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Cameron Bowlin enlisted in the Navy straight out of high school, and when it was time to return to civilian life, he became a nurse. Trevor Gardner spent a decade shaping five-star stays in luxury hotels. Now the two are combining both backgrounds to open a BrightStar Care franchise serving Glendale, Altadena, and Pasadena, California.
From the Navy to a New Mission
Cameron's connection to BrightStar Care started years before he became a franchise owner. While serving in the Navy, he also worked as a home health aide for BrightStar Care on the side.
That experience stayed with him even after he moved into full-time nursing. After years at the bedside, he began to feel burned out and started looking for a way to combine his clinical background with something more personal.
"My gears started turning, and I thought: I could purchase a franchise and bring my clinical knowledge but also focus on the person," Cameron said.
That search led him back to the company he already knew and trusted, this time as an owner rather than an employee.
Bringing Hospitality to Home Care
Trevor took a different route to home care. He spent about ten years in luxury hotels before landing at a country club, where he still works full-time as a director.
Leaning on systems and processes he already knows well from the hospitality industry, Trevor plans to help manage the business side while Cameron focuses on the administrative work. He's already comfortable with the tools that keep a service business organized, having run back-end systems like ADP in the hotel world for years.
"We're a really good pair. With Cameron’s experience in the medical field and my hospitality background, we want to create a really nice, comfortable, luxury experience for people in their homes," Trevor said.
Why BrightStar Care Stood Out
Cameron had co-owned a fitness business in the past, so he understood the demands of entrepreneurship. Still, home care was new territory, and he wanted a proven system to step into with confidence rather than building everything from scratch. The hands-on coaching from the BrightStar Care team was a big part of what made the leap feel manageable.
That support extends past the corporate team. Neighboring franchisees have invited them to dinner, offered to share handbooks built from their own trial and error, and opened their doors for shadowing visits. For Cameron and Trevor, it's been one of the most encouraging parts of the process so far.
"They've been extremely helpful, extremely supportive, and very giving with their information and knowledge," Cameron said. "It's been a very nice, close community that we're slowly building."
BrightStar Care's full continuum of care, spanning companion care, personal care, and skilled nursing services, enables franchisees to meet a variety of client needs as their territory grows.
Building Relationships, Building a Business
As their opening date approaches, Cameron and Trevor are most looking forward to building relationships in the communities they will soon serve. Cameron moved to LA a couple of years ago and sees the launch as a chance to put down roots. Trevor, who's lived in LA for over a decade, is excited to introduce his own community to the business they're building together.
"We are very excited to go explore the territories, meet the people, volunteer, and give back to the community," Trevor said.
"I'm a people person, and I like making connections, building relationships, and feeling valuable to other people," Cameron said. "Providing a service to somebody and building those connections is what makes me feel good."
With BrightStar Care, Cameron and Trevor are ready to bring their new communities the kind of care and connection they've been waiting to offer.
Ready to build a business rooted in purpose and community? Learn more about opening a BrightStar Care franchise in your area.
FAQs
Q: What makes BrightStar Care’s business model different?
A: BrightStar Care offers a full continuum of care, including both skilled and unskilled services. That gives franchisees multiple revenue streams, along with Joint Commission accreditation that few competitors can match.
Q: What support does BrightStar Care provide new franchisees?
A: BrightStar Care provides structured training, ongoing guidance, and access to a network of experienced owners. This support helps franchisees navigate operations, staffing, and growth with confidence.
Q: Do I need a healthcare background to open a BrightStar Care location?
A: No. Many BrightStar Care franchise owners come from non-medical backgrounds. The model is built so owners can lead operations, hire clinical professionals, and leverage the brand’s systems and resources.
