At Just 29, George Diekelman Transforms Personal Experience Into a Mission with Right at Home. George traded software sales for senior care after watching his family struggle with caregiving for his grandmother. Now, he is stepping into business ownership with a purpose.
For 29-year-old George Diekelman, the decision to buy a Right at Home* franchise in Germantown, Wisconsin, was personal. Having witnessed his own family navigate the challenges of caregiving for his grandmother with dementia, he saw firsthand how overwhelming it could be. Instead of continuing his career in software sales, he set out to build a business that would provide the kind of support his family had needed — helping seniors stay safely in their homes while offering relief to overwhelmed families.
Diekelman knew he wanted to own a business, but he didn’t want just any business. He explored industries from landscaping to signage, but none felt as meaningful as home care. When he connected with Right at Home, the difference was immediate. The company’s track record, the support system for franchisees, and the community of like-minded owners gave him confidence that this was the right fit. Now, he’s focused on expanding services, building partnerships, and ensuring more seniors receive the care they need.
For Diekelman, franchising isn’t just about business ownership — it’s about impact. Every day, his team steps in to fill critical gaps in care, especially for seniors whose families live far away or need extra support. Since acquiring the Germantown location in March 2025, he’s bringing fresh energy and a strong sense of purpose to an industry that’s only growing in demand.
1851 Franchise spoke to Diekelman about his franchise journey and plans for the future.
1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?
George Diekelman: I spent the last five years selling software while also building a residential rental property business. I wanted to acquire a business in 2025, something that allowed me to be more involved in and help the community rather than working a traditional W-2 job.
I explored several businesses, from landscaping to sign companies, but ultimately, home care resonated with me on a personal level. My grandmother has dementia, and I saw firsthand how difficult it was for my aunts, uncles, and mother as primary caregivers. That experience showed me the value of providing relief to families, whether it’s one day a week or every day. I saw a real need for these services in the counties we serve and knew it was something meaningful I wanted to be a part of.
1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?
Diekelman: I saw value in having a support system from the corporate office and a proven playbook from other successful franchisees. The established standards and procedures allow us to provide a high level of care in our communities. Having access to best practices and the ability to implement them in our own business has been a key advantage.
1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?
Diekelman: What excited me most was the people. From the initial phone calls with the Right at Home team to visiting them in Omaha, everyone was genuinely willing to help. Seeing their track record over the last 30 years and talking to other franchise owners about their experiences gave me confidence that this was the right choice.
1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?
Diekelman: Our main focus is serving more families and individuals who need help staying in their homes longer. For growth, we’re looking to build partnerships that allow us to reach more people — whether that’s individuals being discharged from rehab facilities or those receiving limited home health and nursing care. Our goal is to fill those gaps by working with other companies to support clients in the best way possible, ensuring they can live safely at home for as long as possible.
Diekelman also provided some additional information and advice for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners. Click the link to read the full article at 1851 Franchise.
If you are interested in franchise opportunities, visit our available territories map. Or, for your convenience, visit availability in Wisconsin.
If you want to read about other Right at Home franchise owners, visit us at Franchisee Interviews.
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About Right at Home
Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home care to seniors and adults with disabilities who want to live independently. Most Right at Home offices are independently owned and operated, and directly employ and supervise all caregiving staff. Each caregiver is thoroughly screened, trained, and bonded/insured before entering a client’s home. Right at Home’s global office is based in Omaha, Nebraska, with more than 750 franchise locations in the U.S. and four other countries. If you are interested in learning more or in owning a Right at Home franchise, please visit us at: https://rightathomefranchise.com/ or to read more about franchise ownership, visit our blog at: https://rightathomefranchise.com/forc/
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