When Michael Kearney opened his Senior Care Authority franchise in Rochester, New York, in December 2017, it was the beginning of a journey that would evolve into a rewarding family business. Michael’s story illustrates why Senior Care Authority is not only a fulfilling franchise opportunity but also a powerful vehicle for building a legacy within a family.
Mike began his journey in senior care after facing an unexpected career change. At age 60, he found himself navigating ageism in the corporate world and decided it was time to work for himself. Encouraged by a friend to explore senior care, Michael connected with Senior Care Authority and saw the potential to combine his skills with meaningful work. Over time, what started as a solo venture blossomed into a family business that now includes his son, Tom.
“I started this business as a partnership with my best friend of many years,” Michael said. “This is the sort of franchise that takes time and effort. In year one, it was pretty much me operating solo with my partner in the background. He then joined full-time a few years later.”
As Mike and his business partner began considering an exit strategy in their 60s, Tom came into the picture. “He could see the level of satisfaction that we were feeling from the work we were doing,” he said. “He was attracted to the feel-good aspect that comes from helping others.”
With a background in sales, Tom brought a wealth of transferable skills to the family business.
“As we entered our 60s, we began thinking of an exit strategy, and my son, Tom, came on board six months ago,” said Mike “We gave him a path to enter the business, which began with him studying to become a Certified Senior Advisor. He then jumped into the deep end of the pool. We began utilizing him as a resource and he has quickly found that this could be a long-term career. His background in sales is a really positive thing for what we are doing. You use the same skill set.”
For Mike, seeing Tom join the business has been deeply rewarding. “I can’t adequately describe how proud and rewarding it is to own a family business,” he said. “We have always been so close, but the opportunity to work together is so special.”
Mike sees Senior Care Authority as the perfect franchise fit for families. “One of the special talents you need is learning how to coordinate and navigate difficult family dynamics, so tying this into your own family is a great lynchpin for how to handle yourself in these situations,” he said. “We often deal with families who have a number of different solution options for taking care of their aging loved ones.”
The flexibility and communication skills required to thrive in this business are skills that many families already possess, making it a natural fit for those looking to work together.
“This is a brand that has extraordinary opportunities for growth and a great future,” said Michael. “It takes a few years to get the business to where you want it. So once you build it, you don’t want to just give it away. That is why getting family involved can be a great exit strategy.”
For Michael and Tom, SCA isn’t just a business; it’s a legacy. Together, they are continuing to grow a business that provides valuable services to families during some of the most challenging times of their lives.
Founded in 2009, Senior Care Authority began franchising in 2014 and now serves over 100 locations in 34 states. The brand’s network of local advisors assists families with selecting the best options in assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing care and more. With a proven playbook and a supportive franchise network, SCA offers a meaningful business opportunity for those who want to make a difference while building a lasting legacy.
For more information on franchising with SCA, visit: https://1851franchise.com/senior-care-authority/info.


