With a career spanning over two decades in tech and financial services, JC Pfeister was at a crossroads for what to do next. He discovered an opportunity to give back to the community through Seniors Helping Seniors®, a brand dedicated to providing care and companionship to seniors in need. With personal experience in caring for aging parents, Pfeister’s mission is to build one of the most respected in-home care businesses in Kansas City providing seniors with the care they need to stay independent for as long as possible.

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

JC Pfeister: I spent 25 years in tech and financial services, running large operations at banks. I had the chance to really think about my future and I started looking for ways I could build a business while giving back to the community.

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?

Pfeister: Going back to high school, I remember talking to the local owners of franchises in my small town in Northwest Iowa. I could see what business ownership meant to them. About 20 years ago, I explored franchising but decided to stay in the corporate world. A friend of mine went all in on franchising, and when I was considering my next move, I reached out to him for advice.

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

Pfeister: Seniors Helping Seniors® really appealed to me because of its ability to help not only seniors in need of in-home care but also those who want to do something different in their retirement by giving back. The brand has been around since the late 90s, and that well-established foundation was key for me. As an only child with aging parents, I wanted to learn more about what proper in-home care means for them and how I could contribute to that space.

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

Pfeister: I want to build this business into one of the most respected in-home care providers in Kansas City. We really believe in this brand and its future, and we are committed to making a positive impact in the community.

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

Pfeister: There’s such a need for these services, not only in Kansas City but across the country. Nursing home costs are rising, and more seniors want to stay in their homes longer. Every day, 10,000 people turn 65, and many of them want to remain active in retirement. This brand fits perfectly into that growing need.

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

Pfeister: If you have the opportunity, take your time and do your due diligence on several different brands. Ask yourself: what kind of work will be meaningful to you? Also, it’s important to surround yourself with people who have gone through this process before. Having a network of mentors can make all the difference.

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.