Many entrepreneurs are often driven by a strong passion to create their own ventures and be their own bosses. For Aref Muza, a new BrightStar Care franchisee in Albuquerque, New Mexico, his impressive history of scaling businesses and adapting to changing industries is a testament to his unwavering entrepreneurial passion.
This month, Aref plans to open his first BrightStar Care agency in the Albuquerque, New Mexico area. As a franchisee, he aims to make a difference and become a vital resource in his community.
From Mechanical Engineer to Multi-Unit Franchise Owner
Aref’s career began as a mechanical engineer by trade back in 1996, and he spent a few years working in the field. However, sitting behind a desk soon felt limiting, and Aref wanted to explore the world and other opportunities. Inspired by this passion and his father, who also owned many businesses, Aref decided to pursue business ownership. He opened several general merchandising stores before eventually diving into the telecommunications industry, where he expanded his footprint with Metro by T-Mobile. From 2001 to 2015, he scaled his business from zero to over 40 locations. “I enjoy building something from the ground up and making an impact,” Aref shares. “Taking charge of my own ventures has always been a driving force for me.” This passion drove him to look into other businesses to scale.
As his son took over the day-to-day operations of the Metro stores, Aref felt the need to branch out into something different—something that would allow him to contribute to the community in a meaningful way. “I was ready to transition into a sector that felt closer to my heart,” he explains. “The more I looked into senior care, the more I realized it was the perfect fit.”
Why BrightStar Care?
As Aref explored opportunities in the senior care sector, he researched various franchise options, evaluating each for quality of care, support, and the potential for impact. BrightStar Care stood out for several reasons, particularly our dedication to offering both skilled and non-skilled care. “Many home healthcare companies focus only on non-skilled care,” Aref notes. “With BrightStar Care, I found a franchise that caters to the full range of needs—everything from companion care to skilled nursing. When you’re caring for seniors, this comprehensive approach is essential.”
Receiving support from a well-established brand can significantly simplify the experience of owning a business. This is especially true for Aref, as BrightStar Care impressed him with the comprehensive support we offer to our franchisees, in addition to our well-rounded care services. “I have no background in healthcare, but BrightStar Care’s program covers everything,” he states. “Their support team is knowledgeable, and their systems are proven. You’re not just buying a name—you’re buying a full-fledged support network that guides you through each step. They’ve made the transition into a new industry far less challenging.”
Launching in Albuquerque: Building a Team and Making a Difference
With Aref’s agency set to open soon, he’s already focused on assembling a dedicated team. “The most important part of any business is the people,” he emphasizes. “I’ve always been passionate about building strong teams, and I know that finding the right caregivers and support staff is critical to providing top-quality care. A business is only as strong as the team behind it.”
Creating a supportive environment extends beyond employees to include the community for Aref. Having watched his own parents navigate the challenges of aging, he understands firsthand the importance of compassionate, reliable care. “Senior care isn’t just about business—it’s about providing a vital service to families,” he explains. “I want our BrightStar Care location to be a trusted resource for seniors and their families in Albuquerque.”
Learning and Growing in a New Industry
Entering the senior care industry as a newcomer, Aref appreciates the resources and mentorship BrightStar Care provides to our franchisees. Despite his extensive experience in scaling businesses, he values the healthcare industry guidance offered by our franchise support team. “When you step into a new industry, there’s always a learning curve,” he admits. “But BrightStar Care has a program and a team that makes the transition smoother. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel—you follow a proven system that has already seen results.”
Aref’s background in business has taught him the importance of a reliable support structure, and BrightStar Care’s comprehensive resources have reinforced his confidence in the brand. “With BrightStar Care, you’re not going it alone. The support network is there, and it makes a real difference in building a successful operation.”
Looking to the Future
As Aref prepares to open his BrightStar Care location, he’s looking forward to the journey ahead. In addition to building a dedicated team, Aref plans to provide high-quality care and become a pillar of support for the local community. “I’m excited to see the impact we can make in Albuquerque,” he says. “BrightStar Care has given me the platform to serve the community in a meaningful way. I’m eager to use my experience to create a space where seniors feel respected, safe, and cared for.”
Are you interested in building a business that provides a higher standard of care and makes a difference in your community? Contact BrightStar Care today to learn how you can open one of our agencies in your area.