Caring Transitions' First-Ever Franchisee Renews 10-Year Contract

While Bruce Treadway may be the first franchisee to ever sign on with the senior relocation brand Caring Transitions, his diverse background spans far beyond franchising, from serving in the U.S. Navy to working in a multinational corporation. 

Treadway’s journey to franchising began when he decided to leave corporate America in search of a business opportunity that offered low startup costs, scalability and a good work-life balance. Treadway was drawn to the rapidly growing Baby Boomer population and saw potential in serving this demographic. Despite Caring Transitions being a new brand with no franchisees at the time, Treadway saw great potential and decided to take a leap of faith. 

Over the past 16 years, Treadway has witnessed and contributed to the brand's tremendous growth. The early years were challenging as the brand was still finding its footing, but Treadway played a pivotal role in shaping the business, even writing the first version of the operations manual. As the brand stabilized, he was able to build a reliable team and enjoy the flexibility he desired, never missing important moments in his children's lives. His commitment to the brand led to the expansion of his franchise to multiple territories, which he efficiently managed from day one.

Looking ahead, Treadway is optimistic about the future of his business and plans to continue growing within his territories. He recently decided to commit to another 10 years with Caring Transitions, confident in the brand's strong growth outlook and its continued fit with his lifestyle. As he looks toward retirement, Treadway expects the business to continue thriving and offers advice to new franchisees, emphasizing the importance of utilizing the resources provided by the home office.

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

Treadway: I joined the U.S. Navy right out of high school. I learned about planning, goal setting and how to work as part of a larger organization. After college, I joined a large multinational corporation where those skills were essential. Eventually, I decided to leave corporate America and pursue entrepreneurship. 

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?

Treadway: When I was looking for business opportunities, I was looking for two criteria: low startup costs with high-growth potential and an attractive work-life balance that would provide a flexible schedule. In order to achieve those two things, I knew I needed a franchise.

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

Treadway: When I was evaluating different franchise options, I noticed the rapidly growing Baby Boomer population and thought it’d be a great demographic to service. When I found Caring Transitions, they had no franchisees and they had just started. I proposed some ideas to the founder. We talked a few times. Before I knew it, I was signing on as the very first franchisee. Over 16 years later, I have seen tremendous growth. I benefited from getting a growing share of that growing senior care market. 

When it comes to work-life balance, my son was 6 months old and my daughter was 2½  when I first started this business. In my corporate role, I had to travel 40% of the time, and I wanted to be around more to watch them grow, participate in their lives - like helping them with their homework and go with them to their sporting events. Caring Transitions offered that kind of flexibility. 

Today, my daughter just completed her first year in college, and my son is a senior in high school. I have never missed a single tennis match for my daughter, and I have never missed a single hockey game for my son. He is currently the lead player on the high school golf team - we play regularly.  I have control over my schedule to live my life the way I want to live it. 

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

Treadway: The first two years were challenging, as is the case with any business. We didn’t have a website, and we were still trying to figure everything out. I actually wrote the first version of the Caring Transitions operations manual, and we were able to stabilize the business and our team. The next five years were pretty strong. I could already tell I would have the flexibility to do what I wanted, when I wanted. Since then, we’ve made it through COVID-19, and we’ve continued to grow. 

I always had a vision for growth. Because I was the first franchisee, I had a first right of refusal for the territories around me. So, while I started with just one territory, I was basically operating in the other two territories from day one. About six years into the business, someone else expressed interest in buying those two territories, so the corporate office gave me a heads up. Within a few days, I purchased the two additional territories to make it official. Now, I am about to sign the 10-year renewal for all three territories. 

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

Treadway: Every week is different. The scenery is always changing. It is impossible to get bored. I am not stuck in an office all day long. So much of what I want to do can be done virtually, so I can work anywhere with a laptop and an internet connection. 

In terms of moving forward, I had to decide if I wanted to commit to another 10 years. So I asked myself, “Does the business still have a strong outlook for growth? Is it still going to be a good fit for my lifestyle after my kids go to college?” The answer was “yes” in both cases.

In a couple of days, my son and I are heading up to a golf vacation. I couldn’t do that without the flexible business model, support from the home office and the reliable team we have built. 

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

Treadway: Just remember that it is a lot of work in the beginning. For new franchisees, don’t underestimate the people, tools and resources available to you through the home office. It is almost overwhelming when you realize how much is available. Don’t be afraid to start using those tools early and reach out for help early. At the end of the day, a franchise allows you to make money faster at a fraction of the time and effort needed with a stand-alone operation. 

To learn more about franchising with Caring Transitions, visit https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions

ABOUT CARING TRANSITIONS

Caring Transitions provides older adults and their families with the most trusted, respected and comprehensive downsizing, right-sizing, estate sales and online auctions, and move management solutions in the industry. Founded in 2006, the brand is committed to helping people in a compassionate and caring manner during life's many transitions while providing a total and easy solution for clients in their time of need. Through their proprietary online sales platform CTBIDS, Caring Transitions also prepares clients for the process of liquidating assets through their own online estate sales auction site. With over 300  locations, Caring Transitions’ compassionate, experienced professionals minimize stress and relieve the burdens of life’s transitions. To learn more, visit caringtransitions.com.