Selling My Home Care Agency: A Story of Legacy, Family, and Finding the Right Partner
- 10 minutes ago
- 4 min read
A home care M&A case study with Becky Reel, founder of For Papa’s Sake Home Care
At a Glance Sector: Home Care | Deal Type: Sell-Side M&A The Situation: Becky Reel built For Papa’s Sake Home Care in honor of her grandfather and grew it by 300% over a decade, earning the #1 agency ranking in North America from Home Care Pulse. She had promised her parents she would build the agency to the point where its sale could fund their retirement. The Challenge: Selling wasn’t just a financial decision. Becky was balancing the demands of running the agency, raising two young children, and navigating the emotional weight of letting go of a business that carried her family’s name and legacy. She needed an advisor who understood both the business and the personal stakes. The Mertz Taggart Approach: Senior advisor Bruce Vanderlaan led a hands-on engagement. He educated Becky through every stage of the process, attended every meeting in person, and evaluated buyers not just on price but on their alignment with the agency’s mission and values. The Outcome: Becky found a buyer who shared her commitment to patient care and staff well-being. Her promise to her parents was fulfilled. The agency’s legacy continues under new ownership. |
When Becky Reel decided to sell the home care agency she’d built in honor of her grandfather, she needed more than a broker. She needed a partner who understood what was at stake, for her family, her employees, and the patients who depended on her team.
Becky chose Mertz Taggart. Below, she shares the story of selling For Papa’s Sake Home Care, from the promise that started it all to the moment she found the right buyer to carry it forward.
Honoring a Promise and a Legacy
For Papa’s Sake Home Care was born from a promise and a mission close to my heart. Named in honor of my grandfather, who I called Papa, who endured a tragic experience in a nursing home, the agency represented our commitment to create a better option for seniors—one rooted in dignity, safety, and genuine care. My promise to my parents was equally important: to build and grow the agency to a point where its sale could fund their fulfilling retirement.
Over my 10 years, we grew by 300%, was ranked the number 1 agency in North America by Home Care Pulse (now Activated Insights), and received the Leader of Excellence award for seven consecutive years. Selling this agency was not just about a transaction; it was about finding someone who would continue this legacy of care.
Balancing Family, Legacy, and the Demands of the Sale
The journey to sell was a long and intensive process. As a mother to two young children and a wife, I still had my day-to-day responsibilities: running the agency, being present with my family, and somehow balancing all this with the intense demands of the sale process. The emotional weight of parting with something so personal was heavy, compounded by the need to maintain the agency’s standards and focus on my family’s needs.
Bruce, my advisor from Mertz Taggart, recognized this balancing act and stepped in as more than a business guide; he became my greatest advocate and support system.
Empathy and Strategic Expertise
Bruce and the Mertz Taggart team brought a unique blend of empathy and strategic acumen to every aspect of the process. Bruce understood that selling our agency was not just about numbers—it was about preserving a legacy. His focus was not only on maximizing the agency’s value but also on finding a buyer who respected the values that built it. He guided me with skill and precision, making complex decisions easier and ensuring I felt confident at each step.
Ongoing Support During Critical Moments
One of the most telling moments was when a potential buyer arranged a meeting that could determine the future of the agency. The stakes felt high, and I was nervous about facing such a pivotal moment alone. Without hesitation, Bruce booked a flight the very next day to be by my side, offering both his strategic insights and his steadfast support. His presence turned what could have been an overwhelming experience into one where I felt empowered and reassured.
Client-Centered for Every Step of the Journey
Throughout the process, Bruce and Mertz Taggart never made me question their commitment to me and my goals. In moments of doubt and exhaustion—when the balance of family, agency responsibilities, and the emotional toll of the sale felt like too much—Bruce reminded me of the impact we had made and the legacy it would leave behind. His encouragement and compassion kept me grounded and helped me see the journey through to the end.
A Partner Who Truly Cares
Selling For Papa’s Sake Home Care was one of the most significant and emotional decisions of my life. Bruce’s empathy, dedication, and strategic guidance made it possible to honor my promise to my parents while ensuring the agency’s legacy would continue.
For anyone considering the sale of a home care agency they’ve poured heart and soul into, Mertz Taggart is more than an M&A firm—they are partners who truly care about their clients’ well-being and success.
We are delighted to have received this incredibly in-depth testimonial from our client, Becky Reel. Becky’s story reflects what drives our work at Mertz Taggart: helping healthcare owners navigate the most consequential decision of their professional lives with the guidance, honesty, and advocacy they deserve. Every engagement is personal. Every outcome matters.
Considering a Sale of Your Home Care Agency?
Whether you’re years away or actively exploring your options, every conversation with Mertz Taggart is confidential. We’re here when you’re ready.
Contact us: info@mertztaggart.com | 770.888.1171
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