Turning a Shared Dream into a Community-Focused Business

For Katie and Ben Redfield, the journey to franchise ownership wasn't driven by a desire to simply own a business. It was about creating something meaningful together while making a lasting difference in their community.

After years spent building careers, raising three children, and supporting family members through complex healthcare challenges, the couple found themselves searching for an opportunity that aligned with their values, long-term goals, and passion for helping others. They chose BrightStar Care because it offered an opportunity to build something meaningful together while supporting families during some of life's most important moments.

From Building Careers to Building a Business

Before becoming a BrightStar Care franchisee, Katie had a diverse career. After earning a degree in marketing and working in sales, she transitioned into healthcare as an ophthalmology technician before stepping back to focus on raising their children. Over the years, she remained heavily involved in volunteer leadership, church organizations, booster clubs, and community initiatives.

During COVID her daughter’s school needed assistance and Katie stepped up to work with children with special needs and complex care requirements. This experience gave her additional exposure to healthcare and strengthened her desire to help others.

Ben’s background is in more traditional corporate roles including 15 years with a public healthcare company. His work took their family from North Carolina to Maine and he continued to climb the corporate ladder.

By 2022, however, Ben found himself ready for a change. He took some time off and got involved with coaching his son's lacrosse team, worked on his garden and experienced firsthand the challenges many families face when navigating care for aging loved ones.

Throughout their marriage, Katie and Ben often talked about owning a business together. With shared values, complementary skill sets, and a desire to make an impact locally, they knew they wanted to build something as a team. When the timing felt right, they began exploring franchise opportunities and were ultimately drawn to BrightStar Care because of its proven systems, support, and mission-driven approach

Why Brightstar Care

For Katie and Ben, selecting the right franchise opportunity was a deliberate process.

"We're both curious learners," Ben said. "We do our homework, ask a lot of questions, and try to understand all sides before making a major decision."

The couple evaluated numerous franchise concepts and even conducted their own research by speaking with competitors, visiting facilities, and connecting directly with franchise owners across multiple industries.

What ultimately separated BrightStar Care was its mission, proven model, and extensive support network.

Katie also felt a personal connection to the industry. Her parents are from Ireland, many of her relatives work as home health aides, and three of her sisters are nurses. The more she learned about BrightStar Care, the more it felt aligned with the values she grew up around.

The need for quality home care was something they both saw firsthand in their own lives. Conversations about aging, caregiving, and maintaining independence became increasingly common.

Katie explained, "If I had the choice, I would want to stay in my own home as long as possible. Having someone there to help during your most vulnerable moments can make such a difference."

Ben's experience supporting his mother and stepfather reinforced that belief.

"My stepfather was in his eighties when dementia really began to take hold," he said. "Watching my mom try to navigate the care he needed while wanting to keep him comfortable at home showed me how difficult that journey can be for families."

Confidence in Their Decision

Although they are still early in their franchise journey, Katie and Ben say one of the most rewarding parts of the experience has been the support they've received from both the BrightStar Care corporate team and fellow franchise owners.

"One recommendation we heard over and over during our research was to talk to existing franchisees," Katie said. "The network within BrightStar Care has been incredible. Business ownership can feel lonely, but I've never felt alone."

For Ben this process has been really rewarding as he has gotten to watch his wife really step into her own lane, "It's been amazing watching Katie dive in, roll up her sleeves, and really shine," he said.

The couple believes their 24 years of marriage have prepared them well for working together as business owners.

"Every couple is different," Ben said. "For us, it's about staying connected, communicating openly, and recognizing that our long-term goals are very aligned."

As they prepare to serve families in their community, Katie and Ben are especially passionate about educating people on the wide range of care services BrightStar Care can provide.

"A lot of people immediately think of senior care," Katie said. "But BrightStar Care serves so many different populations, including children and individuals with a variety of care needs. That's something I think many people don't realize."

Together, they see BrightStar Care as an opportunity to combine their professional experiences, family values, and commitment to helping others into a business that can make a meaningful impact for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need healthcare experience to own a BrightStar Care franchise?

A: No. Many BrightStar Care franchise owners come from business, sales, operations, education, and other non-clinical backgrounds. BrightStar Care provides training, support, and systems designed to help owners successfully operate their businesses while employing qualified clinical professionals.

Q: Why do entrepreneurs choose BrightStar Care over other franchise opportunities?

A: Many franchise owners are drawn to BrightStar Care because of its mission-driven model, national brand recognition, nurse-led care approach, and comprehensive support system. The opportunity allows owners to build a business while making a meaningful impact in their local communities.

Q: Who can benefit from BrightStar Care services?

A: BrightStar Care provides services for a wide range of individuals, including seniors, children, and adults who need personal care, skilled nursing support, companionship, or specialized care services in the comfort of their own homes.