For Brianna and Matt Fitchett, business ownership has always been about more than just profits — it’s about purpose. Having spent their careers in nonprofit and community-driven roles, the husband-and-wife team wanted to build something that aligned with their values while allowing them to make a real impact.

When they came across Seniors Helping Seniors®, the senior care franchise, it felt like the perfect fit. The concept not only provides essential care to seniors but also offers fulfilling work to older adults looking to stay active in their communities. With that dual-mission approach, it was exactly the kind of business they were looking for. Now, with two territories and a growing presence in East Bay, California, the Fitchetts are ready to make Seniors Helping Seniors® a trusted name in their community.

1851 spoke with the duo to learn more about their backgrounds, what drew them to Seniors Helping Seniors® and their plans for the future. 

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

Brianna Fitchett: We’ve worked in the nonprofit world for most of our careers — Matt runs a youth soccer club, and I’ve been in health care. We’ve always wanted to start our own business, but we’ve also been deeply rooted in the nonprofit mindset of having a mission behind what we do.

When we started looking into franchising, Seniors Helping Seniors® immediately stood out. It aligned so well with our values because it helps people on both sides of the equation — providing meaningful work to caregivers while also supporting seniors who need assistance. It felt like a perfect fit for what we wanted to do.

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

Brianna: We’ve both run businesses before, but we wanted a framework to help guide us. Franchising gave us that playbook — the structure and support to make the transition into business ownership smoother. It felt like having training wheels for our entrepreneurial journey.

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

Brianna: The business model was very familiar to me. I’ve spent most of my career working in disability services, helping individuals with autism and other disabilities in a home therapy setting. Seniors Helping Seniors® operates in a very similar way — the model is nearly identical, but the demographic is different. Instead of working with younger clients, we’re helping older adults. It was a natural transition.

Matt Fitchett: My background is in youth-based, community-driven programs, so running another business centered around serving the community felt like a logical step. I’ve already built relationships and strategies in this space, and while the customer base is different, the overall approach is very familiar.

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

Brianna: We want to fully embed this business in the community — to make it the go-to resource for both seniors needing care and retirees looking for meaningful work. Our goal is to create a strong reputation, where word-of-mouth and client experiences drive growth. We want to be the first name people think of when they need support for themselves or their loved ones.

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

Brianna: Do your due diligence. Understand your market and what it’s going to take to succeed. Be prepared to dedicate a lot of time to building and growing the business — it’s not a passive investment.

Matt: Research what you’re getting into and make sure it’s something you’re comfortable with. Prepare to work hard, stay open-minded and be willing to take on new challenges. Most importantly, align yourself with a franchise whose core values match your own — that’s the key to long-term success.

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/.