Todd Houghton started his entrepreneurial journey at the age of 12 when he joined his family in growing a cookie franchise business in the Midwest. Over the years, he helped many franchise organizations grow their concepts across the country while journeying into his own startups along the way.
Houghton got into the human care side of franchising in the early 2000s and quickly discovered a passion for the senior care side of franchising. By 2022, he took over the helm at Homewatch CareGivers.
Homewatch CareGivers is a homecare franchise organization with a mission to provide the best person-centered care to an aging population that allows them to age with dignity at home – wherever home may be.
“Todd wanted to drive his vision in innovating and disturbing the industry with new ways to provide the aging population with the services they need and deserve,” said his staff. “By being the leader in bringing technology into the delivery of care, he has enabled the company to experience expediential growth in the first year.”
In one year, Houghton has moved the brand into the top four of all homecare organizations. The company was awarded a first-place award this year, too, out of all franchise companies in the U.S. for its innovative approach to recruiting and retaining top talent.
Houghton said he recognizes the importance of a compassionate and skilled workforce, and he has cultivated an environment that attracts and retains top talent. “My leadership style is defined by a unique blend of strategic vision and hands-on involvement,” said Houghton. “I am not content with mediocrity; I strive for excellence in every aspect of my business.”
His excellence in the industry has resulted in recognition as the 2023 Top 100 Franchise Influencer of the Year and speaking engagements at healthcare conferences, including Homecare 100 and Homecare Innovation.
Houghton’s accomplishments also include the creation of Homewatch Connect, a proprietary engagement platform that focuses on engaging the aging population and focusing on loneliness and social isolation.
Engaging others and embracing self-awareness is crucial to his role. “I have fostered strong relationships with clients, their families and the community at large,” he said. “My franchise is not merely a business venture; it is a pillar of support and care for those in need.”
If he could give his younger self advice, Houghton said he would encourage diving into challenges with grace. “Embrace the speed bumps that you will encounter along the way,” he said. “They are the most valuable lessons you will learn.”
