First Lady of the Church to Bring Seniors Helping Seniors® to Beaumont, Texas

Even before franchising with Seniors Helping Seniors®, the in-home care franchise that offers seniors the life-affirming connection and companionship they need to thrive, Brenda O’Neal has always been a pillar of support in her community. 

With a 34-year career in the Synthetic Rubber industry and decades spent caring for family members, churchgoers and neighbors, she has a deep understanding of the needs of seniors. Her husband is a Pastor and, in addition to her full-time career, O’Neal serves as a First Lady at the church. Inspired by the lifelong commitment she and her husband share for caring for the elderly, O’Neal decided to take her passion to the next level by opening a Seniors Helping Seniors® franchise in Orange, Texas, in August 2024. 

Now, she is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of seniors, offering companionship and care that allows them to stay in their homes and enjoy life to the fullest.

the 18511851 Franchise spoke with O’Neal to learn more about her story, her journey to franchising and her plans for the future. 

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

Brenda O’Neal: I have 12 years of experience as a supervisor and material control foreman in a Synthetic Rubber Plant. In addition, I've always prioritized taking care of my family, going to church, and doing community service. We were the ones that helped our elderly neighbors, church members, and siblings while my spouse and I went back and forth for our parents' appointments. Our congregation is mostly made up of senior citizens, and my husband has been a Pastor for fifteen years. We took on the duty of taking care of them, and it was satisfying to witness their gratitude. I knew I wanted to do something meaningful as I’m getting closer to retirement, and taking care of elderly people seemed like the best option for my husband and I.

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?

Brenda O’Neal: Since I was familiar with the trucking industry, I was first contemplating a variety of company ventures. However, I was introduced to a franchise coach by a friend of mine, and it gave me a lot more alternatives. When my spouse and I began looking up brands, we were astounded by the tales of how you could assist the elderly. It actually caused us to refocus.

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

O’Neal: Many elderly people who simply need companionship are put in senior living facilities even if they don't need to be there. We have a great deal of experience working with seniors, and we really like the way Seniors Helping Seniors® runs. We were deeply moved by the idea of elders supporting other seniors. It all made perfect sense because they can really connect, they understand one another, and they have shared comparable situations. They can be mentors and great teachers, thus I really enjoy hanging out with them.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?

O’Neal: Helping as many elderly as possible is my goal. Also, I want to see the happiness on their faces. It's about improving the lives of those in the neighborhood and making sure they receive the assistance they require to maintain their homes' happiness and health.

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?

O’Neal: I would advise you to pay close attention to the brand name because it has meaning and conveys a narrative. For example, Seniors Helping Seniors® provides all the information you require about the brand. We have the chance to benefit from one another's knowledge. Don't be scared to get in touch and find out more if the branding speaks to you. There's so much we can do to aid people and families  in the future, which is why I'm so excited about it.

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.