After 30 years in the corporate world, Jim Benson began to feel the pressure of downsizing, becoming frustrated with having to let his teams go and wishing he could do something more meaningful. After beginning the franchise research process, Jim started considering senior care models, driven by his own experience coordinating care for his mother.

Together with his wife Robyn, who brings a history of caregiving and a deep commitment to the community, they are launching a Seniors Helping Seniors® franchise serving the Canton and Akron areas.

In addition to providing in-home care, the Bensons aim to foster meaningful connections between active seniors and those in need, creating a supportive and enriching environment for everyone involved.

The Bensons took the time to chat with 1851 Franchise to discuss all of this and more. Here’s what they had to say:

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?

Jim Benson: After 30 years in corporate America, I felt a calling to do something with a purpose. I had also been coordinating my mother's care, who lives with dementia and other health issues. Through that experience, I saw the good, the bad and the ugly of in-home care and realized the profound impact mature, engaged caregivers can have. This led me to look for an opportunity where I could make a big, positive impact, and that's when I found Seniors Helping Seniors®.

Robyn Benson: When Jim discovered the Seniors Helping Seniors® franchise after looking at several others, I initially wasn't sure. But when he explained the model and his vision, I knew it was our calling. I've been a stay-at-home mom for 20 years, active in our Hartville community. I saw how passionate Jim was, especially given his experiences with his mother, and I knew this was something we had to do together. I also have a background in caregiving, having taken care of quadriplegics and disabled women earlier in my life, so this feels like a natural fit.

1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Jim: My 30 years in corporate America were primarily in marketing and communications roles for companies like General Electric and a startup. After several downsizings and feeling like I wasn't making a significant societal impact, I was ready for a change where I could be in charge of my own destiny and do something meaningful. I explored other job options, but the idea of starting my own business, especially a franchise with a purpose, really appealed to me.

Robyn: We realized that by working together, we could build something successful and impactful. Franchising offered the support and established framework that made starting our own business less daunting.

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?

Jim: Before, I didn't have strong opinions about franchising, but now I see the immense value of the support and experience a good franchisor provides. Seniors Helping Seniors® has made this process much smoother with their training and coaching. The access to experienced individuals who know the industry is invaluable. I don't think we could have moved this quickly or confidently without their support.

Robyn: It's a lot of work, more than I initially imagined, but knowing we have the guidance and resources of an established brand makes it feel achievable. It's exciting to have the opportunity to determine our own success.

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

Jim: After researching several home care franchises, Seniors Helping Seniors® stood out because of its unique peer-to-peer caregiving model. The idea of active seniors helping other seniors just made so much sense based on my experience with my mother's care. The potential for genuine connection and companionship is what truly excites me.

Robyn: We believe this approach will lead to better care for seniors in our community and a more rewarding experience for the caregivers. The emphasis on treating caregivers like family also resonates deeply with us.

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

Jim: Our primary goal is to ensure that the seniors we help can live out their years with dignity in their own homes. We want to be the highest-rated in-home senior care agency in the Canton and Akron market. We plan to achieve this by hiring the best caregivers — seniors with a heart to serve and valuable life experiences — and by treating them with the utmost respect and providing them with excellent training and support.

Robyn: We want to create an agency where seniors and their families feel like they are part of our family. We aim to combat loneliness and depression in the senior community by fostering meaningful connections.

1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?

Jim: We believe that aging should be a journey filled with dignity, joy and purpose. Our personal experiences have given us a deep understanding of the challenges families face when caring for aging loved ones, and we are passionate about providing a solution that offers peace of mind and truly enriches the lives of seniors.

Robyn: My experience caring for individuals with significant needs early in my life, combined with seeing the challenges my mother's partner is now facing, has reinforced the importance of compassionate and reliable care. We are committed to bringing a relationship-driven approach to home care in Canton and Akron.

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

Jim: It's a lot of work, so make sure you choose something you are truly passionate about — something that will energize you every morning. Do your research and talk to existing franchisees to get a real understanding of the day-to-day operations and the support you can expect.

Robyn: Be prepared to work hard, and trust the process. It can feel overwhelming at times, but having a supportive franchisor and a clear vision will help you through it. Don't be afraid to ask questions and lean on the experience of others in the franchise system.

ABOUT SENIORS HELPING SENIORS®:

Seniors Helping Seniors® franchise system was founded by husband-and-wife duo Kiran and Philip Yocom. Kiran, who grew up in India, later worked to advance humanitarian efforts alongside Mother Teresa. After moving to the U.S. in 1995 and marrying her husband Philip, the Yocoms felt called to provide loving care to seniors and to cultivate an exchange of gifts at every generational level. Together, the Yocoms founded Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home services in 1998, opening the brand up to franchising in 2006. With a mission to be the most respected and rewarding home care provider in the U.S., Seniors Helping Seniors® locations stand apart from competitors as the only company that prioritizes hiring active seniors to provide care services to their less-active counterparts. Seniors Helping Seniors® service aligns caregivers and care recipients based on the abilities and needs of both by offering a wide range of care services. Seniors Helping Seniors® network has grown to 400 territories nationwide and over 200 franchise partners in 37 states. For more information on Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care, visit https://seniorshelpingseniors.com/.