Angela Olea is a true pioneer in the elder care space having founded Assisted Living Locators more than 20 years ago. Her daughter Angelica was often in tow as she worked with elders and their families. As the franchise system grew the franchisees became part of Angelica’s family. Angela suggests franchising is in Angelica’s DNA.
Angelica jokingly told us that when she was younger Assisted Living Locators was the sibling she never wanted. It was that younger brother or sister who can be annoying and distracting but you love them. She found her mom’s work as a nurse and entrepreneur fascinating and filled with purpose.
Today, mother and daughter work closely together. Angelica as VP of Operations and Angela as Brand President of Assisted Living Locators. In this interview, you’ll see chemistry, clear boundaries, mutual respect, and love. Each brings their unique, yet complementary talents and perspective to Assisted Living Locators. Listen to the full episode of The Franchise Woman podcast here.
Meet Angela Olea
Angela Olea, a trailblazing business leader and fervent advocate for senior care, has made remarkable strides in the industry. With an extensive background as a registered nurse, Angela has earned her reputation as a respected authority on senior housing and care options, frequently sharing her insights at state and national conferences on aging. As the visionary founder of the nation’s premier senior placement and referral franchise, she established Assisted Living Locators in response to a pressing need for community support and a solution to prevent unnecessary hospital readmissions for seniors.
Under Angela’s stewardship as CEO, Assisted Living Locators has burgeoned into one of the largest senior placement and referral services in the nation. Through a vast network of over 140 franchisees across 36 states and the District of Columbia, the company provides invaluable, cost-free assistance to seniors and their families in finding top-rated in-home care, independent retirement options, assisted living communities, and memory care. Notably, Assisted Living Locators is the first and only senior placement franchise with system-wide dementia care certification.
As a top-performing franchise organization, Assisted Living Locators has received accolades in Entrepreneur’s 2021 Franchise 500® issue and ranked on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. Now part of the Evive Brands family and backed by The Riverside Company, Angela continues to actively shape the company’s future as Brand President.
Angela Olea’s impressive achievements and dedication to her community have earned her recognition as one of Arizona’s most influential businesswomen. As a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) from the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) Institute of Certified Franchise Executives, Angela leverages her expertise to bolster her franchise system and guide franchisees in growing their businesses. The program is widely respected within the franchising community, fostering opportunities for education, networking, and best practice sharing.
Angela has also been instrumental in creating the National Placement and Referral Alliance (NPRA), a unified resource and advocate organization for the senior care industry. As a founding member of the Board of Directors, she actively collaborates with other professional placement and referral businesses to strengthen this strategic industry alliance.
A passionate senior care advocate, industry pioneer, and dedicated leader, Angela Olea is resolute in her mission to treat the elderly with the dignity they deserve, while providing others with opportunities to join one of today’s fastest-growing industries.
Meet Angelica Olea
Angelica Olea is a dynamic leader in the franchising world, holding dual roles as the Senior Vice President of Growth and Development at Assisted Living Locators and co-owner of Grasons of Gilbert franchise.
With over a decade of experience at Assisted Living Locators, a nationally acclaimed senior care placement and referral agency, Angelica has been instrumental in guiding franchisees across the nation in their mission to help seniors find ideal living solutions. In her executive role, she manages all aspects of strategic partnerships, business growth, development, training, coaching, and operations. Angelica plays a crucial part in high-level organizational decisions and daily operations, adeptly solving internal issues and maintaining the company’s operating philosophies and policies.
Known for her ability to ‘connect the dots’ in franchise services and development, Angelica has a proven track record of delivering high-quality service in a fast-paced environment. Her dedication to streamlining operational functions and improving company processes has contributed to Assisted Living Locators’ top rankings in Entrepreneur’s “Franchise500®” and Franchise Business Review’s “Top Franchises Report.”
Recently, Angelica expanded her entrepreneurial portfolio by launching Grasons of Gilbert, an estate sale franchise, alongside partner Derrik Roberts. This venture, part of the Evive Brands family, showcases her ability to apply her franchising expertise across different sectors and demonstrates the synergy between brands within the same family.
Angelica’s educational background includes studies at Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business, where she honed her business communication skills that continue to benefit her professional endeavors.
Learn more about Angela Olea
Learn more about Angelica Olea
Learn more about Assisted Living Locators