Duration: 7m 02s
Description
Vladimir Zarkhin’s journey is proof that some of the most successful Right at Home franchisees come from the least likely places. Vladimir is a true veteran of the business, with 22 years at the helm of his Newtown, Massachusetts franchise.
Over that time, Vladimir’s franchise has expanded to serve what he describes as a very significant territory. The long-time owner is established, experienced, and esteemed in his region.
Clearly, Vladimir knows what he’s doing, both as a businessman and as a compassionate provider of quality home care. But his path to franchise ownership was an unusual one.
Engineering a Career Shift
Many of our franchise owners have business management experience, caregiving experience, or even a little of both. Vladimir came from a decidedly different professional background.
“I used to be a mechanical engineer,” he tells us. “I have a master’s from Boston University, and I even used to teach in colleges and universities back in my native country.”
Vladimir’s resume in the hard sciences might not seem like an obvious fit for home care franchise ownership. So why the dramatic shift in his career?
Making a Big Change
Vladimir says two major factors compelled him to join the Right at Home system. He acknowledges that starting his own franchise was “a valuable business opportunity.”
“But,” he continues, “it’s also important. It has a very significant social mission.”
For Vladimir, Right at Home’s franchise model offered the opportunity to take a sound and proven business strategy and apply it to something positive and meaningful.
Meeting the Team
Vladimir also emphasizes the role that the people of Right at Home played in cementing his decision. He was impressed with the warmth, accessibility, and insightfulness of the team at corporate.
“Frankly,” says Vladimir, “everybody I met at Right at Home headquarters when I was exploring the business was unbelievable.”
He has particularly glowing words for the visionary founder behind the Right at Home franchise system.
“The founder of the system, Allen Hager, is an amazing man,” says Vladimir. Indeed, Hager’s influence permeates the Right at Home culture, ultimately creating the type of environment that ambitious and caring entrepreneurs like Vladimir aspire to be a part of.
Focusing on Families
Vladimir also makes it a point to pay this warmth forward. He notes that he measures success by the positive impact that his franchise has on clients and their families.
“Every day we face new challenges, and we see new victories,” admits Vladimir. “And what is victory for us? I believe when we see happy clients and happy families, that’s what we count as victory.”
Building on a Solid Structure
To a large extent, says Vladimir, the amazing and comprehensive support system provided by the Right at Home corporate office helps to make these victories possible. Vladimir calls it “a very well-rounded operation” and “an extremely efficient support structure.”
But there’s another element of Right at Home’s support structure that sets it apart.
“They’re all great people and great professionals, but also importantly, and interestingly, they are kind of becoming my friends,” boasts Vladimir.
He notes that this kind of friendship and camaraderie is unique to Right at Home. Vladimir explains that, as a franchisee, you enjoy a level of engagement and support from corporate that really makes you feel like you’re not alone.
The main takeaway?
“We are in this together,” says Vladimir.
Vladimir’s Advice for Prospective Franchise Owners
This high-touch support is especially crucial because, as Vladimir acknowledges, running your own business is never easy. And the nature of home care and elder care is also particularly challenging.
Vladimir acknowledges that “there is no such thing as a typical day, and that’s what makes it interesting for me. Every day is unique, and that’s what I like.”
But that also means as a franchisee, you have to be prepared for a lot of ups and downs. If you are considering your own Right at Home franchise, Vladimir offers a few valuable words of advice.
“Be patient and persevere…because obstacles are going to be coming. The road of small business owners, whether franchise or no franchise, is never smooth.”
This is why it’s so critical not just to move past your mistakes, but to learn from them.
“What’s important,” says Vladimir, “is that [franchise owners] do their best to create breakthroughs out of breakdowns. I’ve done it a lot, and I think everybody else is capable of doing the same.”
Visit our available territories, or you can click the link if you are interested in franchise opportunities in Massachusetts.
If you would like to listen to other franchise owners’ stories, click the links below:
Meet the Owner | Lauren Miller
Meet the Family | Pete Morrissey
If you are interested in joining the Right at Home family or just want more information, please submit the form below.
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