Marine Veteran Builds a New Mission with Seniors Helping Seniors Franchise in Boise, Idaho

After a 20-year career in the Marine Corps and another 16 years as a government contracts estimator, Eric Kolesar sought a new path that aligned with his desire to help others while gaining independence from corporate life. Driven by the realization of a significant need for senior care in his area and the brand’s dedication to serving his fellow veterans, he chose to franchise with Seniors Helping Seniors. This opportunity appealed to him because it not only provides essential services to seniors but also offers meaningful employment to older adults. His goal is to build a thriving business that supports both his community and fellow veterans, leveraging his experience and passion for service.

Kolesar took the time to chat with 1851 Franchise to discuss all of this and more. Here’s what he had to say.

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Eric Kolesar: I grew up in Los Angeles, and after graduating high school, I attended Arizona Automotive Institute. After working as a professional auto mechanic for a year, I officially joined the Marine Corps. I served in the Marine Corps for 20 years as an aircraft mechanic, supply Marine, support equipment asset manager, and logistics manager in 1st MAW Plans. After retiring from the Marine Corps, I became a government contracts estimator and worked for several companies. I worked for ITT, which became Excellus, then Vectrus. After that, I went to KBR, which used to be known as Kellogg Brown & Root, and then became KBR Wiley. Later, I joined PAE, which used to be known as Pacific Architects and Engineers, and was eventually acquired by Amentum.

After working 16 years in government contract estimating, I decided I needed a change. I was in a financial position where I could finally do what I have wanted to do for over two decades, which was to own my own franchise. I didn’t want to work for anyone else anymore. I looked at quite a few franchises, several in automotive repair, which is my old background. But I also liked the idea of being able to help people. I’ve served for a lot of years in my life, so as I looked at what was available for veterans and possibly for me as I become an older veteran myself, one of the franchise opportunities that appealed to me was in senior care. After comparing that to about seven other franchises from different fields, I concluded that this was the best one and decided to dive into this opportunity.

1851: What was your perception of franchising before becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Kolesar: I had thought about it several times. I finally got to a point where I was stable enough to get into franchising. I reached out to a friend of mine from the Marine Corps who, after retiring, opened a Dickey’s Barbecue, which has been very successful. I asked him about his experience, whether it was good, and what challenges he faced. He told me it was scary upfront, while also being challenging and fulfilling, but he added that if I pick a good franchise, I should be fine.

I looked around and eventually worked with a coach from Guerrilla Franchising, who helped me find Seniors Helping Seniors. They have a good reputation, and I believe they provide a valuable service. I use my dad as an example — I’m very lucky he’s still independent at 94 years old, but he cared for my mom when she had dementia, and he could have used help like this. I wish he had known about it back then. I think this is a great way to help people while also making a living. 

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

Kolesar: What excites me most is that the brand is really helpful to people. It’s double-sided — it not only helps seniors in need but also hires seniors looking to find work. By hiring seniors who are still able, regardless of what the law says about ability or ageism, it gives seniors meaningful work, and provides an opportunity to help others. Finding work as an older person can be tough. Sure, there are jobs available, like being a Walmart greeter or stocking shelves at Lowe’s, but many of those jobs aren’t fulfilling, or can be too demanding. This franchise offers a great way to give back, meet new people, build friendships and make a difference, while having a flexible work schedule.

Not only are our employees being helped by finding meaningful employment, but they’re also helping seniors who need assistance in their lives. It gives everyone involved a sense of purpose and an opportunity to have a good life. From what I’ve heard from other franchisees, many of their employees are retired and just looking for a way to help, while benefiting from part-time work to make some extra money. This franchise gives them that opportunity.

1851: What’s your big goal in your first year with Seniors Helping Seniors?

Kolesar: My goal is to grow steadily and provide a positive In-Home Senior Care to our customers, rivaling the competition. I also want people to know this is a veteran-owned small business and reach out to my VA counterparts so they know this company and its services are available to them. 

I’d like to grow enough to have over 50 employees by the end of my first 12 months. If I can build fast enough, without it becoming overwhelming, I want to get beyond the 50-caregiver level and aim for over 40 clients. I’d like to replicate this success in each of my territories. My wish is to provide service that is good enough to win “Best in Boise” recognition by the end of my third year.

Senior care in the Treasure Valley is desperately needed. There aren’t enough caregivers or companies providing these services. Many companies peak at around 100 employees, but more companies are needed. I hope to fill this shortfall by providing those services and building a good reputation for my company. The better our service and the more people hear our name, the faster we’ll grow and the more clients we can help. 

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 Kiran moved to the U.S. in 1995 and married 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 homecare 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 200-plus locations, 125 franchise partners in 30-plus states and international markets. For more information on Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care, visit seniorshelpingseniors.com.