BrightStar Care® Founder and CEO Shelly Sun was faced with the arduous task of finding quality care for her Grandma Pat. It felt nearly impossible to find the right type of care from a provider that she could trust. This experience inspired Sun to start the caring company she lacked in her time of need. By Kelsi Trinidad
BrightStar Care® Founder and CEO Shelly Sun was faced with the arduous task of finding quality care for her Grandma Pat. It felt nearly impossible to find the right type of care from a provider that she could trust. This experience inspired Sun to start the caring company she lacked in her time of need.
In 2002, BrightStar Care was born, with its first location opening in Gurnee, Illinois. The company offered 24/7 service and a full range of nonmedical and medical care – everything that families looking for care deserve. BrightStar Care filled a much-needed gap in home health care in the community and got Sun thinking about how she could expand her business model further.
BrightStar Care opened its first franchised location in 2006. For 20 years, the home health care franchise has been revolutionizing the availability and accessibility to quality home care and has expanded to over 370 locations. The company has redefined and raised the bar of what quality care means. The company operates on the philosophy that care doesn’t just mean medical attention and aiding loved ones with tasks; it also means bringing joy to days and truly creating a strong sense of home for those who need it most.
Sun’s company sets itself apart from other home care companies by not only providing companion care and personal care but also skilled home care that includes nursing and medical services. While most companies only provide companion and personal care, BrightStar Care provides full-service care options that allow family members to select the best care for their loved ones. In addition to streamlining the home care process, by providing skilled care, BrightStar Care franchisees can accept patients with less critical needs. These long-term patients also increase potential revenue.
The brand has expanded to include new segments that meet the needs of its clients, including BrightStar® Care Homes™. This branch addresses clients’ needs for trustworthy assisted living communities that are on a smaller scale yet still have a staff of skilled and nonskilled caregivers. Innovation is the hallmark of BrightStar Care, and the company is quick to adapt to the needs of its clients.
The company sees its franchisees as fellow sculptors in its successful business model. Franchisees benefit from a proven system that is driven by a consistent need for home care services, the ability to expand and the opportunity of multiple revenue streams. Additionally, the enduring and trusted name of BrightStar Care supports franchisees by giving clients a sense of security and reliability.
Earlier this year, BrightStar Care was recognized as one of the top 500 franchises in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 for its outstanding performance in multiple areas, including unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power. The company has jumped 175 spots since 2020, earning the 141st ranking, affirming its role as a leader in both the franchise and home care industries.
Kelsi Trinidad