April and Scott Goodger, the owners of Kitchen Wise | Closet Wise in Ocala, FL, have found a fulfilling path by serving the unique needs of their community’s senior population. Their journey to becoming franchisees was fueled by a desire to make a tangible impact on people’s lives, allowing them to build a successful business rooted in compassion and service.
From Corporate Careers to Community Focus
Scott’s career began in the corporate sector, most recently with a software company catering to churches. However, after a private equity firm acquired the company, Scott felt a pull toward something more fulfilling. “I didn’t want to be stuck in a corner office,” he explains. “I wanted to be out in the field, connecting with people and making a tangible impact.”
This desire led him to explore franchise opportunities, eventually discovering Kitchen Wise | Closet Wise. The company’s culture and the opportunity to establish the brand in a community they cherished resonated with April and Scott. It felt like the ideal combination of their entrepreneurial spirit and desire to serve others. Meanwhile, April also continues to maintain her full-time job as an HR manager for another company.
Overcoming Challenges and Building a Brand
April and Scott launched their franchise during the COVID-19 pandemic, which presented numerous obstacles. Training was affected, and as a relatively new brand, Kitchen Wise | Closet Wise lacked established systems. “We had to figure things out as we went along,” Scott recalls.
However, they viewed these challenges as opportunities for growth. They invested in marketing to generate momentum and prioritized building a solid reputation for quality and customer service. From the outset, April and Scott were committed to being involved in all aspects of the business, from sales and installations to marketing and customer relations. Scott even initially took on many installation projects, as he and April believe in servant leadership and setting an example for their team.
A Day in the Life
In the early stages, Scott was heavily involved in installations. As the business expanded, they realized they needed to adjust their focus. Now, with two full-time employees and hiring a team of contractors and installers, Scott is able to spend more time developing the business through marketing, networking, and sales.
Aging in Place: A Growing Need
One of the most rewarding aspects of their work is assisting seniors in their community in aging in place comfortably and safely. “Aging in place” refers to older adults’ ability to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible, regardless of age, income, or ability level. Given the large retiree population in Ocala and The Villages, the need for aging-in-place solutions is significant.
April and Scott understand that as people age, their needs change. Simple tasks that were once easy can become difficult or impossible. This is where Kitchen Wise | Closet Wise can help – they offer a variety of modifications and upgrades that make homes more accessible, convenient, and safe for seniors.
Simple Solutions, Significant Impact
Sometimes, the simplest solutions can have the most significant impact. Installing rollout drawers in kitchen cabinets can greatly benefit someone with limited mobility or arthritis. “No more bending down and straining to reach items in the back of the cabinet,” Scott explains. “With rollout drawers, everything is easily accessible and within reach.”
They also install pull-down shelving in upper cabinets, making it easier for seniors to reach items without climbing on a step stool. Other popular aging-in-place solutions include:
-
Adjustable-Height Countertops:
These allow seniors to work comfortably in the kitchen, whether standing or sitting.
-
Walk-in Showers:
These eliminate the need to step over a high tub wall, reducing the risk of falls.
-
Grab Bars:
Strategically placed grab bars in bathrooms and hallways provide extra support and stability.
-
Improved Lighting:
Brighter lighting can improve visibility and reduce the risk of accidents.
More Than Just Home Improvement
April and Scott believe that aging in place is about more than just home improvement: it’s about empowering seniors to maintain their independence, dignity, and quality of life. It’s about helping them stay connected to their community and the people they love.
“We recently completed a wonderful project that involved creating a custom entertainment system with cabinetry and a cutting block,” Scott says. “But our favorite projects involve installing rollout drawers for our elderly clients. Knowing that we made their life a little easier and helped them regain some independence is incredibly rewarding.”
Connecting with the Community
Being locally owned and operated is a point of pride for April and Scott. They live in the same community as their customers and are committed to giving back. This includes sponsoring numerous local events and support organizations like Kids Lift, which works closely with Carver Middle School to help underprivileged children, as well as a local kids’ soccer team.
“We believe in being overly communicative with our clients, keeping them informed every step of the way,” April explains. They have received many positive reviews, which they attribute to their commitment to customer satisfaction and their focus on building lasting relationships.
A Perfect Partnership
One of the things April and Scott enjoy most about owning a franchise together is the opportunity to work alongside each other. Married for many years, they know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and complement each other well.
April’s background in HR and management is invaluable, while Scott’s experience in sales and operations helps keep the business running smoothly. Beyond their professional skills, they enjoy spending time together and building something meaningful as a team.
Looking Ahead
As they look to the future, April and Scott are excited to continue serving the Ocala community and helping seniors age in place with dignity and independence. They believe everyone deserves to live in a safe, comfortable, and accessible home, and they are committed to making that a reality for as many people as possible.
Find a Home-Based Business to Start-Up >>> Hundreds of Business Listings.
