Right at Home

Each year,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/rightathome/info">Right at Home</a>, the 700-plus-unit in-home care franchise hosts a convention to unite the franchise system, welcoming international master licensees, global partners, franchisees, office staff, and subject matter experts to celebrate the wins of the last year and realign for another great year of growth and service. To reignite passion for the brand and recognize the hard work of local owners,&nbsp;<a href="https://rightathomefranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-right-at-home-franchisee-spencer-robinsons-personal-experience-motivated-him-to-make-a-difference-in-his-community-gaining-success-in-his-first-year-of-business-2723659" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Right at Home</a> awards a suite of excellence, transformation, and growth awards, including Rookie of the Year, which recognizes the U.S. franchisee who experienced the fastest revenue growth for the first 12 months after their initial office officially opened.Recognized as Rookie of the Year at Right at Home’s 2023 convention,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-robinson-45962a4b/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-right-at-home-franchisee-spencer-robinsons-personal-experience-motivated-him-to-make-a-difference-in-his-community-gaining-success-in-his-first-year-of-business-2723659" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Spencer Robinson</a>, a part-owner of three Texas Right at Home franchises, has played a crucial role in the territories’ growth. In partnership with his friend and former classmate,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/trung-giang-4a8aa314/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-right-at-home-franchisee-spencer-robinsons-personal-experience-motivated-him-to-make-a-difference-in-his-community-gaining-success-in-his-first-year-of-business-2723659" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Trung Giang</a>, whom he met in an MBA program, Robinson was able to secure the fastest revenue growth for the first year of operations following the first location’s opening — an impressive feat among a cohort of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/rightathome/right-at-home-closes-out-2022-with-25-new-locations-with-plans-of-24-for-2023-2721004#franchisor">25 new franchises</a> that also opened in 2022, and a larger network of over 700 locations.While the Texas franchisee made important steps in his first year of ownership, recognizing his and his business partner’s journey to and drivers in the business is just as crucial.After personal experience with his family who needed long-term care, Robinson became all too familiar with the challenges associated with in-facility care and was privy to the incredible benefits that can accompany in-home care.&nbsp;“I think a lot of people get into this business because they have to — because they’ve seen the other side of it. Both sides of my family have had Alzheimer’s. My grandmother on my mom’s side had it, and we went through multiple private caregivers, agencies, and even a home. We had a difficult time finding a company who cared, a company who would come out and meet with us or answer questions on a Saturday morning,” he said. “My dad’s mom, on the other hand, lived at home with a caregiver. They had a great relationship, and it was the same caregiver every day. She ended up passing in her home, and she wanted my dad and her caregiver there with her because she felt so comfortable.”Personally witnessing both extremes made Robinson hyper-aware of the importance of high-quality care and the need for it in the community. He has experienced the positive impact of a caregiver who is flexible and genuinely interested in the family’s needs, and after moving into the other side of the relationship, he works to provide that same benefit for other families.With this in mind, he can even better service clients, bringing a personal understanding of what creates a great experience for each and every client interaction.&nbsp;“Right at Home starts with our passionate franchise owners,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennychaney/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-right-at-home-franchisee-spencer-robinsons-personal-experience-motivated-him-to-make-a-difference-in-his-community-gaining-success-in-his-first-year-of-business-2723659" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jennifer Chaney</a>,&nbsp;Vice President of Franchise Development. “We seek passionate individuals who aren’t just looking for a business to make a living. Entrepreneurs should choose Right at Home to make a positive impact on their communities and the people for whom they provide care. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for everyone we serve.”In a context as intimate as in-home care, a business owner’s ability to build truly strong relationships and become integrated with a family is even more important, and Robinson’s ability to do so alongside Giang has been a key contributor to their early success.<h3>Why Robinson and Giang Care So Deeply About the Right at Home Mission</h3>“Trung is an amazing individual who cares a lot about people, and I didn’t get to experience that when I was in a corporate role. I was just looking at computers and crunching numbers, not really having my hand in day-to-day activities,” said Robinson. “So when Trung walked me through his success, I got to see a lot of the positives. When a territory just south of Waco came available, we jumped on it.”Robinson explained that, on a baseline level, he and Giang were just two people who met in school, went on to their own careers, reunited after a period of time, and were lucky enough to find a successful business opportunity.&nbsp;Both Robinson and Giang have strong educational backgrounds as it relates to business and now practical experience, too. Robinson admits that a substantial amount of their success can be attributed to the deep level of care and passion they have for their work and the larger industry.<h3>How the Team Puts Their Clients First</h3>“At the end of the day, our clients have to be taken care of,” said Giang. “It doesn’t matter if a staff member has car troubles or we have someone call out. Whatever it is, we share the same values, and Spencer makes sure he is the one who can manage the operation. He makes sure that his team is going to be able to find a caregiver so the client will have what they need. And I think that speaks volumes in terms of how we strategize, live, and operate.”Giang also noted that, while the Rookie of the Year award was given to the owners of the locations, he is grateful for the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in making the first year so successful.“At the end of the day, it’s not just me, and it’s not just Spencer,” he said. “We have a team that works together to make this successful. If you ask me, the artists — the caregivers — that we work with who are willing to go the extra mile and the office staff that, at a moment’s notice, will reach out to a client also make this happen.”After a phenomenal first year and being named Rookie of the Year, Robinson said he looks forward to being named Head of Class in the future and does not intend to ever compromise the quality of the service offered to local clients.If you're interested in taking the next step in making a difference in your community as a Right at Home franchisee, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://rightathomefranchise.com/?utm_source=1851&amp%3Butm_medium=article&amp%3Butm_campaign=pr&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-right-at-home-franchisee-spencer-robinsons-personal-experience-motivated-him-to-make-a-difference-in-his-community-gaining-success-in-his-first-year-of-business-2723659" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://rightathomefranchise.com/</a>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.&nbsp; If you are interested in learning more or in owning a Right at Home franchise, please visit us at:<a href="https://rightathomefranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-right-at-home-franchisee-spencer-robinsons-personal-experience-motivated-him-to-make-a-difference-in-his-community-gaining-success-in-his-first-year-of-business-2723659" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;https://rightathomefranchise.com/</a> or to read more about franchise ownership, visit our blog at:<a href="https://rightathomefranchise.com/forc/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-right-at-home-franchisee-spencer-robinsons-personal-experience-motivated-him-to-make-a-difference-in-his-community-gaining-success-in-his-first-year-of-business-2723659" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;https://rightathomefranchise.com/forc/</a>

How Right at Home Franchisee Spencer Robinson’s Personal Experience Motivated Him to Make a Difference in His Community, Gaining Success in His First Year of Business

1851 Franchise

Robinson teamed up with a former classmate and franchise partner, ultimately receiving national recognition for his contributions to multiple in-home care franchises in their Texas communities.

This brand page has been paid for by RIGHT AT HOME. 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

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Why This Mother and Daughter Team are Opening a Right at Home Franchise Together in Janesville, Wisconsin

Right at Home Finishes 2025 Strong, Launches New Tech and Sets Sights on 2026 Franchise Growth

Right at Home Targets Ames and Nearby Rural Communities for In-Home Care Growth

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The Right at Home owner used lessons from disappointing workplace experiences to improve retention, grow across Iowa and create a culture built on accountability and respect.

Why Stephanie Humphries Built Her Business Around the Employees She Once Felt Like

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Long before she became a&nbsp;<a href="https://rightathomefranchise.com/">Right at Home</a> franchisee in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rightathome.net/janesville">Janesville, Wisconsin</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-villa/">Katie Villa</a> had spent much of her adult life as a caregiver. She started in the field during college and continued in patient care after becoming a nurse. This past year, she took care of her grandfather during his end-of-life hospice care.&nbsp;“That was very eye-opening and really showed me the importance of having seniors age in their home and providing them that dignity,” she said. “And also having caregivers in the home who are compassionate and provide quality care.”Katie began looking into in-home care, including hospice nursing, as a possible next step. Around that time, she came across a newspaper article about&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/rightathome/info">Right at Home</a> and sent it to her mom,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryjovilla/">Mary Jo Villa</a>. Mary Jo encouraged her to learn more, and before long, she was interested in the opportunity, too.Mary Jo spent her career in human resources and operations for a group of newspapers and radio stations, where she held almost every seat except the newsroom. Now, she works for a large holding company, where she supports 20 different companies with benefits work.&nbsp;“When Katie saw this article and sent it to me, my first piece of pride was, ‘Yes, she's still reading the newspaper.’ But I told her we should absolutely explore it,” Mary Jo said. “I have been so impressed with Right at Home. They were clearly selecting us, and we were selecting them.”From the early discovery process through onboarding, the Villas were impressed with how much structure and support the brand provided. The training programs and ongoing business coaching gave them confidence in the business.&nbsp;“Katie's only 30 years old, and so yes, she has me, but you need someone other than your mom validating what your mom says,” Mary Jo said. “So I’ve been extremely impressed with the expertise coming out of Right at Home corporate&nbsp;and how they bring new owners on.”<h2>What It’s Like Working as a Family</h2>Working with your mom, or any family member, isn’t for everyone. It can often be polarizing, with some people not recommending it at all, and some not being able to recommend it enough. Katie and Mary Jo see their different strengths, and the time they spend together, as part of what makes the partnership work.“I never could have imagined doing this without my mom,” Katie said. “Obviously, her knowledge and her expertise, but also her support. I think that we're so fortunate to have a close relationship. I've watched her my entire life. She's been a boss my entire life and this really embodies that and being able to continue that legacy in our family.”For Mary Jo, one of the most rewarding parts has been watching Katie step into her own expertise. Katie oversees the caregiving and client side of the business, while Mary Jo handles operations and strategy, giving the two a natural division of responsibilities.“I'm here and highly involved and working, but Katie is the principal operator,” she said. “I've worked in family offices my whole life. You just draw those boundaries. There are the things that you're going to make a mutual decision on and there are the things that you say, ‘No, this is your decision’ or 'This is my decision.’ And then you don't second-guess each other.”Because their skill sets are so different, the partnership has been easier to navigate. Katie leads decisions around care plans and client relationships, while Mary Jo takes the lead on business systems and financial structure.“We enjoy being together and we laugh a lot. We believe in hard work, but we have fun. There's nothing that is so profound that it would affect our mother-daughter relationship,” Mary Jo said.&nbsp;<h2>How They Are Building a Presence in Janesville</h2>The Villas are building their business with a strong focus on their community. Having lived and worked in the area for decades, Mary Jo sees that as a major advantage.“I've been established in the community for almost 40 years,” she said. “We consider our entire family a part of this, even if they won't be employed, so to speak. Our whole family is going to be in T-shirts at events. We'll be out as a public face in the community.”As a young owner, Katie plans to stay involved and continue building both the client base and the caregiver network. She sees Right at Home as an opportunity to serve seniors and create opportunities for people in the community who want to step into caregiving roles.“I want to be able to be the go-to person in this community for both our clients, for the seniors, but also for our caregivers,” she said. “Whether you're a student, whether you've been a caregiver for your family, whether you're retired and looking to help out somebody in the community, I really want to encourage people and empower the caregivers to do those things and come up with creative ideas to help grow the business.”If you're interested in taking the next step in making a difference in your community as a Right at Home franchisee, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://rightathomefranchise.com/">https://rightathomefranchise.com/</a>.&nbsp;

Why This Mother and Daughter Team are Opening a Right at Home Franchise Together in Janesville

Katie Villa’s experience caring for her grandfather during hospice showed her the value of dignified in-home care and inspired a new chapter with her mother, Mary Jo.

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Right at Home Franchise Owner Stephanie Humphries to Share Journey From Physical Therapy to Multi-Unit Growth

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Right at Home Franchisees Awarded Franchisee Excellence Award by Franchise Business Review

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<a href="https://rightathomefranchise.com/">Right at Home</a>, a franchise brand focused on in-home care services, ranked No. 5 on Entrepreneur’s 2026 list of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/directory/top-low-under100k-ranking">Top Franchises Under $100,000</a> after climbing 10 spots from the previous year.The annual ranking highlights franchise systems that offer a lower initial investment threshold while still delivering strong brand support, growth potential and operational performance. Entrepreneur evaluates brands based on factors including costs and fees, franchisee support, brand strength, financial stability and growth trajectory.The ongoing success of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/rightathome/info">Right at Home</a> is a result of its steady expansion and continuous investment in the tools and infrastructure that support its franchisees. The brand has made it a priority to keep system entry attainable while still delivering great performance at the unit level, a smart approach that has really connected with both new and seasoned operators.As more families look for in-home care options,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/rightathome/right-at-home-franchise-resale-benefits-2731823#featured">Right at Home has room to keep growing</a> with franchise owners who share its focus on people and care.To view the full ranking, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/directory/top-low-under100k-ranking?type=multisearch&amp;data1=randomize:false,rankId:tl100&amp;sort=f500&amp;sortMethod=global&amp;globalLimit=25">Entrepreneur’s Top Franchises Under $100,000 list</a>.If you're interested in taking the next step in making a difference in your community as a Right at Home franchisee, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://rightathomefranchise.com/">https://rightathomefranchise.com/</a>.

The in-home care franchise makes a significant jump thanks to strong system performance and a growing demand for senior care services.

Right at Home Ranks No. 5 on Entrepreneur’s 2026 Top Franchises Under $100,000 

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Buying a resale franchise within the&nbsp;<a href="https://rightathomefranchise.com/">Right at Home</a> system can offer a practical way to enter the in-home care industry. Instead of launching a new office from the ground up, resale buyers step into an established location that already has caregivers, clients and day-to-day processes in place. That structure allows new owners to focus on learning the business and building relationships while continuing to serve the community.From the brand’s perspective, resale opportunities are designed to give new owners a head start while preserving what has already been built.“It’s a way for entrepreneurs to purchase something that is already well established,” said Angela Young, Director of Resales for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/rightathome/info">Right at Home</a>. “They can benefit from the relationships with clients, caregivers and referral partners that are already in place and step in to take the business to new heights.”Resale opportunities can be especially appealing to entrepreneurs who want to grow an existing operation rather than start from scratch.&nbsp;<a href="http://linkedin.com/in/erica-celeste-carlisle">Erica Carlisle</a> took that path when she purchased a Right at Home resale location in the San Francisco Bay Area.“I was planning to acquire an existing business. I wasn’t looking to do a startup,” Carlisle said. “It seemed like a better fit with my background, skills and experience, which have been more along the lines of building companies and scaling them up.”<h2>An Existing Client Base and Team</h2>Buying a resale location also means stepping into a business that already has staff in place and clients who are actively receiving care. That can make the transition smoother for families and give the new owner a better sense of how the operation runs day to day.In the early weeks after taking over the business, franchisees can focus on getting to know the people connected to the office.“It’s a completely different thing than trying to start up from scratch,” Carlisle said. “Your days are filled with trying to get to know the caregivers, get to know the clients and their families and the existing office team.”Spending time with clients and caregivers helped her quickly learn the rhythm of the business while maintaining relationships already established within the community. That continuity also extends beyond daily operations.“They’ve already set up processes in the office and built strong teams,” Young said. “It’s very advantageous to retain that staff and step into a business where people are already doing the job.”<h2>A Smooth Transition Between Owners</h2>The transition often includes a brief period where the previous owner works alongside the new franchisee. That time allows the new owner to learn the systems and routines that keep the business running day to day.“For the first few weeks, the seller and I worked side by side so he could teach me critical things like how to run payroll and the processes that need to keep going with no errors,” Carlisle said.That hands-on transition helped her understand the day-to-day responsibilities involved in operating the office. The transition is also supported at the system level to help ensure stability for both clients and staff.“The owners have put a lot of time and effort into this, and they really care about their clients and the people who work in their communities,” Young said.&nbsp;<h2>Established Processes Help Owners Learn Faster</h2>A resale franchise also comes with systems that are already functioning. Recruiting, scheduling, payroll and billing processes are typically in place before the new owner arrives.&nbsp;The office team already understands those workflows, which can make the learning process easier for a new franchisee.“Most of the core processes the team knew how to do,” Carlisle said. “You have to rely on the team for a while to say ‘OK, you're going to do it to that point, and then I'm going to do this piece.’”That collaboration allowed her to gradually learn each step involved in hiring caregivers, managing schedules and handling administrative responsibilities.<h2>Training, Coaching and a Strong Franchise Network</h2>Even though resale buyers are stepping into an existing business, they still receive the same support offered to new franchisees across the Right at Home system. That support includes formal training, coaching and ongoing guidance from the franchisor.New owners attend a week-long training program at the company’s headquarters in Omaha. Franchisees also work with a coach who meets with them frequently in the early stages of ownership. Even for resale buyers, the onboarding process mirrors what new franchisees experience across the system.“If you’re new to the system, you still go through our Right Start training and learn the fundamentals of home care,” Young said. “You also have coaches and subject matter experts supporting you in everything from operations to marketing.”In addition to coaching, franchisees have access to topic-specific calls, marketing guidance and a network of fellow owners who can share insights and advice.&nbsp;“Other owners are super helpful,” she said. “People in the corporate headquarters in Omaha have been really supportive and full of expertise and information that has helped.”These resale opportunities give prospective franchisees the chance to acquire an established business while benefiting from the brand's training and support. For many buyers, that combination creates a more stable path into ownership. Once they're ready to sell, Right at Home supports them through that transition as well, helping ensure a smooth handoff to the next owner.“We support our franchisees all the way through their journey,” Young said. “We want the selling of their business to be that grand finale of this very fruitful journey they've had with Right at Home.”&nbsp;If you're interested in taking the next step in making a difference in your community as a Right at Home franchisee, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://rightathomefranchise.com/.">https://rightathomefranchise.com/.</a>&nbsp;

Why Buying a Right at Home Resale Can Be a Smart Entry Into Owning a Senior In-Home Care Franchise

Right at Home resale opportunities allow new franchisees to take over an established operation while receiving training, coaching and ongoing support from the brand.

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AMES, Iowa&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="http://rightathomefranchise.com">Right at Home</a>, the industry-leading in-home care franchise with more than 750 locations across the United States and four other countries, is targeting&nbsp;<a href="https://rightathomefranchise.com/available-territories/franchise-opportunities-in-iowa/">Ames</a> for its next phase of strategic growth, with a focus on smaller communities and nearby rural areas where families often have fewer local care options. The brand plans to open 1 new unit across Ames, Marshalltown, Fort Dodge, and surrounding communities to meet the growing demand for in-home support for seniors and adults with disabilities who want to remain at home.For local entrepreneurs, the opportunity is clear: build a relationship-driven business in markets where assurance travels fast and dependable care can make an outsized impact. In many rural communities, families face longer drive times, limited provider choice, and fewer resources to help loved ones age in place.&nbsp;<a href="http://1851franchise.com/rightathome/info">Right at Home’s</a> model is designed to help franchisees bring consistent, professional care closer to where people live while creating a resilient local business rooted in the community.“We see real opportunity in Ames. Families here need reliable care, and there are local leaders who want to step up and provide it,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennychaney/">Jennifer Chaney</a>, Senior Vice President of Franchise Development and Sales. “We’re excited to meet people who care about their community and want to build a business that makes a difference.”Right at Home enters 2026 after a steady year of development and progress. The company awarded 24 new territories in 2025 and completed 22 resales, with nearly 30 new offices opening across the country, many tied to territories sold in 2024. “It’s been a really fantastic year,” Chaney said. “Territory sales and resale activity have both been very consistent with years past. There haven’t been any curveballs or unforeseen circumstances that got us off track — it’s just been a solid, steady year for our system.”Ames presents a strong opportunity for in-home care services, with an 65+ aging population of 40,489, and 5,000 of those seniors being over the age of 85. A high percentage of aging adults, along with the growing desire for older Americans to age in place, presents a strong opportunity for in-home care services.Right at Home strengthened its franchisee tool kit in 2025 with major technology rollouts, including a systemwide Zoho CRM launch to support functions from client management to day-to-day scheduling, and a new Encapture partnership that produced a custom app to make daily operations easier by streamlining onboarding, training and document sharing. The brand also expanded family-facing support through RightAssist, a discreet monitoring bracelet and mobile app, and deeper involvement in Medicare’s GUIDE (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience) program to better serve families caring for loved ones with dementia.The company’s reputation for quality continues to be recognized across the franchise industry. Right at Home has been ranked on the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 list for the 23rd consecutive year and was named a 2026 Top 10 Senior Care Franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine. The brand also received the Culture100 Award from Franchise Business Review and was named to Franchise Business Review’s 2026 Hall of Fame. In 2025, Franchise Business Review celebrated Right at Home with several major honors, including Top Overall Franchise, Most Profitable Franchise, and recognition for culture, veteran opportunities, and franchisee satisfaction.Right at Home is dedicated to helping seniors and adults with disabilities live independently through personalized in-home care. Its services range from companionship and personal care to assistance with everyday activities. Each locally owned office employs thoroughly screened and trained caregivers who are insured and committed to delivering peace of mind to the families they serve.“Our focus is on giving franchise owners the tools and guidance they need to thrive,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallory-hoskinson/">Mallory Hoskinson</a>, Senior Director of Growth and Engagement. “Whether it’s lead generation, operations, or long-term strategy, we’re here to help them build strong, lasting businesses.”To learn more about franchising with Right at Home, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://rightathomefranchise.com/">https://rightathomefranchise.com/</a>.ABOUT RIGHT AT HOMEFounded 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 780 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:&nbsp;<a href="https://rightathomefranchise.com/forc/">https://rightathomefranchise.com/forc/</a>.

Backed by a 750-plus-unit system and momentum from 2025, the in-home care franchisor is focusing on smaller markets where seniors need reliable support close to home.

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<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremystarkel/">Jeremy</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-starkel-941880112/">Kristen Starkel</a> built their careers in Omaha, but both came from smaller communities in rural Nebraska. Over time, they began thinking about what it would look like to return and build something in the places where they grew up, close to family, friends, and the people they knew best.“We were really drawn back to home,” Jeremy said. “This is where we were born and raised, where our friends and family are. We wanted to do something that would give back to the community and align with our skills and our passion, whether that was healthcare from a staffing standpoint or more hands-on patient care.”That decision led them to&nbsp;<a href="https://rightathomefranchise.com/">Right at Home</a>, where they now operate five locations across northeast and central Nebraska, serving a wide range of rural and farm-based communities.<h2>Meeting a Real Need in Rural Markets</h2>Many residents in rural areas live miles from the nearest hospital or clinic, with limited options in some cases. This creates a real challenge for older adults who want to remain at home.“We serve a lot of the farm communities, the gravel roads, the cornfield areas of Nebraska where people don’t have access to care as much,” Jeremy said. “We don’t have a lot of nursing homes or hospitals in some of these areas, so people have to drive a long distance. It’s nice to be able to go to them and help them in their homes.”In many of these communities, home care is one of the only consistent options available, especially for seniors who are not ready or willing to relocate. That creates a steady, often urgent demand for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/rightathome/info">Right at Home</a>. It also allows providers to step in as a reliable solution where other parts of the healthcare system may be harder to reach.“So it’s really rewarding to be able to give people that option,” Jeremy said. “There just aren’t a lot of choices out here, and if someone wants to stay home, we can help make that possible.”<h2>Overcoming Logistics and Building Scale</h2>Operating in rural markets comes with its own unique challenges. Travel distances are longer, hiring can take more time and scheduling requires flexibility across a wide geographic area.“It’s not unusual for someone to drive 45 minutes to an hour to get to a client,” Jeremy said. “We have to set that expectation upfront with our care staff. The clients are there and they need the care, but you might not have someone right next door, so you have to be willing to drive.”Having coverage in more remote areas can also be a challenge, especially when caregivers are not available nearby right away. But the team works to coordinate care as soon as possible, sometimes even collaboratively with other providers.&nbsp;“You might not have a caregiver in those areas already, so it can take a little bit of time to get care lined up,” Kristen said. “At the end of the day, we want to make sure the client gets taken care of one way or another.”<h2>The Advantage of Small-Town Trust</h2>Though it can be more logistically challenging in rural areas, these areas offer trust that’s usually difficult to replicate in larger markets. Reputation spreads quickly in small towns and relationships carry even more weight.&nbsp;“A lot of it is word of mouth,” Jeremy said. “If you have a good reputation in a small community, people talk. We’ve built trust over time by providing quality care, and people share their experiences with neighbors, friends, and family. That’s been a big driver of our business.”That has allowed the Starkels’ locations to expand without relying heavily on traditional advertising. New clients often come in having already heard about the brand from someone they trust.<h2>A Business That Feels Personal</h2>In rural markets, the work often feels more personal because of how closely connected communities are. Many clients are not strangers but people the Starkels and their team already know.“I’ve taken care of school teachers of mine, and we’ve worked with friends’ parents and grandparents,” Jeremy said. “When people need help, they already know we’re here and they know they can call us. That’s a really neat part of being in a small community.”The team also actively participates in local events, partners with organizations and volunteers their time to support the people they serve. That involvement helps strengthen relationships and keeps the business closely connected to the communities it serves.“We do a lot of volunteering and community involvement, whether it’s working with senior centers, partnering with the VA or helping with local fundraisers,” Kristen said. “We’ve been fortunate to be where we are, so we want to give back and be part of the community, not just operate a business in it.”<h2>Why Rural Markets Are Worth the Investment</h2>Rural markets may not always be the obvious choice for starting a franchise. Population size and geography can raise questions about scalability, but the Starkels’ experience shows that those concerns are often outweighed by opportunity.“When we were first looking at it, people might say a market like Norfolk, Nebraska isn’t big enough or doesn’t have the population to support it,” Jeremy said. “But I think we’re a testament that that’s not necessarily true. It’s really what you make of it.”In rural areas, where options can be limited, Right at Home provides a path for individuals to remain in their homes and communities. For many families, that option would not otherwise exist.“For a lot of people here, especially farmers, they don’t want to leave their homes,” Kristen said. “Being able to provide that option, to help them stay where they’re comfortable for as long as possible, is incredibly rewarding.”If you're interested in taking the next step in making a difference in your community as a Right at Home franchisee, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://rightathomefranchise.com/">https://rightathomefranchise.com/</a>.&nbsp;

From word-of-mouth referrals to gaps in care access, rural markets offer both purpose and long-term opportunity for home care providers.

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