Accessibility Franchise Owners Work Together to Help People Live Independently at Home
Most people want to stay in their own homes as they get older. According to a 2024 AARP survey, 75% of adults age 50 and older hope to remain in their homes as they age, and 43% expect to need home modifications to make that possible.
Next Day Access accessibility franchise helps older adults and people with mobility challenges stay safe and independent with wheelchair ramps, stair lifts, grab bars and other accessibility solutions. As part of Best Life Brands, the franchise offers aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to build a successful business while making a difference in people’s lives.
For some owners, the experience is even more rewarding because they get to share it with their families. Working together gives parents and children the chance to combine their talents, share responsibilities and build something meaningful for the future.
The Smith and Nolan families have embraced that opportunity, growing their Next Day Access businesses while enjoying the rewards of working side by side. Here’s how they’ve made family and franchising a winning combination.
The Smith Family
Next Day Access of Southern, California, San Antonio, Salt Lake City and Las Vegas
Next Day Access offered the right mix of family, entrepreneurship and meaningful work for Eric Smith. He opened his first franchise in Orange County, Calif., in February 2017, then spent the next six years expanding with his family into San Antonio, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas and four additional Southern California markets. The accessibility franchise stood out for its “family-oriented business model” and the opportunity to serve veterans, older adults and others with mobility challenges. “This gave us the opportunity to give back to the community and work together within a very fulfilling business model,” he says.
Today, Eric and his wife, Kathy, operate the businesses with their son, Alek, who manages their California and Nevada locations and serves as lead technician. “His bachelors degree in mathematics and masters in data sciences have come in handy with the knowledge and training needed for the various products.”
Eric concentrates on strategy and business management, but some of his favorite moments happen in the field alongside his son. “Honestly, it’s just fun to get out and ‘turn a wrench’ together and assist those in need,” he says. “The smiles, hugs and notes of appreciation from our customers continue to motivate us.”
The Nolan Family
Next Day Access Chicago and Rockford, Ill.
After more than 30 years in corporate marketing and communications, Steve Nolan was ready to pursue his longtime dream of business ownership. He found the right fit with Next Day Access. “I was extremely attracted to the purpose of Next Day Access,” Steve says.
He opened his first territory in January 2025 in Chicago’s northern suburbs and has since added a second territory extending west past Rockford, Ill. Steve has seen the need for accessibility services in his own family. His father is 86, his in-laws are in their 80s and many friends are helping loved ones stay safely at home. “It’s a very personal business for me,” he says.
His wife, Jennifer, and their threes ons all pitch in. Jennifer handles marketing and social media, while the sons assist with installations and other hands-on work. His oldest son, Will, a University of Iowa graduate in finance and business analytics, also supports the company’s financial operations.
Steve concentrates on sales and business development, although his responsibilities change daily. “One day, I could be assisting on a large stair lift or ramp installation,” he says. “The next day I could spend the entire day on sales calls. There’s no typical day, which I really enjoy.”
Although his wife and kids balance the business with school, careers and other responsibilities, their flexibility allows them to step in when needed. Steve especially values the experience his sons are gaining. “They truly understand that there is no job too small or too big to do in a business like this,” he says. “Whether they stay involved long term or not, there are so many great lessons to be learned.”
Learn more about Next Day Access.
