Meet Kristen Carlson | Right at Home Owner in Galveston, TX

Kristen Carlson’s journey into in-home care franchising began with a deeply personal experience. As she searched for a caregiver for her 91-year-old aunt, she uncovered critical gaps in the home care industry. While Kristen wanted to help her aunt remain at home, she never found a caregiver who was a good fit.

Though the search for a caregiver came up empty, Kristen and her aunt both managed to make something amazing out of the situation. Without the cost of caregiving, her aunt managed to put away a significant amount of money.

“When she passed away, she had over a million dollars saved,” said Kristen. “She gave it to her church and to all her nieces and nephews. So I said, ‘I'm going to take the money that we got and open a business.’ And so I found "Right at Home.”

Why Right at Home?

When Kristen came across Right at Home, she was enthusiastic but also cautious. Based on her prior experiences with other home care agencies, she wasn’t sure what to expect.

“When I first went to Discovery Day and met [Founder] Allen Hager and the staff that was in place at the time, I kept saying, ‘Where are the warts?’” Kristen recalled. “It was just too good to be true. But every step of the way has just been wonderful.”

Even more than the information and the support, though, Kristen highlights the relationships she’s been able to nurture in her 20 years with Right at Home. Kristen explains, “The relationships that corporate build – they help support us and really build the brand name, and it's truly priceless. I mean, you pay a franchise fee, but it really is worth that cost.”

Today, a portrait of her aunt hangs in Kristen’s Galveston office, and every member of the team knows her story.

Advice for Prospective Franchisees

For prospective franchise owners, Kristen recommends leaning on the franchise's 30 years of accumulated knowledge.

“Listen to what has worked in the past,” Kristen advises. And even more importantly, she says, make sure you're guided by a higher purpose than just money.

“People know very clearly if you are in it for the right reasons. Of course, we all want to make money, but the way to do that is to provide the best service, and if you hire the people who can help you do that, then you should be successful,” says Kristen. “So if you're passionate about what you do, let it show.”

SPONSORED BY:
Right at Home
Right at Home is in five countries and has over 750 operating locations providing in-home care services to allow seniors and people with disabilities to retain as much independence and dignity as possible. Learn More