Erin Schaeffer

After two decades in corporate communications, including time at a major thrift chain, Erin Schaeffer saw the waste, the need and the opportunity to make a difference. A lifelong Seattle-area resident, Schaeffer was drawn to the mission of Caring Transitions: helping seniors while promoting sustainability and reuse. She spent more than a year working for another Caring Transitions franchisee before purchasing the Bellevue West/Federal Way territory.

For Schaeffer, this isn't just about running a business; it's about creating a fulfilling new chapter that fits her life while making a real difference and lifting others up.

“I love that you have the opportunity to support people,” Schaeffer said. “I always liked employee communications, but a lot of time in a corporate role you get so busy doing business that it’s hard to focus on the people. This is more of an opportunity to help people and provide a service that people really need. You’re not trying to sell them on something they don’t need. You’re actually helping people.”

Erin Schaeffer: I’ve lived in the Seattle area my whole life. I worked in corporate communications, and one of the places I worked was a chain of thrift stores — I saw a lot of data on reuse and how many perfectly usable goods end up in landfills. I’m drawn to things with history, I like finding things secondhand, I am very interested in the sustainable aspects of Caring Transitions — the circular economy.

I worked for a franchisee for over a year. I quit my corporate gig and was looking for something to do that helped people and was available part-time. I started working for Jennifer Black, and I loved the variety of the job. When a transfer became available, I purchased the area — and it was great because it happened to be in my community. Jennifer has been with Caring Transitions for 14 years. It was great working for a woman empowering other women.

Schaeffer: I liked the flexibility and not sitting in an office all day. After 23 years in a corporate environment, I wanted more flexibility with my time. My kids are teenagers now and aren’t going to live with me much longer. I wanted to start a business that I could blend into my life, versus trying to fit into the schedule of others. Franchising offers that model.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Schaeffer: I really love the ability to use different talents. I love that you have the opportunity to support people. I always did employee communication, but a lot of time in corporate you get so busy doing business that it’s hard to focus on the people. This is more of an opportunity to help people and provide a service that they really need. You’re not trying to sell them on something they don’t need. You’re actually helping people.

I also love treasure hunting, and I think Caring Transitions does a great job helping people find things online. That’s an exciting hobby for collectors or young people setting up a home. The big things were sustainability and supporting seniors.

Schaeffer: Right now, we feel like we have enough, but there’s really an opportunity to grow. I’m also excited to offer people a path to employment, especially women who are mothers. I love working with teams with smart and savvy people who want to work in an unconventional way.

Schaeffer: This will be a family business. I’m working with my husband, Brandon, who owns a business in video and television archiving.

Schaeffer: Find a company that aligns with your values and interests and dig in. I spent more than a year working with current rock star franchise owners — Jennifer Black and Tina Nash — who graciously employed me, mentored me, gave me the opportunity to learn about the company from the inside, and encouraged me to jump in and drive my own success.

I think any company that will open their doors to you owning a part of the success through franchising is worth exploring. If you echo the parent company’s passion for what they do, and you see a challenge as a thrilling opportunity, do your research — then go for it.

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 350 locations, Caring Transitions’ compassionate, experienced professionals minimize stress and relieve the burdens of life’s transitions.