Forging a New Purpose, Partnership as a Home Care Franchise Owner

Opening a new business can be challenging, especially for those going through it for the first time. However, starting an enterprise like a home health care agency with a business partner who shares your core values and has a complementary skill set is not only mutually beneficial but lays a strong foundation for growth.

BrightStar Care franchisee David Giannelli and his business partner, Lori Winsor, had worked together in the construction industry in California for several years. David was in an executive officer position while Lori worked in business development, marketing, client relations and employee engagement.

“We had been working together for over three years,” said Lori. “We felt that we always worked really well together and that there was something out there that was a better fit for our futures.”

While neither had business ownership experience, they both wanted to join an industry that gave them the ability to give back to their community – and they found the opportunity with BrightStar Care.

Recognizing the Value of Home Care from a Client Perspective

Lori had looked at business opportunities in the home health care industry several years prior to finding BrightStar Care.

“I come from a family of healthcare providers – specifically on the nursing side. My mom was a registered nurse for over 30 years, but back in December 2018, she was diagnosed with stage IV Hodgkins-Lymphoma,” explained Lori. “We brought her home in February to start hospice care, and cared for her for eight months.”

For Lori, the process of finding the right home care provider and trusting someone to take care of her mother completely changed her outlook as she considered her own career path. She kept coming back to home care because of the difference it creates in people’s lives.

And while David didn’t have that personal experience with home care, the need to give back deeply resonated with him, whether through providing jobs in the community or providing the services to those who truly need it.

“We want to care for our employees and our clients – be that No. 1 employer of choice and provide them the hours and flexibility they need,” explained Lori.

Finding the Perfect Fit

While giving back to the community is top priority for Lori and David, they wanted to make sure they would be joining a business that was going to be successful.

They researched different industries, taking into account the varying returns on investment and costs of entry each franchise opportunity presented, and BrightStar Care kept rising above the rest.

“We aligned culturally, had engaging phone calls and meetings, and BrightStar Care’s core values really resonated with us,” said Lori. “We want to provide the utmost quality of care for anyone who works for us and who we’re working for.”

Creating a Strong, Healthy Relationship with Peers and Employees

When David and Lori left their previous roles in a construction company to go into business together, neither realized how large an impact they had on their former colleagues and team members.

“So many people reached out to tell us how we affected their lives and the morale in the office – they always felt they had a support system with us there,” said David. “I didn’t realize we had such an impact on people’s lives, so now starting our own business and getting to contribute to the community is motivation for us to grow and succeed.”

The business partners seek to build that same level of trust, confidence and respect with their BrightStar Care team.

“The biggest thing you can be is responsive. Your job is to focus on them – their priority is your priority,” explained David. “It creates loyalty and a bond that lets them know they’re important to you.”

Finding a New Purpose as a Franchisee

Lori and David are a great example of how two people can come together with the same passion and motivation and strike out as entrepreneurs in an entirely new industry.

Home health care offers individuals from all backgrounds the opportunity to fulfill a critical need within their communities.

Learn more about investing in a home health care franchise that allows you to give back while building a business within your community. Download the BrightStar Care franchise report for free.