When Elizabeth Graham decided to open a business, she knew it had to be more than just a job. As the owner of BrightStar Care® of Ponte Vedra and West Jacksonville, Florida, Graham found her calling by combining her passion for helping others with a franchise system that provides the tools and support to make a real difference in her community. By Shelby Green
One Franchisee’s Mission for Compassionate Care
When Elizabeth Graham decided to open a business, she knew it had to be more than just a job. As the owner of BrightStar Care® of Ponte Vedra and West Jacksonville, Florida, Graham found her calling by combining her passion for helping others with a franchise system that provides the tools and support to make a real difference in her community.
Graham began her professional life in the U.S. Army before transitioning to a career as a certified financial planner. However, her personal experience as a family caregiver sparked her entrepreneurial spirit. After managing a team of caregivers for her elderly aunt, Graham saw an opportunity to provide a higher standard of care focused on compassion.
“I knew there had to be a better, more compassionate way to serve elderly clients,” Graham said. “That’s how I found BrightStar Care. My heart has always been called to serve. I was proud to break barriers as the first female football coach in Jacksonville, supporting my athletes both on the field and in the classroom. Today, that same spirit fuels my passion for delivering compassionate, high-quality care to our patients in the comfort of their homes.”
After researching several franchise options, BrightStar Care stood out for its ability to offer both skilled and non-skilled care and Joint Commission accreditation, which signifies a commitment to quality. For Graham, it was an opportunity to build a business that reflected her values while leveraging the strength and credibility of a national brand.
According to Graham, one of the most significant advantages of becoming a BrightStar Care franchisee is its exceptional support system. Franchisees are equipped with the tools and knowledge to succeed from day one, including an advanced electronic health record platform and a centralized referral system.
“It also offers credibility and operational infrastructure that’s difficult to replicate if you were starting from scratch,” Graham explained. “For someone like me, who is passionate about delivering truly compassionate care, it gave me the flexibility to create a team that reflects my values and vision.”
Graham is heavily involved in the day-to-day operations as well. She personally interviews every caregiver to ensure they not only have the skills but also the heart to treat clients like family. Her focus is on team management and ensuring that every patient receives the care she would want for her own loved ones.
“We’ve expanded access to high-quality home care, demonstrating that complex care typically provided in a facility can be safely and effectively delivered in a patient’s home,” Graham said. “That’s a huge win not just for our team but for the patients who get to heal and thrive in a familiar environment surrounded by loved ones.”
As a veteran-owned business, Graham’s BrightStar Care franchise has also shown a special dedication to the veteran community. It has successfully collaborated with national accounts, proving that veterans often receive the best support when cared for by fellow veterans.
“The best advice I can give to other women in business is to aim high and never underestimate your potential – shoot for the stars,” Graham said. “When you trust yourself and believe in the mission behind your work, there’s no limit to what you can achieve – especially in a franchise system where your leadership can make a real impact.”
Shelby Green
brightstarfranchising.com