Air Force veteran finds new mission in senior care franchise

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OKLAHOMA CITY – After 28 years in the U.S. Air Force, Margo Gonzales wanted to continue serving in some capacity.

With a passion for helping others and “a soft spot for seniors,” she found the perfect fit with Caring Transitions’ moving services.

Gonzales went to work for a franchise in Oklahoma City in 2017 before purchasing the franchise and opening two more in Moore and Norman.

Caring Transitions manages the many aspects of a senior move, whether downsizing to a safer living space or helping families clean out the home of a loved one who has passed away or moved into assisted care.

“This is my way of giving back,” Gonzales said, adding that she didn’t have the opportunity to help when her father died at age 60.

“We do just about anything that can help a family cope with a loss,” she said.

As a loadmaster in the Air Force, Gonzales oversaw the loading and unloading of cargo aboard C-130 aircraft, skills that transferred to her new job.

The company deals with decluttering, organizing, packing, moving, resettling, home and online real estate sales, real estate clearing, and preparing homes for sale. They often work with real estate agents who need to get a house empty and ready for the market.

Better than garage sale items will be put up for sale and the rest will be placed in a “pickers sale” during auction pick up.

“We leave the house empty, the broom swept and swept,” Gonzales said.

The entire process takes about two weeks, but depends on the number of items in the house. With a full attic and a fully furnished home, it could take up to five days to be ready for auction, she said.

Some of the most common items include kitchenware, china, and large, bulky furniture. “We find out things we don’t talk about,” Gonzales said.

“Every job is a treasure hunt,” she said. Old coins and old toys are her favorite finds. “Vintage clothing is popular among young people. We sell quite a bit.”

Two retired Air Force members helped Gonzales start the business: her husband and partner, Jack Beckham, and David Garlett, her brother-in-law, who was a partner in the beginning.

The staff also includes veterans or military family members. Gonzales said they make great employees because they are reliable, honest, work extra when necessary and know how to talk to people with respect.

“We are all about helping the elderly population, some who are not well cared for in the US. We become their family,” Gonzales said. “We love what we do. It’s a blessing.”

Caring Transitions has about 300 franchises nationwide, including in Tulsa and western Oklahoma.