At BrightStar Care, our franchisees come from diverse backgrounds, each bringing a unique perspective and a passion for helping others. Tammi Ankrah’s journey perfectly exemplifies how a blend of professional experience, personal motivation, and a commitment to quality care can lead to business ownership and a rewarding journey.
As a new BrightStar Care franchisee in Appleton, Wisconsin, Tammi is excited about bringing her skills and passion to her community, ensuring that families receive the highest standard of care.
From Lab to Leadership
Tammi began her career in healthcare by working in a lab, and over the years, she has worked in various nursing roles, from psychiatric care to outpatient infusion. Her last role before becoming a franchisee involved being a nurse educator for multiple units, where she was responsible for training classes and getting new programs up and running. "I've always been drawn to the hands-on aspects of nursing," Tammi explains. "But as I gained more experience, I realized I wanted to do something that would allow me to focus on my family and career."
Tammi desired to balance her professional ambitions with her family life, which led her to consider becoming an entrepreneur. Although she had never owned a business before, the prospect of being her own boss and directly impacting her community was enticing. "My husband encouraged me to find a path that would allow me to utilize my skills while also giving me more control over my time," Tammi explains. "That's when I began exploring different options, and home healthcare stood out to me."
Why BrightStar Care?
For Tammi, the decision to choose BrightStar Care over other home healthcare franchises came down to one key factor: quality. “The quality of care that BrightStar Care provides has always been important to me,” she says. “When I spoke with Shelly Sun, I was impressed by how they put their employees and clients first. That’s something that resonated with me.”
Tammi was also drawn to the level of support that BrightStar Care offers our franchisees. Coming from a clinical background, she didn’t have much experience in business, but the training and resources provided by BrightStar Care gave her the confidence she needed to move forward. “I don’t have a business background, so the amount of training and support they give me has been crucial,” Tammi explains. “Throughout the process, they offered validation calls with other owners, and that really solidified my decision to become a BrightStar Care franchisee.”
Opening in Appleton, Wisconsin
Tammi recently just opened her BrightStar Care location in Appleton, Wisconsin. This new venture holds special significance for her—not only is it a return to her home state, but it’s also in the city where she met her husband and attended Lawrence University. “We’ve lived all over the West Coast, but during the pandemic, we decided to move back to Wisconsin,” Tammi says. “It’s nice to be back in the city where we first met, and to be able to bring that higher standard of care to the community here.”
Tammi is optimistic about the future of her BrightStar Care location, especially given the strong connections she has in the local healthcare community. Her husband handles the strategic aspects of the business, and Tammi runs the day-to-day operations, making a dynamic team. “My husband has a strong business background, and I’m focused on the care side,” Tammi explains. “Together, we’re committed to making a difference in our community.”
A Family Legacy of Care
One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a BrightStar Care franchise for Tammi is the example she’s setting for her three daughters. “It’s nice for them to see what mom can do,” she says proudly. “I want them to understand the importance of hard work, compassion, and giving back to the community.”
Looking ahead, Tammi is excited about the potential for growth in Appleton. She aims to continue expanding the range of services offered by her BrightStar Care location, ensuring that families in her region can access the comprehensive care they need. “I’m committed to bringing the highest standard of care into our community,” Tammi says. “BrightStar Care has given me the platform to do just that.”
If you’re passionate about making a difference in your community and are ready to take control of your career, franchising with us could be the first step in your entrepreneurial journey. Contact us today to learn more about how you can open your own BrightStar Care agency.