Seasoned marketing expert Kimberley Schafer has taken the leap from working in the corporate world to become her own boss and the owner and operator of a Right at Home franchise, set to open in Jacksonville this May.
Kimberley Schafer has worked in marketing for many years and has had a very prosperous career. She spent time working for Chase Management as vice president of marketing, IBM in a consulting position, and most recently at Microsoft in a similar role. Schafer and her family lived in New York City and Seattle for over 20 years up until recently when they moved to Jacksonville last summer.
While she has integrated herself into her family's new home in Nocatee, Schafer has decided to pursue opening a franchise, specifically Right at Home, in her new community. Her successful career in marketing and passion for home health care services have her primed to provide the residents of the Jacksonville area a Right at Home they can rely on.
Can you tell me a little bit about your background?
I grew up in upstate New York and went to college at Colgate University where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English. After I graduated, I moved to New York City and started working at Chase Manhattan Bank, where I moved up to vice president of marketing. While there, I also did a part-time master’s program at New York University.
I have an extensive background in marketing strategy and am well versed in how technology can better the customer experience. After obtaining my master’s degree in marketing, I worked at IBM as a consultant, marketing strategist and people manager for over a decade. I joined Microsoft in 2011 and during that time I became passionate about using marketing, strategy, and technology to make a positive difference for customers and the community.
My family and I love new adventures and haved lived in New York City and Seattle before we moved to Jacksonville last summer. We relocated back to the East Coast to reconnect with family and handpicked the Jacksonville area, specifically Nocatee, because of its growth, diversity, schools in the area, and sense of community. My husband Keith and I have two young twin girls whom we adopted from China.
Keith is a very experienced financial and commercial real estate portfolio manager. He will be an integral part of the business and will own these functions for the new Right at Home office. Keith is becoming CNA licensed so he can apply that firsthand knowledge and experience to his work with caregivers and clients.
Why did you choose to get involved with Right at Home?
I’ve long been interested in franchising because, as a marketer and strategist, I understand the value of best practices and a strong network. I was interested in Right at Home because I’ve witnessed many friends and colleagues who have struggled with how to care for an aging loved one and have seen how that can affect careers and families – in the form of pressure, time, and stress. I also have a 99-year-old grandmother who is an inspiration to me, and while healthy and living independently at home, she has indeed needed more support in recent years. Right at Home appeals to me because it is a leading provider with longevity, global reach, a strong brand, and a deep commitment to quality and helping others.
Any charitable partnerships or organizations you’re interested in pursuing once your Right at Home is up and running?
I’m a Nocatee resident and I’m already actively engaged in our Crosswater Connect community of local businesses. As a Right at Home owner, I’m also a member of the HCAOA (Home Care Association of America). Once our business is open, I will join the local Chambers of Commerce and Councils on Aging.
What’s next for you and your business?
Our office covers two Right at Home territories, so we have a very large market. We see lots of opportunity within these two territories and are confident opportunities will arise as the Jacksonville metropolitan area continues to expand.
