With a background in project management and strategic planning across investment and real estate firms, Abby Savran never saw herself as a franchise owner. But after an honest and transparent conversation with Right at Home, she knew this was the right path.

Savran was drawn to Right at Home’s commitment to providing quality in-home care, a service she believes is essential for families navigating the challenges of aging and caregiving. She also wants to break the stigma around asking for help, especially for seniors who may feel like they are losing their independence by seeking assistance. Having experienced her own struggles with asking for support, she understands the importance of providing compassionate, reliable care for those in need. 

Now, as she begins on this new journey, her goal is to create a trusted, locally owned resource that helps seniors and families in Houston find the support they need without fear or hesitation.

1851 Franchise spoke to Savran about her franchise journey with Right at Home and her mission to reshape attitudes toward in-home care. Here’s what she 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?

Abby Savran: Before this business transition, I was a project management, strategy and planning expert in the corporate world. I worked in investment firms, starting my career in Abu Dhabi before moving to Canada. My experience spans investment firms, real estate firms and, in Canada, a Crown corporation responsible for ensuring the housing system and financial sector met regulatory standards. Their focus was on housing affordability and financial stability. So, that was my background — primarily project management and strategic planning roles.

Franchising wasn’t at the top of my mind because of the significant responsibilities involved. However, when I had my initial call with Right at Home, the conversation flowed naturally. It was easy to talk to them, and I immediately sensed that they weren’t just trying to sell me something. They were transparent from the beginning, which made me feel comfortable.

I looked at different businesses and franchises, but none of my conversations with other brands felt as natural or comfortable as my discussions with Right at Home. It really came down to instinct and gut feeling — how the communication was handled and how they showed genuine interest in me, just as I was interested in them. One thing that really stood out was that it wasn’t just about them selling me on the franchise — I had to be approved, too. That meant a lot because it showed they cared about who would represent their brand. That was the defining factor for me. While I was doing my due diligence, they were doing theirs to ensure we were the right fit. That’s what I love about them.

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?

Savran: To be honest, my perception of franchising was pretty negative. When I thought of franchising, my mind immediately went to food franchises — restaurants and those big corporate giants. I have family members in the restaurant franchise business, and from what I saw, there was a lot of control and oversight. While they provided resources, they also took a lot in return, and the support system wasn’t as strong. It seemed like you either made it or you were on your own. That was the perception I had, reinforced by conversations with people in the restaurant franchise industry.

So when I was exploring business opportunities, franchising wasn’t even on my radar. It was an automatic “no” for me. But then I spoke with a franchise broker, and we had an easy two-hour conversation where we even talked about our personal lives. She connected me with Right at Home, and that’s when my perception changed.

The key reason it changed was that Right at Home wasn’t trying to sell me on anything. They were upfront about everything, including the financial aspects and even the potential red flags in an agreement. They walked me through a process where I could speak with other franchisees and ask them about their experiences. I had weeks to do my homework and access their resources before making any commitments.

That transparency and structured process shifted my perspective. I realized that not all franchisors operate the same way — some truly prioritize franchisee success, and Right at Home is one of them.

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

Savran: Right at Home stood out to me from the very beginning. The first person I spoke with — the salesperson — was just like me: no-nonsense and straight to the point. I appreciated that there was no fluff in our conversations. She gave it to me real, sharing both the positives and the challenges, telling me upfront that I would struggle in the beginning. It wasn’t presented as an easy path where everything would just fall into place; she made it clear that success would require a lot of effort and hard work.

Another major factor that impressed me was the access to top management. Coming from the corporate world, I know how difficult it can be to reach executives — there’s always a hierarchy of gatekeepers. But with Right at Home, the CEO is down-to-earth and accessible. You can call her, reach out and actually get a response. That speaks volumes about the company’s culture and their commitment to their franchisees. No matter how big they get, they remain dedicated to their people.

I also loved the structure of Discovery Day. After doing all my research, I got to see other prospective franchisees going through the same process, evaluating if this was the right fit for them. The event lasted several hours, with senior leadership speaking on different aspects of the business. Everything was laid out clearly, and we had direct access to experts in various areas.

Another key aspect is the Residency Week. They don’t just take your money and leave you to figure things out on your own. They guide you every step of the way. The week-long training is hands-on, and even now, as I’m officially open but haven’t hired yet, they continue to support me. They help build the business, structure the organization and even provide guidance on things as specific as furniture and signage.

What I love most is that they don’t dictate how to run the business; instead, they’re always there when I need them. It’s like having a guiding presence — a “mother figure” to turn to when challenges arise. They’re always just a phone call away, with ongoing meetings to keep us on track and ensure we stay proactive. That level of continuous support is what I love most about Right at Home.

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

Savran: Since I’m just starting out, my main goal is to build a strong reputation in the community. I know it might sound a little cliché, but I want to be recognized — not necessarily with physical awards, but as a company that truly performs for the community and makes an impact within my territory. Those are the kinds of "awards" I strive for — the validation that our work is making a real difference.

I want to see the results of our efforts, whether through positive Google reviews, emails, phone calls or simple comments from people who feel our services have improved their lives. The nature of our work means we’re often helping people during vulnerable times, and knowing that our services provide them with comfort and support is my ultimate goal.

To achieve this, I will continue to educate myself. While I don’t come from a medical background, I do have a family history in the medical field, so there’s some familiarity. But I know there’s a lot to learn, and I’m committed to taking courses and earning certifications to bring myself up to speed. When I’m passionate about something, I go all in — and this business is no different.

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

Savran: I come from a background where asking for help is considered taboo, especially for elders. That’s one of the reasons why I wanted to get into this business — I want to break that mindset and challenge the status quo. One day I’ll be old too, and while I would love for my kids to take care of me, I can’t place that burden on them.

What I want people to understand is that it’s okay to ask for help. It doesn’t mean you’re giving away your rights or your autonomy. It means you’re strong enough to recognize that you can’t do everything alone. Even as healthy individuals, we all need support at some point — so imagine how much more important that support is when someone is unwell or requires assistance.

That’s why we’re here — to help. I’ve been in a similar situation, though in a different way. After having two kids, I experienced postpartum challenges, and that was an incredibly lonely world. Because of my background and mindset, I was hesitant to ask for help — and as a result, I suffered. I don’t want others to go through that same experience.

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

Savran: If I were to give advice to anyone considering franchising, I’d say give it a shot. If the first few options don’t feel right, keep looking. You’ll know when you find the right one because the conversations will flow naturally, and you’ll feel more confident about the financial commitment. Do your homework, ask questions and request opportunities to connect with other franchisees. Talking to others gives you a real sense of how the business operates and whether it’s something you want to pursue — especially in that critical first year.

ABOUT RIGHT AT HOME: 

Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home care to seniors and adults with disabilities who want to live independently. Most Right at Home offices are independently owned and operated and directly employ and supervise all caregiving staff. Each caregiver is thoroughly screened, trained, and bonded/insured before entering a client’s home. Right at Home’s global office is based in Omaha, Nebraska, with more than 700 franchise locations in the U.S. and five other countries.

If you're interested in taking the next step in making a difference in your community as a Right at Home franchisee, visit http://rightathomefranchise.com or to read more about franchise ownership, visit our blog at: https://rightathomefranchise.com/forc/.