The Human Side of Owning a Franchise

Jill Lee has always been fascinated by people.

As a lifelong anthropologist working in product and marketing roles, she loves research and is constantly seeking to understand what shapes human behavior, communities and experiences. That curiosity guided much of her professional career, from more than 15 years in corporate marketing to roles focused on understanding what consumers truly need from the businesses they interact with.

After taking time away from corporate life to raise her children, support her husband in his business ventures, and care for her mother during her battle with cancer, she began searching for a path that combined business ownership with meaningful impact.

During the COVID pandemic, Jill lost her mother and was unable to fulfill her wish of aging in place and passing away at home.

The experience was heartbreaking, and it sparked a new mission.

"I wanted to make sure other families had the opportunity that we didn't," Jill said.

When Research Led to Purpose

Jill approached her search for business ownership the same way she approaches most things, through extensive research.

During one of her many deep dives, she found herself exploring franchise opportunities and became increasingly interested in people-centered businesses focused on health and wellness.

The first time a franchise broker introduced the home care category, she was immediately intrigued.

Healthcare was already familiar territory. Several family members worked in the field, and her experience caring for her mother gave her firsthand insight into the challenges families often face when navigating care decisions.

Why BrightStar Care

Having previously worked with another franchise brand and supported her husband's small business, she entered the process with a clear understanding of what she wanted from a franchisor.

She was looking for a brand that offered a full continuum of care, a strong support structure and a collaborative culture where franchisees could learn from one another. Since beginning the onboarding process, Jill has been impressed by the support she has received from both the corporate team and fellow franchisees.

"I never expect them to do it all. This is a partnership and you need to lean in," she said.

For Jill, that balance between using her skills and leaning on support was exactly what she was looking for.

Finding the Power of Community

While the franchise business opportunity initially attracted her to BrightStar Care, the community is what confirmed she had found the right fit.

"The first time I really felt the power of my local community was through coaching my child in robotics, and it was really fulfilling," she said.

That same sense of connection quickly emerged during her BrightStar Care onboarding process. Before signing her franchise agreement, Jill spoke with roughly a dozen BrightStar Care franchisees to better understand their experiences.

She visited a local franchisee who shared what day-to-day life as an owner looks like. She also formed strong relationships with fellow franchisees Kieran and Karla Lieper while attending training, and the group continues to exchange ideas and support one another as they grow their businesses.

“All of them were generous and savvy, and they all started with a mission," Jill said.

For someone who naturally thrives in collaborative environments, those relationships have become one of the most rewarding aspects of the journey.

The Unexpected Lessons of Motherhood

"Without being a mom, I would have never thought of being a small business owner," she said.

Raising children taught her resilience, flexibility and confidence. It showed her that even the best plans don't always unfold perfectly and that growth often comes from adapting to challenges as they come.

Those lessons continue to guide her as she prepares to open her BrightStar Care business and fulfill the mission that first inspired her journey, helping more families access the care and support they need to remain at home

FAQs

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: What support do you provide to your franchisees?

A: Our franchisees have access to our comprehensive training and support system, which includes all the tools and resources they need.

New franchisees enter our 27-month onboarding program, which delivers extensive training and support in the start-up and growth phases of their journey. Ongoing support is available in many ways - Annual Conference for owners, regional meetings, performance groups, and more.

Q: Can I own multiple franchise locations?

A: Yes. BrightStar Care does offer multi-unit ownership opportunities for those looking to expand and scale their business.