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In this Q&A, we spoke with Craig and Kariah Anderson, owners of HomeWell Care Services in Jacksonville, Florida. With over 20 years of dedicated service in the U.S. Navy, Craig and Kariah bring their exceptional leadership skills, organizational expertise, and a deep sense of responsibility to their roles as HomeWell owners. Today, they’re dedicated to fostering a supportive, family-like atmosphere where clients, caregivers, and community members feel valued and respected.
Q: Tell us about your background and how you came to HomeWell.
Craig: My wife, Kariah, and I proudly dedicated 28 years of service in the U.S. Navy, a career that allowed us to support and care for others on a daily basis. Transitioning from our military backgrounds, where helping people was central to everything we did, we found ourselves facing personal experiences that required in-home care for our loved ones. This made us realize how vital compassionate, reliable care is, and it ultimately led us to HomeWell. Among the options, HomeWell stood out because of its commitment not only to its clients but also to its franchisees, making it the clear choice for us to continue our journey of serving others.
Kariah: Craig and I both served in the Navy and spent years leading teams and supporting people through high-pressure situations, but it wasn’t until my mom was diagnosed with cancer in 2018 that this type of care became personal. I was her caregiver in her final days, and that experience changed me. I had no idea services like this existed, and I knew then I wanted to help other families going through something similar. After we transitioned out of the military, we were drawn to HomeWell because it gave us a way to keep serving people in a way that felt personal, purposeful, and aligned with our values.
Q: What was it about home care that stood out to both of you?
Craig: Home care resonated deeply with both of us because of our own personal journeys with loved ones who needed care. Over the years, we’ve both seen family members go through stages where they needed additional support, and navigating those situations showed us just how critical compassionate, reliable care is during those times. Our goal, through each of those experiences, was to ensure that they were treated with dignity and given the best care possible. This is what drew us to HomeWell—its clear commitment to providing that same level of care and respect to its clients and franchisees. We saw an opportunity to continue doing what we’ve always believed in: helping people and making a meaningful difference in their lives.
Kariah: We’ve both had moments where we had to advocate for family members who needed more support. It was overwhelming and emotional. Home care stood out because it gave us a chance to create something that helps families feel less alone. It’s not just about tasks. It’s about dignity, presence, and showing up for people during vulnerable times. That’s why this work means so much to us.
Q: What skills, experiences or personality traits do you each bring that will help you succeed as HomeWell owners?
Craig: Throughout our years of service in the United States Navy, both Kariah and I developed skills that go beyond just leadership and discipline—they’ve shaped how we care for others. Whether it’s been guiding teams or providing support during tough situations, we’ve always been driven by a sense of duty, compassion, and trust. Our experience in high-stakes environments has sharpened our ability to respond thoughtfully and effectively, ensuring we’re always prepared to handle any challenge that may arise.
As HomeWell owners, we want families to feel that same sense of assurance. We understand that choosing someone to care for your loved ones is a deeply personal decision. Our military background has given us not only the organizational skills and work ethic but also a genuine sense of responsibility. We’ve learned the importance of reliability, quick problem-solving, and most of all, dedication to those we serve. You can trust that these qualities will guide how we operate our agency, ensuring your family receives compassionate, respectful, and dependable care every day.
Kariah: Craig is steady and mission-focused. I bring creativity, empathy, and a sharp eye for details that matter. Together we lead with integrity and compassion. Our military background gave us structure, but our personal values keep us grounded. We know how to create systems, solve problems quickly, and make people feel seen. That shows up in how we treat our team and care for our clients.
Q: What would you like your agency to become known for among your clients, caregivers and community?
Craig: At our agency, we want to be known as the standard of excellence when it comes to home care. Our caregivers will be the kind of people you can rely on—punctual, respectful, and always presenting themselves with professionalism and care. But more than that, we want them to treat each client as if they were caring for their own grandmother or grandfather, showing the same level of compassion, dignity, and attentiveness that we would want for our own loved ones.
We aim to deliver top-tier service to every family we serve, regardless of background. Whether someone needs a little extra help or comprehensive care, our agency will provide support that is as thoughtful as it is thorough. Our focus is on creating a trusted environment where every individual feels valued and cared for. We’re not just delivering a service; we’re building relationships based on trust, respect, and a deep sense of responsibility to those in our care. That’s what we want to be known for—truly compassionate, exceptional care for everyone who walks through our doors.
Kariah: We want to be known as the agency that keeps its word. That means showing up on time, doing what we say we’ll do, and making every client feel valued. I want our caregivers to be proud to work here and our clients to feel like they’re part of our extended family. We’re not chasing perfection. We’re committed to consistency, kindness, and care that feels personal.
Q: Through the opening process, what has it been like for you to meet members of the HomeWell family and get more acquainted with our franchise?
Craig: It has been an amazing process meeting our HomeWell family. Initially, it was quite nerve-wracking to meet everyone for the first time, but once we officially came aboard and began participating in the various trainings, attending regional events, and joining the calls, we truly started to feel at home. HomeWell’s family-like atmosphere is exactly what we hoped for, and it’s something we look forward to bringing to the Jacksonville area. The most enjoyable and beneficial part of this process has been the strong sense of community and the team’s willingness to work together. This experience has really reinforced our belief that HomeWell is the right fit for us.
Kariah: The support from the HomeWell team has been incredible. From day one, it felt like we were joining a group of people who actually care and want to see us succeed. Everyone has been welcoming and generous with their time. That sense of community reminded us why we chose this brand. It’s not just business. It feels like family.
Do you want to build a business that supports your local community like the Andersons? At HomeWell Care Services, our franchise owners are equipped with the tools, resources, and support to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams and help those in need experience happier, healthier lives.
Take the first step today by downloading our easy-to-read Franchise Kit. This is a starter packet for all potential franchise owners to learn more about the overall investment opportunity, HomeWell’s ongoing training and support, and how we address the needs of your specific market.
