Entrepreneurial Couple Takes on New Business Venture with Seniors Helping Seniors Franchise in VA

Benjamin Sawyer and Kebe Broadnax are a devoted couple driven by their desire to create a lasting and positive difference in their community. With Sawyer’s extensive background in the Air Force spanning over 20 years and his previous experience as a business owner, alongside Broadnax’s expertise as an Event Coordinator with an extensive background in Communications and Volunteer Coordinating, they are well-equipped to embark on a new venture.

Inspired by their passion for providing exceptional caregiving services, they have signed with Seniors Helping Seniors to expand the franchise into Virginia, where they will be serving territories such as Norfolk and Hampton.

1851 Franchise recently spoke with the couple to hear about their goals and aspirations.

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

Sawyer: I served in the Air Force for 20 years as an air traffic controller. I retired from the military in 2008 and joined the federal government in civil service, where I worked with the Federal Aviation Administration. In total, I’ve been affiliated with the government for 35 years. Growing up, I worked with my dad for years at his gas station. I learned a great deal about running a business from an owner's perspective. I quickly developed and valued “the life of an entrepreneur”, and decided to further my education. I continued my education with an undergraduate degree in finance, a MBA, and a PMP.  For a period of time, I also owned my own successful barbershop but sold it to a friend interested in being a business owner. I was able to be a mentor and financial literacy coach. As the years passed, my Father became ill (suffered a stroke), and passed away.  My experience with my Father helped me to understand the importance of caregiving and caregivers, which can make a difference in your loved ones lives.  The support and attention especially in their last days are extremely important for the patient and their family.  Initially, I didn’t consider Seniors Helping Seniors, but after several conversations with the corporate team, it just made sense! It’s a great business model that provides us with a way to give back to others, and experience the joy they will receive from our services. 

Broadnax:  I have a diverse background in Hospitality Management at large. I grew up in Inglewood, California and eventually moved to Atlanta, Georgia. I returned back home in 1999 to take care of my ailing Mother.  With a degree in Hospitality Management and emphasis in Communications, I have 25 yrs. plus experience in both fields. I’ve worked as an event coordinator for several years. I’ve volunteered with organizations such as the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles as Troop Leader, as the Volunteer Coordinator for  the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.  I’ve always been involved in the community. Prior to COVID, I worked as Communications/Volunteer Coordinator at Center of Hope. The Seniors department was not only the largest, but my favorite department. 

In the summer of 2021, my mother passed away and my father began to require specialized care due to his age, and health. I am currently his caregiver.  These types of experiences have really ignited a passion within me and have compelled me to continue to give back to my family and 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?

Sawyer: I was pretty skeptical about joining a franchise. Deep down, I knew that I didn’t want to be involved with just any franchise because running a business demands a lot of time and effort. But the more I learned about Seniors Helping Seniors, the more I discovered that the business model was well-designed, and the brand’s values and mission aligned with my own.

Broadnax: I didn’t have a reason to research a caregiving company, because within my family structure, we care for our own family members. But once I started to research SHS and read  the moving testimonials I must say I was impressed! SHS blended so well with my expertise level(s) and background. Also once I started exploring them further, I noticed their franchises popping up everywhere I was interested to learn more. They’re not a cookie-cutter franchise, which was attractive. Each franchise has its own individuality and uniqueness. Depending on who you partner with, being a franchise owner you do have the freedom to add your own personal touch to your business.

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

Sawyer: Seniors Helping Seniors has a solid business model. When we approached the brand, I felt like they weren’t trying to sell me a product. It felt like they were trying to make sure we were a good fit for them. That really stood out to me. It showed me that they care about the success of their franchisees and are more interested in building a partnership than anything else.

Broadnax: Seniors Helping Seniors is a healthy and vital business that requires a great deal of  dedication and work which I like because it’s not something that can be replaced by a computer or robot.  Seniors Helping Seniors can assist us in making a positive impact in the community while providing an opportunity for financial gain as we grow our own business.

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

Sawyer: For me, it’s not all about growth. Sure, growth will naturally come, but my primary focus is on bringing in new caregivers and ensuring exceptional care for our clients. What I really want is to attract and retain amazing talent. Caregivers/Clients may be employees/customers, but they’re also like your family. We have to value all the relationships we create. 

Broadnax: Our main priority is to meet the needs of our caregivers, clients and their families. Building trust within this triangle is crucial to SHS Hampton Roads. We want the families doing business with us to have full confidence in our services and rely on us wholeheartedly. As we grow, which is inevitable, caregiver/client retention is essential,  customer satisfaction will speak to our services from the top down. 

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

Sawyer: We really care about our community. It’s a big part of who we are. We want to be able to provide services by actively getting involved. And we believe that by working together, we can create a caring and supportive community where everyone feels valued. Our goal is to make a positive impact and help our community thrive.

Broadnax: We have experience from both angles. We understand the hearts of our caregivers and needs of our clients. We are here to support the families we will represent with quality and safe services. We have empathetic hearts and know we can make a difference in the Hampton Roads community.  

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

Sawyer: Don’t come into this undercapitalized. Make sure you have enough money to start and run the business without any financial issues. It’s possible that you won’t make a profit in the first year, so be prepared for that. Follow the rules and guidelines of the franchise.  SHS has a proven record of success, so by sticking to their instructions, you’ll be better off in the long haul.

Broadnax: There’s always a learning curve in anything you do. Especially if this is your first time as a business owner, there’s a lot to absorb so it can be overwhelming and stressful. Tools for success: pay attention, take excellent notes, read everything from the franchise, email documentation, ask questions and follow the prodigal. I must piggy back on Ben’s comment to come in properly capitalized because that will be over half the margin.