Tom Neuman and Cindy Rekemeyer are ready to embark on an exciting new journey with the launch of their Seniors Helping Seniors® franchise in Northwest Tucson this February. With Tom’s background as a U.S. Army veteran and commercial pilot and Cindy’s extensive experience as a Flight nurse and now a nurse practitioner, the couple combines their talents to make a meaningful impact on their community.

For Tom and Cindy, this isn’t just a business—it’s a mission to connect seniors who need help with those who want to give back. As they expand the Seniors Helping Seniors® brand in the Grand Canyon State, they’re determined to combat senior loneliness, promote active aging, and foster a sense of connection throughout the region.

1851 Franchise spoke with Tom to learn more about his background, what drew him to Seniors Helping Seniors®, and his plans for the future. 

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

Tom Neuman: I spent 10 years in the U.S. Army in Army aviation. After that, I became a medical helicopter pilot and most recently worked as a commercial airline pilot. Cindy has been a nurse in various roles for over 20 years, currently a Nurse Practitioner. One day, I saw a headline in a VA newsletter about community small business opportunities. I clicked on the link and contacted a retired Navy veteran who coaches fellow veterans through starting a small business and exploring franchising. Over 18 months, Cindy and I evaluated many small business options and franchises.  My background has taught me to follow checklists and operate within a proven system.  Franchising allows me to follow a system, a plan, and a pathway to success.

We wanted to do something that offered more fulfilling and meaningful work. With our combined backgrounds and experience helping family members, Seniors Helping Seniors® felt like the perfect fit. We’re both still working full-time, but I plan to transition full-time into the business.

Cindy Rekemeyer: Before entering the world of franchising, I spent over twenty years in healthcare as a Flight nurse and later as a nurse practitioner, dedicating my career to patient care, advocacy, and community health. My experience spans emergency medicine, hospital outreach, and EMS program management, where I worked closely with first responders to improve patient outcomes and streamline pre-hospital care. Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed firsthand the growing need for quality senior care, especially services prioritizing dignity, independence, and companionship.

My journey into franchising with Seniors Helping Seniors® was driven by professional insight and personal passion. In my roles, I often saw seniors struggling with day-to-day tasks yet wanting to remain independent. I realized that beyond clinical care, there was a significant gap in providing compassionate, peer-based support for aging individuals. The Seniors Helping Seniors® model stood out because it aligned with my core values: empowering seniors to help one another while fostering a sense of purpose and connection.

Franchising made sense because it allowed me to leverage my expertise in healthcare and leadership while stepping into a business model with a proven track record of success. It provided the structure and support I needed to make an impact without starting entirely from scratch. My background in EMS program management also gave me the skills to coordinate services efficiently, ensuring seniors receive the right level of assistance when they need it. With my experience in direct patient care and system-level healthcare operations, I knew I could make a meaningful difference in my community by bringing Seniors Helping Seniors® to those who need it most.

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?

Tom: I’m not a creative person. I wanted a proven concept where I wouldn’t have to reinvent the wheel. As a commercial pilot, I’m used to following checklists, and franchising is similar. The structure and support have been super helpful, and Seniors Helping Seniors® has been excellent in coaching and guiding us through the startup process.

Cindy: Before becoming a franchisee, I viewed franchising primarily through the lens of traditional business models—something often associated with fast food chains or retail stores. I assumed it was a rigid system where individuality and professional background didn’t play much of a role. Coming from a 20+ year career in nursing, advanced practice, and EMS program management, I wasn’t sure if franchising would allow me to truly make an impact in the way I wanted.

Now that I’m in it, I see franchising as an incredible opportunity for professionals like myself who want to combine their expertise with a structured, proven business model. The right franchise—especially one like Seniors Helping Seniors®—allows you to bring your passion and skills into a system that provides guidance, resources, and community support. It’s not about following a one-size-fits-all template; it’s about using a strong foundation to build something meaningful in your own way.

I want people to know that franchising isn’t just for those with a business background. It’s a viable and rewarding path for healthcare professionals, educators, and community leaders who want to transition into entrepreneurship while still making a difference. Franchising offers the best of both worlds: the independence to run your own operation and the support of an established brand that helps you succeed.

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

Tom: Cindy’s mother recently retired but stays active and involved in her community. She was looking for meaningful part-time work but discovered the lack of quality options. She expressed interest in a family-owned small business helping others in our community. We’ve both cared for seniors in our own families, and those experiences were valuable in our decision to find meaningful opposites.

We love the idea of offering meaningful work opportunities to seniors in our community. There is a need for this, and we can see it right here. Seniors Helping Seniors® addresses that need while also combating loneliness among seniors. It’s a win-win.

Cindy: I chose Seniors Helping Seniors® because it aligns perfectly with my lifelong passion for patient care, advocacy, and community service. Having spent over 20 years in nursing, advanced practice, and EMS program management, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges seniors face—not just medically but socially and emotionally. Many aging individuals want to remain independent but need just a little extra help, and too often, they lack the support to do so. The Seniors Helping Seniors® model stood out to me because it provides more than just home care—it fosters connection, dignity, and purpose by pairing seniors with other seniors who understand their needs.

What excites me most about this company is its heart-centered approach. It’s not just about providing a service; it’s about building relationships and enhancing quality of life. I love that this model allows older adults to stay active and engaged by helping their peers, creating a support system that goes beyond basic caregiving. As someone who has dedicated my career to healthcare and community well-being, this franchise felt like the perfect extension of my mission—helping people live healthier, more fulfilling lives while maintaining their independence.

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

Tom: We’d love to build a rock-solid reputation here in Northwest Tucson as the go-to option for families exploring senior care and eventually expanding to other territories in the area.

Cindy: With Seniors Helping Seniors®, my goal is to create a compassionate, community-driven service that empowers seniors to maintain their independence while receiving the support they need from peers who truly understand them. Having spent over 20 years in nursing, advanced practice, and EMS program management, I know firsthand that aging doesn’t have to mean losing autonomy—it just requires the right kind of support system. I want to build a trusted, high-quality service that helps seniors with daily living and enriches their lives through companionship and meaningful connections.

For growth, I plan to expand our reach by forming strong relationships with local healthcare providers, EMS agencies, and community organizations. My background in healthcare gives me unique insight into how we can bridge the gap between medical care and in-home support, ensuring seniors have a seamless continuum of care. I also want to raise awareness about the benefits of peer-to-peer senior assistance, encouraging more families to see Seniors Helping Seniors as a valuable alternative to traditional caregiving.

In the long term, I envision scaling the business by expanding our caregiver network, adding specialized services tailored to the needs of aging adults in our community, and potentially opening additional locations. My ultimate goal is to grow a successful business and create a lasting impact—helping seniors live with dignity, purpose, and the support they deserve.

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

Tom: When I visit the VA hospital, I see so many volunteers who want to help and so many veterans who need services like in-home care. A recent bill passed that provides more funding for veteran care. I’d love to become a community service provider and create more opportunities to employ volunteers and help veterans in need.

Cindy: The one thing I want you to know about my story is that Seniors Helping Seniors is more than just a business venture for me—it’s a natural extension of my lifelong commitment to caring for others. With over 20 years in nursing, advanced practice, and EMS program management, I’ve dedicated my career to improving patient outcomes, advocating for vulnerable populations, and ensuring people receive the care they need when they need it most. I’ve seen firsthand the gaps in senior care and the challenges aging individuals face, and I wanted to be part of a solution that goes beyond clinical settings.

This franchise allows me to apply everything I’ve learned in healthcare to truly make a difference in people’s daily lives. It’s not just about providing services—it’s about fostering independence, dignity, and human connection. That excites me the most, and that’s why I chose Seniors Helping Seniors®.

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

Tom: Don’t hesitate. Don’t wait. People often fear the unknown, but you must take that leap of faith.  We already wish we would have done this much sooner.

Cindy: My advice for anyone considering becoming a franchise owner is to choose a business that aligns with your passion and values. Franchising isn’t just about running a business—it’s about investing in something that excites you and allows you to make a meaningful impact. Coming from over 20 years in nursing, advanced practice, and EMS program management, I knew I wanted to stay in a field where I could continue serving others. That’s why Seniors Helping Seniors® was the right fit for me—it allowed me to leverage my healthcare experience while providing compassionate, community-driven care.

I also encourage prospective franchise owners to do their research and understand the level of support a franchise offers. One of the most significant advantages of franchising is that you don’t have to build everything from scratch, but you do need to be proactive in utilizing the tools, resources, and networks provided. A strong work ethic, a clear vision for your business, and a willingness to build relationships in your community will set you up for success.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to take the leap. Transitioning from a structured career into business ownership can be intimidating, but if you find a franchise that aligns with your skills and passions, it can be one of the most rewarding decisions you ever make.

ABOUT SENIORS HELPING SENIORS®

Seniors Helping Seniors® franchise system was founded by husband-and-wife Kiran and Philip Yocom. Kiran grew up in India and 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 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 their abilities and needs by offering a wide range of care services. Seniors Helping Seniors® network has grown to 200-plus locations and 125 franchise partners in 30-plus states and international markets. For more information on Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care, visit seniorshelpingseniors.com.