For 18 years, Carissa Reynertson worked in office management, handling everything from compliance and accreditation to policies and day-to-day operations. Over time, she began looking for work that felt more personal. She and her husband, Eric, had talked for years about owning a business, and eventually that search led them to Right at Home. Today, they own a franchise in Lino Lakes, Minnesota, where they provide in-home care for seniors and focus on building strong relationships with the people they serve.
"I needed to find something that was fulfilling for my heart," Carissa said. “We always knew we wanted to own a business at some point, but it needed to be something we were passionate about. Seniors have always had such a special place in our hearts.”
Her interest in senior care began long before they entered the home care industry. As a teenager, Carissa worked at a grocery store where seniors were brought in each week to shop. She enjoyed helping them through the store, listening to their stories, and getting to know them. One customer, a coin collector, regularly stopped by to show her the newest additions to his collection. Those experiences stayed with her long after she left that job.
"They've done so much throughout their lives," Carissa said. "To be able to help them now, when they need some additional support, is so important. Even spending time with someone can make a difference."
Although they felt called to home care, the Reynertsons did not rush into the decision. They spent nearly three years researching the industry and learning about different business opportunities before deciding that home care was where they wanted to invest their future. They also knew they wanted the support of an established franchise instead of trying to build an agency on their own.
"We knew we couldn't do it independently," Carissa said. "We wanted guidance and we wanted to make sure we were doing everything the right way. We started researching franchises and there were a good handful that we interviewed. When we interviewed Right at Home, we got off the call and my husband and I knew they were who we needed to be with. Everything felt right and comfortable from the start. We felt welcomed and supported.”
That support became especially valuable during the startup process, when the Reynertsons were learning how to turn their plans into a licensed, operating home care business. "They walk you through everything," Carissa said. “Whether it's licensing, accounting, finance, or operations, there's always someone there to help. Even after training is over, you still have people you can call.”
She also credits the network of fellow franchise owners for helping them succeed. Rather than competing with one another, Carissa said owners regularly share ideas, answer questions, and offer advice based on their own experiences.
"It really feels like a family," she said. "Everyone wants to help each other succeed."
As the business has grown, the Reynertsons have focused on staying closely connected with both clients and employees. Carissa believes knowing families personally and creating an open, supportive workplace has helped establish trust throughout the community. She also wants caregivers to know they always have someone they can turn to when they need help.
"I could tell you many things about every one of our clients," Carissa said. “We want our staff to know they can stop in, talk to us and ask questions. We really try to create that team atmosphere.”
The Reynertsons also wanted their business to reflect the values they hope to pass on to their three children. Their family participates in community events, volunteers at senior activities, and looks for opportunities to serve together. Carissa believes those experiences help teach her children the importance of respecting older adults and helping people in need.
"We want our kids to see that you can make a difference by helping others," she said. “A smile or spending time with someone can really make a difference in their day.”
Their commitment to serving seniors extends beyond daily care. The office partners with the Parkinson's Foundation, and Carissa serves on the local ACT on Alzheimer's board to help raise awareness and strengthen support for families and caregivers throughout the community.
As the Reynertsons look ahead, they want to keep expanding the business's reach while staying connected to the people and causes that matter to their family. One recent milestone reflected that commitment.
"We were very excited to become a Veterans Affairs-approved agency," Carissa said. “Helping veterans has always been important to us. We just want to keep growing, help more families and continue making a difference wherever we can.”
If you're interested in taking the next step in making a difference in your community as a Right at Home franchisee, visit https://rightathomefranchise.com/.
Right at Home
SPONSORED
After spending 18 years in office management, Carissa and her husband, Eric, found a new purpose in home care, building a Right at Home business that serves seniors and supports caregivers.
For 18 years, Carissa Reynertson worked in office management, handling everything from compliance and accreditation to policies and day-to-day operations. Over time, she began looking for work that felt more personal. She and her husband, Eric, had talked for years about owning a business, and eventually that search led them to Right at Home. Today, they own a franchise in Lino Lakes, Minnesota, where they provide in-home care for seniors and focus on building strong relationships with the people they serve.
"I needed to find something that was fulfilling for my heart," Carissa said. “We always knew we wanted to own a business at some point, but it needed to be something we were passionate about. Seniors have always had such a special place in our hearts.”
Her interest in senior care began long before they entered the home care industry. As a teenager, Carissa worked at a grocery store where seniors were brought in each week to shop. She enjoyed helping them through the store, listening to their stories, and getting to know them. One customer, a coin collector, regularly stopped by to show her the newest additions to his collection. Those experiences stayed with her long after she left that job.
"They've done so much throughout their lives," Carissa said. "To be able to help them now, when they need some additional support, is so important. Even spending time with someone can make a difference."
Although they felt called to home care, the Reynertsons did not rush into the decision. They spent nearly three years researching the industry and learning about different business opportunities before deciding that home care was where they wanted to invest their future. They also knew they wanted the support of an established franchise instead of trying to build an agency on their own.
"We knew we couldn't do it independently," Carissa said. "We wanted guidance and we wanted to make sure we were doing everything the right way. We started researching franchises and there were a good handful that we interviewed. When we interviewed Right at Home, we got off the call and my husband and I knew they were who we needed to be with. Everything felt right and comfortable from the start. We felt welcomed and supported.”
That support became especially valuable during the startup process, when the Reynertsons were learning how to turn their plans into a licensed, operating home care business. "They walk you through everything," Carissa said. “Whether it's licensing, accounting, finance, or operations, there's always someone there to help. Even after training is over, you still have people you can call.”
She also credits the network of fellow franchise owners for helping them succeed. Rather than competing with one another, Carissa said owners regularly share ideas, answer questions, and offer advice based on their own experiences.
"It really feels like a family," she said. "Everyone wants to help each other succeed."
As the business has grown, the Reynertsons have focused on staying closely connected with both clients and employees. Carissa believes knowing families personally and creating an open, supportive workplace has helped establish trust throughout the community. She also wants caregivers to know they always have someone they can turn to when they need help.
"I could tell you many things about every one of our clients," Carissa said. “We want our staff to know they can stop in, talk to us and ask questions. We really try to create that team atmosphere.”
The Reynertsons also wanted their business to reflect the values they hope to pass on to their three children. Their family participates in community events, volunteers at senior activities, and looks for opportunities to serve together. Carissa believes those experiences help teach her children the importance of respecting older adults and helping people in need.
"We want our kids to see that you can make a difference by helping others," she said. “A smile or spending time with someone can really make a difference in their day.”
Their commitment to serving seniors extends beyond daily care. The office partners with the Parkinson's Foundation, and Carissa serves on the local ACT on Alzheimer's board to help raise awareness and strengthen support for families and caregivers throughout the community.
As the Reynertsons look ahead, they want to keep expanding the business's reach while staying connected to the people and causes that matter to their family. One recent milestone reflected that commitment.
"We were very excited to become a Veterans Affairs-approved agency," Carissa said. “Helping veterans has always been important to us. We just want to keep growing, help more families and continue making a difference wherever we can.”
If you're interested in taking the next step in making a difference in your community as a Right at Home franchisee, visit https://rightathomefranchise.com/.
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