How a family-driven entrepreneur found a meaningful life in business with Touching Hearts at Home
Before Angel Brewster became a franchise owner with Touching Hearts at Home, she not only had a decade-long career as an operations manager, but also served as an assistant director for a childcare facility in Texas for many years before relocating to Illinois with her husband, Chris Brewster, and their three children.
Touching Hearts at Home has helped entrepreneurs like Angel excel in business for nearly two decades. With more than 50 locations throughout the United States, Touching Hearts excels as a non-medical home care franchise that helps aging seniors age in place in the comfort and safety of their own home. We provide our clients with a myriad of services, including companionship, light housekeeping, meal preparation, household chores, transportation services, medication services, house monitoring, as well as Alzheimer’s and dementia care.
Today, Angel co-owns a successful Touching Hearts at Home franchise in Johnsburg, Illinois, with her husband, Chris, who brings five years of experience to the table as owner of a non-medical home care business in Texas. In this interview, Angel shares everything from what it’s like to own a Touching Hearts at Home franchise to what makes our non-medical home care franchise a best-bet.
Here’s her story.
How did you become interested in Touching Hearts at Home?
Brewster: My husband, Chris, had previous experience as an owner and operator of a home healthcare business, which he sold in 2015. We really enjoyed working in the home health care industry, and honestly, our past family experience played a role in that. My family has a lot of personal experience helping family members with medical issues. At the end of the day, it came back to us wanting to give back and be part of our community. After looking for a new business opportunity for a couple of years, we had conversed with several companies, but still weren’t sold.
Finally, we came across Touching Hearts, and Scott Kummel, Franchise Director of Sales at Touching Hearts, really sold us. My husband and I are very family-oriented and compassionate, and Touching Hearts has those same values. They care a great deal about the people they’re servicing, as well as their franchise owners. We hadn’t found those values anywhere else, so investing in this brand seemed like a great fit.
How was your initial training?
Brewster: Training was amazing. Due to the pandemic, there was only one other owner and me. However, that has allowed us to cultivate a tight-knit relationship, and we keep in touch regularly. Still, receiving the training on how to run the business, including marketing and technology, helped calm my nerves. It was very inviting, organized, and felt like a family. I really felt that family-like bond after meeting other Touching Hearts franchise owners. They were very open and supportive to help me succeed. Although I’m new, I’ve already been asked to help some new owners who just came on board. So, it’s been a really great experience.
How does corporate support you in your business?
Brewster: Touching Hearts’s support team is absolutely amazing. Someone is always available whenever I have a question or need some guidance. We have regular calls for business coaching, marketing support, and any other necessary tools I need to excel in business. Additionally, they provide us with specific contacts to reach dedicated individuals for each area of the business. Ultimately, I enjoy the fact that Touching Hearts doesn’t tell us how to run our business, but instead guides us in the right direction.
What skills does an entrepreneur need to succeed in this business?
Brewster: You definitely need to be compassionate, patient, and understanding. I think a willingness to work hard is also key in this business. Additionally, someone who is goal driven will also succeed, because this is definitely a hands-on business. Having said that, as long as your heart is in it, you can succeed as a Touching Hearts at Home franchise owner.
What are your hopes for the future?
Brewster: I’m proud to be part of such a tight-knit, collaborative community where everyone supports small businesses. We’ve only just started, but I’m proud of the relationship we’ve built within our community. So far, we only have six clients and several more prospects in the pipeline. As we move forward, having a healthy, thriving business is our goal. However, it’s all about the quality of care before the hours or revenue. For us, the client relationship comes first. We want to make sure we provide them with the best possible care while they age in the safest place they could ever be: home.
Would you recommend Touching Hearts to other entrepreneurs looking for a business opportunity?
Brewster: Absolutely. There are many home health care franchises out there. However, they pale in comparison to Touching Hearts at Home. They care about their owners and the clients their owners serve. They help you with everything from choosing an office location to training and much more. The best part is their exceptional support team. You can pick up the phone or send an email at any time, and get a response back in a timely manner, because someone is always available. With Touching Hearts, you don’t just sign the paperwork, buy the franchise, go to training, and then it’s over. They will definitely continue to help you and your business grow.
Why is now a good time to invest in Touching Hearts at Home?
Brewster: It’s a great time to be of service to others. We’re in the middle of a global pandemic. What better way to keep your loved ones safe than allowing them to maintain their dignity in the comfort and safety of their own home? Now more than ever, being in this business allows you to help your community achieve that goal.
Ready to open a Touching Hearts at Home Franchise in Your Community?
If you’re considering becoming a franchise owner with Touching Hearts at Home, request more information about Touching Hearts at Home. Become part of a caregiving legacy you can be proud.
