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In 1997, Tafa Jefferson was drafted by the Chicago Bears. He played only one year due to career-ending injuries. Jefferson used the competition he learned on the field and is now founder and CEO of a franchise system that has grown to more than 100 locations in 34 states in the U.S.
In 2007, Jefferson launched Amada Senior Care, which provides both in-home care and assisted living options to the ever-growing senior population. As a franchisor, Amada offers non-medical in-home care franchises as a business opportunity for those interested in purchasing a franchise. He launched the business with his co-founder, Chad Fotheringham, after his mother, who worked in the senior care field, suggested Jefferson consider opening a business assisting seniors.
Rapid Franchise Growth Rate
The growth of Amada and the number of franchises it has partnered with is remarkable. Statistically, only one out of five startup franchises reach 100+ locations after more than eight years of franchising—meaning that Amada hit the 100th location mark after 11 years in business but in only six years of franchising,
Jefferson attributes this success to his approach to business as a “corporate athlete.” The franchise also offers key differentiators, such as Amada’s proprietary technology that allows loved ones to monitor tasks completed on a daily basis, and streamlines the claims process when dealing with various insurance providers.
With the caregiver category being the fastest growing job in America (second only to Certified Nursing Assistant), coupled with the instability of health care, the government pulling back on reimbursements and hospitals being penalized for patient recidivism, Jefferson sees the success of Amada exploding over the next five to 10 years.
Jefferson also has a focus on bringing more women and minorities into Amada ownership. He feels the owner network would benefit greatly from being more diverse. The senior care business is rated in the top five most profitable franchise sectors, and annual expenditures for home care top the $70 billion mark.
Yet, for Jefferson, it’s not just about the money. For him, senior care is about community. Taking care of the elderly, assisting families in their time of need, and delivering jobs to African American communities, “right in our own backyards.”
As for what’s next for Amada Senior Care, on May 30, Amada announced closing a deal to become sponsor and exclusive in-home care provider for the NFL Alumni, an association of about 5,000 former National Football League players, coaches, staffers, cheerleaders, and family members.
Jefferson’s advice for business owners considering franchising their business:
- Don’t do it for the money! While collecting franchise fees and royalties seems like a gold mine, it takes a lot of resources to run a successful franchise notwork that is growing and thriving.
- Live your passion and purpose, and the money will come (he admitted this sounds cliche, but he would do this for free).
- Continue to see yourself as a small business owner and always do what’s right for your employees, clients, and franchise partners
- Be ready for that mental transition from working IN the business to working ON the business. Leverage tools such as dashboards, spreadsheets, KPIs, etc.
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