Post and Courier: Murrells Inlet Business Owner Strives to Help Those Facing Stressful Situations in Life

Charlene Blanton, the franchisee behind Caring Transitions of Myrtle Beach, Florida, recently spoke to The Post and Courier to share her experience assisting older adults and their families through the relocation, downsizing and estate sales franchise over the past 12 years.

Before establishing her franchise, Blanton worked in the hotel industry, and she was inspired to start her business after personally experiencing the challenges of relocating without adequate resources.

“I stepped away when my first child was born and then as my children got older, we stepped back into the business world by starting this franchise,” Blanton said. “I realized that there needed to be some kind of resource to just support families when they are having to move and relocate for whatever reason, whether that be divorce, death, changes in life or just being proactive.”

Franchise operations

Blanton opened her franchise in 2011 near the rapidly growing tourist hotspot of Myrtle Beach. Her franchise caters primarily to individuals in their 60s to early 90s. Many of her referrals come from real estate agents, especially during property booms when quick turnovers are required.

The Caring Transitions service is comprehensive: from floor planning to ensure safe and appropriate furniture arrangement, to unpacking and organizing clients' belongings in their new homes. Blanton ensures that when her clients step into their new residences, everything is ready for them, eliminating the need to coordinate with various service providers.

Additionally, Blanton's business utilizes online auctions through Caring Transitions’ proprietary estate sales platform CTBids.com for clients who have leftover items when moving. “There are a lot of gated communities along the Grand Strand,” she said. “If your house were sold, would you want 300 people through your house on a rainy Saturday morning? Would you want to have 300 people parking in your neighborhood?”

Business recognition

Blanton's dedication and innovative approach to her business, especially during challenging times such as the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, earned her the title of franchisee of the year in 2020. Recognizing the unique challenges posed by the pandemic, her team segmented operations into specialized relocation and liquidation units, allowing for more effective and efficient service. She even shared her new operational manual with the broader Caring Transitions franchise network and now coaches new franchisees.

For Blanton, the true reward lies in the appreciation of her clients when they seamlessly transition into their new homes. “When our client family walks into their newly set-up home and the sheets are on the bed, the cups are in the cupboard, the artwork is hung, the television is working, they are live-in ready and they say, ‘Wow, it feels like home,”’ Blanton said. “That is the best feeling in the world. It’s like Super Bowl times a thousand.”

Start-up costs range from $58,912–$84,612, and franchisees have the opportunity to earn back their $44,900 franchise fee through its Winner’s Circle program by hitting a variety of key benchmarks.