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Who's the Boss?

It could be you -- with franchising

Healthcare Professional Digest speaks with
Interim HealthCare franchisee Robert Seawright

"I wish I could get further ahead in my career." "I don't want people to tell me what to do anymore." "If I only had the chance, I'd be a great boss."

If you're like most people, you've probably made at least one of these statements at some point in your life. And you might have thought there was nothing you could do about the way you felt.

But an Interim HealthCare franchise may be the answer. It gives you the chance to run your own business -- for yourself, but not by yourself -- for a greater sense of independence and security. To find out more about franchising, Healthcare Provider Digest recently spoke with Interim HealthCare franchisee Robert Seawright. The following is a summary of that interview.

Healthcare Provider Digest: Why should someone consider opening an Interim HealthCare franchise?

Robert Seawright: Most entrepreneurs start off small and have to find their own ways to grow their businesses. But with an Interim franchise, you get the support you won't find anywhere else. And while you work within an established framework, you have the opportunity to make the business your own. Every office is different even though they're all built on the same plan. Plus, as an owner you can't be laid off when times are rough. You always have a job.

HPD: What types of franchises are available with Interim?

Seawright: Interim has a home health franchise. It requires licensure by your state and meeting federal regulations. If you're not an RN yourself, you'd need to hire one with home care experience to oversee clinical services for you.

In addition to the home health franchise, Interim offers a hospice franchise. It, like the health care franchise, requires a registered nurse to manage the hospice program.

A staffing franchise is also available. It provides personnel for hospitals, schools, nursing homes and assisted-living facilities. You don't need to be licensed to run a staffing franchise.

Plus, there's HomeStyle Services. It's a nonmedical franchise that provides services to help clients -- most of whom are older and have declining abilities -- stay independent and in their homes instead of going into a facility. HomeStyle helps with the activities of daily living, such as doing laundry, changing bed linens and preparing meals. Or if a client has vision problems, he or she may need someone to set out meds. If balance is a problem, a client may need someone to stand by while he or she is bathing or getting dressed.

HPD: Which do you think would be the best choice for a new business owner?

Seawright: Definitely Interim HomeStyle Services. It serves a part of the population that's continuing to grow. Baby boomers are turning 65 years old at a rate of 30,000 per hour. Despite today's economy, it's a market that hasn't turned down.

HPD: Can anyone be a HomeStyle Services franchisee?

Seawright: HomeStyle Services doesn't require a medical background or licensure. Anyone with a sense of compassion or who wants to help people could be a franchisee.

HPD: How much does it cost to get an Interim HomeStyle Services franchise?

Seawright: A franchise costs $25,000 plus some additional fees. That may sound like a lot of money, but it's a fraction of the cost of buying a food franchise.

HPD: How does someone apply for a franchise?

Seawright: Go to interimhealthcare.com, and clickon "Franchise Opportunities." There, you'll get both franchising and contact information.

HPD: What are the responsibilities of a HomeStyle Services franchisee?

Seawright: You're responsible for setting up, operating, marketing and running the business as well as hiring the right people. You're also responsible for making sure your clients receive the quality care they're paying for and ensuring you meet your state's regulatory requirements.

HPD: Does Interim offer assistance in opening a franchise or with problems after someone opens a franchise?

Seawright: Interim offers assistance in site selection and training and provides you with proprietary software for scheduling and billing. The company also has operational staff to guide and direct you. For example, after you get your office set up, Interim will send someone out to help you with your opening, doing things like making sure you have your systems in place for payroll and accounting.

Within the organization, several owners have helped current employees buy their own franchises. And the Interim network is fantastic, very supportive. We're all businesspeople, but we're very willing to help newcomers and each other.

HPD: Why did you decide to become a franchisee?

Seawright: I am an RN by training and education, and I'd worked more than 20 years in invasive cardiology and emergency rooms. I felt like it was time to look around and find something else to do. I purchased a franchise in Redding, Calif., because I wanted to provide quality, compassionate care. I wanted to have a business, something I could do with my spouse, who's also a nurse. She's a partner in the business now.

HPD: What was it like when you first started out?

Seawright: It was stressful and scary in the early days. I had stomachaches. But I felt driven to provide the best health care possible.

Now, we have three other franchise territories, six nonmedical offices, three health care offices and one hospice. We also provide temporary staffing. I enjoy going to work and feel good about what I do.

Robert Seawright, RN, has 41 years of experience in health care, including working in emergency departments, invasive cardiology and hospital administration. In 1995, he opened an Interim HealthCare franchise in Redding, Calif. Since then, with the help of his two partners, Renee Rand and his wife, Cindy, he has expanded his business into southern Oregon and opened six offices in northern California, including two locations in San Jose. His partners and he have just added Carson City, Nev., to their list of offices. While striving to provide the best possible care, he continues to look for opportunities to expand into new markets.

Interested in becoming an Interim HealthCare franchisee? Learn more.