Leadership at Seniors Helping Seniors
Unlike many centralized corporations, Seniors Helping Seniors operates on a franchise model, which means its leadership structure has both corporate and local components. The ultimate corporate leadership of the entire franchise system, which spans over 200 locations, is distinct from the leadership of individual franchise branches. Understanding this distinction is key to answering the question: who is the CEO of Seniors Helping Seniors?
The Corporate President: Namrata Yocom-Jan
The most senior leader overseeing the entire Seniors Helping Seniors franchise system is its President, Namrata Yocom-Jan. She is the daughter of the organization's co-founders, Kiran and Philip Yocom, and has been involved with the company for many years. Namrata Yocom-Jan assumed her current position in December 2020 and plays a pivotal role in shaping the brand's overarching strategy and vision. Her family legacy in the business, stemming from her mother's work with Mother Teresa, heavily influences the company's compassionate and purpose-driven mission.
Corporate and Family Legacy
The co-founders, Kiran and Philip Yocom, started Seniors Helping Seniors in 1998 to provide compassionate, in-home care services. Kiran's extensive humanitarian experience informed the company's ethos, which focuses on matching compassionate, active seniors with those who need assistance, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship. When the company began franchising in 2006, the Yocom family brought on more team members, including their daughter, Namrata, who now leads the system as President.
The Role of Local Franchise Owners
Because Seniors Helping Seniors is a franchise network, the term "CEO" can also apply to the individual owners and operators of local franchises. These local entrepreneurs purchase a franchise and run their specific location as its head, sometimes holding the title of Owner/CEO or Executive Director. For example, records show individuals like Robert McGoff and Josh Obeiter listed as Owner/CEO or Executive Director for their respective franchise territories. This distributed leadership model allows for local autonomy and tailored service, while the corporate team provides support, marketing, and a standardized framework.
The Management Structure of Seniors Helping Seniors
The leadership hierarchy of Seniors Helping Seniors can be confusing due to its corporate franchise system. Here is a comparison to clarify the different roles.
| Feature | Corporate Leadership (Franchisor) | Local Franchise Leadership (Franchisee) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Leader | President (Namrata Yocom-Jan) | Owner/CEO or Executive Director (e.g., Robert McGoff) |
| Role | Oversees the entire franchise system, growth strategy, branding, and franchisee support. | Manages day-to-day operations, staff, and client relationships for a specific geographic territory. |
| Focus | National expansion, long-term strategic vision, and brand integrity. | Local community outreach, caregiver recruitment, client satisfaction, and business growth. |
| Scope | International and nationwide network of franchises. | Specific county or local metropolitan area. |
| Founding History | Rooted in the Yocom family's original vision from 1998. | Each location founded by an individual or family, often driven by personal motivations. |
Why a Franchise Model?
The franchise model is highly effective for services like in-home care. The ability to hire senior caregivers to assist other seniors—the core principle of the company—benefits greatly from local management. Local franchise owners have the regional knowledge to recruit and match caregivers and clients effectively within their specific community, fostering the personal connection that is central to the Seniors Helping Seniors mission. The local leadership is better positioned to build relationships with community organizations and manage local operations effectively. The corporate office provides the brand recognition, operational blueprint, and support systems that allow these small businesses to thrive, leading to the company's extensive growth.
Conclusion
To definitively answer who is the CEO of Seniors Helping Seniors?, it is important to clarify that the corporate franchise system is led by its President, Namrata Yocom-Jan, who is the daughter of the company's founders. However, each individual franchise location across the country is owned and operated by its own local CEO or Executive Director. This two-tiered leadership structure allows the brand to maintain a consistent, compassionate mission while empowering local entrepreneurs to provide personalized, community-focused senior care services. The strength of the model lies in its fusion of a strong central vision with localized, personal attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there one single CEO for the entire Seniors Helping Seniors company? A: No, the overall franchise system is led by a President, Namrata Yocom-Jan, while individual franchise locations each have their own Owner/CEO or Executive Director.
Q: Who founded Seniors Helping Seniors? A: The organization was co-founded by the husband-and-wife duo Kiran and Philip Yocom in 1998, with Kiran's humanitarian experience being a key inspiration.
Q: How does the franchise model affect Seniors Helping Seniors leadership? A: The franchise model creates a two-tiered leadership structure. The corporate President handles overall brand strategy, while local Owner/CEOs manage the day-to-day operations of their specific territory.
Q: Who is Namrata Yocom-Jan? A: Namrata Yocom-Jan is the President of Seniors Helping Seniors' corporate franchise system. She is the daughter of the founders and has been with the company since 2007.
Q: Do local branches have different leaders? A: Yes, each local Seniors Helping Seniors branch is operated by its own franchisee, who serves as the local business leader, often holding titles such as Owner, CEO, or Executive Director.
Q: How does this leadership structure benefit clients? A: This decentralized structure combines a strong, compassionate corporate mission with the benefit of local ownership. It allows local leaders to better understand and serve the specific needs of their community.
Q: What is the main mission of Seniors Helping Seniors? A: The mission is rooted in the idea that active seniors can provide compassionate care to less-active seniors, creating mutually beneficial relationships and combating loneliness.
