Success Story: ameriCARE of Central Orange County

From Marine Corps to Compassionate Care: Veteran Launches Home Healthcare Agency Built on Service and Family

Location: Southern California | Orange County | Fullerton

Business Type: Food and Beverage

Small Business Center: Los Angeles Regional VBOC

Assistance Received: Start-up Assistance, Business Planning, Access to Capital, One-on-One Advising, and Training

California State Assembly District: 67 

California State Senate District: 34 

Visit ameriCARE online

Doug Wooley’s home care business began with something simple and deeply human: family. After supporting his sister through more than 30 years of living with lupus, Doug saw firsthand how powerful compassionate, reliable in-home care can be—and how challenging it is when that support is missing. 

That personal experience, combined with a distinguished Marine Corps career and over two decades of professional service in disability programs, veteran transition, and community support, sparked the idea for a home care agency built differently. Drawing on his background as a director-level leader and advocate for dignity, independence, and quality of life, Doug set out to create a business that truly meets people where they are. 

“My decision to establish a home healthcare business is grounded in both personal and professional experience,” Doug explained. “For decades, I witnessed the impact of chronic illness within my own family. Supporting my sister through more than 30 years of living with lupus gave me firsthand insight into the importance of compassionate, high-quality care in the home. Combined with my 20+ years in disability services, veteran transition programs, and community support roles, that experience shaped my vision for a home care organization built on reliability, respect, and individualized support.” 

His vision grew into a mission: to deliver respectful, individualized, high-quality non-medical care that helps clients feel supported, valued, and able to thrive in the comfort of their own homes. Through the ameriCARE franchise model, Doug found a mission-driven framework that aligned perfectly with his values. 

But turning that vision into reality presented significant challenges. While the ameriCARE franchise provided the operational framework, Doug needed help navigating the complexities of business planning, capital requirements, compliance steps, and the start-up timeline. For someone transitioning from nonprofit leadership to business ownership, the process felt overwhelming. 

That’s when Doug connected with the Los Angeles Regional Veterans Business Outreach Center. Through one-on-one advising sessions, targeted training, and strategic guidance, the VBOC helped Doug break down what seemed like an insurmountable process into clear, achievable steps. 

“The VBOC helped me navigate the complexities of developing a solid business plan and securing funding,” Doug shared. “Through one-on-one counseling and targeted training, they turned an overwhelming process into a clear, achievable path forward.” 

The personalized support made all the difference. Rather than feeling lost in paperwork and requirements, Doug received tailored guidance and immediate feedback from a trusted advisor who understood the unique challenges veteran entrepreneurs face. The VBOC demystified capital planning, walked him through funding options, and ensured he understood every aspect of the franchise requirements. 

“The one-on-one consultations were the most valuable part of the technical assistance,” Doug noted. “Having tailored guidance, immediate feedback, and a trusted advisor to discuss challenges made all the difference in moving the business forward.” 

With the VBOC’s support, Doug launched ameriCARE of Central Orange County with confidence and clarity. Today, he leads a team dedicated to empowering clients and strengthening families throughout Central Orange County, delivering the kind of compassionate, reliable care his sister needed—and that so many families deserve. 

“The Veterans Business Outreach Center has been an invaluable partner in helping start my business,” Doug reflected. “Their guidance, resources, and unwavering support gave me the confidence and clarity I needed to launch and take my company to the next level. I’m truly grateful for their commitment to veteran entrepreneurs.” 

Doug’s journey from Marine Corps service to nonprofit leadership to business ownership represents a lifelong commitment to serving others. Through ameriCARE, he continues that legacy in a deeply meaningful way, one family, one client, one moment of dignified care at a time. Learn more about ameriCARE of Central Orange County by visiting them online at americareinfo.com/centralorangecounty or at their office at 2461 E Orangethorpe Ave, Suite 210, Fullerton, CA 92831. 

And, if you are a veteran entrepreneur looking to start or grow your business, connect with the Los Angeles Regional VBOC to access one-on-one advising, business planning support, and resources designed specifically for veteran-owned businesses. 

1/2/2026