About Amada Senior Care
Tafa Jefferson and Chad Fotheringham, college buddies who crossed paths while pursuing business degrees and playing football at the University of the Pacific, established Amada Senior Care, previously known as Amada Home Care, in 2007. The following year, they were instrumental in setting up the American Board of Home Care, a non-profit organization with the mission to educate seniors and define quality standards in elderly home care. Both towering at 6’6″, Tafa and Chad have garnered recognition within the home care field as the “big guys” characterized by their profound compassion and commitment to running a customer-centered senior care business.
In the years following, Chad and Tafa started Amada Senior Care franchise, and quickly grew their concept to a recognized national brand. Now, there are over 150 Amada locations nationwide.
Contact Details
Address: 901 Calle Amanecer # 350, San Clemente, CA 92673
Phone: 866-316-2669
Email: franchise@amadaseniorcare.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00AM – 5:00PM
The People Behind Amada Senior Care
Injuries to his ankle and shoulder forced Tafa into early retirement from his first career as an NFL player for the Chicago Bears. Inspired by his professional caregiver mother, he turned his focus to the senior home care industry, remembering vividly the fulfillment and happiness she derived from caring for the elderly despite the strenuous work it entailed.
In 1998, Tafa set up his first home care business for seniors, vowing never to assign any task to a caregiver that he himself wouldn’t undertake. In alignment with this ethos, he became a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), providing care for seniors with Dementia, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.
Tafa’s enterprise grew rapidly, and he soon found himself leading a team of over 200 caregivers. It became clear that he had discovered his true calling — a field where he could have a significant positive impact on others’ lives. Known for his magnanimous nature and broad vision, Tafa remains at the cutting edge of finding solutions in the senior home care industry.
The skills he acquired on the football field – teamwork, integrity and fervent dedication – he now applies to life and business. Beyond his professional achievements, Tafa is a devoted family man, having married his high school sweetheart with whom he is raising four children.
Before diving into his professional career, Chad spent a transformative, two-year educational sojourn in Ecuador. There, he not only achieved fluency in Spanish, but also found deep gratification in assisting others. After returning to the U.S., he chose to enter the pharmaceutical industry, largely motivated by its reputed top-notch sales training.
Chad’s career in pharmaceuticals began with Eli Lilly, then transitioned to Pfizer. His initial role was as a specialty sales representative in pediatrics and allergy, before shifting into managed care consulting. This position entailed assisting healthcare companies in refining their plans and encouraging the public to proactively manage their well-being.
Upon reconnecting with his college friend, Tafa, Chad was drawn to the service-oriented nature of the senior home care industry. He saw the potential of massive future demand given the rapidly growing senior population. Chad’s passion lies in supporting seniors and their families, armed with a unique ability to simplify complex information for easy understanding. He and his wife are parents to seven children – eight if you count their “fur kid,” Ocho (of course!) the dog.
Over the years, Rick has managed numerous multi-brand organizations with hundreds of national and international locations. He takes great pride in being a passionate leader, strategist, consultant, and brand ambassador, and considers himself incredibly privileged to have the opportunity to work with some of the top minds in business each and every day.
As Chief Operating Officer, Rick manages the day-to-day operations of Amada Franchise Inc., with an emphasis on creating a performance-based culture rooted in strong company values.
Matt found himself at a crossroads after a 10-year career in the automotive industry. Looking to excel in a profession where he could apply his competitive drive and fulfill his passion to serve others, Matt launched his career in senior care with Vitas Hospice. A successful career trajectory brought him to Amada where after a few short weeks, Matt knew he had found his “forever home” helping seniors and their families make the best and most informed care decisions for the people they love the most. Now with nearly 20 years’ professional healthcare experience in sales, operations, management, and leadership, Matt is as passionate and driven as ever.
As Vice President of Training and Support, Matt leads a team of dedicated sales- and operations-minded professionals focused on delivering strategic and tactical support and resources to Amada franchise owners across the U.S. Matt takes great pride in his Amada career and being a positive force in helping franchise partners grow, build and scale their businesses.
He reserves his utmost satisfaction in his role as a loving husband and father of four.
Jeremy was among the first employees hired when Amada Franchise Inc. launched in 2012, leading initial marketing and sales efforts. Today as Vice President of Marketing, Jeremy directs nationwide marketing strategy for the franchise system, including all digital, video, print and physical initiatives, and manages an annual ad fund budget of $1.5 million.
When not working, he devotes his time to family, raising two children with his wife.
Jeff is a seasoned financial executive with extensive experience in the healthcare industry. As the Chief Financial Officer of Amada Franchise Inc., Jeff enjoys collaborating closely with franchise partners to share his financial acumen and industry knowledge to drive strategic business decisions that support the company’s mission of providing exceptional care to seniors. His dedication to fiscal responsibility and innovation contributes to Amada’s position as a trusted leader in the senior care industry. When not working, Jeff devotes his time to his wife and their three children.
As Chief Development Officer of Amada Franchise Inc., Marcos has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs find territories and start senior home care businesses that allow them to live life on their terms and do meaningful work for themselves, their families, and their communities. “If you want to start your own business, become free from corporate America, and do work that matters to you and your community, you owe it to yourself to learn more about Amada,” he says.
Marcos holds an MBA from the University of Southern California and is a dedicated husband and father to three boys.