Monteiz and Alicia Dash have always had a passion for serving others, and their careers reflect that dedication. Before embarking on a 22-year career in the military, Monteiz worked as a CNA at an assisted living facility, where he developed a deep appreciation for the elderly and their unique needs. His mother, a nurse in assisted living facilities, instilled that passion for caregiving in him, making it almost a family tradition.

Alicia also has a background in health care, having worked as a MedTech, where she gained firsthand experience in caring for seniors and grew a strong desire to continue helping others. With over a decade of retail management experience, she also honed her leadership and customer service skills, which she now uses to help build their business.

As Monteiz transitions into retirement from the Army, where he served in Special Operations for 11 years and completed multiple tours in Iraq, Kuwait and Africa, he and Alicia have found the perfect way to continue their service-minded careers by opening a Seniors Helping Seniors® franchise. Together, they’re bringing this unique business to the Manassas and Prince William County communities, offering in-home care and employment opportunities to seniors in need.

Monteiz and Alicia took time to chat with 1851 Franchise to share how their backgrounds led them to franchise ownership and how their passion for service drives their business. Here's what they had to say:

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

Alicia Dash: I’ve spent the last 13 years as a retail manager, currently managing a store for Ollie’s Bargain Outlet. My background is heavily rooted in customer service, organization and team leadership. While my career has been in retail, I’ve always had a passion for helping people, which led me to become a MedTech for a short time. That experience ignited a desire in me to give back to my community — especially to seniors, who are often overlooked and in need of support.

Monteiz Dash: I’m currently active duty in the military, preparing for retirement after 22 and a half years of service in the Army. For the last 11 years, I’ve served in special operations, completing multiple tours in Iraq, Kuwait and Africa. We’ve also lived in Germany during my service. Alongside my military career, I’m deeply involved in our church, leading entrepreneurship and volunteer groups. Before the Army, I worked as a CNA at an assisted living facility, and my mother has been a nurse in similar settings for years. Caregiving is something that runs in our family, and we both share a deep passion for service.

We’ve been married for 22 years and have two children in college. For us, opening Seniors Helping Seniors® is more than just a business — it’s a way to serve our community in a meaningful and lasting way while supporting our family.

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

Monteiz: Coming from the military, I’m used to working with structured systems. Franchising felt like a natural transition because it provides a proven playbook for operations. We also loved the story behind Seniors Helping Seniors® — its founders were inspired by humanitarian work alongside Mother Teresa, and the brand has a strong faith-based foundation that aligns with our values. That combination of structure, service, and mission made it a perfect fit for us.

1851: What was your perception of franchising before becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know now that you're in it?

Alicia: I always believed it was important to align with a company that shared our values, especially one rooted in community and service. Before becoming franchisees, I didn’t fully understand how much support comes with joining the right franchise. Now that we’re in it, I realize franchising is about more than just following a business model — it’s about becoming part of a network that helps you succeed while allowing you to make an impact in your own way.

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

Monteiz: Seniors Helping Seniors® stood out because it’s a niche concept. We don’t just provide care for seniors — we also hire seniors. Many older adults struggle to find employment, and this model allows them to stay active, find purpose and help their peers. I always joke that I don’t believe in retirement — I’ll work forever! This business lets us help seniors age in place while also giving employment opportunities to those who still want to contribute.

Plus, our background in service — my military experience and Alicia’s leadership in retail — aligns perfectly with what this franchise represents. It’s not just a job; it’s a calling.

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

Monteiz: We want to become a trusted name in our community — both as a service provider and an employer. Our goal is to grow all three of our territories and establish Seniors Helping Seniors® as the first choice for families who need care for their loved ones.

Beyond that, I want to create a lasting impact. In my military career, I refereed baseball and basketball, and years later, kids would come up to me and say, “You were my ref! I remember you.” I want that same feeling in this business — to know that we helped families care for their parents, spouses and loved ones during their most vulnerable moments.

We also hope to give back in an even bigger way. Once the business is profitable, we plan to start a nonprofit and donate 10% of our proceeds to support local community initiatives. We also hope to partner with local churches and charities to extend our reach and serve even more people in need.

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

Alicia: Do your research. Talk to multiple franchise owners — not just one. Learn about their struggles and successes. See if the brand’s vision aligns with yours, because if you’re not passionate about it, it’s not worth doing.

Monteiz: Don’t get hung up on things like royalties. If you partner with a strong franchise, they provide you with everything you need — processes, vendors, coaching and mentorship. I thought I knew a lot going into this, but there was so much I didn’t know. Having that guidance has been invaluable.

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

Monteiz: We’re faith-driven people with a heart for service. That’s the core of everything we do.

Alicia: Exactly. Whether someone chooses our services or not, we want to be known as people who truly care about our community. We want to make a difference, and we hope that even if someone doesn’t work with us directly, they’ll see our impact and know we’re here for them.

The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Seniors Helping Seniors® franchise ranges from $86,785 to $141,390. This includes $45,000 that must be paid to the franchisor. Please visit https://seniorshelpingseniorsfranchise.com/.

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/.