Former Human Resources Executive Trades Employee for Franchise Ownership with Seniors Helping Seniors

When Kathy Robinson retired from public service, she knew she wanted to continue helping others, but she wasn’t sure what path to take. That’s when she started considering franchising. After researching several options, she landed on Seniors Helping Seniors®, a franchise that aligned with her passion for bringing people together and her desire to make an impact on her community.

Now, Robinson is excited to be a resource for seniors in her Aiken, South Carolina community, where she is expected to open her business in Mid-May.

In a recent interview with 1851 Franchise, Robinson shared why she selected Seniors Helping Seniors® as her pathway to continue her career in public service.

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

Robinson: I’ve worked in public service since about 2006. In my last position, I was a deputy director of human resources for the local government of Augusta, Georgia. Prior to that, I was the director of human resources in a small town called St. Helena in California’s Napa Valley. My passion really is public service. I’m also pretty tech-savvy, and I love to see things move forward. However, I’ve been in some positions where I had to deal with government red tape, which slowed me down. I like to consider myself a fast-paced person, and I remember how I kept telling my husband, “I love what I’m doing, and I love helping people, but I’m not getting anywhere.” So, I retired early from St. Helena, and we did some soul-searching. It was then that I started looking at three different franchises, one of which being Seniors Helping Seniors®.

I immediately recognized that it was a good opportunity, and the more research I did, the more I realized it was the perfect opportunity for me to follow my passion for bringing people together. Through Seniors Helping Seniors®, I have the opportunity to help people who genuinely need help.

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?

Robinson: I always really liked the franchising model. I used to tell myself if I could do it, then I would. But I wasn’t sure I’d ever be able to afford it. Thankfully, I was working with a business coach who introduced me to Seniors Helping Seniors®. I highly recommend finding a good coach.

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

Robinson: My mother died when I was a freshman in college, and my dad recently passed away. My parents were at the age where I think they would have needed the type of services I’m now able to offer, so this seemed like a great opportunity to give back. Not to mention, I truly believe Seniors Helping Seniors® has a fantastic model and support system.

Everything fell into place with Seniors Helping Seniors®. After meeting with other franchise owners and attending the discovery day, I knew I was headed in the right direction. Seniors Helping Seniors® plays such an important role in the community.

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

Robinson: I want to be here for the long haul for my care receivers and caregivers. I like the camaraderie that comes from this sort of endeavor. That’s really what drives me. I’m excited to be able to bring people together and make an impact on our community.

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

Robinson: I want to be a resource for seniors, be there for my community and the seniors in our community to know they can rely on me and Seniors Helping Seniors® any day of the week.

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

Robinson: You’re never going to be 100% prepared for what’s coming. But keep your spirits high and keep pushing. Stay focused, and remember why you started down this journey.

ABOUT SENIORS HELPING SENIORS®
 Seniors Helping Seniors® 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 1998, opening the brand up to franchising in 2006. With a mission to be the most respected and rewarding homecare provider in the U.S., Seniors Helping Seniors® stands apart from competitors as the only company that prioritizes hiring active seniors to provide care services to their less-active counterparts. Seniors Helping Seniors® aligns caregivers and care recipients based on the abilities and needs of both by offering a wide range of care services. Seniors Helping Seniors® has grown to nearly 200 locations in 30-plus states and seven international locations, with 125 franchise partners. For more information on Seniors Helping Seniors®, visit https://seniorshelpingseniors.com/.