1851

After caring for her own aging parents and family members for more than a decade and navigating the challenges of finding compassionate, consistent care for them,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenc1/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=lauren-walters-seniors-helping-seniors-franchise-2730059" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Lauren Coke Walters</a> found a new purpose-driven path. When she chose to exit a successful corporate career of 25+ years just before turning 50, she knew she wanted to do something truly new and different and make the most of the “second half of [her] century,” finding more joy and meaning in her work.&nbsp;The ability to provide work opportunities to mature caregivers while offering the quality care she desired for her own loved ones made&nbsp;<a href="https://seniorshelpingseniorsfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=lauren-walters-seniors-helping-seniors-franchise-2730059" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Seniors Helping Seniors®</a> the perfect fit for Walters. Now, as she prepares to launch her Dallas&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/seniorshelpingseniors/info">Seniors Helping Seniors®</a> business, she is looking forward to providing both the daily necessary care tasks and contributing to the social and emotional wellness of both caregivers and receivers.&nbsp;Walters took the time to chat with 1851 Franchise about her transition to mission-driven franchise ownership and her plans to create meaningful connections between caregivers and care receivers in the Dallas community. Here’s what she had to say:1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?Lauren Walters:&nbsp;Looking back across my life and career, what stands out to me is that I’ve always been someone who focuses on taking care of others. Even as a young girl — that’s been core to who I am. And later in life, I’ve always been viewed by my colleagues, team members and others as a servant leader. I want everyone to be comfortable, supported, empowered and safe.Another big part of where I am now is that I’ve had a great career. I’m very proud of everything I’ve accomplished, but toward the end of my corporate career, I found that I’d lost the joy in my job. It was an amazing journey, where I did some remarkable things and worked alongside some truly talented and special people, but I had grown into a different person.I had been taking care of my own family and doing my high-level job and caring for my team of more than 150 for a long time, all while juggling care for my mom and dad. It was a big honor, but it was also a lot to manage. Seeing how they wanted to remain in their homes but not being able to do everything on their own was eye-opening. We saw a lot of really good things in the industry, and we also navigated some pretty difficult situations. I just kept thinking this could be so much better.&nbsp;Shifting from PR/marketing to Seniors Helping Seniors® is a big change in a lot of ways, but much of what I did in my 25+-year career was about client relationships, nurturing talent and building a culture within my team. I’m very people-focused. This business will be the same. It’s still all about people, relationships and service, and now I get to look at it through a much smaller lens and see the direct impact me and our team will have on our community.Some of my most rewarding client work was done on behalf of healthcare providers and public sector organizations aimed at educating and raising awareness about a variety of issues impacting communities – such as domestic violence, distracted driving, drug abuse, disease prevention and, most of all, access to quality and affordable health care. I’ve worked across the entire healthcare spectrum from hospitals, cancer care and telehealth to insurance providers, non-profits and state and federal health and human services agencies. So albeit different, Seniors Helping Seniors®&nbsp;also feels very familiar and something that will be even more rewarding.1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Walters:&nbsp;When I began considering leaving my marketing and PR-focused career, I knew I wanted to do something different, but I wasn’t sure what that was. A lot of communications people will leave an agency and start their own firm or freelance, but I had done that kind of work. In addition to my communications expertise and discipline, I’d managed large business operations and some of our largest client relationships within global communications agencies so I know how to run a business, lead teams and deliver valuable services and solutions that impact a clients businesses.While I wasn’t sure yet what I wanted to do next, I knew I wanted to do something truly different and rediscover the passion and joy in my work again. At the time, I began looking at what was next, I was about to turn 50. I decided to go on a journey of self-exploration, self-care and find my next chapter. I knew I wanted the second half of my century to be something much more special and meaningful.There were many things I was passionate about, but I didn’t know how to scale them. I got connected to a franchise consultant and began to think that franchising would be the way for me to take one of those passions and scale it with the support of a proven model.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?Walters:&nbsp;I could’ve just gotten another job, but I wanted to prove to myself that I could do something new and different. Also while I’d successfully managed large, complex businesses for large corporations, I wanted to be a small business owner and build something from the ground up but with guidance and support. I was attracted to franchising because I knew it would allow me to venture into a new area, while helping me to scale and tap the expertise, resources and network of other franchise experts and partners.&nbsp;&nbsp;My perception was that a lot of people take the franchising route because they believe it’s just about investing some money, plug and play and it just happens. There are plenty of success stories in franchising, and there are far more stories of failure. I’m still somewhat new to this, but I think people really need to understand what it truly takes to be a successful franchise owner. First find something they truly are passionate about and connect to like I did. It is easier to navigate the challenges of business ownership when you find purpose in what you’re doing. And second, know that it takes a lot of dedication, patience, grit, perseverance and trying, learning and adjusting along the way.&nbsp;1851:&nbsp;What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Walters:&nbsp;Beyond wanting something new and different, I knew I wanted to find a brand that was focused on health, wellness and/or plays a role in enhancing the well being of those in my community. I really took my time talking to and evaluating a variety of franchise brands. When it came down to it, I loved that Seniors Helping Seniors® truly answered a critical and important need in my community, and they are doing it differently than anyone else.It didn’t just feel like selling. It’s about relationships, making a difference and offering peace of mind. Everyone around me is trying to figure out the best way to care for their loved ones and helping them actually make their golden years ‘golden’ because that’s not often the case.I think a lot about my parents. The idea of more mature adults doing the care — there’s often a different level of compassion, connection through shared experiences, work ethic and accountability. There’s consistency of care with mature caregivers, which was a challenge for us with my parents.I also think about the opportunity we are providing caregivers. My mom just turned 83 this month, and she moved back to East Texas in 2000 to help take care of her mom. She left her long-time job with the State of Texas and was trying to figure out what to do work-wise. When she left that job and we were grown adults, she lost her purpose. I think about how different her life could have been if she had an opportunity like being a caregiver for Seniors Helping Seniors®. She is a beautiful, wonderful person, mother and grandmother, but she isn’t as strong mentally, physically and socially as she would like. I’m excited to provide that alternative pathway for seniors in my area to stay engaged and continue living their purpose.I’m also excited about meeting the receivers and their families. It will be all about getting out there and having the conversations to find the right caregivers and the right matches. That’s very special.1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Walters:&nbsp;In addition to making an impact and changing lives in Dallas and building a healthy business that creates meaningful jobs, one of the big goals I have is to spend more time in my territory discovering and building relationships with organizations and groups that are focused on the social and emotional aspect of seniors’ lives. So many seniors feel lonely, depressed and isolated, but don’t know how to combat and address these feelings. Me and my team look forward to helping them find opportunities for receivers to get out and rediscover their interests, passions and get to know other seniors in their community.I'm working on finding more opportunities for connections among seniors in the communities. There are a lot of opportunities out there, but it’s not always easy to make the match.In addition to growing my business and its impact on seniors lives in Dallas, I also believe there’s a need and gap to be filled for high-quality, compassionate in-home care for seniors in East Texas and have plans to eventually expand our services to Tyler, Longview and surrounding communities.&nbsp;1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Walters:&nbsp;I think a lot of people go into the franchise process thinking they buy in and make a lot of money. My advice is to take the time to find the franchise brand that you truly believe in and connect with. You have to have a heart for it. There are some “plug and play” aspects, but you still have to do the hard work. If you don’t have the heart for it, you’re not going to believe in it as much, and you’re going to have a harder time being successful.&nbsp;Being a successful franchise owner also means building the right, well-rounded team that brings a variety of different skills, strengths and characteristics to the table that starting a small business requires. Think about your specific strengths and most valuable skills and where you may have gaps that can be filled in by hiring the right talent and team. You can’t and shouldn’t do it alone. Lean on the corporate franchise team, follow their proven model and levearge provided resources, while also leaning on your network of franchise partners to learn from, share information and support.&nbsp;ABOUT SENIORS HELPING SENIORS®:Seniors Helping Seniors® franchise system was founded by husband-and-wife duo Kiran and Philip Yocom. Kiran, who grew up in India, later worked to advance humanitarian efforts alongside Mother Teresa. After moving to the U.S. in 1995 and marrying her husband Philip, the Yocoms felt called to provide loving care to seniors and to cultivate an exchange of gifts at every generational level. Together, the Yocoms founded Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home services in 1998, opening the brand up to franchising in 2006. With a mission to be the most respected and rewarding home care provider in the U.S., Seniors Helping Seniors® locations stand apart from competitors as the only company that prioritizes hiring active seniors to provide care services to their less-active counterparts. Seniors Helping Seniors® service aligns caregivers and care recipients based on the abilities and needs of both by offering a wide range of care services. Seniors Helping Seniors® network has grown to 400 territories nationwide and over 200 franchise partners in 37 states. For more information on Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://seniorshelpingseniors.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=lauren-walters-seniors-helping-seniors-franchise-2730059" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://seniorshelpingseniors.com/</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Lauren Coke Walters and Seniors Helping Seniors logo

Former Marketing Exec Grows Seniors Helping Seniors® in Dallas

1851 Franchise

Just before her 50th birthday, Lauren Walters found herself seeking more meaning and joy in her work. She found her way to the senior care space as she kicked off the “second half of [her] century.”

This brand page has been paid for by 1851. 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

A Meaningful Second Half to Her Century: Former Communications Exec Pivots to Seniors Helping Seniors® in Dallas, Texas

lauren-walters-seniors-helping-seniors-franchise

Biscuit Belly Franchising

Biscuit Belly CEO Shares Brand’s Growth Journey on “Emerging Franchise Brand” Podcast

biscuit-belly-ceo-shares-brands-growth-journey-on-emerging-franchise-brand-podcast

HomeTeam Inspection Service

Photo of four HomeTeam Inspection Service inspectors

The HomeTeam Advantage: 30 Years Strong and Still Growing

hometeam-30-year-legacy

Mathnasium

Mathnasium Franchise - James Temple - 1851 Franchise

Fast Growth and Bold Moves: James Temple’s Journey to Franchise Ownership With Mathnasium Learning Centers

mathnasium-franchise-james-temple

TruBlue Home Service Ally

TruBlue Accelerates Growth in 2025 With Record-Breaking Midyear Momentum

trublue-accelerates-growth-in-2025-with-record-breaking-midyear-momentum

Caring Transitions

Building a Legacy With Caring Transitions: How Franchisees Create Lasting Impact While Growing a Successful Business

building-a-legacy-with-caring-transitions-how-franchisees-create-lasting-impact-while-growing-a-successful-business

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Photo of Paris Baguette pastries and beverages 

Paris Baguette Celebrates 250th Café Opening in Frederick, Maryland, Accelerating Expansion and Reviving the Neighborhood Bakery Café

paris-baguette-250th-north-america-cafe

Restaurant Chains Open Their Wallets To Jump-Start Franchise Growth - 1851 Franchise

Restaurant Chains Open Their Wallets To Jump-Start Franchise Growth

restaurant-franchise-incentives-cash-royalty-holidays-fee-reductions

U.S. Budget Deficit Rises as Tariff Revenues Increase — Potential Considerations for Franchising

us-budget-deficit-rises-as-tariff-revenues-increase-potential-considerations-for-franchising

Dickey's Franchisee Backlash - Lawsuits - Disputes - 1851 Franchise

Texas-Based Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Grapples with Franchisee Backlash

dickeys-barbecue-pit-franchisee-lawsuits

Design with person in blazer, with laptop, holding sign that reads "LOOKING FOR A JOB"

Uptick in Jobless Claims Points to Continued Instability in Labor Market

jobless-claims-franchise-growth

Hely and Hiral Patel Bring Their Longtime Dream to Life With The Brass Tap

brass-tap-franchise-pasadena-maryland-hely-hiral-patel

graphic for a spotlight from 1851 franchise featuring Kevin Rarick from caring transitions

Army Veteran Returns Home To Launch Caring Transitions Franchise in Reading, Pennsylvania

kevin-rarick-caring-transitions-reading-pa

Navy Veteran and Professional Artist Couple Open Caring Transitions in Texas

Navy Veteran and Professional Artist Couple Set Out to Build a Purpose-Driven Business With Caring Transitions in Texas

navy-veteran-and-professional-artist-couple-set-out-to-build-a-purpose-driven-business-with-caring-transitions-in-texas

graphic image of an 1851 franchisee spotlight brayden and johnny steven of teriyaki madness

Father-and-Daughter Team Bring Teriyaki Madness to Wichita, Kansas, With Big Expansion Plans

johnny-brayden-steven-teriyaki-madness-wichita

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores - Agg - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores

hooters-franchise-model-company-owned-closures

1851 Keyword - The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

part-time-franchises-picking-the-right-model

1851 Franchise Deep Dive graphic with Sparkle Squad logo

Sparkle Squad Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-sparkle-squad-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Rising Jobless Claims Could Signal Challenges — and Opportunities — for Franchising

A Meaningful Second Half to Her Century: Former Communications Exec Pivots to Seniors Helping Seniors® in Dallas, Texas

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS