Terri Haswell Finds Fulfillment in Franchising with Seniors Helping Seniors®

Terri Haswell has ventured into several industries throughout her career, but she discovered that nothing compared to the satisfaction she found in working with senior citizens. Recognizing this, she founded her own business as a relationship coach focusing on tools to help improve family relationships before deciding to open a Seniors Helping Seniors franchise. Her franchise is expected to open on June 1st, which is the day she lost her father last year, and will cater to three Georgia counties, including Cobb, Cherokee, and Pickens.

Through this new adventure, Haswell hopes to honor her father, and offer help and hope to others who are going through similar experiences.

In an interview with 1851 Franchise, Haswell delved into her decision to enter the world of franchising and shared her reasons for choosing the Seniors Helping Seniors brand.

• 1851 Franchise asked Haswell to frame her personal story for them. She explained that she's done a bit of everything, including working in corporate environments, starting her own business as a relationship coach, working in education, and working for a nonprofit where she worked with a senior home facility.
• Haswell's introduction to working with senior citizens was through her work at a senior home facility. After her son was born, she worked part-time with seniors who were relocating and enjoyed it, but saw how difficult it can be for families as well.
• Haswell became interested in this field over the last couple of years after her dad had a stroke and was diagnosed with cancer. She was one of his primary caregivers and saw firsthand the need for senior care services.

Eventually, Haswell and her husband were approached by a franchise consultant who presented them with some franchise opportunities. Seniors Helping Seniors was one of them. Right away, Haswell knew it was what she had been looking for. Seniors Helping Seniors was going to allow her to follow her passion for helping others who aren’t able to help themselves. Plus, she already had experience working with seniors and caring for her dad, so it just made sense.

• Haswell's perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchise owner was that it was a way to start a business with the support of a larger network. She liked the idea of established processes and support from the franchisor.

• Haswell chose the Seniors Helping Seniors brand because of its heart and mission. She likes that the company connects seniors and helps them stay active, and that it's a service that's needed all over the world.

• Haswell's goal is to make an impact in the community and help people. She wants to connect seniors who want to be productive and find meaningful work with other seniors who want to remain in their homes as long as possible but may need a little extra help.

• Haswell hopes to achieve growth with her business, but is focused on making an impact in the community first. She'd like to bring on more people as the business grows, and provide resources and support to caregivers.

• Haswell's advice for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner is to find a franchise that reflects who they are and aligns with their values. She suggests using a franchise consultant if needed, and being open to growth and change.

This is what I’m meant to do. Throughout my entire life, I’ve always had a passion for helping seniors. When my son was born, I would take him to a senior community and he would just roll the ball with seniors and they loved that connection. I want to connect with as many people as possible. This is where I’m meant to be, and this is what I’m meant to do. I want to help make a difference.