|
ComForcare Chicago was started as the result of one entrepreneur recognizing a need in the community for client-centered home care services. Although owner Jeff Bechar is now a community leader in the home care industry, he wasn’t always in the elderly care business. Jeff grew up in an entrepreneurial family, and travelled on business trips internationally with his father since he was 13 years old. He spent over 30 years in international operations with consumer product companies including Charbroiled, the largest producer of gas grills in the world, based in Georgia. With his career, Jeff has travelled to every developing region including Latin America, Asia, and Eastern Europe. He has spent up to 70 percent of his time travelling since graduating college. A Need for Better Home Care Services However, as his parents reached their 70s, Jeff wanted and needed to spend more time with them and was forced to cancel business trips due to their urgent elderly care needs and health issues. He observed the home health services they received and was unsatisfied with what he saw. During this time, Jeff also became more aware of the many challenges seniors face as they age. Jeff also felt the need to spend more time with his children as they got older. One morning, he finally decided it was time to make a career change that would support a new lifestyle that enabled him to be home spending time with his family. Researching the Home Care Franchise Market Before opening ComForcare, Jeff researched many different franchise opportunities. He was drawn to ComForcare because he liked the management and people in the company, and felt the structure of the business fit his needs. Fortunately, the Chicago area was still available, and was larger than what many other franchises could offer. “I didn’t see myself getting into the food or automotive business. I was drawn to this business because of my family situation. I wanted to serve a population of people and do good for them,” says Jeff Bechar. Jeff appreciated the support he received from ComForcare. He explained that home care agencies are licensed by the States on a county by county basis and he welcomed the support to navigate the process. “I didn’t want to do this business by myself,” he recalls. The Right Career Choice Jeff Bechar admits that ComForcare has been a great fit for him and his family. When asked what advice he would offer other interested entrepreneurs he shares: “Look at what you want to do and whether a franchise can help. You have to look at the value a franchise brings to you. Is it a me-too business in an already crowded space, or is it an entrant in a growing market?” “If you don’t know the business, then explore a franchise. For instance, if you have owned a restaurant in the past, you probably don’t need to buy a restaurant franchise, unless the concept is really special. My Dad passed up the opportunity to invest in a few McDonalds restaurants in the Chicago area, and I bet he regrets that.” Jeff also recommends a very basic business concept, “Do your homework.” For those looking into home care franchises or other franchise opportunities, Jeff explains, “Research the fees and what is included in them. Look at the averages of what the franchises make after 1, 5, 10 years. Understand any limitations, and determine if they are acceptable to you.” ComForcare franchises provide new business owners with a myriad of tools and support throughout the business process. However, when it comes to opening a new location, Jeff shares that it still requires a lot of good old fashioned hard work. “You still have to market, market, market! A franchise can’t do your individual marketing and selling for you! If you don’t have the confidence to market your business, then don’t put the money in. You can’t put an ad in the Yellow Pages and then sit back and wait for the phone to ring.” Clearly, Jeff’s career background and positive attitude have paid off for his business. Jeff notes that their services are well-received in the community and is grateful to be able to earn a living serving the people around him by offering the best customer service and client-centered home care in the industry. “I grew up in an entrepreneurial household. I’m not investing a half million dollars. Total fees are between $90,000 and $140,000. I know that I have to provide high quality services, in a market that needs them,” says Jeff. Those interested in learning more about ComForcare Home Care franchise opportunities can visit ComForcare online. About ComForcare Home Care Franchises ComForcare began in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, in 1996 as a company dedicated to establishing a new standard in the quality of non-medical home care. After perfecting the winning formula, ComForcare began franchising. They are one of the fastest growing franchises in the country with more than 135 franchise owners who operate 150 territories throughout the United States and in Canada and the U.K. Each independently owned and operated ComForcare office offers elderly care services including personal care, homemaking, transportation, companionship and family respite services to improve the quality of life and level of independence for every individual and family receiving our services. ComForcare Home Care 2510 Telegraph Road, Suite 100 Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302 248-745-9700 http://www.comforcare.com
Related Articles -
home care, home care services, elderly care, senior services, home care agencies, home health agencies, ComForcare, home care franchise, ComForcare fr,
| 
