How These Franchise Owners Persevered during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Determination, passion and perseverance are three of the most important traits that a franchise owner must have to succeed. As an owner of a home healthcare franchise, the demand for quality home healthcare will never cease, even if there’s a worldwide pandemic.

As new BrightStar Care® franchise owners, Todd and Jill Starcevich weathered many obstacles and managed to keep their agency afloat at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the pandemic, Todd and Jill hit the ground running with increased infection control procedures, unique hiring strategies, and COVID precautions. Although this wasn’t the ideal time to be new franchise owners, Todd and Jill persevered and began giving back to their community.

“We purchased this agency as a way to give back to our community and keep our family in a city that we love. This opportunity has provided us with so much more than that and it has become not only a job but a passion,” said Jill.

Life as Franchise Owners of a Home Healthcare Agency

Throughout their short time of owning and operating their BrightStar Care agency, franchisees Todd and Jill have realized that franchise ownership is much more than overseeing the day-to-day business operations. They’ve become emotionally invested in the well-being of their clients and constantly feel the need to ensure that all clients are well taken care of.

“It is not just about putting warm bodies into a home. It is always striving to find the perfect connection between client and caregiver to ensure our clients are given every opportunity to thrive inside their homes,” said Todd.

In their efforts to provide quality care for their clients, the BrightStar Care support team has helped them navigate by providing ongoing support. Whether the issue was big or small, Todd and Jill could count on the BrightStar Care support team to guide them in the right direction.

“Every single team member we have worked with has been unbelievably knowledgeable. They truly want each agency to succeed in every aspect,” said Jill.

Overcoming Obstacles

To ensure all clients are receiving quality care Todd and Jill were determined to hire caregivers and nurses who shared the same values. The hiring process initially posed a challenge due to the labor shortage, however, Todd and Jill were able to implement new hiring strategies and incentives to attract potential candidates. By increasing the base pay, offering enhanced benefits and showing appreciation to their staff, they were successful in hiring nurses and caregivers to be a part of their BrightStar Care family.

“It has become increasingly important to show caregivers how we are different from other agencies and what we do to support them both in their career and personal lives,” said Jill.

Todd and Jill quickly realized that the best way to retain employees is to treat them like family, and with respect, not just another name on the payroll.

Future Plans

Thanks to their current employees, their agency has grown tremendously in size and revenue since 2020. As a result of their hard work throughout the first year of business, Todd and Jill were able to surpass their revenue goals.

The couple attributes much of their success to the caregivers and nurses who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to ensure the best care. “Witnessing the growth in our employees’ performance has been incredible. We are so blessed to have a team that believes in our mission and wants to succeed,” said Todd. In addition to being fantastic employees, Todd and Jill are proud that members of their team are using this opportunity to return to school to further their education and explore new roles within their organization.

Building a great team has allowed the couple to begin considering expansion. Within the next five years, Todd and Jill plan to expand into neighboring territories. Their goal is to double the size of their current location and eventually open two more locations. “ Being one of the few agencies in our area to provide skilled nursing care, we hope to capitalize on that service offering. We are also applying for our therapy license so we can offer PT, OT and ST and exploring obtaining our state license to offer CNA and HHA training,” said Jill.

Although they became franchise owners in the midst of a global pandemic, Todd and Jill have proven that anything is possible with determination, passion, perseverance and a great team of caregivers and nurses.

If you’re in search of a recession-resistant franchise and want to give back to your community, contact us today!