Sara Leonard’s decision to franchise with Seniors Helping Seniors® began after a 27-year career in corporate business operations in Silicon Valley. Following a layoff from VMware in June 2024, Leonard found herself reconsidering her career path. With the guidance of her sister-in-law, a franchise broker, she explored numerous options before finding the perfect fit with Seniors Helping Seniors®, a brand that deeply resonated with her.

“I love the business model of Seniors Helping Seniors®. The idea of seniors helping other seniors is genius — especially in Silicon Valley, where living costs are high — and many people my age have moved away because it’s so expensive,” Leonard said. “There are so many aging people here who don’t have family nearby to help them. Additionally, the tech industry here tends to age people out in their 50s and beyond, even though many still need income to afford living here. Seniors Helping Seniors® offers an opportunity for those individuals to supplement their income while helping others.”

Now preparing to open three territories in California — San Jose, West San Jose and Santa Clara/Sunnyvale — Leonard is looking forward to making a difference in the Silicon Valley area while building a lasting legacy for her family. “I hope to grow and succeed in my three territories, making a positive impact in the communities I’ve been born and raised in,” she said. “I want to be a visible and meaningful presence in these areas that I love so much … I want to create something that I’m proud of and that makes a difference.”

Leonard recently sat down with 1851 Franchise to talk about her franchising journey with Seniors Helping Seniors® and her plans for the future. Here’s what she had to say.

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

Sara Leonard: I got my degree at San Jose State in finance and became a stockbroker right out of college. I passed my Series 7 and Series 66 exams and worked as a stockbroker and investment advisor for million-dollar-plus clients. Later, I transitioned into corporate finance, where I worked in high-tech in Silicon Valley for 27 years. Most of my roles involved being the chief of staff for GMs or EVPs at large tech companies. My last job was at VMware, which was acquired. About eight months after the acquisition, I was let go and my position was eliminated in June 2024. I had been with VMware for nine years, and while it was a great experience, it was a good time for a change.

I started considering my next steps. I’ve owned a business before — I started a house cleaning company, Sara Sweepers, right out of college, which I loved but had to close when I went into tech. I realized I wanted to own my own business again, build something for myself and create a legacy for my three daughters. My sister-in-law is a franchise broker, so I reached out to her. Together, we explored 15 to 20 franchise options, narrowing them down through research and calls. Seniors Helping Seniors® consistently stayed on the table, and in the end, it was the best fit for me.

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?

Leonard: I didn’t have a strong perception of franchising before. I knew what franchises were — McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Burger King — but I didn’t know much beyond that. Through this process, I learned a lot about the franchise model and the benefits it offers. Franchising allows you to grow something for yourself, be your own boss and invest in something you believe in. A good franchise provides support, assets and a network of people to guide you. During my due diligence, I talked to many franchise owners, asking what worked, what didn’t and what they’d do differently. That network and support system is a huge benefit compared to starting a business from scratch.

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

Leonard: I love the business model of Seniors Helping Seniors®. The idea of seniors helping other seniors is genius — especially in Silicon Valley, where living costs are high — and many people my age have moved away because it’s so expensive. There are so many aging people here who don’t have family nearby to help them. Additionally, the tech industry here tends to age people out in their 50s and beyond, even though many still need income to afford living here. Seniors Helping Seniors® offers an opportunity for those individuals to supplement their income while helping others.

On a personal level, the company’s mission resonates with me. My parents live here, and as I listened to the company’s pitches, I thought about how perfect it would be for my mom — she’s retired but capable and I think would benefit from this type of work. The value and need for this service in Silicon Valley were clear to me, and I felt passionate about the mission.

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

Leonard: I hope to grow and succeed in my three territories, making a positive impact in the communities I’ve been born and raised in. I want to be a visible and meaningful presence in these areas that I love so much. Financially, I aim to generate good income and build a lasting business. I want to create something that I’m proud of and that makes a difference.

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

Leonard: My family is my world. I have three kids — an eight-year-old and six-year-old twins — and my husband is the head trainer for the San Jose Sharks, which means he’s gone for eight months out of the year. This made flexibility a priority for me. I’m essentially a single mom during the hockey season, and I wanted a career that allowed me to be present for my kids. I also wanted the freedom to attend gymnastics and softball games, etc., which wasn’t possible in my tech career. Owning my own business gives me that flexibility while still allowing me to work hard and build something meaningful.

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

Leonard: Just do it. It’s scary and there are so many unknowns, but that’s true of anything. If you’re working with a good franchise, they have systems and support in place to guide you. Follow their steps, ask questions and seek to understand. Choose a franchise that fits who you are and aligns with your passions. For example, I passed on many franchises because they didn’t align with my interests. Find something you’re passionate about, ask a ton of questions and ensure the franchise has the right support structure to help you succeed.

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.