner-olathe

Blending Tech, Hospitality and Health Care: How Three Women From Different Worlds Came Together to Build a Paris Baguette Franchise

paris-baguette-franchise-flower-mound-texas

Hely and Hiral Patel Bring Their Longtime Dream to Life With The Brass Tap

brass-tap-franchise-pasadena-maryland-hely-hiral-patel

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores - Agg - 1851 Franchise

From Thrift to Purpose: Erin Schaeffer Brings Caring Transitions to Bellevue West and Federal Way, Washington

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS