Homewatch CareGivers

## Executive Summary

Homewatch CareGivers is one of the most experienced home care franchise networks in the United States, founded in 1980 and franchising since 1996. Now owned by Authority Brands (acquired 2017), the company operates 257 locations and generated $266.9 million in system revenue according to the 2025 FDD. The franchise has earned significant recognition including the 2025 IFA Franchisee of the Year award and ranking #234 on Entrepreneurs 2025 Franchise 500.

## The Business

Homewatch CareGivers provides comprehensive in-home care services for people of all ages, not just seniors. Services include personal care, companionship, homemaker services, and specialized care for conditions like Alzheimers and dementia.

**2024 Innovation - Total Care Solutions:** In April 2024, Homewatch CareGivers launched two groundbreaking programs: - **Homewatch CareGivers Total Care Solutions** - Personalized care delivery with tailored plans - **Homewatch Connect** - Technology system that enables longer independence at home, reduces isolation, boosts social engagement while preserving privacy, and provides care providers with automation, cost efficiency, and flexibility in monitoring

## The Numbers

| Metric | Value | |--------|-------| | Initial Investment | $121,640 - $177,830 | | Franchise Fee | $50,000 | | Royalty Fee | 5% of gross revenue (or minimum) | | Brand Fund | 2% of revenue (decreases as revenue grows) | | Local Marketing | $24,000/year or 3% (whichever higher) | | In-Person Marketing | $500/month minimum | | Liquid Capital Required | $50,000 | | Net Worth Required | $350,000 | | System Revenue | $266.9 million | | Average Sales Per Territory | $1,040,000 | | Estimated Earnings | $131,113 - $182,101 | | Franchise Term | 10 years | | Total Locations | 257 | | Payback Period | 2.0 - 4.0 years |

**Minimum Royalty Schedule:** - Months 0-6: None - Months 7-12: $500 - Months 13-24: $1,000 - Months 25-36: $1,250 - Months 37-48: $1,500 - Months 49-60: $2,000 - Months 61+: $2,500

## System Health

**Recognition and Awards:** - 2025 IFA Franchisee of the Year (Eric Wallentine and Nate Benjamin, Southern Idaho) - Entrepreneur Franchise 500 #234 (2025) - Franchise Customer Experience Certification (Franchise Customer Service Institute) - Top 50 Franchise by Franchise Business Review - Franchise Business Review 10 Years Hall of Fame - Top Franchise for Women recognition

**Ownership Structure:** Homewatch CareGivers is owned by Authority Brands, LLC, a leading provider of in-home services. This provides access to: - Shared resources across Authority Brands portfolio - Strong financial backing - Operational best practices from sister brands

## Franchisee Experience

**Training and Support:** - Pre-training preparation - Intensive training week - In-field launch visit - Dedicated launch coach - 52-week Business Implementation Plan (BIP) - Ongoing business management training

**Franchisee Testimonials:** - "Their high standard of training" was cited as a key differentiator vs. competitors - "The branding that comes with it, years of experience, and brand awareness" valued by franchisees - Strong support team "with really special people" at corporate headquarters

**Veteran Benefits:** - 30% discount off initial franchise fee for qualifying veterans

## Risk Assessment

**Key Concerns:** 1. **Higher Marketing Requirements** - 3% or $24K local marketing plus $500/mo in-person marketing is more than some competitors 2. **Additional Capital Recommended** - Franchisor recommends $75,000-$100,000 beyond initial investment for first year 3. **Office Space Required** - Must rent 500-800 sq ft commercial space (adds ongoing overhead) 4. **Caregiver Recruitment** - Industry-wide challenge 5. **Competition** - Crowded home care franchise market

**Mitigating Factors:** - 45 years of operational experience (longest-running home care franchise) - Authority Brands backing provides stability and resources - Homewatch Connect technology differentiates service offering - Strong Item 19 disclosure shows path to profitability - Comprehensive 52-week business implementation plan

## Competitive Position

Homewatch CareGivers competes against: - **Home Instead** - Largest player with 1,200+ locations - **Visiting Angels** - Strong brand, 600+ locations - **Home Helpers Home Care** - Similar investment level - **BrightStar Care** - Medical and non-medical services - **Comfort Keepers** - Interactive caregiving model

**Competitive Advantages:** - Longest operating history (45 years) - Authority Brands backing and resources - Homewatch Connect technology platform - Total Care Solutions personalized approach - Strong franchisee satisfaction leading to Hall of Fame recognition

## Validation Questions

1. What percentage of franchisees achieve the $1.04M average territory sales? 2. How does Homewatch Connect impact client acquisition and retention vs. locations not using the technology? 3. What is the typical timeline to reach the $131K-$182K estimated earnings range? 4. How does Authority Brands ownership benefit individual franchisees day-to-day? 5. What caregiver recruitment and retention strategies are most effective? 6. How many franchisees operate multiple territories? 7. What percentage of revenue comes from private pay vs. insurance/Medicaid?

## Data Gaps

- Median revenue figures (vs. average) - Franchisee satisfaction scores and survey details - Caregiver turnover rates within the system - Detailed breakdown of the $75K-$100K additional recommended capital - Homewatch Connect adoption rates and measured outcomes - Geographic distribution of the 257 locations - Multi-unit operator statistics

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*This report is based on publicly available information and is intended for educational purposes. Prospective franchisees should conduct thorough due diligence and review the current Franchise Disclosure Document before making investment decisions.*