How a Registered Nurse and Farmer Built a Family Legacy With Their Comfort Keepers® Franchise

When Angela and Rod Zeck set out to open a business, they wanted one that would reflect their values of compassion and community. After personally navigating the struggles of caregiving for their own loved ones, they knew there was a need for quality, compassionate care — and they saw Comfort Keepers® as the perfect fit. Now, along with their children, the Zecks are building a family legacy of service in the community. 

Together, Angela and Rod have eight children and 14 grandchildren, all of whom helped to bring the idea of opening their own home care business alive. They are both extraordinarily active in the Cass County IN community, where they have lived their entire lives. Both serve as deputy coroners, are involved in their kids’ school and sporting events, and even make time to walk the Turkey Trot at the Family YMCA every year on Thanksgiving morning. 

Now, across their four Comfort Keepers offices, which span from Indiana to Florida, they’re making a meaningful impact that goes far beyond the traditional business model.

1851 Franchise spoke with the Zecks to learn more about their franchising journey with Comfort Keepers and their 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?

Angela Zeck: I was a registered nurse working as an area manager for another home care agency. Rod and I saw there was a real need in our community, and we knew we could do a really good job with it. Around the same time, in April 2016, we lost Rod’s mother, and it was so important to us to be able to keep her at home. After she passed away, the family farm closed, and Rod needed to figure out a plan B. I really wanted to change who I worked for because I knew the kind of care we wanted for his mom. So we thought, “Why can’t we do that ourselves?” We started looking into what it would take to open a home care agency, and Rod happened to know someone who had a Comfort Keepers franchise.

Rod Zeck: Both of our mothers needed home care, and we didn’t like the way things were going. The agency didn’t support the same ethics and ideals that we had. Angela was also working as a branch manager at the time and was seeing that there wasn’t much compassion from other companies. I mean, you’re in the caring business, but they didn’t even care for their own employees. When my mom passed, I was looking for a new income source, especially since we were farmers, so it felt like the right time to make a change.

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?

Angela: Franchising made us feel like we’d have backup and resources available to us, which gave us confidence to move forward.

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

Angela: We did our research on different franchises — even did some secret shopping with other home care agencies — to see how they operated and what the staff thought about their brand. We felt very comfortable with Comfort Keepers. Everyone we spoke to was warm and welcoming, and they gave us a list of franchisees and told us to pick anyone and give them a call. They were so open and confident, and that made us feel really good about them. We liked what we heard.

The price compared to other brands was more attractive, and the terms of commitment fit our goals better. Plus, we had more flexibility to add our personal touch to our franchise. It wasn’t just a cookie-cutter brand.

Rod: We knew someone with a Comfort Keepers who mentioned that the county we lived in was open. We looked at all the support they had compared to others and we already knew a very successful franchisee with the brand, which made it an easy choice.

1851: How has growth been for your franchise?

Rod: We started in December of 2017, and we’ve grown to have over 260 people on payroll and four offices in two states. Four of our eight kids are now in management roles with the business, each with their own responsibilities. It’s amazing to work on the business together, knowing that they’re involved and taking on more every day. Hopefully, we’ll be able to pass ownership on to them. It’s like watching them steer the ship.

Angela: Comfort Keepers has been so supportive and welcoming to our family. They provide training and opportunities that have allowed our kids to really excel and grow in their roles.

1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?

Angela: We’re big on Thanksgiving, and a few years ago, we started preparing and delivering Thanksgiving meals for local families in need. Our whole family and team get involved, and it’s something we all look forward to. Last year, we handed out 60 full meals with turkey, stuffing, rolls — everything. This year, we’re aiming for 100 and we’re doing a radio contest with a grocery store to bless even more families. It’s really special for us and it’s inspired by our mothers who both loved Thanksgiving.

Rod: Once we started making some money, it was only natural to give back. We love passing that blessing along. This is a way for us to do that, and it honors both our moms’ memories. We couldn’t imagine a better way to do it.

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

Rod: Take your time and do your homework. Make sure the brand’s values align with yours. Franchising with Comfort Keepers has allowed us to balance work, family and community in a way that’s meaningful. It’s a rewarding way to work and a great way to give back.

To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://www.comfortkeepersfranchise.com/.