Advertise on podcast: We are Amada

In this episode of the We Are Amada podcast with Lilla O'Dwyer, owner of Amada Senior Care in the Denver area, we discuss the rapidly growing Senior Care territory in West Denver, Boulder, and Northern Colorado. Lilla shares her journey as a Registered Nurse turned business owner and discusses how Amada Senior Care differentiates itself through its dedicated handling of long-term care insurance claims for families. Topics and Questions Covered: Franchise Growth and Territory ExpansionLong-Term Care Insurance AdvocacyThe Advantage of a Registered Nurse BackgroundHospital Discharge and Readmission GapsWhy Competitors Avoid Handling Insurance ClaimsUnlocking Policy Value This episode is ideal for current or prospective franchise owners, healthcare professionals, case managers, and discharge planners interested in navigating long-term care insurance and home care operations. It is particularly valuable for individuals like Lilla, as well as families seeking guidance on how to navigate and maximize long-term care insurance policies for aging loved ones. Happy Listening!

Welcome to the second half of our deep dive into senior care entrepreneurship! In this part 2 of 2 episode, we sit down with Amada Senior Care franchise owner Lina Lopez to discuss her inspirational path toward becoming a business owner, how personal life challenges fuel business success, and why showing up consistently is the real key to growing a long-lasting care business. In this Part 2 episode, we discuss: The importance of consistency and measuring KPIs for business growthUsing operational and historical data to track performance accuratelyLina’s background in fashion and her shift into driving children with specialA personal health scare and back surgery that revealed the crucial need for caregivingInspirational encounters that led Lina toward opening a home care businessThe emotional impact and power of presence when caring for seniorsFacing small-business challenges without regret and persisting through hardships Whether you are an established entrepreneur, an aspiring business owner, or someone looking to explore the rewarding possibilities of an Amada Senior Care franchise, this episode offers invaluable real-world perspective. Lina's story illustrates how overcoming personal adversity can ignite a true passion for service, showing how empathy, persistence, and continuous data tracking can build a resilient, purpose-driven home care franchise. Happy Listening!

In this episode, we welcome Lina Lopez, owner of the Amada Senior Care West Long Beach, CA. Lina transitioned from a career in the fashion industry and running a family business in Colombia to becoming a dedicated home care entrepreneur. Her path into senior care was shaped by her own personal health challenges and her heartfelt caregiving experiences. Driven by empathy and purpose, Lina has built a thriving care business guided by strong core values and a deep commitment to serving others. In this episode, we talk about: First Client Experience: The realities of starting out, setting clear milestones, and unexpected hurdles Business Operations & KPIs: Early growth cycles, staying centered, and disciplineThe Immigrant Entrepreneur Journey: Advice on building confidence, staying true to your identity, overcoming communication barriers, and pursuing the opportunities of small business ownership.Leveraging Reviews & Social Media: The impact of digital feedback on creative marketing and authentic community engagementPurpose-Driven Leadership: Finding deep personal meaning in home care, handling operational hardships, and true compassion Whether you are a prospective franchisee, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone interested in how business success intersects with human compassion, this episode is full of honest, actionable wisdom. Tune in to hear Lina’s inspiring transition from receiving care to building a mission-driven business, and discover how staying consistent, following proven operational frameworks, and leading with empathy can turn initial challenges into long-term impact. Happy Listenting!

In this Part 2 episode of the We Are Amada Podcast with host Marcos Moura, we pick up where we left off in Part 1 with Keith Bercun, Owner of Amada Boca Raton, FL. In this half of the conversation, Keith turns up the heat on the specific systems, technologies, and strategies that helped him achieve an incredibly successful, record-breaking first year in a highly competitive market. We discuss a wide range of topics, including: How a fast start can be achieved by utilizing lead systemsWhy communication and conversion tracking are vital to rewarding lead relationshipsHow to leverage remote virtual assistants to create repeatable workflows and scale a business without overspending ahead of revenueWhy integrating AI platforms like ChatGPT and Claude is an absolute necessity for modern operational workflowsHow utilizing specialized AI SEO can drastically optimize business visibility in modern search algorithmsWhy the home care service industry remains economy-proof, interest rate-proof, and pandemic-proof If you're a savvy business owner driven by heart who wants to move beyond administrative tasks to maximize client-facing growth, you need to hear the passion of this Amada owner. Keith's precise approach to micro-level systems and cutting-edge technology proves that there has never been a better time in history to scale a service-based business. Tune in to find out how you can apply these same principles to outpace the competition and streamline your own operations!

In this episode of the We Are Amada Podcast, Marcos speaks at length with Amada Senior Care owner in Boca Raton, FL, Keith Bercun. Keith's deep commitment to the seniors and families on care at Amada is a pleasure to hear about, as is his extensive experience and knowledge about Long Term Care insurance.  In this episode, they discuss: Long Term Care insurance differentiators at Amada Senior CareKeith's unique professional background that led him to AmadaA variety of personal experiences in the senior care sectorFrom start to finish, this episode challenges what you may believe about business ownership, the senior care industry, and what it means to be an owner driven by heart and mind.  Happy Listening!

In this episode, we sit down with Denise Gott, the CEO of ACSIAS Partners. As a leader in her organization, Denise oversees a framework of approximately 130 long-term care specialists who focus exclusively on long-term care planning. ACSIAS Partners is recognized as one of the largest long-term care insurance brokerage firms in the country. Together, they discuss the following topics: Denise's 27-year background in the insurance industry, moving from field agent to management.The growing market opportunities in senior care and caregiving being driven by an aging population.The 12-year partnership between ACSIAS Partners and Amada, emphasizing Amada's quality of care and responsiveness.How Amada assists clients by reviewing long-term care policies prior to filing claims to streamline the process.Leveraging technology to better communicate benefits with policyholders and their children.The critical importance of planning in advance to protect physical and financial assets down the road.If you're considering transitioning your career into the senior care space or looking to better understand the long-term care insurance industry, then the insights and information in this episode is for you! Happy Listening!

In this episode of the We Are Amada podcast, our outstanding guest shares his views and insights from behind the scenes at Amada Senior Care! Tyler Hincy, Vice President of Corporate Locations, talks about his journey from high-level retail and e-commerce into the world of senior care.  Despite having no prior healthcare experience, Tyler explains how he applied universal business principles to his new role, resulting in a revitalized Orange County Amada location, and ongoing industry-leading performance.   In this episode, we talk about: Transitioning from Retail to Home CareThe Power of Advocating for Clients and VeteransBuilding a High-Performance Team Through Insights and RecognitionReferral Relationship Management and Building TrustRaising the Standard for Caregiver Recruitment and Retention Strategies Urgency in Business Operations and Beyond This episode is a must-listen for the entrepreneurs who are led by their hearts as well as their business sense. This conversation is perfect if you are looking for a financially viable business model that also provides profound fulfillment through human connection.  Tyler’s insights and authenticity are hallmarks of the types of professionals that excel in the senior care space, and his ability to thrive on problem-solving, building community relationships, and his strong sense of urgency are undeniably motivating! Happy Listening!

In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Hall, a dedicated franchise owner of Amada Senior Care serving the Elgen, Illinois, area. Kevin’s journey into senior care is deeply personal, rooted in his childhood experiences with family, and coming full circle later in life. Kevin shares how his path eventually led him from the corporate world to a purpose-driven business that honors the legacy of his first best friend and great-grandmother. Kevin’s background is a fascinating blend of technical expertise and high-level sales. Despite starting with an IT degree and an early career as a business systems coordinator, he eventually transitioned into the pharmaceutical industry, where he excelled as a national sales trainer. This unique combination of systematic thinking and marketing prowess prepared him for the "perfect storm" of opening his own senior care agency alongside his wife and partner, Amber. In This Episode, We Talk About: What Started it All - The Halls’ Origin StoryNavigating the move from a corporate pharmaceutical career to full-time entrepreneurshipTips for successfully running a business with your spouse Why the upcoming demographic shift (The "Silver Tsunami"): makes senior care one of the most critical industries todayThe vital role Amada plays in helping seniors successfully file LTCi claims and navigate complex policies Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or someone approaching a career crossroads, Kevin’s insights offer a masterclass in lead-with-your-heart leadership. He provides a transparent look at the heavy responsibilities of business ownership while highlighting the profound rewards of serving a community.  Tune in to learn why Kevin isn't just satisfied with being a successful agency owner and why he’s on a mission to bring light to the darkest days of the families he serves. Happy Listening!

In this episode of the Amada Senior Care Podcast, Marcos Moura sits down with Gwen Smith, co-owner of Amada Senior Care in Charlotte and Lake Norman, North Carolina, for a candid conversation about business ownership, leadership, marriage, faith, and the heart behind serving seniors and their families. Gwen’s journey is more than a story about opening a senior care business. It is a real look at what happens when a husband and wife step into entrepreneurship together, lean into their complementary strengths, and build something meaningful in a space where trust, compassion, and consistency matter every day. From the uncertainty of the early months to the demands of leading in healthcare, Gwen shares what it takes to keep showing up, growing, and building relationships that last. In this episode, Gwen shares: What it is really like to build and run a business with your spouseHow faith, trust, and communication have shaped her partnership with BradWhy the first 18 months can feel like “building the plane while flying it”What new owners should understand if they have never considered themselves “salespeople”Why success in senior care often comes down to presence, not persuasionHow showing up in the community can create trust before a sale ever happensWhy compassion, responsiveness, and consistency matter in every client relationshipThe value of franchise support, shared experience, and learning from other ownersThis conversation is a powerful reminder that building a senior care business is not just about systems, strategy, or growth; It’s about people. Gwen brings honesty, warmth, and practical wisdom to the realities of franchise ownership, especially for anyone wondering what it really takes to lead, serve, and succeed in this deeply personal industry. Listen in for an inspiring look at how commitment, community, and compassion can become the foundation for a thriving Amada Senior Care business. Happy listening! Happy Listening!

In this very relatable episode of the We Are Amada podcast, Marcos has a conversation with a partner who made the tough decision to make the change from the familiar but unfulfilling world of corporate America. Matt Ushler, owner of Amada Senior Care in Montgomery and Bucks County, Pennsylvania, did what so many of us only dream of doing.  After a decorated career in medical sales, Matt found himself burned out from corporate takeovers and constant instability. Just days after getting engaged, and with plans to move into a new home on the horizon, both he and his wife were hit with unexpected layoffs. This unfortunate timing, combined with an uncertain future ahead, became a professional turning point for Matt.  In this episode, we talk about: • Starting a senior care business in the middle of a pandemic • The moment Matt knew corporate life was no longer for him  • Just why layoffs pushed him toward entrepreneurship • The satisfaction of guiding families toward uncovering benefits • Why the real challenge in home care is staffing, not clients • How he focused on building a culture that retains caregivers while fostering growth  • What’s planned next now that his business is growing so quickly Matt shares how betting on himself paid off both professionally and personally, and how Amada’s approach to long-term care insurance, VA advocacy, and caregiver-first culture set his business apart. From helping families uncover hidden benefits, to doubling revenue through trust and service, and why bad professional news isn’t always so bad, Matt’s journey is proof that it is in fact possible for purpose and profit to go hand in hand.

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 AI This 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 Support If 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.