Leonie Williams with daughter, Amy.
What does retirement look like to you? Leonie Williams’ retirement plans involved her looking for a “little business” that would keep her busy and active.
“Our little business was a home care franchise – Senior Helpers,” explains Leonie.
“Not too hard you may think. It’s great providing assistance and services to others and being paid for it as well.
“We have met wonderful clients and families and are proud of what we have built.”
Seven years later and Leonie says she has enough work to not only keep her busy but she’s also been able to bring her daughter into the fold.
“Our once modest dream has turned into three businesses and rather than slowing down, here in my 71st year – possibly the oldest master franchisor in Australia – myself and my daughter are running the most successful Senior Helpers’ franchise in it’s nine-year Australian history.”
Leonie says she learned that being a retiree could be a huge advantage in business.
“The skills and knowledge of a lifetime can be moved laterally to not only learn new things but to apply all of those life experiences and knowledge to a new venture,” she says.
“As a business owner, I enjoy keeping in touch with trends and potential crises (there was a recession this year I am told), but the home care business was generally unaffected financially.
“There was and remains a public health crisis with COVID. That was not on my business plan, but we were able to ride that storm with no clients or staff adversely affected.
“All our protective equipment arrived promptly, and we are well-placed for the next virus threat. Let’s hope we don’t need it!”
She says the other fun part of her business is being able to keep up her frequent flyer points.
“As a franchisor, I travel often to see new owners and their staff as they open their businesses but also to see the mature and growing businesses.”
“Being over 70 and asking to sit in an exit row does raise eyebrows – “Ma’am, how long has it been since you were last in an exit row, and can you assist others to leave the aircraft?”. With great delight I can say, “Oh last week.” I’m polite, I move slower so I want them out first so I can take my time!”
She says a retirement spent keeping busy and guiding others into the home care industry is not just a job, but a labour of love.
“Senior Helpers may do great things for older Australians and adults with disabilities, but for me, it has given me another, fresh direction on life.”
For more information about Senior Helpers and how to become a franchisee, visit https://seniorhelpers.com.au
