Experienced Healthcare Executive Brings Seniors Helping Seniors® to Gloucester County, New Jersey

Jennifer Nam has over 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry and has seen firsthand the challenges seniors face when it comes to receiving the care they need, and staying in their homes as they age. That’s why she decided to become a franchise Owner of Seniors Helping Seniors®, the non-medical at-home senior care franchise.

Nam is now preparing to open her very first Seniors Helping Seniors® franchise location in June, which will serve communities in the Gloucester County, New Jersey area.

1851 Franchise recently spoke to Nam to learn more about her personal story, her thoughts on franchising and her plans for growth as a Seniors Helping Seniors® franchise owner.

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

Nam: I’ve served in a number of executive roles. I am a former interim CFO for Philadelphia Parking Authority and was a CFO for Main Line Senior Care Alliance. I also have over 25 years of experience with long-term care in health care. Being in this industry, I’ve seen a lot of people in nursing homes, and it makes me sad. I’ve had residents come into my office who tell me they just want to go home. And that’s just been so heartbreaking to see. When you’re sick, all you want to do is stay home. That’s why I got involved with Seniors Helping Seniors®. I want to be able to help those people stay in their homes longer. Seniors Helping Seniors® stuck out to me instantly as a great idea. About two years ago, I decided I would open my own business. I didn’t want to continue working in the corporate world, I wanted to be in business for myself and give back to my community. When I found Seniors Helping Seniors®, I knew it was the best option for me, and would be a great avenue to give back to the senior care community.

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?

Nam: I didn’t fully understand the scope of the industry. I knew about chains like McDonald’s and Burger King, but I didn’t know there were franchises in the healthcare field. After all the research I’ve done, I was genuinely shocked to find out how many places are run as franchises. There are opportunities out there in nearly every industry.

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

Nam: It’s really about being able to help out the seniors in my community. The business model for Seniors Helping Seniors® is really appealing and provides the best way to help our seniors stay in their homes and out of nursing homes for longer. It’s just about showing compassion for our seniors. It’s a great business model.

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

Nam: I don’t plan to stick to one territory. I definitely have plans to expand and provide my services to more senior care communities.

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

Nam: I think my experience is one of the best attributes I bring to this role. I’ve worked in the healthcare field for so long that I think it will lend well to my business.

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

Nam: Have patience and perseverance. It can take time, but remember when you signed up, stay determined and never give up.