We are Amada

In this episode of the We Are Amada podcast we have the pleasure of Amada Co-Founder and Owner, Tafa Jefferson, guest hosting a fantastic conversation with Amada superstar, Jon Thomas. Jon serves on the executive team as the Director of National Accounts at the corporate headquarters, and dedicates his extensive experience in long-term care and background in financial planning and insurance to elevating Amada’s industry-wide impact. Jon brings a wealth of expertise to an in depth discussion about how Amada is leading the charge when it comes to innovating and evolving to meet the needs of an aging population.In this episode, they discuss:The Silver Tsunami (the impact of the Baby Boomer generation)Identifying the Critical Gaps in a Broken Healthcare SystemFinding Innovation in FundingIndustry Firsts (groundbreaking direct partnerships home care & insurance)The Human Element in the Age of AIThis conversation provides insights into why it’s essential to stop viewing senior care as a limited non-medical service and start seeing it as a vital role in coordinating the future of healthcare. With the mindset of taking action before the storm arrives, there is an opportunity to lead the conversation, support our caregivers, and change the lives of families in every Amada community.In a world where 10,000 baby boomers reach retirement age every day, the "silver tsunami" is no longer a distant prediction. It’s a reality NOW. Listen in to discover why now, more than ever, there is a dramatic need for a "quarterback" in the broken healthcare system to help families navigate the complex care continuum. Whether you are a healthcare professional, a financial advisor, or someone considering a career change into a high-impact field, this episode reveals the unique opportunities found at the intersection of insurance, financial planning, and compassionate senior care.Happy Listening!

In this episode, we sit down for a long-awaited conversation with the owner of Amada San Antonio, TX, John Paschal, to talk about the transition from the corporate grind to the deeply personal world of senior care. The discussion explores the emotional and operational challenges of starting a franchise, the importance of "burning the boats" to ensure success, and the unique fulfillment that comes from serving the "proudest generation" during their most vulnerable moments.Before entering the senior care industry nearly 10 years ago, John spent over 30 years in consumer electronics retail, including 15 years as a high-level leader for a Fortune 50 big-box retailer. Today, his business has grown into a true family venture, with his wife and sons serving their community with compassion and care.In this episode, we discuss: The Leap from Corporate to FranchiseHis Personal Experience with Senior Care and Unique Insight into the Need for Quality Caregiving Striving to be the "Maserati of Home Care"The Challenges and Rewards of Building a Family LegacyUnderstanding and Serving the Scale of the IndustryThis episode provides valuable insights into the reality of entrepreneurship, especially how to navigate the unknowns of the first few years of a new business. Whether you are a corporate professional considering a career change, or someone currently looking beyond the immediate care for an aging loved one, this episode offers a heartfelt look at how business acumen combined with genuine empathy can create a successful, fulfilling life's work.Happy listening!

In this episode, April and Jason Yun, the proud owners of Amada Senior Care in Greater Fremont, CA, are interviewed by Marcos from the annual Amada conference. This amazing husband and wife partnership share their unique journey from backgrounds in sound design and corporate finance to becoming dedicated advocates for senior care. This discussion shares some fascinating motivations that inspired them to enter the senior care industry, and why they are so very committed to the mission of providing compassionate care and support to seniors and families in their community.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:Jumping from Sound Design to Senior Care The Need to Improve Transitions from Hospital to Home Care Firsthand Experience Navigating the Licensing ProcessTheir Mission-Driven Approach to SalesThe Power of Amada’s Training and SupportIf you long to hear how transforming a personal passion into a meaningful career in senior care can be done, you can’t miss this episode with owners who so proudly reflect Amada’s values. Happy Listening!

In this episode of the We Are Amada podcast, we had the great pleasure of sitting down with the insightful and charismatic Amada VP of Training and Support, Matt Smith! Before joining Amada, Matt’s professional career took the jump from sales to the senior care industry, where he found his fierce and lasting passion for helping franchise partners provide the best care possible to those who need it most. Matt’s passion and heart for serving others is infectious, you don’t want to miss this episode!During this conversation, we discuss:The Evolution of Home CareThe Rising Costs of 24/7 CareThe Population ShiftAmada's Unique Approach to Funding CareOvercoming the "Dip" in EntrepreneurshipAmada's Industry-Leading Training and Support SystemThis is the perfect episode for anyone who has been wanting to know how Amada supports its partners, as well as the kinds of training in store for every owner. Matt goes into great detail and shares his personal experience with other senior care providers, and just how much Amada stands out from the competition. Happy listening!

In this episode of We Are Amada, we sit down with Charleston, South Carolina owner Don Pratt for a candid, nuts-and-bolts conversation about what it really takes to build a home care business with staying power. With a unique professional background (you'll have to listen to find out!), Don was faced with a decision later in his career; keep going in the same industry, or make a jump into an entirely unknown industry with a business model well outside of his comfort zone. Don shares what ultimately influenced his decision to make the leap, and we discuss what he’s learned so far, including his decision making process, how to keep momentum when things get messy, and how to use numbers as a guide instead of a source of stress.In this episode, we cover:How Don approached ownership in the Charleston market and what helped him gain early tractionThe day-to-day operational realities of home care, and how to prioritize when everything feels urgentWhich performance numbers matter most (and how to stop drowning in reports)Building a dependable team and culture while maintaining quality of care and servicePractical lessons learned: what he’d do differently if starting again today, and what went well the first time aroundIf you’re an owner who needs to understand what story the numbers are telling and feel like the idea of starting from scratch is a daunting prospect, this is the episode for you. This extended episode packed full of information from an entrepreneur paving the road to success, one brick at a time.Disclaimer: We’re here to share a real conversation and get to know the people who elevate the industry. We make no financial claims or guarantees about business results. Any mentions of past performance or personal financial history are simply individual experiences, and results vary. The information shared in this video is provided for general informational purposes and entertainment purposes and does not constitute financial, legal, or business advice. We make no representations, warranties, or guarantees regarding business performance, profitability, or earnings. Any discussion of personal financial background or business outcomes is shared as personal experience and may not be representative of others. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guests and speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Amada Senior Care.

In this episode of the "We Are Amada" podcast, Marcos speaks with Luis Vasquez, the proud owner of Amada Senior Care Coral Gables, FL. Luis is a serial entrepreneur with an engineering background who brings a range of experience from a variety of jobs and businesses. Most importantly, he brings his obvious passion for care and improving the quality of life of seniors to this conversation.Luis discusses the road that led him to Amada, sharing his difficult experience with dementia and close family, something that deeply influenced his desire to find a future with purpose. Although Luis is in the early stages of success, he provides a fresh insight into the initial stages of joining the Amada system. In this episode, we discuss: Positive experiences with the support and training he has receivedAttending his first annual conferenceThe three Amada businesses of staffing, placements, and home healthWhat an engineering background made easier, and more difficultAnd the contrast of Amada’s authenticity and honesty with franchise partners to other companiesThe unusual approach Amada takes by being upfront about the need for hard work and passion to be successfulWe were very fortunate to hear from such an experienced entrepreneur who brings a genuine understanding of what it takes to build a successful business, who also recognizes when a company is doing things differently. From following a formula of success, to the value of support systems, to overcoming aspects of a business that prove to be most difficult, Luis was a guest we look forward to inviting back soon. Don’t miss out on this outstanding episode. Happy listening!

In this episode of the We Are Amada Podcast, we have the pleasure of speaking with return guest, Ken Jenson! Operating out of Colorado Springs, CO, Ken was one of the first Amada franchisees to start providing care in the U.S. With so much experience under his belt, Ken has a uniquely informed perspective on the trends that have occurred within the senior care industry, and the improvements Amada Senior Care has added to its business model.In this episode, Marcos and Ken talk about:How Ken found Amada Senior Care, and why he ultimately chose to partner with usWhat is different about our Discovery Days vs. the competitionHis experiences starting his own home care business, and just what is a "Franchise in a Box"?The incredible impact of the Baby Boomers are having on the senior demographicJust why LTCi expertise is so essential when helping families locate fundingKen has a wealth of knowledge to share, and we are so thankful to once more sit down with someone who embodies Amada’s values so consistently. Don’t miss out on this episode if you are looking to hear from an Amada owner who has been there from the beginning, and who still looks forward to many more years of providing life-changing care. Happy listening!

In this episode of the We Are Amada Podcast, we sit down with Correy Web of Sacramento North during the annual Amada conference for a fascinating conversation. Every partnership has a unique heartbeat, but Correy’s story is special: he’s navigating the complexities of business ownership alongside his best friend and business partner, Joel Wilson.Together, they’ve refined a working dynamic that balances personal trust with professional excellence. Correy and Marcos take a deep dive into the massive impact an Amada owner can have on not only the seniors they serve, but on the local workforce and the Veteran community.Key highlights from this conversation include:-The Partnership Blueprint: What it’s really like to operate a business with your best friend.-Strength Discovery: The process of identifying individual lanes to optimize operations.-The Veteran Mission: Leveraging benefits expertise to support those who served.-The Human Connection: Seeing the tangible "fruits of labor" when connecting with families.-The Future of Care: From becoming Long-Term Care insurance specialists to integrating AI technology for superior client service.Whether it’s mastering the placement process or scaling their local community impact, Correy shows us that the right partnership can change countless lives.Happy listening!

In this episode of the We Are Amada podcast, we sit down with long time partner and owner from NorthShore, Illinois, Jenny Novy, to talk about the evolution of senior care and her many experiences with Amada! With a masters degree in gerontology and another in therapeutic recreation, Jenny provides a uniquely educated viewpoint on the industry she has contributed so much to.We discuss: The start of the home care preference waveHer early and ongoing passion for seniorsThe reduction of resources in the aftermath of COVIDExpenses and their steady riseThe real Amada differenceCombining her clinical experience with Amada’s business modelAnd Jenny’s journey from aide to ownerThis is the perfect episode to hear directly from an Amada owner about how she got her Amada location going, and how she went about growing into one of the biggest home care providers in the U.S. And if you’re musically inclined, make sure you stick around to the end! Happy listening!

In this episode of the We Are Amada podcast, we are joined by one of Amada’s very own; Vice President of Healthcare Strategies, Heidi Maddocks! We cover a range of topics in this episode and provide some insight into the inner workings and strategies that drive Amada’s ever evolving support programs and systems. We talk about: Transitioning from one franchise to another, and where Amada stands outLeveraging a home business backgroundWhy Amada’s core values made all the difference when deciding to joinHow we value and nurture partnerships Creating the National Healthcare Strategies DepartmentWhy Amada’s expertise in Long Term Care insurance & VA benefits provide an advantageFrom business ownership, to leading a franchise, to building a nationally trusted brand with Amada, Heidi has a wealth of experience and expertise to share. Don’t miss out on such a great look behind the scenes with someone who joined Amada early and has kept the passion ever since. Happy listening!

In this episode of the We Are Amada podcast, we sit down with the power duo, Greg Hines and Kevin Manuel, to discuss how ‘starting with compassion’ laid the foundation for their Amada legacy! Each bringing their own unique skill-set to the operational side of things, it’s no wonder why their approach to building a lasting network of referral sources resulted in such a degree of ongoing success and growth. These like-minded entrepreneurs turned a close friendship into a powerful partnership under the Amada umbrella, and show no signs of slowing down. When meeting with a family, it is more about having a conversation to understand the loved one's situation and needs, rather than "selling" a product. Families are often at their wit's end and are often referred by a professional after a hospital stay or skilled nursing facility. They work from the understanding that this business is about the people, and if you take good care of the people, the success will follow.From corporate to compassion, Greg and Kevin share insights into:The steps taken to get their business off the groundScratching the entrepreneurial ‘itch’How they leveraged their sales backgrounds to build necessary trustHow they altered their approach to selling services vs. products. Why success takes a ‘100%’ approach, not the ‘dabble when there is time’Why the growing senior demographic ensures an ample customer-base for all home care businessesIt’s rare when a partnership works as well as Greg and Kevin’s, so if you’re considering walking the ownership road one day and are planning on operating with a partner, this is the episode for you! Happy listening!

In the newest episode of the We Are Amada podcast, Amada founder, Tafa Jefferson, sits down with a very special guest and Veteran, Jim Hornbuckle, for a conversation that should not be missed!Jim, himself on service with Amada Senior Care, speaks from personal experience about home care as both a Veteran and someone who utilizes Long Term Care Insurance. In this episode, we talk about:What went into the decision to join the serviceA particular event that stands out so many years laterHis introduction to home careThe value of Long Term Care InsuranceHow essential good caregiver matchmaking isThe additional safety factor in-home care addsThe benefits of aging in placeThis episode shares a unique perspective from someone intimately familiar with home care, and provides a chance to get to know who we serve on a deeper level.

Like so many of us do, Amada owner, Halie Moore, had a professional roadmap carefully laid out. And, just like so many of us have experienced, that roadmap was quickly discarded due to a multitude of unforeseen obstacles and challenges. Instead, Halie unexpectedly found out her accounting major was not going to be a part of her future as she had planned on. After an abrupt change of course, she found her groove in medical equipment sales, which introduced her to the joys of providing solutions for the senior community. This joy led to a more serious commitment to home health, and eventually to Amada Senior Care! In this episode, we talk about:Finding her inner entrepreneurThe Discovery Day experienceHer personal connection with caring for loved onesBehind the scenes with Long Term Care Insurance How she advocates for her Veteran populationHer lasting passion for senior care If you have faced challenges in your professional career, or felt like there is an entrepreneur inside you ready to take the challenge, this episode is for you! Hearing anyone speaking with so much passion can be the spark you’ve been looking for, so do yourself a favor and don’t miss out on this engaging conversation with a truly driven Amada partner.

It’s been awhile, but we had the chance to sit down with Amada Senior Care Co-Founder, Tafa Jefferson, in the most recent episode of the We Are Amada podcast! From how Amada got its start, to how the industry has evolved over the years, Tafa shares his insights into how Amada has weathered economic extremes, as well as where the passion continues to come from. In this very special episode, we also discussed:The unlikely circumstances behind Amada’s startWhere to go after 'putting your hand on the stove'What really sets Amada apart from the other companiesWhy ‘Recession-Proof’ isn’t just a buzzword Inspired by family, learning to navigate professional sports injuries, and what he learned from devastating business outcomes, there’s not much we didn’t cover during this conversation. So don’t miss out on one of the most entertaining episodes of the year (not to mention the last of 2025)!

Many of us have been faced with a career crossroads. These moments of decision can happen for a range of reasons; being unfulfilled, not being a good fit, or an industry faces turmoil. These planned and unplanned moments often represent an opportunity to stay the course with the profession and industry you know, or to take the jump into something new and unknown. A crossroads is what started Michelle Reed, owner of Amada Pembroke Pines, FL, on her path toward ownership in the senior care industry. In this fascinating episode of the We Are Amada podcast, we talk with Michelle about:What led to an abrupt change of careersLeveraging a non-healthcare background in a home care industryHaving the courage to ‘Make The Leap’Why you should bet on yourselfIf you’ve been thinking deeply about what your current career path and profession are leading toward, it might be time to consider what life as an owner just might look like with a purpose-driven business.

When someone finds a genuine passion in the work they do, it's a joy to listen to them discuss their motivation, their insights, and their impact. In our newest episode of the We Are Amada podcast, we talk with Amada owner, Sean McLeod, as he shares his personal connection with the veteran care and the expertise he brings to the table for those in the Denton and Frisco, TX area. Here’s what you’ll hear in the episode:How Amada has evolved since joining in 2016Following his father's entrepreneurial exampleMaking the decision to choose AmadaBeing fueled by love of the missionVA expertise and passion for Veteran care

In this episode of We Are Amada, Marcos Moura sits down with Jack and Mark Standring, part of the family unit that owns and operates Amada Swedesboro, NJ. With multiple generations at the wheel, the Standrings have many insights to share about running a senior care business with family members, the entrepreneurial approach they took to Amada, and what keeps them driven. Attending their first annual Amada Conference, we had a chance to mark the occasion by recording this entertaining episode that shouldn't be missed! Topics / Key Takeaways:From corporate America to compassionate careThe entrepreneurial spirit that runs in the familyA personal connection to home careDiscovery Day and connecting with Amada's foundersWhen it all came together: getting 'the call'