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At BrightStar Care, we’ve been franchising since 2005, and have established our brand as a leader in the home healthcare industry, providing a higher standard of quality to families nationwide. Our legacy is made possible through our passionate, unwavering franchisees, who are committed to delivering to their local communities the care they so desperately need and deserve.
Among these remarkable individuals is Giselle Bardwell, an established franchisee since 2020, whose journey has left a profound impact on her community while contributing to the enduring BrightStar Care legacy.
A Quest for Quality Care
Before BrightStar Care, Giselle was an executive at a software company where she oversaw the delivery of various martech systems to hospitals and health systems across the country, but she didn’t work in the clinical area. While she enjoyed this avenue of her career, Giselle and her husband, David, had owned businesses before and harnessed an entrepreneurial passion to start something again. She had been thinking about franchising for several years, and then finally, in 2018, decided it was time to start. Their research led them to the home care industry, a concept that deeply resonated with Giselle.
“I identified with the need to provide caring support to elderly parents and families,” Giselle shares. “This still resonates with me on a personal level, and I am so grateful that I can serve this need to families in my community.”
Giselle and David did a lot of research to find the best home care franchise, which led them to discovery days with many different healthcare companies. However, once they learned about BrightStar Care, the connection was immediate.
“BrightStar Care clearly stood out,” Giselle states. “The unwavering focus on quality, along with the multiple revenue streams we have received, made perfect sense from both a business and a personal perspective.”
What Fuels Giselle Throughout Her Journey
Personal experiences often shape one's perspectives, and Giselle's journey is no exception. Running a home care business means taking on the responsibility for the well-being and happiness of others, which can be a heavy burden. However, Giselle highlights the importance of an open mind and relentless determination.
"It's hard, there's no denying that," she says. "But it's our passion and an unwavering commitment to delivering on a promise that keeps us going."
Giselle also emphasizes the exceptional guidance she has received from the franchise support team and fellow owners. At BrightStar Care, franchisees are provided with essential resources and are connected with other franchisees who share their experiences.
“One of the reasons I remain a strong advocate for BrightStar Care is that I’m continually reminded of the strength and value of our owner network,” she states. “I’ve never been part of a community so willing to help each other. I’m not only grateful for the support I’ve received, but also the opportunity to guide new owners facing the same challenges I faced not that long ago.”
Lessons Learned
Giselle's journey with BrightStar Care has been filled with valuable lessons. When she and her husband launched their location in 2020 in Middleburg Heights, Ohio, they experienced rapid growth, particularly during the initial stages of the pandemic. However, Giselle underscores the importance of maintaining perspective and not letting early success cloud your judgment.
“One crucial lesson we’ve learned is to be prepared for rapid growth, but not forget the importance of diversifying revenue streams,” she explains. “We’re committed to planning our supply in alignment with demand while preparing for continued growth.”
When hiring employees for her team, Giselle has learned to find individuals who can thrive in a fast-paced, multifaceted environment and are passionate about helping others. In addition to daily team huddles, she holds weekly one-on-ones to keep everyone on the team aligned and growing together.
A Journey of Fulfillment
Becoming a BrightStar Care franchisee has had a profound impact on Giselle, her community, and her employees.
“The very nature of the work we do is inherently fulfilling,” Giselle states. “New clients often come to us at a time of uncertainty–sometimes sheer desperation and panic. I love that we can be part of their solution–offering quality care and peace of mind.”
One of the initial factors that drew Giselle to BrightStar Care was the leadership and example set by CEO Shelly Sun in the healthcare industry. Like Shelly, Giselle also loves hiring individuals who share her passion for making a positive impact, many of whom are single mothers or nursing students, as they pursue their own dreams. She finds immense satisfaction in knowing that her business not only provides steady employment but also creates opportunities for others.
“Providing opportunities to others, especially women, fuels me every single day.”
Are you looking to start creating an impactful legacy in your community? Contact us today to learn more about franchising with BrightStar Care and make a difference in your area.
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