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This article was originally published in FranchiseDictionaryMagazine.com on July 2026.
Dwayne Booker built a career flying fighter jets in the U.S. Air Force, serving in active duty for 12 years before transitioning to the reserves and becoming a full-time commercial pilot.
Though he had built a full life and career, he was looking for another way to utilize his leadership skills. He turned to his wife, Brittany, and sister, Dee - both of whom have extensive medical and clinical experience - and saw that the three of t h e m had a strong foundation.
Brittany had worked in critical care units and later served as a family nurse practitioner on a military base, eventually shifting to the corporate side of health care. Dee had a background in health and fitness management as a director of rehabilitation in assisted living facilities across Georgia.
"We've got over three decades of leadership experience and medical and clinical experience," Dwayne said. "So why not go into business for ourselves?"
When they came across the BrightStar Care® franchise opportunity, Dwayne saw many of the same frameworks he had known in the military. The support the franchisor offered and the opportunity for multiple revenue streams solidified the Bookers' decision.
With Dwayne no longer on active duty, the family was able to put down roots, and the new business gave them a way to do that while also giving back to their community.
There's a strong sense of respect and teamwork between the three co-franchisees. Although working with family often carries a negative reputation, co-owning a BrightStar Care franchise has brought the Bookers closer together.
"I would follow them into any fire," Dwayne said. "There's no one else I would want to do business with."
The Bookers opened their McDonough and Locust Grove location in southeast Atlanta in January. Within a week, they signed their first client. Within two months, they were able to achieve Veterans Affairs and Cigna credentialing. By the third month, they increased their profit margins from 1% to 67%.
"This is our passion," Brittany said. "So sometimes we forget to pause and celebrate wins because we've had a lot of them. That's what we're looking forward to throughout the rest of this journey together."
