Advertise on podcast: We are Amada

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 businesses It’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'

 In this episode of We Are Amada, Marcos Moura sits down with Tracy Eidson, one of Amada’s earliest franchise partners who now leads thriving offices in both Rocky Mount and Raleigh, North Carolina. Tracy came from the world of IT, not healthcare, but after a chance encounter at a franchise expo, she took a leap of faith. Ten years later, she’s built a deeply personal business — one that now includes her son Finley as her partner.  Tracy shares what it was like to launch in a small town, build trust from the ground up, and grow through some of life’s hardest seasons. From the realities of caregiving to the pride of watching her son carry the torch, this episode offers a grounded look at what a decade of commitment, connection, and compassion really looks like in senior care.  Timestamps / Key Takeaways: The reality of starting with zero healthcare experienceWhy small towns can be a business advantageGrowing from one client to two territoriesWorking alongside her son in RaleighThe emotional side of caregivingLosing her parents and finding a deeper purposeWhy Amada still feels like family after 10 yearsAdvice for future franchise partners  

In this episode of We Are Amada, Marcos Moura talks with a fellow franchise partner who made the bold leap from a stable sales career into the unpredictable (and deeply rewarding) world of senior care.  Kevin shares the lessons he’s learned from building a business rooted in compassion, consistency, and communication. From navigating emergencies and supporting families, to competing in a saturated market, this conversation offers valuable insight for anyone considering a career shift into a mission-driven business.  Key Highlights: Why consistency is critical in senior careThe realities of moving from sales to serviceHow to manage expectations with families and caregiversLeading through crisis with professionalismStanding out in a competitive home care marketWhy does clear communication build trustThe overlooked challenges of business ownership 

In today’s episode, Marcos Moura sits down with Greg Johnson, owner of Amada Senior Care in Oklahoma City. From surviving tornadoes to surviving career pivots, Greg’s story is all about grit, humility, and leading with heart. After years in medical sales, he realized it was time for something more meaningful, which led him to Amada.  Greg shares what it was like to leave behind a familiar path, embrace the challenges of franchising, and build trust in a deeply personal industry. This conversation goes beyond business—it’s about reinvention, relationships, and finding meaning through service.  Key Highlights: What football taught Greg about leadership and disciplineWhy he walked away from comfort to chase purposeThe emotional side of serving seniors and their familiesHow Amada’s support system helped him launch with confidenceRelationship-building vs. lead generation in home careWhy franchising is not for the faint of heart—but worth it

In today’s episode, Marcos Moura sits down with Matt Ushler, owner of Amada Senior Care in Montgomery and Bucks County, Pennsylvania.After a decorated career in medical sales, Matt found himself burned out from corporate takeovers and constant instability. Just days after getting engaged, both he and his wife were laid off, and that turning point led him to launch a senior care business in the middle of a pandemic, just weeks after moving into a new home.  Matt shares how betting on himself paid off, 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, Matt’s journey is proof that purpose and profit can go hand in hand.  Tune in to hear: • The moment Matt knew corporate life was no longer for him (02:30) • Why layoffs pushed him into entrepreneurship (05:00) • Helping families uncover $18,000+ in long-term care benefits (11:00) • Why staffing — not clients — is the real challenge in home care (16:00) • Building a culture where caregivers stay and grow (18:00) • How his business is growing fast, and what’s next (22:00) 

In today’s episode, Marcos Moura sits down with Kelli Staab and Cesar Pumariega, owners of Amada Senior Care in The Villages, Florida.  Kelli and Cesar share their incredible story of launching their senior care business during one of the most difficult times imaginable — the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. With lockdowns in place and families afraid to let anyone into their homes, they faced challenges that would have made most people quit. But through grit, passion, and a mission-driven mindset, they pushed through.  They discuss the emotional highs and lows of working in senior care, how they learned to build the right team, and why leading with heart — not just focusing on sales has been key to their growth.  Tune in to hear: The chaos of starting a business in a pandemic (00:45)Why genuine connection beats sales tactics (06:30)Lessons learned in managing expenses and growth (15:00)How Kelli and Cesar built trust with clients and referral partners (20:10)Their plans for expanding and building a legacy (28:30)

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. Gwen opens up about what it’s really like running a senior care business with her husband, Brad, and how their marriage, shared faith, and complementary strengths have helped them grow a thriving operation. She shares honest insights about the early challenges, the realities of leadership in healthcare, and what it takes to build lasting relationships in your community. Key highlights: ● What it’s like to run a business with your spouse ● Why the first 18 months feel like “building the plane while flying it” ● What to expect if you’ve never done “sales” before ● Why Gwen believes this business is more about presence than persuasion ● The power of showing up — in scrubs, with compassion, whenever needed ● The importance of community, support, and franchise collaboration

In this episode of the Amada Senior Care Podcast, Marcos Moura sits down with JamesBernoski, owner of Amada Senior Care Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky. James shares his inspiring journey from working as a paramedic and nurse to becominga successful home care business owner. Learn how he transitioned during theuncertainty of COVID, scaled his business using digital marketing, and built apassionate team while maintaining personal connections with both clients andcaregivers. Key highlights:● Why more businesses are born in uncertain times● Challenges of launching a second location during COVID● How digital marketing now drives 70% of his business● Tips for reducing caregiver turnover with real connection● The importance of building a personal brand in home care● How James balances business with life on his Kentucky farm