For Jeffrey Macapinlac and Deanna Thach, opening a Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home services franchise was about making a positive impact through nurturing connections in the community. At Seniors Helping Seniors®, their mission is simple yet powerful: to provide older adults with the ability to live independently in the comfort of their own homes while being treated with the dignity and respect that they deserve. Proudly serving the Tri-Valley and Fremont areas in California, this family-owned agency offers a wide range of non-medical in-home services designed to meet each individual’s needs. From companion care such as socialization, meal preparation, transportation and light housekeeping to personal care like dressing, bathing, ambulating and memory support, Seniors Helping Seniors® provides compassionate assistance tailored to every client. 

For Thach, a registered nurse with years of leadership experience, serving older adults has always been a calling. In addition to working on medical-surgical units and in triage, she has found fulfillment in volunteering with various senior-related causes, including Alzheimer’s Disease research, nutrition information intake and hospice. Through these experiences, she brings both professional expertise and heartfelt dedication to the business. 

Macapinlac has a wealth of experience in the medical device industry delivering world-class customer experience with a focus on continuous improvement. He’s also excited to exercise his background in creative multimedia (DJ/MC/photography/videography) to put others in their best light and positively move the community.

1851 Franchise spoke with Macapinlac and Thach to learn more about their franchising journey with Seniors Helping Seniors® and their plans for the future. Here’s what they had to say:

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

Jeffrey Macapinlac: Once upon a time, I was driven by the desire to hustle hard and achieve success by climbing the corporate ladder — grinding, chasing. But then, suddenly with baby number three, a fire lit up inside of me, and I had a strong desire to actualize my true potential. I was living too comfortably with golden handcuffs and I realized I needed to break free. Now I’ve decided to jump wholeheartedly into uncertainty to turn dreams into reality. Now, it’s time to learn how to fly or land with grace.

Deanna Thach: I always knew I would dedicate much of my life to caring for others, and found through volunteering that I enjoyed serving the older adult population. I had the opportunity to lend a hand at a senior center preparing food deliveries for Meals on Wheels, interned at an Alzheimer’s Research Center, helped w/ nutrition information intake at an Adult Development Lab, and be a companion with hospice patients. All of these experiences influenced my path in becoming a registered nurse, and solidified my commitment to serving seniors.

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

Macapinlac: I worked almost 20 years in the medical device industry with a continuous improvement mindset and leading global teams to accomplish challenging objectives. During that time, I also made sure to work harder on myself than on my job. I pursued various side hustles which allowed me to take safe risks and level up the skills I’m passionate about (public speaking, multimedia, marketing, sales, content creation). Now, with the full arsenal of skills that I intentionally built up and my perfect complementary partner, Deanna, I know we’re ready to take on big risks to reap big rewards. 

Thach: I thought Seniors Helping Seniors® was a neat concept that honorably serves the older population. And since I was already dedicated to the elderly niche… it just made sense.

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?

Macapinlac: Franchising has been on my mind since 2008. I started with deep internal reflection, then connected with mindset and business coaches to further assess my personality and find the right franchise. I then interviewed several people in different franchises, both successful and unsuccessful to gain a clear picture of what it takes to thrive and prosper. The best franchises have strong, passionate leadership, a proven system and an unmistakable brand. As franchise owners, we invest in that blueprint, but it’s up to us to nurture the business like a baby. We have baby number three at home, and now we have a business baby. Both need to be given attention, fed, and grown.

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

Macapinlac: I was naturally aligned with their mission and values. Most importantly, it’s a brand that my wife and I could expand and grow together. The major bonus for me is that we can both apply our life experience, skills and talents while doing what we love and loving what we do. I’m really excited to immerse myself in the community and get a pulse for what our people really need. I consider myself in charge of messaging and spreading our mission while Deanna is our master matchmaker.

Thach: My late grandparents influenced my perception of older adults. They stayed engaged — gardening, cooking, fishing, carpentry, going to church, caring for their grandchildren. They lived fulfilling later years. I believe in keeping seniors active in their communities and in their homes (if desired, and as practically possible). That’s why this is such an attractive calling. 

Initially, it was the mission-driven history. The founder working with Mother Teresa struck a chord with us. We’re people of faith, and we value the brand.

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

Macapinlac: Leaving a legacy and serving our community. Our plan for growth is to get involved with our local areas with the heart to give first. I believe everything else will fall into place because I’m learning that the secret to living is giving!

Thach: I want to help clients and their families, and also potential caregivers — help them spend their time in meaningful, engaging ways.

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

Macapinlac: My first experience with caregiving came through my mom. Late in her career, she was laid off and struggled to find work. She eventually found a caregiving position that let her retire with dignity and respect. It taught me that this is meaningful work.

There are people out there praying for purposeful jobs — active seniors who want to help others and stay engaged. This business gives them that opportunity.

I’ll admit, it’s scary to jump in. But I want to teach our kids that even when you’re scared, you have to act. It’s all about clarity and courage.

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

Macapinlac: You’ve got to be all in. The franchise owner is the biggest variable in the system. No one can tell you how hard to work or how to treat customers. Take 100 percent responsibility for everything, good and bad, and make sure the business aligns with your passion and values.

Thach: Get a feel for the daily tasks expected of you and your employees, and understand the long-term objectives you’ll be responsible for. Also, consider state-specific requirements and the demographics of your territory. Get ready to get really immersed in the community.

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 400 territories nationwide and over 200 franchise partners in 37 states. For more information on Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care, visit https://seniorshelpingseniors.com/.