Liz Paulus has always been driven by a deep desire to help others. After 25 years working with ultra high-net-worth individuals at wealth management firms like Wells Fargo and Morgan Stanley, she took a bold step away from the corporate world and is now bringing her passion for serving others to the Summerlin, Nevada area and surrounding communities through Seniors Helping Seniors®.

After making the decision to transition out of the corporate world, Paulus began researching franchise opportunities and was immediately drawn to the senior care industry. By combining her financial expertise and personal experiences with elder care, she aims to create a comprehensive support system that helps seniors to live at home with dignity and thrive in their later years. 

“I’ve seen firsthand just how important a full circle of comprehensive care influences successful aging in-place,” she said. “Elder abuse, and specifically financial elder abuse, is a serious issue. I love that Seniors Helping Seniors® emphasizes a value system that I resonate with and expect my Care Team to uphold.”

In launching the first Seniors Helping Seniors® location in Las Vegas, Paulus is also breaking ground as the first female agency owner accredited in trust, estate and financial expertise. With this skillset, she is excited to bring high quality and ethical care to our most vulnerable  population while leveraging her professional connections to increase access to important resources for aging clients.

Paulus took the time to chat with 1851 Franchise to discuss all of this and more. 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?

Liz Paulus: I’m a former trust and estate advisor. I did that for nearly 25 years, working with ultra-high-net-worth clients at places like Wells Fargo and Morgan Stanely. In my last position, I began thinking about transitioning out of corporate. I loved working with my clients, though, so I wanted to find a way to stick with a similar type of role. I left that job in the summer of 2023 and spent some time traveling and visiting friends.

I started a small business as a private trustee here, but I was also introduced to a franchise advisor. After starting my own business, I knew that if I wanted to start something else, a franchise would be the best pathway because of the support and business model available to 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?

Paulus: I didn’t have a very strong perception of franchising before I began the research. I just knew I wanted to be self-employed and build something for myself.

I think people should know that franchising gives you a clearer path to ramp up the resources and branding you need to grow.

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

Paulus: I’ve seen firsthand the financial struggles and vulnerability that many seniors face. I love that population, and I’ve seen just how important that full circle of care is. Elder abuse, and specifically financial elder abuse, is a serious issue. I love that Seniors Helping Seniors® emphasizes that full circle of care.

What excites me the most about Seniors Helping Seniors® is the opportunity to create real-time and lasting change for seniors in my community. I believe in the power of shared wisdom and experience, and I’m committed to providing a full-circle approach to care that can truly improve lives.

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

Paulus: I’m focused on staying active in the community and building a strong team so that I can become the premier senior care provider in the Summerlin area.

I expect to create over 50 jobs in 2025, perfect for retirees and active seniors who are typically aged out of the workforce but may need to supplement their income due to inflation and rising healthcare costs. Hiring ethical people to provide ethical and compassionate care is my top priority. 

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

Paulus: I have direct family experience with the need for senior care with my own folks needing memory care and assistance in the home.  I know how stressful and exhausting it is to struggle with family and work obligations while caring for a loved one. I’ve also witnessed former clients become isolated and lose capabilities by going it alone in their home without close friends or loved ones nearby. The opportunity to serve is very close to my heart. I’m excited to expand in the community.

On a personal note, I have a wonderful son, whom I raised as a single mom from the very beginning. I always say that “we” did a great job, thanks to the unwavering love and support of my friends and family. Keeping me entertained at home are my dog and cat, Tucker and Jet. I know pets are an important part of our clients’ lives too, and we give them special love and care as well.  

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

Paulus: Do your research. I took my time during the due diligence process and said no to so many brands. It’s really important that you choose something you resonate with and will enjoy long-term.

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.