For Dave and Gina Schneider, the launch of their Seniors Helping Seniors® franchise is a natural extension of their personal and professional lives. Having both cared for loved ones in their later years, the couple saw firsthand the importance of compassionate, consistent caregiving. Now, they’re bringing that same dedication to the Diablo Valley community, offering a service that allows seniors to age in place while maintaining meaningful connections.

“A few years ago, my mom needed caregiving services. One morning, I was visiting, and the doorbell rang. My mom said, ‘I wonder who they sent today.’ She didn’t know the caregivers, and there was no time to build a bond with anyone,” said Dave. “She wasn’t happy but didn’t want to complain. When I discovered Seniors Helping Seniors®, I remembered that moment and realized how important this concept was to me.”

With deep roots in the area and a commitment to serving their neighbors, the Schneiders are excited to launch their new venture this spring. They’re ready to make a difference in the lives of seniors and their families while building a legacy for their own family.

1851 spoke with the duo to learn more about their backgrounds, their path to Seniors Helping Seniors® and their plans for the future. 

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Dave Schneider: I owned a delivery dry-cleaning franchise for 20 years, but COVID devastated the business and it never recovered. Ever since then, I’ve been looking for a new opportunity that I could participate in here in my hometown, where I grew up. When this came along, it rang every bell my wife and I were looking for.

Gina Schneider: Dave has an entrepreneurial mind and was always looking for new opportunities. He would bring different franchise ideas to me, but the most memorable one I didn’t like was a robot machine that dispensed frozen yogurt! I’ve always worked for others — I’m currently with ADP and was an HR director before that — so working for someone else was what made me comfortable. But I also love volunteering and helping other people, so when Dave brought this brand to me, I didn’t hesitate. Helping others is how I thrive. I also loved the connection to Mother Teresa because of our faith.

1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchise owner, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Dave: I used to work in Silicon Valley for a tech company, but I loved the idea of being my own boss. Franchising appealed to me because it’s structured and allows you to follow a set path while avoiding the daily commute to an office. You’re in control.

Gina: The structure was a big deal for me. I was overwhelmed with how much they provide — templates for business plans, vendor connections and everything you need to get started.

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

Gina: I helped take care of my grandfather in his last days, and Dave cared for his mom and dad. Those experiences gave us insight into the importance of caregiving. My mom is 78 and rarely leaves the house. I wish I had someone to check on her when I can’t. That’s why Seniors Helping Seniors® felt perfect. It meets a real need for families like ours.

Dave: A few years ago, my mom needed caregiving services. One morning, I was visiting, and the doorbell rang. My mom said, “I wonder who they sent today.” She didn’t know the caregivers, and there was no time to build a bond with anyone. She wasn’t happy but didn’t want to complain. When I discovered Seniors Helping Seniors®, I remembered that moment and realized how important this concept was to me.

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

Dave: I grew up here, and my father came to this valley in the 1950s. Our family has a long history here, and many of us have local businesses. Success for us means building something strong that we can eventually hand down to our daughter once she graduates college.

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

Dave: The city we live in is growing rapidly, and we’re proud to continue our family’s legacy here. My last name has been part of this valley for a long time, and we’re excited to keep that going.

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

Dave: If you expect someone else to do the work for you, franchising isn’t for you. It takes individual effort. You have to do the work yourself or find the right help to make it happen.

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 Kiran moved to the U.S. in 1995 and married 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 homecare 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 200-plus locations, 125 franchise partners in 30-plus states and international markets. For more information on Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care, visit seniorshelpingseniors.com.