Homewatch CareGivers

Families don’t just want “help at home” anymore — they want a partner who can keep loved ones safe, engaged and thriving where they’re happiest. That shift has turned the&nbsp;<a href="https://nchstats.com/us-home-care-industry-stats/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-homewatch-caregivers-became-the-wellness-forward-home-care-franchise-built-on-45-years-of-purposeful-human-interactions-2731032#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$107 billion in-home care industry</a> from a commodity into a sophisticated, tech-enabled wellness service. For entrepreneurs who want to build an enduring, impact-driven business with modern infrastructure and measurable demand,&nbsp;<a href="https://homewatchfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-homewatch-caregivers-became-the-wellness-forward-home-care-franchise-built-on-45-years-of-purposeful-human-interactions-2731032" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Homewatch CareGivers</a> is a compelling answer — especially right now.“I’m very entrepreneurial at heart,” said President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-houghton-811412b/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-homewatch-caregivers-became-the-wellness-forward-home-care-franchise-built-on-45-years-of-purposeful-human-interactions-2731032" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Todd Houghton</a>, who grew up with multi-unit franchisee parents and has spent over 40 years in franchising. “I’ve been in your shoes; I’ve been in your seat. You’re in business for yourself but not by yourself.” That philosophy has shaped the brand’s reinvention over the past three years — and the opportunity it now extends to new owners.<h2>A Legacy Brand, Evolved for the Next 45 Years</h2>Homewatch CareGivers has one of the longest legacies in the home care industry, tracing its origins back more than four decades. The company began offering home care services in 1980, long before in-home assistance became a major national movement. As demand grew, the brand began franchising in 1996 under Homewatch CareGivers, a Colorado-based company that helped establish the model of compassionate, person-centered care that still defines the brand today.Over the years, Homewatch CareGivers expanded steadily across the United States. Its growth was driven by a commitment to quality and by early recognition of key industry trends — such as aging populations, chronic disease management and the increasing preference for in-home care over institutional settings.In 2021, the brand entered a new era of growth when it became part of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.authoritybrands.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-homewatch-caregivers-became-the-wellness-forward-home-care-franchise-built-on-45-years-of-purposeful-human-interactions-2731032" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Authority Brands</a>, one of the leading multi-brand home service franchisors in the U.S. This move provided the company with access to Authority Brands’ expansive resources, shared operational infrastructure and multi-brand support ecosystem — a platform that includes other respected service brands such as&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-cleaning-authority/info">The Cleaning Authority</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/benjamin-franklin-plumbing">Benjamin Franklin Plumbing</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/mosquito-squad/info">Mosquito Squad</a>. Today, Homewatch CareGivers stands as both a legacy brand and a forward-thinking franchise, combining more than 45 years of experience with a modern infrastructure built for long-term, scalable growth<h2>The Wellness Hub Model: Total Care Solutions and Homewatch Connect Driving Differentiation</h2>When Houghton took the helm in 2022, he and the company’s equity partners set out to “right-size” systems and processes for scale. “Where we were all supposed to be serving strawberry ice cream; we had some serving vanilla, chocolate and 31 flavors,” he said. “We quickly dove in and brought processes in place.”&nbsp;The team rebuilt the operating playbook, aligned the network and launched a differentiated care model — all within the first 12 months — laying the foundation for rapid, healthy growth.“The home care space has changed dramatically in just the last five years,” Houghton said. “Margins are thinning quickly, so you have to have differentiators.”&nbsp;The brand continues to evolve its offerings, integrating technology like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.homewatchcaregivers.com/homewatch-caregivers-total-care-solutions/homewatch-connect/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-homewatch-caregivers-became-the-wellness-forward-home-care-franchise-built-on-45-years-of-purposeful-human-interactions-2731032" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Homewatch Connect and expanding its Total Care Solutions model</a> as a part of a larger wellness hub,&nbsp;to address a wider range of needs. Homewatch CareGivers’ Total Care Solutions meets clients anywhere in their journey — from proactive Active Care to Wellness Care and more complex needs — while Homewatch Connect supplements in-person support with an in-home tech stack that combats isolation, improves engagement and extends length of stay. That future-ready positioning is already influencing outcomes and expectations as adult children — today’s decision-makers — demand more sophisticated, personalized solutions.The commitment to owner success is reinforced through a comprehensive training and support ecosystem. Beyond the foundational training for new owners and the ongoing network support, Homewatch CareGivers provides advanced tools like the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)—a new strategic framework designed to help franchisees clarify, simplify, and achieve their business vision—and dedicated financial and acceleration training. This focus on equipping owners with robust business management skills is complemented by an expanded care model that now includes Homewatch CareGivers Skilled Nursing Services. These skilled services, which meet the rigorous standards of Community Health Accreditation Partners (CHAP), allow franchisees to offer a higher level of in-home clinical care, such as medication management, wound care, and chronic condition management.<h2>Systems First: The Playbook Owners Want</h2>Under Houghton, the brand rebuilt the platform franchisees run on — adding structure, coaching and tools that make the core business clearer and the ramp faster.&nbsp;Today, owners operate with clear KPI visibility and business intelligence to diagnose issues and spot opportunities, a robust learning ecosystem through Homewatch CareGivers Academy to continually upskill teams, and streamlined practice management software to run day-to-day operations. The Homewatch Connect device packages, which are part of the wellness hub, further enhance safety and engagement in the home, turning technology into a true force multiplier for care.All these differentiators translate into an attractive investment opportunity. According to the brand’s most recent FDD, Homewatch CareGivers reports $2,552,023 average gross revenue per franchisee for 2024 across the locations that operated a full year, alongside a median of $1,144,985. The estimated initial investment ranges from just $121,640 to $177,830 depending on market, licensing and ramp.*<h2>Why Now: Demand, Differentiation and Market Design</h2><a href="https://www.aarp.org/home-living/home-and-community-preferences-survey-2021/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-homewatch-caregivers-became-the-wellness-forward-home-care-franchise-built-on-45-years-of-purposeful-human-interactions-2731032" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Based on The North American Community Hub Statistics, 90% of seniors prefer to age at home rather than in facilities</a>. With an aging population and a growing need for wellness-focused solutions, Homewatch CareGivers is positioned for long-term growth.At the same time, the buyer has changed. “Today, it’s a much younger person looking to build a portfolio.” They want an asset that can scale across territories and a brand that’s thinking ahead. Homewatch CareGivers is also addressing where the market is going — not just seniors.&nbsp;“We made the strategic move to drop ‘Senior Care’ from the name… we take care of pediatrics through geriatrics,” Houghton said, noting services for individuals with autism and younger cohorts who also want the dignity of living at home with support.&nbsp;<h2>Who Thrives With Homewatch CareGivers?</h2>You don’t need a clinical background to succeed as a Homewatch CareGivers franchisee, Houghton says, but you do need leadership, drive and a community mindset.&nbsp;“If you want an organization to grow, you’ve got to have that entrepreneur-mind spirit — that’s being a risk-taker,” Houghton said. The ideal franchisee is someone who follows the playbook, invests in people, works closely with referral sources and embraces the tech-plus-care model. If they do that, they can build a business that’s both attractive and personally meaningful.If you’re looking for a franchise that blends mission with modern operations — with an established investment range, clear fee structure — Homewatch CareGivers offers a thoughtful path into a resilient, expanding segment.“Dig deeper. Ask the right questions. Know what the future looks like for you within the brand,” Houghton said.&nbsp;For entrepreneurs ready to lead with heart and execute with discipline, now is an excellent time to take that next step. Development target markets include Boston, Des Moines, Jacksonville, Nashville, Phoenix, Richmond, Sacramento, San Diego, and San Francisco.For more information on franchising with Homewatch CareGivers, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://homewatchfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-homewatch-caregivers-became-the-wellness-forward-home-care-franchise-built-on-45-years-of-purposeful-human-interactions-2731032" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://homewatchfranchise.com/</a>.*See Item 19 of the 2025 Homewatch Caregivers Franchise Disclosure Document for sales, costs and profits or losses.

Homewatch CareGivers Franchise | Wellness-Forward Home Care Built to Scale

1851 Franchise

A leader in the home care industry offers a tech-enabled in-home care franchise opportunity, combining decades of learnings, embracing robust systems and market differentiation.

This brand page has been paid for by HOMEWATCH CAREGIVERS. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

How Homewatch CareGivers® Became the Wellness-Forward Home Care Franchise Built on 45 Years of Purposeful Human Interactions

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As&nbsp;<a href="https://homewatchfranchise.com/">Homewatch CareGivers</a> celebrates hitting the 300-location mark, franchise owners and brand leaders recently gathered in Reno, NV for the company’s 2026 Annual Conference. The multi-day event focused on collaboration, knowledge sharing, and preparing the network for the next phase of growth.With packed sessions, strategic discussions, and networking opportunities, the conference highlighted the strength of a connected system working together to improve operations and expand impact in communities nationwide.“What an incredible few days in Reno,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwilsoncfe/">Jordan Wilson</a>, Chief Development Officer of Authority Brands. “The level of engagement, alignment, and commitment to our growth was evident at every turn. Beyond the packed sessions, it was the meaningful conversations and ideas exchanged across the conference that truly set this experience apart.”<h2>A Network Focused on Growth and Collaboration</h2>Franchise owners and corporate leaders explored what it means to “Go Big” in the years ahead, from expanding services and strengthening leadership to improving operational execution.One of the recurring themes of the conference was the power of a connected network. Owners were encouraged to continue sharing ideas, successes, and challenges through the brand’s Collective IQ platform, which allows franchisees to collaborate and crowdsource solutions in real time.“We talked about Going Big in growth, in leadership, in execution, and in impact,” Wilson said. “And what stood out most wasn’t just the strategy. It was the franchisees. The engagement, the willingness to share ideas, challenge thinking and push each other forward, makes this network special.”<h2>Breakout Sessions Deliver Practical Strategies</h2>A major focus of the conference was providing franchise owners with practical insights they can immediately apply in their businesses. Breakout sessions covered key operational and workforce topics, helping owners refine strategies for growth and long-term sustainability.One session explored why outreach efforts can sometimes feel unpredictable and how owners can manage those efforts more effectively using the brand’s Blueprint for Success framework. By focusing on leading indicators such as relationship development, follow-up patterns and consistent field activity, owners can better measure progress before referrals begin to scale.Another session addressed the evolving employment landscape, with legal expert Joshua Vaughn of Littler providing an overview of new federal and state employment regulations. The presentation focused on helping franchise owners stay compliant while building stable and sustainable operations.Workforce development was also a major topic of discussion. In one breakout session, leaders explored how organizations can shift from passive hiring strategies to more intentional community-based recruiting efforts. By engaging with schools, workforce centers and local organizations, franchise owners can build stronger talent pipelines and improve employee retention.<h2>Expanding Services and Care Innovation</h2>Care delivery innovations were another highlight of the conference, particularly in areas such as nursing services and dementia care.During a powerful breakout session, leaders focused on how adding clinical services can improve care while also creating new opportunities for owners. The discussion included updated tools and guidance to help owners assess whether nursing services make sense for their locations and how to begin building those programs.The conference highlighted the brand’s partnership with PocketRN through the federally supported GUIDE Program (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience). Through the program, families caring for loved ones with dementia receive access to a dedicated nurse, caregiver education, respite care and ongoing support at no cost to the family.<h2>Strengthening Communication Across the System</h2>Improving communication and collaboration across the network was another key focus of the conference.The Franchise Support Center recently launched the HWCG FSC App, a mobile platform designed to help franchise owners access resources, connect with fellow owners and stay updated on system developments. Since its launch in late 2025, adoption has already reached approximately 70% of the network.Tools like the app, along with the Collective IQ platform, are designed to ensure that the ideas and momentum generated during the conference continue throughout the year.<h2>Celebrating Excellence Across the Network</h2>The conference also included time to recognize franchise owners who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, strong performance and commitment to the brand.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kparks-parks-098347a/">Kathryn Parks</a> of Ellicott City, Maryland, was named the brand’s 2026 Franchisee of the Year, recognized for her long-standing leadership within the system and strong business performance. A Homewatch CareGivers franchise owner for more than two decades, Parks has built a reputation for operational excellence and strong engagement in her local community while also contributing to the broader success of the franchise network.Among many awards given during the conference, a shining example of Homewatch CareGivers’ core values, was Nick Argos of Glendora, CA, who was awarded both the Rookie of the Year and the Rising Star awards, based on the growth of his business during his first year as a Homewatch CareGivers franchise owner.These recognitions celebrate franchise owners who embody the brand’s values while contributing to the strength and growth of the entire system.<h2>Building Momentum for the Next Phase of Growth</h2>One message resonated throughout the entire event: the strength of the Homewatch CareGivers system lies in its people.With the network crossing 300 locations and new services continuing to expand, the conference reinforced the importance of collaboration, shared learning and bold thinking.“Collective IQ is more than a platform. It’s our opportunity to elevate voices across the system, share best practices faster and solve challenges collaboratively,” Wilson said. “The magic isn’t just in the content. It’s in the participation.”The conference in Reno served as a celebration of the system’s progress and a launching point for the next chapter.“Reno marked the moment,” Wilson said. “Now we turn vision into momentum.”For more information on franchising with Homewatch CareGivers, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://homewatchfranchise.com/">https://homewatchfranchise.com/</a>.&nbsp;

Image of Homewatch Caregivers franchise 2026 franchisee Conference in reno

Franchise owners from across the country gathered in Reno to exchange ideas, discuss whats working in their markets, and plan for the year ahead.

Homewatch CareGivers Franchise Network Comes Together in Reno for 2026 Conference

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GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. –&nbsp;<a href="https://homewatchfranchise.com/">Homewatch CareGivers</a>, the full-service home care franchise, has reached 300 locations across the United States. In 2025, the company saw year-over-year growth of new franchisees up 39 percent, along with a 68 percent increase in locations. The company’s growth builds on its ongoing efforts to make in-home care more accessible while continuing to support franchise owners as they serve their local communities.<a href="https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/new-study-explores-the-need-for-expanded-long-term-care-services-to-support-aging-in-place#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20study%20%2C%20by,personnel%20to%20meet%20emerging%20needs.">As the population ages, demand for home-based care continues to rise</a>. By expanding its footprint,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/homewatch-caregivers/info">Homewatch CareGivers</a> is reaching more individuals and families who want the option to receive care at home rather than in institutional settings.“Reaching 300 locations really helps us fulfill our mission of providing better access to care,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwilsoncfe/">Jordan Wilson</a>, Chief Development Officer at Authority Brands. “The more access we can provide, the more people we can support in aging at home and getting the care they deserve.”In recent years, the brand has focused on elevating care delivery through the introduction of Total Care Solutions™, a customized care approach that meets clients where they are. That includes strengthening relationships with referral sources such as hospital networks and becoming more integrated into the broader health care continuum. The company also introduced Homewatch Connect technology as part of the Total Care Solutions program, contributing to Homewatch CareGivers leading the way through innovation and providing solutions to adapt to the changing needs of its clients. These efforts have helped increase visibility while reinforcing the company’s commitment to dependable, high-quality care.As the system has grown, Homewatch CareGivers kept its focus on helping franchise owners get started and stay supported. New owners go through a structured onboarding process that introduces them to the business and how care is delivered at the local level. From there, they continue learning through regular training sessions and ongoing check-ins, with support tailored to what each business needs at different stages.“There are a lot of people who want to be in business for themselves, but not by themselves,” Wilson said. “They’re looking for a mission-driven opportunity where they can make an impact in their community, and that’s been a big part of our growth.”Looking ahead, Homewatch CareGivers plans to continue adding new locations in areas where care access is needed, while building on its service offerings and continuing to innovate.As the brand grows, leadership says maintaining consistency across the system remains a priority. Ensuring that care delivery aligns with brand standards and client needs, regardless of location, is important as Homewatch CareGivers enters new markets.“Our existing franchises are benefiting from the brand becoming more recognized,” Wilson said. “Awareness has gone up significantly, and whether someone receives care in California or in Maine, they can expect the same level of care, which benefits the entire brand.”About Homewatch CareGiversFounded in 1980, Homewatch CareGivers is one of the most experienced networks of providers of full-service home care for people of all ages. Caregivers are triple-screened and continually trained and supervised to provide reliable, compassionate and highly skilled services in companion, personal and comprehensive care. Home care services are personalized for each client and customized care plans are administered through a network of 300+ locations. Each location is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Services may vary by location. Certain locations solely provide nonmedical care services. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.homewatchcaregivers-us.com">www.homewatchcaregivers-us.com</a> and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.authoritybrands.com">www.authoritybrands.com</a>.&nbsp;

image of homewatch caregivers celebrating 300 locations

The milestone reflects continued growth as the brand expands caregiver access and supports franchise owners across the country.

Homewatch CareGivers Hits 300 Locations as Demand for In-Home Care Grows

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GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo.&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://homewatchfranchise.com/">Homewatch CareGivers</a> finished 2025 with 32 franchise deals signed and 42 territories executed, building momentum in franchise development while keeping a sharp focus on training, dementia care, and franchisee support heading into 2026.“2025 was a big year for us,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-houghton-811412b/">Todd Houghton</a>, brand president of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/homewatch-caregivers/info">Homewatch CareGivers</a>. “We added great new owners, expanded into strong markets and kept investing in the support and training that help franchisees build real businesses in their communities. We also launched new services to help serve our clients, including&nbsp;Skilled Nursing Services and the Certified Dementia Care Program”<h2>Expansion Footprint and 2026 Target Markets</h2>Homewatch CareGivers expanded in 2025 across markets including Forsyth County, NC; Southern Maryland; Hilton Head, SC; Savannah, GA; and The Smokies and Brentwood–Franklin, TN The brand also added Indianapolis–Greenwood and Northwest Indiana, along with new California territories in Santa Barbara, Oxnard and Ventura; Northwest San Diego; West Hollywood; Central San Diego; Coronado-Mid-City; and San Rafael. Additional growth included Bristol and New Britain, CT; East Saint Paul, MN; Twinsburg and Lake County, Ohio; Saint Charles, MO; and Birmingham-Hoover and Huntsville, AL.Looking ahead, the brand’s current top target markets available include Jacksonville, Miami, and Palm Beach Gardens, FL; Medina, OH; Nashville, TN; Carmel, IN; San Francisco and Sacramento, CA; Garner, NC; and Pittsburgh, PA.“Our 2026 strategy is simple: grow with intention and raise the bar on support,” Houghton said. “That means focusing on the markets, partnerships, and resources that help franchisees build strong teams and deliver care that earns trust over time.”<h2>Dementia Care and New Training Initiatives</h2>Homewatch CareGivers launched a&nbsp;<a href="https://homewatchfranchise.com/dementia-care-training/">Certified Dementia Care Specialist training program</a> and introduced a partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pocketrn.com/">PocketRN</a> and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-models/guide">GUIDE Program</a>, an initiative aimed at strengthening dementia care for families and caregivers.“Families are asking for more guidance, more consistency, and more confidence in care,” Houghton said. “We’re investing in training and partnerships that help our owners support clients with complex needs while giving caregivers stronger tools and resources in the field.”<h2>Recognition Heading Into 2026</h2>In 2025, the brand earned several accolades, including ranking No. 234 on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500">Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500</a>, No. 61 on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.franchisedirect.com/top100globalfranchises/rankings">Franchise Direct’s 2025 Top 100</a>, and recognition as a&nbsp;<a href="https://franchisedictionarymagazine.com/2025-game-changers/">2025 Game Changer by Franchise Dictionary Magazine</a>. Houghton was also named to the&nbsp;<a href="https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/appointments/schedules/AcZssZ1iFB23I3xhaendRO2KPMo0Vf7_wA-YFOsBXS30LaGQFK0iomrMs668l7jwcZMvwwFtN9x0dve4">2025 Titan 100</a>.“Those rankings matter because they reflect performance and consistency,” Houghton said. “But what we care about most is building a franchise system where owners feel supported, caregivers feel valued, and families feel the difference.”About Homewatch CareGivers&nbsp;Founded in 1980, Homewatch CareGivers is one of the most experienced networks of providers of full-service home care for people of all ages. Caregivers are triple-screened, continually trained, and supervised to provide reliable, compassionate, and highly skilled services in companion, personal, and comprehensive care. Home care services are personalized for each client, and customized care plans are administered through a network of 234 locations. Each location is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Services may vary by location. Certain locations solely provide nonmedical care services. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.homewatchcaregivers-us.com">www.homewatchcaregivers-us.com</a> and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.authoritybrands.com">www.authoritybrands.com</a>.

Homewatcher CareGivers Franchise - EOY 2025 - 1851 Franchise

The in-home care franchise executed 42 territories last year and launched new programs aimed at strengthening support for families, caregivers, and franchise owners.

Homewatch CareGivers Closes 2025 With 32 Deals Signed, Expands Dementia-Care Training and Sets 2026 Growth Priorities

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deep dive on homewatch caregivers franchise cost and fdd information caregiving franchise

Homewatch CareGivers Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

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For 20 years,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneyannharper/">Courtney Harper</a> built a career around numbers. As a CPA in Texas, her professional world was defined by balance sheets and the rigid structure of the corporate financial sector. But life rewrote her plan when a sudden battle with ulcerative colitis changed Harper’s perspective on what matters most.&nbsp;During her recovery, Harper found herself on the other side of the care equation and in need of a caregiver herself. It was an experience that opened her eyes to the profound impact of the home care industry. But when she eventually returned to corporate life, the spark was gone. The long hours felt unsustainable. And the work no longer felt significant."I made the decision to find a new career path that had purpose," Harper said. "When I connected with&nbsp;<a href="https://homewatchfranchise.com/">Homewatch CareGivers</a>, I could personally relate to the caregiving aspect. It just felt like such a perfect match to bring my experience and what it meant to me to others."<h2>A Calculated Leap into Franchising</h2>Harper didn’t rush into the new venture. She spent two years researching various franchise models while remaining hard at work at her corporate job. In search of a properly aligned fit, she explored franchise options in the beauty and real estate industries. While some models offered the allure of passive income, the home care mission continued to stand out.Now entering her third year as the owner of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.homewatchcaregivers.com/chandler-sunlakes/">Homewatch CareGivers of Chandler Sun Lakes</a> in Arizona, Harper considers her financial background a distinct advantage. Beyond managing the books, her history as a CPA allows her to build trust with a specific group of referral partners.<h2>Redefining Success and Freedom</h2>Making the pivot from cubicle to entrepreneurship brought a new set of opportunities. For Harper, being in business means managing the delicate overlap of professional growth, family life and her own ongoing journey with chronic illness.When reflecting on her path, Harper views her achievements through a lens that goes beyond merely the bottom line."I’m hard on myself, but really, I look at it as freedom," she said. "I’m a mom and I have chronic illnesses. So, it’s that freedom over my time that lets me be there for myself and my family. And that’s what I consider success."<h2>The Power of the Female Network</h2>One of the most rewarding aspects of her new career has been the ability to connect with other female leaders. Harper has found that the local business landscape in her Arizona community is becoming more and more supportive of women making the ownership leap."There are a growing number of women business owner organizations, and there’s a lot of opportunity now for women to connect,” Harper said. “I was invited to be on a board. Those opportunities just weren’t there a while back. A lot of women are rallying together to support each other. And that’s helped us all elevate each other’s businesses in the community.”That sense of community extends to her own home and office. Harper sees her role as a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/homewatch-caregivers/info">Homewatch CareGivers</a> franchise owner as a way to model independence for the women in her life."One thing that’s interesting is that one of my daughter and my sister are both entrepreneurs now,” she said. “Our other daughter is watching my journey and thinking about how she might be empowered to work for herself one day.”<h2>Leading with Grace and Empowerment</h2>The home care industry is generally known for high turnover rates. But Harper has found success by leading with empathy. She avoids micromanaging and instead focuses on treating her staff as humans first. Because she knows what it’s like to want to work while your body is failing, she offers her caregivers a level of understanding that’s rare in the corporate world. For Harper, this leadership style is part of a larger commitment to mentorship."As I meet our caregivers and people in the office, I look for opportunities to give them as much growth and new opportunities as I can,” she said. “It is a responsibility to help other women rise.”Harper is also vocal about the internal barriers that can stop talented women from starting a business, specifically the feeling that one might not belong in the room."One thing, especially for women starting a business, is the imposter syndrome piece of it. It can really hold you back," she said. "I’ve worked hard to overcome that. I know I’m not the only one. A lot of women feel that challenge. And it can hold you back from starting your business if you don’t get past it."<h2>Building a Legacy</h2>Harper is now focused on expanding her Homewatch CareGivers footprint in the Chandler and Sun Lakes area. She wants to own a significant portion of her local market while helping fill gaps in care access and availability. She’s learned many lessons as a franchise owner and has no regrets about leaving corporate life behind. Her advice to those still sitting in a cubicle and dreaming of something more is rooted in the perspective she’s gained along the way."I was more afraid of 'what if' than of doing it," Harper said. "It’s about not having those 'what if' questions and just being brave. I always trust things will work out. So, just go for it if you really want to do something."For more information on franchising with Homewatch CareGivers, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/homewatch-caregivers/">https://1851franchise.com/homewatch-caregivers/</a>.

Photo of Homewatch CareGivers franchisee Courtney Harper

After a career as a CPA and a personal health battle, Harper launched a home care franchise to provide meaningful support to families and empower women in her Chandler community.

How Homewatch CareGivers® Became the Wellness-Forward Home Care Franchise Built on 45 Years of Purposeful Human Interactions

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