Suzanne, how did you get into the healthcare industry?
The healthcare industry is something that I always knew I wanted to be a part of in my career. Now after 50 years in healthcare, I am so satisfied that I made that decision. Over the years, I have had so many different types of healthcare experiences. Ten years ago in 2012, I started Premier RN Geriatric Care, a home care business. I enjoyed the various specialties and experiences but really missed the RN component. So, I started Premier RN Geriatric Care knowing that I wanted to have the RN at the helm of the business in delivering the knowledge and skills that set the RN apart from other healthcare professions in the community.
What is new in the business or in the Premier RN Geriatric Care franchise model?
I was approached many times over the last two years to explore a franchise model from what I have built and proven as a business model with Premier RN Geriatric Care. Franchise Marketing Systems, based in Atlanta, Georgia, described the opportunity to me and the many layers to it as well as the potential number of territories that could develop. I took some time to think seriously about this opportunity. Then in December 2021, I gave myself a deadline of January 15th 2022. A week before that date, I made the decision to go for it! Franchise Marketing Systems has been a wonderful partner to work with and learn from. I have gotten to know the team and they have taught me a wealth of information. We discussed the many facets of a Franchise model including territories, marketing, operations and more. This is a lot of work and learning but I am enjoying it. The Franchise model is a strong business model for the already proven business model with Premier RN Geriatric Care. With this growth opportunity, more people will be able to receive RN-delivered care and more RNs will be able to become entrepreneurs.
Where do you see opportunities and challenges for the franchise/business moving forward?
Currently, the biggest challenge facing any business (or individual) is the financial market. There has been some variability in the stock market as well as in the economy with inflation and interest rates. I know that we will face some headwinds in this business endeavour, but we will keep moving forward as usual. There will always be headwinds and some years you will exceed your goals while others you may be a bit under your goals. However, you must keep going. There are also challenges in finding and retaining RNs in the field today. This is not unique to home care, but our business model opportunity is unique for RNs to consider in maintaining their skills while growing a business.
What is your goal for the Premier RN Geriatric Care business moving forward?
Initially, I would like to have 10 to 15 new franchises in the first year. We want to forecast realistically but also recognize there is some international interest, perhaps in Canada and the Philippines. For this first year, we are specifically looking at opportunities in Northern Virginia and a few locations in Florida.
Talk to us about training and support, how do you deliver?
I like to surround myself with as much talent as possible. I also like to give people as many opportunities as possible. There is so much talent that nurses have as well as so many opportunities in business that can be explored and developed. We want to support both efforts and showcase their versatility in business and care delivery.
Tell us about your most difficult moment in the franchise business.
Well, getting started with developing a franchise business model can be overwhelming at first. There is an abundance of material and information to learn, absorb and act on but I did it and then moved on to the next step in the process. I know where I want the growth to be which is essential. There is a learning curve with everything that I have done but I am making strides in non-conventional ways. I have a true partnership with Franchise Marketing Systems and there are public relations firms that are looking to work with us as well. I am very pleased with the number of ancillary and valuable assets that have helped coordinate and collaborate this effort in a very short time period.
Define your Franchise Model:
With this Franchise business model opportunity, we are open to all who wish to pursue this business. However, we see a great opportunity for the RN entrepreneur who would like to start a business while continuing to leverage the associated clinical leadership and care management skills. The Premier RN Geriatric Care business model is not a treatment model but rather a care planning model to focus on health outcomes and helping people develop a plan of care that maximizes their optimal health status. We value our commitment to engagement in the community and have received just as much if not more from that involvement from our years of contributions.
A. Training and Support Model
As with any franchise, there is training on how to set up the business. We will work with the Franchisee to get prepared with the essential planning materials. We will take the Franchisee into the community for a ride along and meet potential clients whether in nursing homes, long-term care, home health care, assisted living and/or public health. We will cover as many areas as possible in the training process. We also want to prepare the franchisee for outreach in the community and the RN care delivery model. All help acclimate the Franchisee owner toward owning a healthcare business.
B. What is the Fee Structure
To purchase a Franchise, the Franchisee will have a low entry cost of $35K. The people being served in the community are the clients of the business. The Franchisee will be traveling to the locations in the community and teaching people how to care for themselves or their loved ones while also learning how to get involved with additional resources available. The services will include an individualized care plan to understand the person’s care needs and plug-in appropriate services. Beyond that initial care plan visit, additional RN assessment hours can be arranged based on the needs of the client.
C. Territory Definition
I have relied on Franchise Marketing Systems for the territory outlines. They were able to show that there are nearly 250 territories available across the United States. We have outlined every territory through strategic places of where we might start and manage. There are many tools that can help when distance can be perceived as an issue such as Zoom platforms, or Facetime on your phone. The Franchisee can be nimble in the use of resources and avoid the need for expensive leases or office furniture. Over the 10 to 15 Franchises we hope to open in the first year, Northern Virginia down toward Fredericksburg is a prime area with a grown population and three hospitals in the area. Florida is also of interest with 3 to 4 territories in areas such as Orlando and Naples.
What is a Day in the life of a Franchisee?
A day in life is very busy but also an ongoing learning process. It truly is amazing to see how much you can accomplish with the resources that are available to help you be successful. Every day there are 3 to 4 people from the Franchise Marketing Systems team that are available to help. The pace is fast-moving with new activities each day.
What does your Franchisee do in business every day?
The business activities for a Franchisee each day would include a combination of managing the office, marketing, sales, clients, cold calls and more. I like to envision the business process as a long conduit with the goals of adding 10 new contacts a day. The contacts may seem at times disconnected but that person may know someone that is looking for care or connect you to someone you are looking for in the business. Keep your contacts full and the more you add to them, the greater your business and community will grow.
Who is the Ideal Franchise candidate?
An ideal Franchisee candidate is determined to be successful and eager to start and grow a business. This is a low-risk business and a great opportunity where there is a great need for helping the aging population. We also see this as an ideal business opportunity for RNs who are looking to become entrepreneurs but perhaps are looking for a low-cost, low-risk business to learn while growing. There are many RNs who are interested in entrepreneurship.
Do you have success stories and/or failures with Franchisees?
We are just getting started with this Franchise business, but I can reflect on my own experiences as to what one can expect. One must realize that there are always going to be challenges and opportunities with ups and downs. You need to find a balance to move forward. However, you can have a lot of success if you want to be successful. I believe that if you want to be successful, you will be successful and you need to focus on the positive. Focus on what is working in your favor. I do not use the word failure. However, challenges can happen in any business. When you look at challenges as opportunities, you can begin to find ways to make a change to become even better.
What goals do you have for the franchise model in the future?
The goals are to scale the proven business model from Premier RN Geriatric Care into a thriving franchise model locally, nationally, and internationally for people across the globe to be able to benefit from the expertise, knowledge, and skills of an RN care delivery model. Additionally, the franchise offers great opportunities for RNs to become business owners and develop their careers in new ways while helping others. We have great plans for this and are receiving wonderful feedback and interest in this framework.
For more information on the Premier RN Geriatric Care Franchise System, visit the corporate site: https://franchisepremierrngeriatriccare.com/