Logistics, Leadership, and a Life Pivot: How Bob Jankowski Built One Care Harmony in New Jersey

Описание: What does it take to leave behind a decades-long career in logistics and start over in a completely new industry built on compassion and trust? In this episode of the Flex Work Podcast, host Ludwig Arroyo sits down with Bob Jankowski, founder and CEO of One Care Harmony, to explore his remarkable transition from global supply chain management to home health care services.
Bob’s story begins at UPS in the 1980s, where he climbed the ranks during a time when technology was revolutionizing the shipping industry. He recounts being on the frontlines as paper clipboards gave way to handheld tracking devices, and how the resistance to change eventually turned into demand for innovation. Over the years, Bob’s logistics career spanned domestic trucking, maritime shipping, international freight, and startup ventures. He managed complex operations, time-sensitive freight, and the chaos of supply chain disruptions, including the volatility that followed the pandemic. These experiences honed his skills in problem-solving, leadership, and building relationships—skills that would later prove invaluable when he launched his own company.
The pivot to home health care was born from deeply personal experiences. After watching his wife battle stage four cancer and care for her father through dementia, Bob and his family reevaluated their priorities. They realized that life was too short to stay in a corporate track that no longer aligned with their values. Instead, they wanted to build a business rooted in empathy, integrity, and service. That vision became One Care Harmony, a home health care agency dedicated to supporting patients and families in Morris County, New Jersey.
Bob speaks candidly about the steep learning curve of moving into health care. From navigating licensing and accreditation requirements to hiring the right nurses and home health aides, every step demanded resilience and adaptability. He explains how he and his wife used transferable skills from logistics—like process mapping, contingency planning, and quality control—to lay a strong foundation for their company. He also highlights the importance of surrounding himself with experienced nurses who could guide the medical aspects of the business while he focused on operations, growth, and culture.
Listeners will gain insight into both the entrepreneurial and human sides of this journey. Bob reflects on the challenges of staffing in a labor-intensive field, the seasonal demand patterns for home care, and the marketing hurdles of reaching adult children who often make care decisions on behalf of their parents. At the same time, he underscores the emotional heart of the business: being present for families during their most vulnerable moments, ensuring trust, and sometimes having difficult conversations about when it’s time to consider assisted living.
Key takeaways from this episode include:
How a 30+ year logistics career built the foundation for entrepreneurial success.
The role of technology in transforming supply chain management and what lessons carried forward.
The personal and family experiences that inspired a complete industry pivot.
The process of starting a licensed, accredited home health care business from scratch.
Why empathy, trust, and family values are central to One Care Harmony’s mission.
The realities of staffing, marketing, and scaling in a highly competitive service industry.
Throughout the discussion, Bob emphasizes that great businesses are built not only on systems and strategy, but also on ethics and compassion. In his words, caring for someone’s loved one isn’t just a job—it’s becoming part of their extended family. That philosophy sets his company apart in a crowded market and offers a model for entrepreneurs in any field who want to make a lasting impact.
By the end of the conversation, you’ll walk away with both practical lessons in leadership and an inspiring reminder that it’s never too late to reinvent your career in a way that aligns with your values. Bob’s journey proves that while industries may change, the core skills of problem-solving, resilience, and heart-driven service remain universal.
Engage with the Show:
If this episode resonated with you, subscribe to the Flex Work Podcast on your favorite platform and leave us a review—it helps us bring more inspiring conversations to you. Share this story with anyone navigating career transitions or exploring the home health care space. To learn more about One Care Harmony, visit onecareharmony.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram. To stay connected with host Ludwig Arroyo and the Flex Work team, visit our website for updates, resources, and opportunities to engage with future episodes.