Meet Nadine Johnson

We were lucky to catch up with Nadine Johnson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nadine , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

Growing up, my mom embodied hard work and consistency, going out early mornings and coming home late at nights, while managing our home with a smile and an iron fist. All to ensure that her children were clothes, fed and had an education.

Her journey was lonely and rough as she moved from being a small farmer and vendor to becoming a large scale business operator. Though she had her own challenges, she was always willing to share, encourage and help others. Watching her work made me realize the true essence of work ethic: it’s about diligence, empathy, and helping others. She instilled in me a deep-rooted work ethic, reminding me that our efforts are most meaningful when infused with purpose.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am deeply passionate about creating a nurturing environment for our aging population through Care One Franchise Inc. (COFI), where we foster a community built on family, inclusion, and respect. COFI was established to meet the unique housing and care needs of seniors, offering more than just a personal care home, it’s a true home where residents can age with comfort, dignity, and autonomy. My journey to founding COFI was deeply personal, shaped by my own experiences and the evolving needs of my mother as she aged. Having worked as a caregiver, I developed a profound understanding of the universal desire families have for their loved ones to maintain their independence and identity, even as they navigate the challenges of aging.
What excites me most about COFI is our unwavering commitment to building trusting, lasting relationships with both residents and their families. Our approach emphasizes independence, inclusion, and community, ensuring that every resident feels secure, respected, and truly valued. This model has enabled us to replicate our high standards of care across multiple locations in Georgia, resonating deeply within the geriatric community and providing families with the peace of mind that their loved ones are in good hands.
In addition to expanding our reach and bringing our unique style of care to even more residents, we are also excited to enhance our training arm through Care One Institute (COI). Care One Institute offers a variety of medical courses, including Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Phlebotomy, Home Health Aide and EKG programs. Our goal is to empower and equip individuals to enter the caregiving field with the knowledge and skills needed to provide exceptional care. Through our training programs, we ensure that our staff is equipped with the best possible tools to provide care with the highest level of professionalism and compassion.
As a recent cancer survivor, my journey has been a testament to resilience and the power of community. It has shaped my belief that everyone at some point needs care and deserves to live with dignity, no matter their age or health condition. This experience, combined with my work in senior care, has fueled my dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others and their families. At COFI, we are not just providing care, we are creating a space where people can truly flourish, regardless of the challenges they face. At Care One Institute (COI), we serve as a training ground, teaching our students to care not just with their skills, but with their hearts.
I am excited about the future and the opportunity to continue expanding COFI’s mission, helping even more seniors age gracefully and with the respect they deserve. Every senior deserves to feel valued, and I am committed to making that a reality for as many people as possible.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities have been particularly impactful on my journey: empathy, adaptability, and a purpose-driven vision.
Empathy has been foundational in my work. It has allowed me to truly connect with the people I serve, ensuring that our care is not only effective but also compassionate and personalized. Understanding the emotional aspects of elder care has helped me build trust with families, and it has shaped the culture at COFI. For those just starting out, my advice is to actively listen and seek to understand others. Empathy develops through real, genuine connections, and over time, you’ll learn to see the world through various perspectives.
Adaptability has also been crucial, especially in the constantly evolving healthcare landscape. Whether adjusting to new roles, refining our care model at COFI, or adapting to unforeseen challenges, being flexible and open to change has been essential in overcoming obstacles. For newcomers, I encourage embracing change rather than resisting it. Every new challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. Stay curious, open-minded, and don’t be afraid to pivot when necessary.
Lastly, having a clear, purpose-driven vision has been a constant motivator in my journey. From the very beginning, I knew I wanted to create a space where seniors could age with dignity, independence, and respect. This clarity has kept me grounded, even in the face of adversity. For anyone early in their career, I recommend taking time to reflect on what truly drives you. Set a strong sense of purpose that aligns with your core values. When challenges arise, and they inevitably will, your purpose will be the anchor that keeps you focused. Be patient with yourself, invest in your personal growth, and surround yourself with mentors who can guide you. Staying aligned with your mission will give you the resilience to persevere.
Ultimately, these qualities, empathy, adaptability, and a clear sense of purpose, have shaped my journey and continue to guide me. My advice to those starting out is simple: build meaningful connections, embrace change, and stay true to your purpose. These will be your greatest assets as you navigate your own path.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

One of the most impactful things my parents did for me was teach me the value of hard work and resilience. My mom was a single mother, and after my dad passed away, she became both the emotional and financial backbone of our family. She was an entrepreneur, which meant she was constantly juggling multiple responsibilities and challenges. Watching her build and manage her own business, from the ground up, taught me the importance of self-sufficiency, perseverance, and problem-solving.

She was strict and had high expectations, which pushed me to always strive for excellence and take responsibility for my actions. Her discipline and focus on accountability instilled in me a strong work ethic and a sense of responsibility that I carry with me to this day.

Her example showed me that success doesn’t come easily, but with determination and discipline, you can overcome nearly any obstacle. It’s something I’ve applied throughout my personal and professional life and have helped to make me the person I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tr.ee/TCe4b8X0gA
• Instagram: https://tr.ee/m6XLm-Q9BH
• Facebook: https://tr.ee/9FrVqoIkZi
• Linkedin: https://tr.ee/skn3McOKyn
• Twitter: https://tr.ee/mhrVW_44rJ

Image Credits

@willhenrydesigns
@Melissa Ford Photography
@beautybyshawna