Since childhood, Nick Deitmen has recognized the lack of access to care that exists in smaller, more rural communities. In high school, he began thinking of how he could make a change, even planning to pursue an education and return to his hometown to run — and improve — the local hospital. Over time, this evolved into a career of health care consulting. When he decided it was time for a change, Deitmen decided to increase access in a new way.

Now, with Seniors Helping Seniors®, Deitmen is ensuring the aging population in Nashville, Tennessee, has better access to the companionship and home care that helps them maintain independence and dignity as they age.

Deitmen took the time to chat with 1851 Franchise to talk about his background in health care, his franchising journey with Seniors Helping Seniors® and his plans for the future. Here’s what he had to say:

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

Nick Deitmen: I'm from a very small rural area, and my whole career so far has been in health care. I was aware of a lack of access to care in certain communities, and it's always been really important to me to figure out how we can get care where it's needed.

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

Deitmen: Before franchising, I went to Belmont University and majored in health care management and entrepreneurship. 

I then got a job with a consulting company that specializes in rural and mid-size hospitals. I eventually decided to get off the road and found a job working for a health care technology company called Change Healthcare. 

I realized I needed to find something else to do, and a franchise consultant reached out to me via LinkedIn. I've really enjoyed franchising. I grew up with my dad being a small business owner and my mom working with small businesses, so I’ve seen the struggles that come with that, and being able to call on someone for help at all stages of the process has been so valuable.

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?

Deitmen: My concept of franchising before was limited to fast food franchises like Subway. 

I didn't think about service businesses being a franchise. Now that I'm a franchisee, I realize that franchising is a great option for people who want to be their own boss but don't want to start from scratch.

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

Deitmen: I was really drawn to the story about the owner working with Mother Teresa. 

I'm also very excited about the fact that this company requires senior citizens to be the service providers. I think they understand the season of life better, which is helpful.

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

Deitmen: I'm really excited about being home with my kids more often. I'm opening the South Territory first, and then two months later, I'll open the North Territory. I'm also excited about the possibility of expanding into new territories in the future.

Personally, this business will also allow me to be more present with my kids. My son did one of those worksheets at school that asks what your parents do for work. He said that I sit and talk to a computer all day. It’s not wrong, but it’s kind of sad. I’m excited for him to see me doing more and making a difference in our own community.

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

Deitmen: I'm a grandma's boy. She’s always been very independent, but as she’s aged, people in the community have taken on spending time with her and taking her out to do things get lunch or just spend some quality time together talking. I’ve seen just how drastically her quality of life has improved with this support — being able to stay in her home while staying connected — and I’m excited to offer the same to other seniors in the community.

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

Deitmen: If you're first starting out as a new entrepreneur, franchising makes so much sense because the models are so well-defined.

It's in the franchiser's best interest for you to succeed, and so they're going to do everything they can to make you successful.

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 350 territories nationwide and over 180 franchise partners in 38 states. For more information on Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care, visit https://seniorshelpingseniors.com/.