Katung Aduwak’s partnership with the senior care franchise is driven by a need for professional independence and a desire to “leave a legacy of dignity and care.”
For Katung Aduwak, becoming a franchisee with Right at Home was not just a business decision — it was a deeply personal journey inspired by life-altering experiences. After surviving a severe accident and undergoing a challenging recovery, Aduwak realized the transformative power of compassionate care.
“If it was not for the excellent care that I got from caregivers and from my family, I would not have made it,” he said. This realization, coupled with a desire to build a sustainable and meaningful business with his partner, Tanya Bridges, led him to the senior care franchise.
Right at Home, a global leader in in-home senior care, resonated deeply with Aduwak and Bridges. Their franchise, located in Tukwila, Washington, opened its doors on November 16, 2024, and now serves the Greater Southern Seattle area. For Aduwak, this venture represents much more than a business; it’s a mission to impact lives positively and leave behind a legacy defined by dignity and care.
A Life Before Franchising
Aduwak’s path to franchising is as diverse as it is inspiring. His academic background is in political science with a specialization in international relations and diplomacy, but his true passion always lay in the arts. A creative at heart, Aduwak pursued film and became a director after gaining fame as the winner of “Big Brother Nigeria” in 2006. He directed music videos, documentaries, and feature films but found that sustaining a creative career often required additional financial backing.
“I thought chasing my passions would feed me and give me the sustainable life I wanted,” Aduwak said. “But I learned I needed to roll up my sleeves and do hard work to finance my dreams.” This pragmatic realization led him to the tech industry, where he worked as a database administrator and later transitioned to a scrum master. These roles were lucrative but came at the cost of immense stress and sleepless nights.
The turning point came when Aduwak and Bridges decided they no longer wanted to work for others. “We wanted to own our own business, build it into a well-oiled machine, and then step back to enjoy the fruits of our labor,” he said. This shared vision led them to franchising, a model that allowed them to leverage established systems while pursuing their passion for meaningful work.
A Dynamic Partnership
Aduwak’s partner, Bridges, is an integral part of their business journey. The pair’s connection dates back to their meeting 15 years ago in New York during Aduwak’s film school days. Though they initially dated briefly, life took them in different directions. Aduwak married, had a son, and later divorced amicably. Bridges, meanwhile, built a distinguished career in law and business development, working for major companies like ESPN, Comcast, and Google.
Bridges brings her expertise to their Right at Home franchise as the manager of billing and payments, while Aduwak focuses on marketing, caregiver relationships, and community engagement. “It’s a great partnership,” Aduwak said, emphasizing the complementary nature of their skill sets.
Why Right at Home?
When exploring franchise opportunities, Aduwak and Bridges initially considered food franchises, even advancing to the fourth stage of Chick-fil-A’s process before opting out. It was Franchise City, a franchise consulting group, that broadened their perspective, introducing them to the wide array of industries franchising encompasses. Right at Home stood out for its mentorship culture, proven business model, and mission-driven approach.
“The feedback from other franchise owners was outstanding,” Aduwak said. “They consistently praised the mentorship, leadership, and profitability of the business.” Discovery Week, a rigorous vetting process, further solidified their decision. “Right at Home genuinely cares at every level,” he said. “The margins are solid, but they reflect the hard work required. This isn’t a business you can fake.”
Building a Legacy
Aduwak’s goals for his Right at Home franchise are twofold: personal growth and business expansion. On a personal level, he and Bridges are committed to enhancing the quality of life for the seniors they serve. “This business requires emotional resilience,” Aduwak said. “It’s tough to see clients deteriorate or pass away, but we want to give our all and leave a legacy of dignity and care.”
From a business perspective, Aduwak plans to expand into more territories and create job opportunities for others. “We want to create opportunities for those who might not have had the advantages we had,” he said.
Lessons Learned
One of Aduwak’s most significant takeaways from franchising is the importance of following the system. “Success in franchising depends on following the system,” he said. “If you put in the work, the system works. Franchising isn’t an easy ticket to wealth — it requires effort, patience, and adaptability.”
This mindset extends to his hands-on approach. Aduwak is training to become a caregiver to understand the daily challenges his staff faces. “Knowing these pain points helps me manage them better and build a stronger team,” he said.
Advice for Aspiring Franchise Owners
For those considering franchising, Aduwak’s advice is clear: “Do your homework. Franchising is not a ‘set it and forget it’ model. Understand the fine print and every angle of the business.” He emphasized the need for commitment and adaptability, noting that franchising is not for the impatient or faint-hearted.
A Journey of Resilience
Aduwak’s journey is defined by resilience. Surviving a near-fatal accident that required two brain surgeries and a long recovery gave him a renewed perspective on life. “Learning how to walk again and regaining my independence was life-changing,” he said. “It made me realize the importance of resilience, family, and the care I received.”
This second chance fuels his desire to give back and leave a meaningful legacy. “I want to impact people’s lives positively and die empty, having used all my potential,” Aduwak said.
ABOUT RIGHT AT HOME:
Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home care to seniors and adults with disabilities who want to live independently. Most Right at Home offices are independently owned and operated and directly employ and supervise all caregiving staff. Each caregiver is thoroughly screened, trained, and bonded/insured before entering a client’s home. Right at Home’s global office is based in Omaha, Nebraska, with more than 700 franchise locations in the U.S. and four other countries.
If you’re interested in taking the next step in making a difference in your community as a Right at Home franchisee, visit http://rightathomefranchise.com, or to read more about franchise ownership, visit our blog at https://rightathomefranchise.com/forc/.