Homewatch CareGivers

For&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/zahrahumecki/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=zahra-humecki-homewatch-caregivers-the-cleaning-authority-multi-brand-franchise-2731040" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Zahra Humecki</a>, the path to success in ownership has long been predicated upon the creation of a better life. After she immigrated to America in 1992, Humecki built a career in IT and software consulting until burnout began to set in. Seeking more control over her future and a way to do meaningful service in her community, Humecki connected with a franchise development professional to explore business ownership.“When I started 20 years ago, I worked in IT, consulting and building software. It was pretty rough. I was working 16 hours a day just coding. After five years, it burned me out. I decided I didn’t want to work with computers anymore. I wanted to do more service work and be part of the community,” Humecki said. “I worked with a woman from a franchise development background. She met with me, reviewed my resume and gave me a list of questions. She narrowed it from 100 types of businesses to 30, then to 10 and finally to five. That’s how I ended up gravitating toward home care.”Launching a&nbsp;<a href="https://homewatchfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=zahra-humecki-homewatch-caregivers-the-cleaning-authority-multi-brand-franchise-2731040" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Homewatch CareGivers</a> franchise in the northern suburbs of Chicago two decades ago would prove life-changing, giving Humecki greater control over her financial future. And branching out into multi-brand franchise ownership through another&nbsp;<a href="https://www.authoritybrands.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=zahra-humecki-homewatch-caregivers-the-cleaning-authority-multi-brand-franchise-2731040" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Authority Brands</a> concept,&nbsp;<a href="https://cleaningauthorityfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=zahra-humecki-homewatch-caregivers-the-cleaning-authority-multi-brand-franchise-2731040" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Cleaning Authority</a>, has helped her build a legacy she can pass on to her children.&nbsp;<h2>Expanding Into a Second Brand</h2>Humecki’s decision to grow as a multi-unit franchise owner with Authority Brands wasn’t so much a pivot as it was the result of circumstance. More than a decade into running her&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/homewatchcaregivers/info">Homewatch CareGivers</a> franchise, a unique opportunity arose with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-cleaning-authority/info">The Cleaning Authority</a> that proved too good to pass up. After talking with her family, Humecki decided that expanding into a second brand sharing a similar customer base was the right next move.What she discovered in The Cleaning Authority was another brand built around a highly structured system. Already familiar with the level of support provided by Authority Brands, Humecki took the opportunity to grow as a multi-brand franchise owner.<h2>Support, Growth and a Multi-Brand Future</h2>Today, Humecki runs three Homewatch CareGivers territories and one The Cleaning Authority unit, employing more than 100 people through her franchise ownership.&nbsp;Navigating the COVID-19 pandemic as the owner of an in-home care franchise proved difficult. Adding to the challenge, Humecki opened a The Cleaning Authority unit early in 2020 as well. But strong support from Authority Brands made it all possible.“Both franchises have great support networks,” Humecki said. “If the support system wasn’t good, I wouldn’t do it. It’s challenging but manageable.”<h2>A Journey Marked by Independence and Opportunity</h2>Creating a new revenue stream by securing Medicaid certification for the Homewatch business, Humecki remains focused on further expansion as 2026 nears. Today, life as a multi-brand franchise owner delivers more than merely financial security, with Humecki able to end each work day fulfilled.Franchising didn’t just help Humecki ease the workplace burnout she was experiencing; it helped her grow a successful business she can pass on, giving her the rare luxury to step back and enjoy what she’s built.“I came to the U.S. in 1992 from another country. I had three jobs and worked hard. But franchising changed my financial situation. Being an owner makes me feel accomplished. I’ve built wealth and feel fulfilled,” Humecki said. “Now my kids are taking over, so I’m working less and focusing on coaching them. It’s a joy to see them grow and lead.”Ultimately, Humecki’s story shows that with persistence and clearly established priorities, franchising can make a difference on a number of levels. What began as a way to ease workplace burnout has evolved into a multi-brand franchise business that supports Humecki’s family, employees and community, while delivering a work-life balance which will allow her to step back from the business when that day nears. For Humecki, success in franchising isn’t defined by what she’s built, but by the fact that she can pass it on to the next generation with confidence and a foundation built to endure.&nbsp;

Zahra Humecki: Multi-Brand Franchise Owner of Homewatch CareGivers and The Cleaning Authority

1851 Franchise

When her time in tech brought exhaustion, Humecki made the franchising pivot, growing a family-run operation through Homewatch CareGivers and The Cleaning Authority.

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 Zahra Humecki Found a New Career As A Multi-Brand Franchisee Via Homewatch CareGivers and The Cleaning Authority

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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.

Courtney Harper Leads With Purpose as a Homewatch CareGivers Owner in Arizona

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For husband-and-wife team Joanne and Michael Fenner, franchise ownership was more than a business decision; it was a shared leap rooted in personal experience, trust, and a desire to build something meaningful together. Ready to leave the retail world, Joanne sought work with greater impact. Both she and Michael have firsthand experience caring for loved ones and understand the impact proper care can have.&nbsp;Today, the Fenners are preparing to open their first Homewatch CareGivers location in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Their story is a testament to partnership - one built through honest conversations, complementary strengths, and a willingness to support each other in a whole new venture while making a difference in their community.<h2>From Retail Burnout to Business Ownership</h2>The idea was conceived when Joanne reached a breaking point in her retail career. Seeking greater control over the impact of her work, she and Michael began to seriously explore the idea of owning a business together. Soon, Michael began researching franchising online and eventually connected with a franchise broker. Following validation calls, the couple narrowed their focus to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/homewatch-caregivers/info">Homewatch CareGivers</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.authoritybrands.com/">Authority Brands’</a> in-home care franchise.For Joanne, leaving retail was the beginning of a meaningful shift.“It gave me a new perspective,” she said. “I want to help other people. That’s what helps me.”<h2>A Shared History in Caregiving</h2>Caregiving was already familiar territory for the Fenners.Joanne had cared for her father and grandparents while living in California. Michael also watched his mother spend years caring for his grandparents, often at the expense of his mother’s career.“It was hard. Helping them bathe, get to the bathroom — all the things you never expect to do,” Michael said. “That’s why this stood out to me: so other families don’t have to go through what my mom did and give up their careers.”As his grandparents’ health declined due to ALS and Parkinson’s, Michael saw how overwhelming caregiving could be without adequate support. It’s an experience that has stayed with him as the couple began to more seriously explore franchise options.<h2>Why Homewatch CareGivers Stood Out</h2>Consistency has long been a hallmark of franchising. As the Fenners evaluated different industries and concepts, what ultimately set&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/homewatch-caregivers">Homewatch CareGivers</a> apart for them was consistency: in leadership, franchisee feedback, and long-term reputation.“With Homewatch, it was all good,” Michael said. “All of the franchisees we spoke to said the franchise was supportive and doing its best to help them.”The strength of a properly supported system also resonated. Over the course of more than four decades,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/homewatch-caregivers/info">Homewatch CareGivers</a> has continually refined its model, providing the structure and credibility local franchise owners need to succeed. For first-time franchisees entering a people-first industry, both were essential.For Joanne, delivering care sealed the deal.“Helping older people,” she said. “I like giving back.”<h2>Building a Business as a Husband and Wife Team</h2>Joanne leads daily operations, while Michael plays a key role behind the scenes, helping with strategy, systems, and problem-solving as they build their foundation.It’s a dynamic Michael sees as a distinct advantage.“We toss ideas back and forth,” he said. “If she needs help with something, I can try to help. We cover each other's meetings depending on who’s busy. It just works well.”<h2>Partners in Life (and in Business)</h2>Starting a new business requires a leap of faith. And it’s important to have someone you can trust on board. Michael and Joanne play that role for each other. But the concept of trust has also become increasingly important as the Fenners prepare to hire their first employee.&nbsp;“At the end of the day, we know we have each other’s backs,” Michael said. “If she needs help at the office, I’ll be there.”Looking ahead, the Fenners plan to expand their Homewatch CareGivers operation across South Carolina and Georgia in the coming years. But for now, the focus is on the March grand opening while they begin their next chapter together in both business and life.As Michael put it simply, the business may be Joanne’s “baby.” But it’s one they’re raising side by side, a partnership grounded in shared purpose and a commitment that the couple can experience together.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 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 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>.

Photo of Homewatch CareGivers franchise owners Michael and Joanne Fenner

Michael and Joanne Fenner turned their frustration into a shared passion for helping others, launching a Homewatch CareGivers franchise with plans to grow across Georgia and South Carolina.

Why This Husband and Wife Team Left Retail to Build a Homewatch CareGivers Franchise

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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.

How Zahra Humecki Found a New Career As A Multi-Brand Franchisee Via Homewatch CareGivers and The Cleaning Authority

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