From corporate grind to peace of mind with Right at Home

Regi and Geetha Mathews are opening Right at Home* to give back to the community that has always meant so much to them. After completing his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Kerala in India, Regi Mathews decided to further his studies in the United States. While receiving his MBA at the University of Rhode Island and a Master of Science in taxation from Baruch College, Regi put himself through school by working in the financial industry. He began his career as a senior tax consultant and staff auditor with the financial firms Peat Marwick & Main, Price Waterhouse, and Arthur Young & Co. (now Ernst & Young). [caption id="attachment_17254" align="alignright" width="270" caption="Regi Mathews"][/caption] With years of dedication and the constant support of his wife, Geetha, Regi switched companies and became the senior tax accountant for PepsiCo at its headquarters in Purchase, N.Y., where his responsibilities included assisting with tax planning, compliance and accounting issues of the company’s operations. Regi’s career accomplishments led to him earning the title of Vice President and Director of Tax Compliance for a large Wall Street firm. But after building a successful 30-year career in Corporate America, Regi still was searching for that missing piece that would reveal his life’s purpose. Soon after, he and his wife had a humbling epiphany when Geetha’s mother was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the brain at the age of 67. During the care period for Geetha’s mother, Regi realized there is nothing more honorable, therapeutic or satisfying in life than caring for one’s elders and loved ones. From this came the Mathews family’s mission to bring back something they considered lost: the care for our seniors. Regi began looking for opportunities that allowed him and Geetha to offer constant care to the ones who need it most and provide emotional and medical support. His search led him to learn more about different franchise prospects with FranChoice. Regi found that owning a Right at Home franchise was his next calling in life. It encompassed everything he was passionate about: family, business and giving back to the community. In addition to their ambitious career plans, Regi and Geetha have four children  ages 15, 20, 24 and 25 — they all aspire to enter the medical profession. How did you find out about Right at Home? We learned about Right at Home through an organization called FranChoice. The consultant provided other options such as a frozen yogurt franchise and Supercuts. I spent a lot of time researching these options, but my love for people really helped make my decision to go for the Right at Home franchise. Why did you choose an opportunity with Right at Home? Right at Home has a tremendous support system, personal involvement, excellent staff and quality programs. We always wanted to be involved in a business we could feel good about and at the same time to give something back to our community. We looked at quite a few brands, but Right at Home was the most structured and had the best programs. They were the most professional and caring organization in the market, from every aspect of in-home caregiving. What you have found most rewarding as a Right at Home franchise owner?       The caring involvement of the Right at Home staff, with their willingness to help us succeed in the service of providing care for our clients, has been the most satisfying part of being a Right at Home franchise owner. No stone remains unturned when the business is set up, and the process of delivering quality care to our clients remains unparalleled in the industry of caregiving. What personal experience do you have in your own family with caring for a senior? My background and culture has really helped. Seniors are our fountains of knowledge, the elders are given the most vital care, and we treat them with the respect they so deserve. It is also important to pass on these values to our children as well. Sharing in the care and assistance of our elders is part of fulfilling your growth as a person. When Geetha’s mother was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the brain, the family came together to help in her caring. We were each other’s support group, and although it was difficult and took a toll on us, we grew stronger not only as a family but as individuals too.