The Winning Franchisee | Financial Director Opens Right at Home Franchise in Hollywood with the Goal of Creating Jobs for Locals

When Karine Alquier moved to the U.S. from France, she wanted to bring change to her and her family’s lives and the community that she now calls home. The former financial director and wealth advisor wanted to bring new career opportunities to the Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale area while entering a field she loves.

After looking after her disabled uncle and her grandparents in their own homes, Alquier saw the importance of aging at home. She also noticed how caring for a loved one in their homes can affect a family’s mental health. She wanted to combine her business skills and her passion for the home care industry through business ownership.

When Alquier discovered Right at Home*, she saw an opportunity to help the families of those with loved ones who wish to age in place and people who might not have the chance to go to college or obtain training for a career path. Alquier looks forward to bringing the in-home care franchise to the community and is excited to provide training and careers for people who live there as well.

1851 Franchise spoke with Karine Alquier to learn more about her franchising journey with Right at Home.

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

Karine Alquier: I was a financial director and wealth advisor for 20 years. I worked for many different industries over the years. My main role was to secure the human resources side of a business. So I would recruit, train, and access the staff and the financial part of the business.

Originally, I didn’t want to franchise. I’ve owned my own business for a while now, so I have no boss. My business was successful, but I wanted to do something else and enter a new industry. My husband and I wanted to change things up for our family. It’s been four years since we decided to move to the U.S. from France. I feel at home here, and I really wanted a change for my children. When we chose to move here, we wanted to do something completely different from our last field. I wanted to take the opportunity to combine my occupation with what I like to do. 

I was in charge of my uncle for years because he was disabled, so I have a bit of experience caring for loved ones at home. I also spent a lot of time with my grandparents, and they aged at home. Aging at home is important to me. I’ve seen how hard it can be to help those who are aging at home. It can take a toll on your mental health, and I wanted to help other families now that I don’t have my grandparents. I want to give them what I didn’t have when helping my own family.

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?

Alquier: I thought that when you signed with a franchise, you would be trapped into a contract you could never get out of. I also thought that the balance wouldn’t be fair, that the franchisor would have all of the rights, and that the franchisee just follows orders. 

I learned that starting a business from scratch is difficult, especially in this industry. We currently have a shortage of caregivers in the nation, and the regulations are very strict. I could’ve done it in my country a bit easier, but in America, it’s not my culture and environment. So it’s nice to have that support.

1851: What makes you stand out as business owners in your local community?

Alquier: When I came here from France, I had a certain idea of what the U.S. was. I thought everything was better here, but I noticed I had something to bring. I’ve worked with American people every day for months now, and I’ve noticed that many companies lack the heart to run a business. I also see how housekeepers and caregivers are considered here, but I appreciate them so much. I’m looking forward to creating a business that has a heart for the industry it’s in and bringing jobs to deserving people.

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

Alquier: I was actually looking at another brand pretty seriously. I was about to sign with them, but something didn’t feel right. Right at Home was transparent from the beginning. Every question I had, I immediately got the answer. The balance of power also seemed fair to me. I felt valued and supported as a franchisee. I also really loved the mindset that Right at Home has. They are running their business the honest way. They are upfront that it is a business and your goal is to make money from it, but you have to make money to help people. We truly want to serve people and help people have a great life at home.

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

Alquier: I would like to reach my own objectives. Many people in this industry say they want to serve the community, which is true for me too. I love this industry and the service to the senior community. I can provide training and great jobs for people who might not have had the chance to go to college and study to work. I’m also about to serve those who need care.

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

Alquier: I want people in the community to know that they can hire many other companies for this service, but by hiring us at Right at Home, they contribute to improving people’s lives. Part of the money will go towards training people for careers and getting them out of poverty.

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

Alquier: Don’t get into this industry just for the money. If you want to be successful, you have to be involved and passionate. Being involved means showing up when it’s needed.