Caring Transitions Franchisee Carl Newman Finds New Purpose in U.S.

Carl Newman isn’t your average first-time franchisee. After a decade-long career as a police officer in Australia, Carl took a year off to travel and met someone special in Florida. That relationship brought him across the world — and to Caring Transitions.

With his background in public service and his desire to stay in the United States, Newman pursued an E-2 investor visa and found the perfect match in a franchise that helps seniors and families through major life transitions. Now based in Boca Raton, Newman is launching his Caring Transitions business with plans to grow, give back and eventually create a business that supports both his purpose and lifestyle.

Carl Newman: I’m in the process of moving here from Australia. I spent the latter part of my working life as a police officer. After 10 years, I was looking for a change. I took a year off to travel and met a girl in Florida — things blossomed, and the relationship got serious enough that I decided to move to the United States.

Newman: I’ve owned a couple of small businesses before — more side gigs than anything — but I’ve always been interested in owning something of my own. Back home, public service is a very secure path, which is why I went into police work. Before that, I worked in the hospital system. I’ve always found fulfillment in helping people.

When I started looking into the E-2, I knew I needed something that came with support. I didn’t know how to run a business in the U.S., and that’s where franchising made sense. I knew that I would need a proven business model and ongoing assistance, as I believe it is critical to my success starting a business here with no prior exposure to business operations in this country.

Newman: I looked at a few different franchises for a few months, but when Caring Transitions got back to me, I was sold. The sales pitch was solid, but once I looked deeper into it, it just seemed like a winner. They’ve got nearly 400 franchisees in the country — that doesn’t happen without a strong model behind it.

They’re also very accommodating. You’re not just buying yourself a job — you can really make the business your own. Plus, Florida is known for its retiree population, so it just made sense to go with a business that could serve that demographic.

Newman: I’d like to grow the business to a point where I have a general manager in place. That way I can focus more on lifestyle, offer services at reduced rates — or even free — for people who really need it. Ultimately, I want financial independence and the ability to travel again.

Newman: Try to bring in a business partner. It’s doable on your own, but it’s tough — especially if you’re an E-2 applicant coming into a country without a support network.

If I were to do it again, I’d partner with someone who’s local and knows how the game is played. I’ve hit a lot of roadblocks from a bureaucratic perspective — things like not having a Social Security number. When I tried to rent a house for a home office, I didn’t have the right documents, so I had to pay six months of rent upfront. Having someone here who understands the system would’ve made a big difference.

Caring Transitions provides older adults and their families with the most trusted, respected and comprehensive downsizing, right-sizing, estate sales and online auctions, and move management solutions in the industry. Founded in 2006, the brand is committed to helping people in a compassionate and caring manner during life's many transitions while providing a total and easy solution for clients in their time of need. Through their proprietary online sales platform, CTBIDS, Caring Transitions also prepares clients for the process of liquidating assets through their own online estate sales auction site.

With more than 400 locations, Caring Transitions’ compassionate, experienced professionals minimize stress and relieve the burdens of life’s transitions.