Native Wichitan Jack West’s quest to franchise his senior living facilities into rural America got a boost today with a write-up in the The Dallas Morning News.
West, who developed and sold the Wichita retirement community Georgetown Village in the 1980s, now lives in Dallas, where he moved “for a woman,” he told me recently in an interview. His wife lives there and wanted to stay there, he said.
West’s company, Country Place Senior Living, so far operates homes only in Kansas and much of his administrative staff remains in Wichita. But West, a former KFC franchise owner, opened his company to franchising last fall to expand the concept. So far he has awarded one contract to a couple who plan to build a home in Scandia, just west of Belleville.
He said he plans to award more franchise contracts in Texas and Missouri in the near future.
It’s a great business to be in. Despite the economy, senior housing development is on the rise with projections for growth and profit very favorable. Why? People will continue to age, and, with baby boomers beginning to swell the ranks, senior housing will continue to be in demand for years to come.