There is no single definition for success.

If there were a single recipe for success, we’d all be doing it. Instead, there are all kinds of ways that people define success and achieve their goals in life.

Here, we have gathered insight from some of the owners in our network. Each of these people brought a completely unique set of skills, years of professional experience and sometimes their own family caregiving wisdom. Read what our franchise owners had to say when we asked, “What makes you successful?”

“I think what makes our office successful is that my whole office team buys in our culture of Servant Leadership. I first learned about the idea of Servant Leadership during my corporate work life. After a layoff, I was offered work as a caregiver and found I was able to combine my passion for creating a kind and loving business culture with my caregiving experience by opening a home care agency. We focus on creating a trusting and encouraging workplace for our caregivers which results in quality care for our clients, and we’re building a reputation for excellence in the Elder care community.” ~ Deb Nelson, owner of Homewatch CareGivers of Edina, Minnesotasince 2012.

“I think what makes me successful is that I treat everyone with the same respect—our caregivers, office staff, and clients. Providing in home care is, in a lot of ways, about helping people to maintain their own dignity. So, if our clients and their families feel respected and well cared for then they tell their friends and we continue to grow. The same goes for the people who work me—I want them to be happy and when they are, they will tell their friends who also want to pursue this work. Happy caregivers make for happy clients.” ~ Anzor Gachechiladze, owner of Homewatch CareGivers of Chapel Hill and Cary, North Carolina since 2003.

“Seeing, hearing and feeling how hiring a caregiver to help my own Mom after my Dad died made her smile again—and me too!—is what leads to the understanding and empathy that I have for all of our clients. When I connect with people in this way, I know it is a success—for them and for us. The amazing part of being the owner of a home care agency is how there are so many ways to feel gratified at the end of the day. So often people don’t realize how far they have pushed themselves in caring for a loved one and it isn’t until they hire us to help that they begin to feel the relief and less stress. That is success too, helping them regain their own well-being.” ~ Kristine Martin, owner of Homewatch CareGivers serving Thousand Oaks, California since 2013.

My mom was a special education teacher when I was young. We would sit around the dinner table, and I would hear stories about her students with learning and developmental disabilities. At an early age, I was fascinated with how kids of varying abilities learned and what made them tick. I learned that all kids are different and that each person is unique in their own way.

Into early adulthood, my interest continued to grow, and I wanted to figure out a way in which I could help those who were “different” than me. I yearned for living a fulfilling life which I could help others achieve their potential. That’s when I decided to go into this field. I wanted to dedicate my time and effort into helping those who truly needed help and had nowhere else to turn. If I could help people live independently, then I would feel as if I was truly making a difference.

13 years later, here I am– helping others achieve their maximum potential in their daily lives. Thanks to my mom and watching her work with her students, I now have a passion for helping those who need assistance. There is nothing else I would rather do than help those in need and make a difference in their lives. Being successful is easy when you define success as helping others and making a difference in people’s lives. ~Jon Hersh, owner of Homewatch CareGivers serving clients in Columbus, Ohio since 2003.

If there is any common denominator to the success of these four owners it is that they follow their hearts and that success is not purely financial gain. Learn more about our franchise opportunities here.