Advice From a Multi-Unit Franchisee: Lew Dalupang, Right at Home

Multi-Unit Franchisee: Lew Dalupang

Franchise: Right at Home

In 2002, Lew Dalupang arrived in the U.S. with $200, his suitcase and a dream of providing care to seniors in need. Starting as an administrative assistant in a small nursing home, he spent the next two decades working his way up through the ranks of the organization, from human resources director to chief operating officer.

In 2019, Dalupang made the “bold decision” to strike out on his own in New Jersey. He purchased his first franchise with Right at Home, the in-home care concept for seniors and adults with disabilities who want to live independently. Earlier this year, he purchased a second Right at Home location and managed to consolidate four separate territories under one office.

“We are now currently serving more than 75 clients and providing employment opportunities to more than 100 caregivers,” said Dalupang. “At the end of the day, I can sleep well at night knowing that I provided compassionate care to someone and was able to give a source of livelihood to a family.”  

While Dalupang places a lot of importance on building the right team to lead an organization, he feels the most vital components of success are passion and faith in oneself. “Find something to love, something to do and something to hope for,” he said. “If you want to attain something, change your mindset, get out of your comfort zone, develop a plan and execute it.”

1851 Franchise spoke with Dalupang about his journey in franchising, his accomplishments in the industry and his advice for other entrepreneurs looking to become the next great multi-unit franchisees.

A transcript of the interview appears below. It has been edited for clarity, style and brevity.

1851 Franchise: Can you tell me your personal story? How did you find your way to franchising?

Lew Dalupang: Fairy tales can come true. I came from a third-world country where hot water and electricity are a privilege. I arrived in this amazing country 22 years ago with my suitcase, $200 in my pocket and a vision. I started working as an administrative assistant in a small nursing home in July of 2002. I was promoted to human resources director in December of 2002 and became the chief operating officer of a senior care organization, leading the operations and management of more than 500 employees providing elder care to more than 300 clients.  

In December of 2019, I made a bold decision to do things on my own and acquired an existing in-home care agency under the banner of Right at Home. On April 29, 2024, I was able to purchase another Right at Home agency.  I managed to consolidate four Right at Home territories into one office. So, we are now currently serving more than 75 clients and provide employment opportunities to more than 100 caregivers. 

1851: Did you consider scale right when you started? 

Dalupang: Always begin with an end in mind. My goal is to serve 100 clients and I always strive to find ways on how to attain that.  

1851: When evaluating a franchise opportunity, how do you evaluate a franchisor?  

Dalupang: Trust but verify. We are now in the era where any information we need is at the tips of our fingers. You do not have any excuse to miss out on any relevant information or data.  Always do your due diligence and talk to people who succeeded and failed in this industry.  

1851: If a franchisor wanted to capture your attention, how would they do so? 

Dalupang: Integrity is the most precious reputation. I need to have a franchisor who will consider me as a partner and value me as a person giving importance to what I can contribute. I need someone who will help me succeed. 

1851: What roadblocks did you have when going from one to two units? 

Dalupang: Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. Unfortunately, I took over the agency at the height of the COVID pandemic. We were down to 11 clients, and it was nerve racking, I kid you not!  

Additionally, this industry is a people business, so the greatest challenge would be — and still is —finding the right people to provide the right care and putting together the right team to lead the organization. 

1851: What advice do you have for first time franchisees wanting to become the next great multi-unit franchisee?  

Dalupang: You become what you believe. If you want to attain something, change your mindset, get out of your comfort zone, develop a plan and execute it.  

1851: Is there anything else you would like for our audience to know? 

Dalupang: Find something to love, something to do and something to hope for. This industry can feel thankless at times but, at the end of the day, I can sleep well at night knowing that I provided compassionate care to someone and was able to give a source of livelihood to a family.  

Every great franchisee had help buying a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit www.1851growthclub.com and start your journey.