David Watson, Founder & President of Premier Homecare Services, spent 20 years working his way up the ladder in the ultra competitive Insurance Industry before fate brought him to his true passion. In 2003 David’s mother had a serious fall that left her disabled. Despite his father’s desires to care for her, even he needed a break from time to time and a homecare agency was brought in to assist the family. David soon realized that homecare was an emerging industry that was going to explode when the “baby boom” evolved into the “senior boom”.
David founded Premier Homecare Services with a desire to assist other families going through what his family had faced. After several years growing his agency, David was encouraged to franchise the concept. There are now 10 franchises in the Premier Homecare family with more on the way. As President of Premier Homecare, David and his team are 100% dedicated to helping their franchisees grow their businesses. He is proud of the company he has created and the opportunity to help others achieve their dreams of business ownership.
BeTheBoss: Tell us about the Premier Homecare Services concept.
David Watson: Premier Homecare Services provides in-home medical and non-medical care for seniors, people with disabilities and anyone else who could benefit from assistance to enable them to remain at home as long as possible to maintain as much independence as possible.
BTB: How and when did you become involved with Premier Homecare Services?
DW: The concept was borne from my personal experience. My Mother had a bad fall and required constant care and attention. After some time my siblings and I realized that being the caregiver was taking its toll on our Father. We quickly discovered how challenging it was to find a company that was able to provide consistent quality care which included respite for our father and assistance with household chores. I envisioned a company that puts the clients and the clients families needs first. Thus providing satisfaction by giving back to our community and the people who benefit from our services.
BTB: What was your background prior to joining Premier Homecare Services?
DW: My most recent position was as a Regional Sales Director for a major Life Insurance company. In fact I spent over 20 years in the life insurance industry, first as an agent, next as a Branch Manager, then as a broker and finally a Regional Sales Director. In 2003 I left my position as a Regional Sales Director to form Premier Homecare Services.
BTB: What are some of the advantages in being a Premier Homecare Services franchisee?
DW: Premier Homecare Services is proud to be 100% Canadian owned and operated. We offer a multitude of services and we specializing in Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Premier Homecare Services became accredited through ‘Accreditation Canada’. In the care industry a company with this designation is recognized as being an industry leader in providing the best client care and client safety possible. We are very proud of this. We tailor a care plan to fit our client’s needs. We strive to match the caregiver with our client’s personality and the skills needed to provide the best service possible.
BTB: Who is your ideal franchisee?
DW: Our ideal franchisee is first and foremost a Community Minded and Compassionate person who can easily connect with our seniors and those with physical and mental challenges. They must be energetic and be a strong communicator. They must be entrepreneurial and driven to succeed and have a professional attitude. No prior experience in the health care industry is required but prior sales and/or management experience would be beneficial and good life experience will serve them well.
BTB: Tell us a little about the ‘Senior Care’ market?
DW: As our population ages, the senior care industry is becoming more of a recession resistant if not recession proof business. The percentage of people over the age of 65 in Canada is increasing yearly. In 2006, 1 in 7 or 13.3% of the population where 65 or older, in 2016 this is expected to be 1 in 6 or 16.6%, in 2026 this is expected to be 1 in 5 or 21.4% and in 2036 the senior population in Canada is expected to be 1 in 4 or 24.5%. These are huge numbers. People are living longer and the majority would like to remain in their own homes and age in place.
BTB: What are some of the greatest lessons you’ve learned in growing this franchise?
DW: We soon learned that there are entrepreneurial minded people who genuinely care about our elderly. People who share the same passion as us and desire to give back to their community by providing quality care to our seniors. The overwhelming feelings I get as we guide our franchisees grow into being the best business people possible and watching them experience success. I have also learned that when opportunity knocks at your door you must recognize it for what it is and embrace it and never give up on your dream.
BTB: Do you have a mentor and is there someone you use for inspiration?
DW: I have a mentor and personal life coach who help’s me maintain focus on the business challenges and opportunities that arise weekly as well as helping me to maintain proper balance in my personal life. Much like the support and coaching we provide for our franchise associates.
BTB: What advice do you have for someone looking to acquire a franchise?
DW: I believe the most important element is having a passion for whatever one should decide to do. If you have that it is not work it is fun and it is important that we enjoy doing what we do.
BTB: In your opinion, why do you think that Premier Homecare Services would be a great opportunity for someone?
DW: Unlike many of our competitors, we care and focus more on helping our Franchisees grow their business than we do about selling franchises. We know who our customer is! Our training and support structure is heads above our competitors. We are committed to supporting our Franchisees every step of the way, from office set-up, initial head office training, ongoing field training and support, conferences and regional sales seminars.
If you genuinely care about people, your community, AND have the drive and commitment to grow your own business – This may be the right opportunity for you.
