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Steve Villa, one of the first franchisees to join Senior Care Authority nearly a decade ago, has built a deeply fulfilling career supporting families in the San Francisco Bay Area. Coming from a commercial printing background, Villa discovered his passion for senior care by chance through a friend and a connection with Frank Samson, the brand’s founder.
“I accidentally found Frank Samson, founder of Senior Care Authority, before he started franchising,” said Villa. “We talked, and he was training people to start their own businesses in this field. After meeting with him and learning more details about the business, I told him that I’d like to pursue it … We stayed in contact regularly, and about two years later, he decided to franchise and asked if I’d like to be a part of it.”
Villa’s focus isn’t on scaling his business to large proportions but on maintaining the hands-on approach that has defined his success over the years. The heart of his work lies in alleviating the stress and uncertainty families face in moments of crisis. He advises potential franchisees to seek out a business model that resonates with their personal values, emphasizing that compassion and integrity are the cornerstones of a rewarding career in senior care.
1851 Franchise spoke to Villa about his franchise journey. Here’s what he had to say.
1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?
Steve Villa: I was in the commercial printing business for 28 years, which was entirely unrelated to the elder care industry. I had a friend who got into this business, and in talking with him, I became very interested. That’s when I started searching, and I accidentally found Frank Samson, founder of Senior Care Authority, before he started franchising. We talked, and he was training people to start their own businesses in this field. After meeting with him and learning more details about the business, I told him that I’d like to pursue it. I went through the training process, and he got me up and running. We stayed in contact regularly, and about two years later, he decided to franchise and asked if I’d like to be a part of it. That’s when I joined—nearly 10 years ago. I was one of the first to join.
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?
Villa: I didn’t know much about franchising. I’d obviously heard about it from the big chains out there, but that was about it. I spoke with Frank in more detail about how Senior Care Authority was going to operate and the benefits I’d receive as part of the franchise. Having a support group and additional people around the country to collaborate with has been invaluable. We can work together, refer families to each other and support each other’s clients.
1851: What made you pick this brand?
Villa: I didn’t even consider other brands. My relationship with Frank and knowing what a genuine person he is gave me all the confidence I needed. I knew he would run a great company — he’s honest, upfront and deeply involved. If I were to join a franchise, I knew this would be the one.
1851 Franchise: What do you love most about the franchise?
Villa: Working with families, getting to know them and being able to help when they’re in a crisis and unsure of where to turn is incredibly gratifying. They’re often so overwhelmed, but once we start talking and I explain how I can help them, you can see a sense of relief wash over them. It’s so fulfilling for me to be able to provide that support.
1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?
Villa: I’ve been at this for 10 years and have seen steady growth in revenue, but my goal was never to build a large company with employees. The business model — where I can operate independently — is what attracted me in the first place, and that’s how I plan to keep it for as long as I continue. I’m at a stage where I value being solely responsible for my work and my relationships with the families I serve. Being in control of everything within my business is important to me.
1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?
Villa: I think there are more franchise opportunities out there today, and people I talk to seem to be exploring various options, which is great. But ultimately, many come back to Senior Care Authority, largely because they sense the genuine care from Frank and his team. My advice is to look around, trust your gut and intuition and, if you’re considering this business, remember that compassion is key. It’s not just about making money — it’s about helping families. If you’re truly compassionate, the financial rewards will follow naturally.
ABOUT SENIOR CARE AUTHORITY
Senior Care Authority, the placement and eldercare consulting franchise, has established itself as a trusted leader in the senior care industry, providing holistic and empathetic guidance on effective care options available to aging loved ones. Formed in 2009 by Frank Samson, Senior Care Authority was designed to guide families through the complex landscape of senior care solutions, helping them find the best and most nurturing care options. The franchise is seeing explosive growth across the U.S., with over 100 locations in operation, and is aiming to open 24 new units by the end of 2024.
