Navy Veteran Continues to Serve, Now as a Seniors Helping Seniors Franchisee

Roderick Woodworth III has a career path rooted in serving others. As a Navy veteran of nine years, Woodworth transitioned into civilian life with a robust career in communications and real estate, helping others improve their financial standing. When he found himself in a position to seek a new career opportunity, he decided to venture into franchising with Seniors Helping Seniors to serve the seniors in his North Houston community.

"I enjoy providing service to others,” he said. “I served in the military. In real estate investment, I was always helping people increase their finances or position, and now I am helping the seniors in my community."

While there were many franchise industries to consider, Woodworth was drawn to senior care because of his personal experience in caring for aging loved ones. He provided care for his grandfather when needed. He has recently become his mother’s caretaker, as well. 

“I took her in and started taking care of her. She moved in with me, but I noticed she needed more help than what I could provide for her,” he said.

In realizing that his mother could use a little extra help, Woodworth saw the value in what Seniors Helping Seniors could provide for her and others in a similar situation.

1851 Franchise spoke with Woodworth to learn more about his journey into franchising and his plans for the future.

FEATURE QUESTIONS

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

Woodworth: I am a Navy vet and I served for nine years. I have four kids now.

I moved to Houston in 2004. As for my career, I worked with communications, setting up satellite services for a while. Eventually, I got my real estate license and worked in the real estate industry, getting my broker license in 2015 and I have been a broker ever since. 

During this time, my mother ended up becoming disabled, so I took her in and started taking care of her. She moved in with me, but I noticed she needed more help than what I could provide for her. She needed help bathing and things like that. At the time, I ended up acquiring some financing because I’m a disabled vet, so I received some compensation; we also sold my mother’s home when she moved in with me. I started looking for a new career opportunity and wanted a way to provide a meaningful service to people in my community.

I reached out to a company that helps veterans who are transitioning or looking for career opportunities and from there, I learned about a variety of franchising opportunities. 

I came across Seniors Helping Seniors and it sounded like a great company with a great mission. It fits my experience with taking care of my mother; I have helped provide care for my grandfather as well. It just made sense for me to go for it.

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?

Woodworth: It’s a lot of work. I don’t have a partner working with me. I think a partner would be really helpful, because I’m being pulled a few different ways. There are a lot of details attached to the process, but I’m grateful for the support of the corporate team.

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

Woodworth: The startup cost was reasonable and I liked that I was able to start out of my house instead of needing a whole office building. I do have a small office now, but I didn’t need too much.

I’ve received a lot of education and coaching from the brand, which is really great. I needed someone to hold my hand to get started. I’ve been able to ask so many questions and get the help I need.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth? 

Woodworth: I would like to get big enough to have my own office — a brick-and-mortar concept. I think this would increase visibility in my community if people can see a building with a sign, and that would allow me to serve even more seniors. I would also like to venture into new territories.

I’d love to pass this down to my kids some day so they can run the business. If I can achieve the growth I have in mind, then they can each have their own location.

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

Woodworth: I enjoy providing service to others. I served in the military. In real estate, I was always helping people increase their finances or position, and now I am helping the seniors in my community.

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

Woodworth: Take a class, if you can, that focuses on franchising specifically — not just small business — because there is a lot to learn.

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.