After 28 Years of Caregiving, This Registered Nurse Became a Franchisee Right at Home utilizes the talents of Rob and Sandy Chester perfectly.

By Kate Taylor

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Shutterstock.com

Franchise Players is Entrepreneur's Q&A interview column that puts the spotlight on franchisees. If you're a franchisee with advice and tips to share, email ktaylor@entrepreneur.com.

After nearly 25 years of marriage, Rob and Sandy Chester decided it was time to open a franchise that used both of their expertise. Sandy has 28 years of experience as a registered nurse, while Rob has nearly 30 years of corporate experience in the insurance industry. Together, they wanted to help the elderly in their community as Right at Home franchisees. Here's what they have learned.

Name: Rob and Sandy Chester

Franchise owned: Two Right at Home territories in Gap, Pa. and Elkton, Md.

Related: Move Over, Philly Cheese Steaks: This Franchisee Is a Booster for the Benefits of Jamba Juice

How long have you owned a franchise?

We purchased our first franchise three years ago, and we just recently opened up a second territory to better serve the elderly in neighboring communities.

Why franchising?

Franchising is great because you don't have to start from scratch. You get a support system, and there is already an established and successful business model laid out for you to follow.

What were you doing before you became a franchise owner?

Rob was working with International Insurance and Sandy was an in home Medicare certified and in home skilled care registered nurse.

Why did you choose this particular franchise?

Right at Home really aligned very well with our life experiences. We felt that we had the right background and passions to do well as Right at Home franchisees. Not to mention, you are able to give back in your community.

How much would you estimate you spent before you were officially open for business?

Total: $57,950

Initial Franchise Fee: $41,500

Real Estate/Rent: $650

Improvements: $600

Insurance: $2,000

Furniture: $2,500

Computer Hardware and Software: $4,000

Other Office Equipment and Supplies: $750

Training: $2,500

Initial Opening Marketing: $1,500

Professional Fees: $1,500

Signage: $450

Where did you get most of your advice/do most of your research?

We worked with a business model consultant who helped us along the way to guide us and show us the right path to finding the right business for us.

Related: Can You Bring Individuality to a Franchise?

What were the most unexpected challenges of opening your franchise?

It can be difficult to find qualified caregivers. We are sending people into homes, and we need them to have the right skills to provide the right type of care. With so many people in the community needing the services, it can sometimes be difficult to find enough caregivers.

What advice do you have for individuals who want to own their own franchise?

This may sound silly, but simply follow the business model. Sometimes, people think they know better and can do better on their own. However, the beauty of buying a franchise is that many other people have been down the same path before you. They have done the leg work, and you just need to follow the guidelines they have laid out for you.

What's next for you and your business?

We are going to continue expansion into Maryland.

Related: 'Let's Get FYZICAL' Is the Path Forward for This Franchisee-Physical Therapist

Kate Taylor

Reporter

Kate Taylor is a reporter at Business Insider. She was previously a reporter at Entrepreneur. Get in touch with tips and feedback on Twitter at @Kate_H_Taylor. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Leadership

How Successful Leaders Get More Done in Less Time

The most successful leaders don't work longer; they manage their time with intention. Here's how to master time-blocking, prioritization and delegation to get more done in less time.

Marketing

This Critical But Misunderstood Strategy Can Help Your Business Grow — Here's How to Use It the Right Way

Learn how to use founder branding to make your company (not yourself) the industry-dominating name.

Operations & Logistics

These 3 Growth Levers Will Separate Winning SMBs in 2025 — Are You Using Them?

Small business leaders investing in growth-driving initiatives and operational efficiencies can lead to long-term success.

Business News

Zoom Is Down for Tens of Thousands of Users, Bringing Meetings to a Halt. Here's What We Know.

Zoom has indicated that it knows about the issue and is working on fixing it.