Charles Folks, Franchise owner of Caremark Redcar & Cleveland

Charles Folks shares his journey and experiences as a franchise owner in the care sector. As a hotel manager with a 15-year career in hospitality, he ventured into entrepreneurship with a catering business, followed by a printing business. His first foray into franchising was with Rainbow International, a fire and flood restoration company, before finally finding his calling with Caremark.

He highlights the benefits of franchising, emphasizing the sense of belonging and support it provides compared to running an independent business. He notes his greater success in franchising, attributing it to the collaborative environment and peer support.

Drawn to the company's integrity and leadership under founder Kevin Lewis, Charles embraced the Caremark franchise model, finding it a supportive and collaborative environment compared to the challenges of running an independent business. He attributes his greater success in franchising to the peer support and collaborative spirit within the Caremark network.

Charles' Caremark franchise has flourished, becoming the second largest in the country. He credits his success to his ethos of valuing and empowering people, which aligns closely with Caremark's philosophy. His commitment to internal development is evident in the growth of his team from two to over 300 staff members, many of whom began as care workers and advanced into management roles.

Beyond financial success, Charles finds immense reward in contributing to the community, helping vulnerable individuals, and witnessing the personal growth of his team members. He encourages aspiring Caremark franchise owners to approach the venture with persistence, passion, and determination, emphasizing the fulfillment that comes from overcoming challenges and making a positive impact in the care sector.