From Corporate Layoff to Meaningful Business Ownership: How Jim and Mary Ann Clark Found Purpose With Seniors Helping Seniors®

After a 39-year career in the employee benefits insurance industry, Jim Clark faced an unexpected layoff. This turning point prompted him and his wife, Mary Ann, to explore new paths, ultimately leading them to the world of franchising and Seniors Helping Seniors®. With Jim's long-held interest in entrepreneurship and the couple's desire to build a family legacy, the Clarks saw franchising as a viable path forward. Their decision was deeply influenced by their experience caring for Jim's recently deceased father, igniting a passion for serving others during a crucial stage of life.

Embarking on this new chapter, the Clarks are bringing compassionate care to seniors in St. George, Utah, and the surrounding 13 counties. Mary Ann, who has a background as a stay-at-home mom and active community volunteer, is now using her position as a business owner to serve her community in a new way. Together, the Clarks are driven by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact and build a positive legacy, and they look forward to providing much-needed support to families in their community.

The Clarks took the time to chat with 1851 Franchise to discuss all of this and more. Here’s what they had to say:

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

Jim Clark: I graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in mathematics and began my career as an actuary in the employee benefits insurance industry. I spent 39 years in that industry, working for companies in various states. 

Last May, I found myself on the wrong side of an acquisition and was laid off. My wife, Mary Ann, and I explored our options, including a cinnamon roll bakery, before deciding on the Seniors Helping Seniors® franchise. Our decision was influenced by our experience caring for my recently deceased father and a desire to serve others. I've always had an interest in entrepreneurship and the possibilities that come from running your own business. While being laid off was devastating, this franchise opportunity is the fulfillment of a dream to own my own business, and I'm truly excited to be here.

Mary Ann Clark: I have always been a stay-at-home mom, managing the house, taking care of the kids, and doing volunteer work at the schools and within our church organization. I haven't had much desire to be a full-time employee, as Jim has provided well for us. Now, I'm balancing being a grandma with being a business owner, and so far, I think it's going well. We hope to grow big enough to hire others so I can step back a bit and spend more time with my grandkids. 

I love making cinnamon rolls and have always enjoyed seeing people enjoy the food I make.  We even had neighborhood cinnamon roll parties in Minnesota. While I'd still love to open a bakery someday and enjoy caring for people in that way, caring for people in the capacity that we will through Seniors Helping Seniors® felt even more meaningful.

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

Jim: After being laid off, Mary Ann and I started looking at our options. A franchise broker contacted us, introducing us to franchising, which we hadn't seriously considered before. The idea of franchising became interesting to us as a potential option for owning our own business.

Mary Ann: The franchise model, particularly Seniors Helping Seniors®, appealed to us because it offered a well-organized business structure and the opportunity to serve people in a meaningful way.

1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchise owner, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Jim: Prior to becoming a franchise owner, I knew franchises existed but had never really looked into them or understood how they worked. 

The broker's explanation of the franchise model was a revelation. Now that I am a franchise owner, I realize how important it is to do your homework and thoroughly investigate different franchise options. 

I also want people to know that the support provided by a good franchisor, like Seniors Helping Seniors®, is invaluable, especially for newcomers to franchising. Understanding the financing aspect is also crucial.

Mary Ann: My perception of franchising before was quite limited. I hadn't really thought about it, being focused on the idea of opening our own small shop. 

Now that I'm involved, I want people to know how important it is to choose a franchise that is well-run and provides strong support to its franchise owners. The support and culture of the franchise organization make a significant difference in the experience.

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

Jim: We chose Seniors Helping Seniors® because it really resonated with us. The company's family-oriented culture and the fact that it is a very love-based organization were important to us. We were also drawn to the opportunity to help people at a difficult time in their lives and to bring more joy and love to families. What excites me most is the potential to leave a positive legacy and make a real difference in people's lives.

Mary Ann: The opportunity to serve others and make a meaningful impact was a big draw. I'm most excited about being able to help people and contribute positively to our community.

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

Jim: We hope to achieve financial success to support our retirement and travel plans. Our plan is to build a successful business that will allow us to step away in a number of years and enjoy our goals, which include travel, service and spending time with our children and grandchildren.  

Beyond financial goals, we want to leave a legacy by helping seniors and their families, making a positive impact on their lives.

Mary Ann: Ultimately, we want the business to be a vehicle for helping people and making a difference in our community. 

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

Jim: Both Mary Ann and I grew up in Idaho in agricultural communities, which instilled in us a strong work ethic that has been crucial in our rapid franchise launch. 

My father was an entrepreneur, and his success in business was significantly influenced by the strong relationships he built, which has been an important influence for me.

Mary Ann: Growing up on a dairy farm with a large family taught me the value of hard work, which has helped us immensely in getting the business up and running quickly. 

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

Jim: My main advice is to do your homework and thoroughly investigate any franchise you're considering. 

It's also important to understand the financial aspects of franchising and ensure you have a viable path to financing. Choose a franchise that aligns with your values and has a supportive culture.

Mary Ann: I would emphasize the importance of choosing a franchise that is well-run and offers strong support to its franchise owners, especially if you are new to franchising. Look for a company culture that resonates with you and prioritize finding a business that allows you to make a positive impact.

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/.