How This Veteran Found New Purpose as a BrightStar Care Franchisee

At BrightStar Care, franchise owners come from many walks of life, yet all share one powerful motivation—a genuine passion to provide exceptional care to others. Elizabeth Graham, new franchisee in Ponte Vedra and the West Jacksonville area of Florida, is a perfect example of how personal experiences can inspire rewarding career opportunities in the home healthcare franchise industry.

Personal Experiences Spark a Career in Caregiving

Before opening their BrightStar Care location, Elizabeth had a meaningful career rooted in service. Elizabeth served in the military for six years as an Aviation Operator and spent 20 years in the finance industry as a financial planner. Elizabeth also made history as Florida’s first female high school football coach and even led a Jaguars NFL Flag Football team to the national championship. But it was her personal experience caring for her aunt that truly shaped the next chapter of her career.

“I quickly realized that not everyone receives care the way they should, and I wanted to change that,” Elizabeth shared. What began as a family responsibility soon evolved into a desire to bring a higher standard of care to others and veterans in our community—and a search for the right opportunity.

Why BrightStar Care was the Right Fit

After briefly attempting to launch a caregiving operation on their own, Elizabeth found the healthcare industry’s policies and regulatory demands difficult to manage independently. That’s when she began looking into franchise models. She explored multiple businesses before discovering BrightStar Care, ultimately choosing our brand for the extensive franchisee support, responsiveness, and dedication to quality care.

"When I was researching franchise opportunities, BrightStar Care immediately stood out," Elizabeth said. "They took a genuine interest in my goals and values. The process felt collaborative, and it was clear they truly cared about who was joining their network."

Elizabeth also notes that our comprehensive franchise model, including multiple revenue streams such as skilled care, companion care, personal care, national accounts, and medical staffing, was a key differentiator compared to other options. Our Joint Commission Accreditation, the gold standard in quality care, further reinforced her decision.

Serving Veterans and The Community

Opening a BrightStar Care location has allowed Elizabeth to create meaningful change in her community, especially for fellow veterans. With Elizabeth being a Jacksonville native, she felt called to give back.

“I genuinely love this region, and serving the veterans here is a huge reason for doing this and just feels like a natural step in my career,” Elizabeth said. “BrightStar Care is an ideal fit for this because they align so closely with my values.”

Leveraging Franchise Support for Sustainable Growth

Our robust franchise support network has been instrumental for Elizabeth as she transitions into entrepreneurship. Attending Discovery Day, our annual conference, and connecting with fellow franchise owners has been particularly impactful.

“One of the best parts of franchising with BrightStar Care has been the supportive community of franchisees,” Elizabeth said. “Learning directly from experienced franchise owners has given me valuable insights and encouragement. I know I'm never in this alone.”

Making The Agency a Family Business

For Elizabeth, franchise ownership is also a family affair. Her children are actively involved in the business, pursuing educational and career opportunities that complement operations. Her daughter is studying nursing while assisting with office operations, her oldest son is building his career in sales, and her youngest son is training as a nurse.

“It’s important to us that our caregivers and team members feel part of our family,” Elizabeth emphasized. “We’re committed to building this business for the long term and offering meaningful career opportunities for our family and our community.”

Looking Ahead: Growth and Career Fulfillment

Elizabeth has officially launched her BrightStar Care franchise in Ponte Vedra and West Jacksonville, and her goal is clear—growing a rewarding business that positively impacts the veteran community.

“BrightStar Care’s mission aligns perfectly with our vision,” Elizabeth shared. “We’re excited to deliver high-quality care while building lasting relationships in our community. This franchise has provided the perfect opportunity to combine career fulfillment, entrepreneurship, and a passion for caregiving to those who need it.”

Are you ready to explore franchise ownership and bring high-quality care to your community? Explore rewarding career opportunities with us and find out how you can open an agency in your area.