May 2009 Franchising World
Memories of the 49th Annual International Franchise Association will consist of some vivid ones for many. They might include memories of hearing reasons for optimism from former President Bill Clinton about the state of the economy, industry executives’ buoyed remarks about the prospects for their businesses or mellow tones from the IFA’s house band. One of those exciting moments was the announcement of Home Instead Senior Care as the convention’s video contest winner.
Video submissions were judged on relevance to the theme, creativity, entertainment value, and overall video quality. Convention attendees voted onsite at e-mail kiosks and the winner was announced during the Tuesday Luncheon and General Session. The senior-care franchise received a complimentary registration to the 2010 IFA Convention in San Antonio, among other prizes.
From its founding in 1994 by Lori and Paul Hogan, Home Instead Senior Care has grown into the largest senior care business of its kind in the world. In 15 years, it has provided services to more than 500,000 seniors through a network of 820 franchise offices located in the U.S. and 16 other markets including Japan, Canada, Portugal, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, Switzerland, Germany, South Korea, Finland, Austria and Puerto Rico. International revenues for 2008 exceed $650,000,000.
Worldwide, Home Instead franchise offices utilize the services of nearly 60,000 CAREGivers–often seniors themselves–who work in the homes of senior adults providing services which enable seniors to living safely and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible. They do so by providing basic support such as companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, medication reminders, errands and shopping. And, when seniors can no longer stay at home, these CAREGivers often follow them into care facilities where they provide supplemental care.
Paul, a 1985 graduate of the Univ. of Nebraska at Lincoln, began his career with another well-known franchise company, Merry Maids, where he was franchise sales manager. He serves as a founding board member of The Home Instead Senior Care Foundation and the National Private Duty Association, and a founding member of the Nebraska chapter of the Young Entrepreneur Organization. He also serves on the board of Family First Nebraska. In 2000, he was the Nebraska Center for Entrepreneurship’s Entrepreneur of the Year. And, in recognition of his contribution to franchising, he was named the Entrepreneur of the Year for 2006 by the International Franchise Association.
For their success in exporting their home care business concept to 11 other countries through the international Home Instead Senior Care franchise network, the Hogans were awarded the “E” Award by the U.S. Department of Commerce in 2008. This award is one of the highest honors the federal government presents to individuals, firms or organizations that have made a significant contribution to American exports. It was presented at a White House ceremony.
Demonstrating their commitment to enhancing the lives of seniors everywhere, the Hogans became anchor donors for the Home Instead Center for Successful Aging in 2008. This unique partnership between the Univ. of Nebraska Medical Center and Home Instead Senior Care is focused on a common goal: To find solutions with the potential to touch the lives of thousands or even millions of seniors around the world, and to truly help seniors age more successfully.