Right at Home

<a href="https://rightathomefranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-right-at-homes-culture-sets-it-apart-from-other-in-home-care-franchise-brands-2728344" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Right at Home</a>, the 700-plus-unit in-home care franchise, stands out in the competitive home care industry due to its unparalleled focus on culture. From the corporate leadership team to the caregivers working directly with clients, the brand fosters an environment of support, recognition, and collaboration.&nbsp;This commitment to culture is a driving force behind its long-standing success, as evidenced by numerous accolades, including the Great Place to Work® certification and recognition from Franchise Business Review's Culture100 Awards.1851 Franchise spoke to Vice President of People Strategy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholeholleshrprofessional/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-right-at-homes-culture-sets-it-apart-from-other-in-home-care-franchise-brands-2728344" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Nikki Holles</a>, Director of Franchise People Strategy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-schultz-41097163/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-right-at-homes-culture-sets-it-apart-from-other-in-home-care-franchise-brands-2728344" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jessica Schultz</a>, and Franchisee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-rankine-ph-d-9580a99/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-right-at-homes-culture-sets-it-apart-from-other-in-home-care-franchise-brands-2728344" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Michelle Rankine</a> about what makes&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/rightathome/info">Right at Home</a> such a special place to work.&nbsp;<h3>Meeting People Where They Are</h3>Right at Home’s culture thrives on meeting franchisees and employees at their unique points of need, ensuring each caregiver and team member feels supported. This approach extends to accommodating varying levels of technological proficiency among staff and ensuring everyone can access resources that enhance their work experience."Every employee across the Right at Home network — spanning over 50,000 people — has varying levels of technological awareness and proficiency,” said Holles. “Different parts of the job require different types of technology, whether it’s something as simple as clocking in and out or more engaging tools like a rewards and recognition program, an engagement platform, or a social feed. It’s essential that we meet employees where they are in terms of their technological needs, knowledge, and skill sets."Right at Home’s franchisees experience an extraordinary level of support that goes beyond operational tools and resources. Franchisees benefit from transparency in data-sharing and a collaborative approach to strategic planning, fostering a community of mutual growth."Support changes as you grow in the business — I think you then become the support, too. For me, starting out was crucial,” said Rankine. “I purchased a resale, so it wasn’t the same experience as starting from scratch. Everything came at me fast, and my business coach was invaluable during that time. My neighbors were also a huge support, stepping in when unexpected challenges arose. You can’t always predict what will happen, but having that kind of backing from the system and my peers made all the difference. I’m forever indebted and thankful for the support I received."Additionally, the Strategic Leadership Council provides a platform for franchisees to voice their perspectives and ensure communication across regions remains consistent."The Strategic Leadership Council serves as representatives for different regions across the United States, ensuring that the voices and concerns of each area are heard,” said Rankine, who serves on the council. “It helps synergize communication in a large system, making sure everyone knows what’s happening. The council acts as a voice for initiatives and provides one-on-one opportunities for franchisees to share what they’re seeing in their businesses. It’s a soundboard for the entire system, addressing regional trends and struggles while working toward meaningful change.”&nbsp;<h3>Corporate-Driven Recognition and Consistency</h3>Right at Home places a strong emphasis on recognition, particularly through programs like the Caregiver of the Year initiative. These programs not only celebrate extraordinary caregivers but also reinforce the company’s core values of compassion and service."Our Caregiver of the Year program helps define what extraordinary truly means,” said Schultz. “By allowing franchisees to nominate an exceptional caregiver, we highlight the incredible work being done every day. It showcases caregivers who go above and beyond to help clients, reinforcing what our business is all about. Celebrating these extraordinary individuals keeps us focused and energized, and it’s one of the reasons we all love working here.”Consistency across locations is another cornerstone of Right at Home’s culture. Corporate oversight ensures uniform standards for client care, caregiver training, and branding."Our Brand Standards department ensures consistency across the entire Right at Home network,” said Holles. “Franchisees are required to uphold specific standards that align with our commitment to quality. We evaluate our brand standards through three key components, one of which is consistency. Whether it’s a client, a referral source, or a caregiver, we want everyone to have the same experience, whether they’re engaging with the San Antonio, Boston, or Los Angeles office. The branding, colors, and caregiver training should all be consistent across locations."<h3>Celebrated as a Best Place To Work</h3><a href="https://1851franchise.com/rightathome/right-at-home-earns-great-places-to-work-certification-2726529#stories">The Great Place to Work®</a> certification and Culture100 Awards underscore the brand’s commitment to fostering a positive work environment. These accolades are not just a testament to employee satisfaction but also tools for franchisees to attract and retain top talent.Right at Home’s people-first approach has cultivated a culture that resonates across all levels of its organization. Whether through comprehensive franchisee support, consistent operational standards, or meaningful caregiver recognition, the brand exemplifies what it means to lead with heart in the in-home care industry."I think everyone comes to Right at Home with a purpose to fulfill. It reminds us of the incredible work our caregivers do and the impact they have on our clients’ lives,” said Schultz. “Caregivers work firsthand with clients, creating meaningful change. It’s truly amazing to acknowledge the difference they make every day. That, in a nutshell, reflects our culture and what we strive to achieve daily."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=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-right-at-homes-culture-sets-it-apart-from-other-in-home-care-franchise-brands-2728344" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://rightathomefranchise.com/</a>.

How Right at Home's Culture Sets It Apart From Other In-Home Care Franchise Brands

How Right at Home's Culture Sets It Apart from In-Home Care Franchises

1851 Franchise

Exploring the unique, people-first culture that defines Right at Home at both the corporate and franchise levels.

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

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

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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.

Why Rural Areas Make Great Communities for Right at Home

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

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

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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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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.

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How Right at Home's Culture Sets It Apart From Other In-Home Care Franchise Brands

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