America's Choice in Homecare

Offering a caring alternative to seniors across the country, Visiting Angels has become "America's Choice in Homecare." With more than 300 Franchises in 40 states, the company continues to rapidly expand. "We have Franchise openings nearly everywhere," said Visiting Angels CEO, Larry Meigs.

While many franchise locations are found in major metropolitan areas, rural opportunities exist too, Meigs said. More than one franchise may be established in a city as well. Meigs, who operates his own Visiting Angels franchise in Philadelphia, is one of seven other offices in his metro area.

With tremendous growth, the secret to Visiting Angels success lies in their philosophy, Meigs said. Visiting Angels strives to provide personalized care to their clients, Meigs said.

Providing an option to assisted living or nursing home facilities, Visiting Angels offers in-home care to their clients. Through this service, clients can remain at home, while family members gain confidence knowing their loved ones are safe and properly cared for.

An added bonus to Visiting Angels large client-base is a partnership with several well-known companies. These include Energizer, Kimberly-Clark, Financial Freedom and The SCOOTER Store. Visiting Angels clients can purchase products from these companies at a discounted rate.

Another Visiting Angels success secret is their substantial industry experience. Many of the company's directors have widespread homecare experience, Meigs said. In fact, many of Visiting Angels directors have owned and operated their own non-medical home care agencies. "We have a great team, with a terrific chemistry," Meigs said.

However, franchisees aren't required to have the same type of homecare experience, Meigs said. With Visiting Angels business model, franchisees run the business. Then, they hire qualified staff to care for their homecare clients, Meigs said.

Although no experience is necessary, Visiting Angels are seeking people that are willing to follow an established franchise system. They're looking for individuals who will show initiative. And, they're seeking franchisees willing to develop genuine relationships with staff and clients. Most importantly, they want people with heart, Meigs said.

Once franchisees are selected, Visiting Angels provides superior training. With tremendous care, they thoroughly prepare their franchisees for future success.

Meigs, who has considerable franchise industry experience himself, believes the Visiting Angels training and on-going guidance program is the best. In fact, he says it's better than most programs offered by big-name franchisors in any industry.

Visiting Angels begins their training with a five-day session. But, new franchisees aren't expected to remember everything. Visiting Angels takes a continual approach to learning, providing many on-going educational opportunities. And only one phone call or e-mail away, the staff at Visiting Angels is always available to answer questions.

"We have awesome on-going guidance," Meigs said.

Training continues through Visiting Angels unique Regional Refresher Meetings. During these sessions, directors travel to various areas of the U.S. to meet face-to-face with franchisees. Workshops are held, and franchisees make insightful presentations about business operations. Here's a thought from a franchisee who attended a recent Regional Refresher Meeting:

"I consider the refresher meetings well worth the time. The networking and support offered at these meetings can't be duplicated anywhere else. Please keep them available to us, they are great."
Mike Garfunkel, Ohio

Another popular educational opportunity occurs at the Visiting Angels annual conference. At the conference, franchisees learn about new industry trends and innovative products. They have been held in cities like Orlando, San Diego, and Las Vegas.

However, help doesn't subside with meetings and conferences. Through informative e-mails and newsletters, Visiting Angels are always in contact with franchisees, Meigs said. They're constantly developing new ways to assist franchisees in building their business, Meigs said.

The Visiting Angels support goes beyond education. Their website and national advertising generates big-business for franchisees too, Meigs said. The site produces numerous leads from people across the country seeking homecare assistance, Meigs said. These leads transform into clients, eventually creating sizeable profits for franchisees. Compared to other homecare companies, Visiting Angels has a leading internet presence. And, franchisees are enjoying the more than 2500 home care client leads circulated monthly.

Leads are plenty, but royalties are low. On average, franchisees of other programs pay a five to six percent royalty fee to their franchisor, Meigs said. At Visiting Angels, franchisees pay a 2.95 percent royalty fee, Meigs said. With a greater volume of clients, fees are reduced to merely 2.0 percent, Meigs said.

And as leads flow, franchisees are enjoying their fruitful business. Here's what one franchisee said about his experience:

"What a great year we had! We love every minute of it. What a great business to be in. Thanks again and we couldn't have done it without you guys!"
Medwin Nazif, Florida

Visiting Angels immense success has come from a tremendous team, extensive experience, and an unparalleled accessibility to help. They want their franchisees to succeed.