How These Veterans Found New Purpose as BrightStar Care Franchisees

At BrightStar Care, franchise owners come from many walks of life, yet all share one powerful motivation—a genuine passion to provide exceptional care to others. Elizabeth and Chris Graham, new franchisees in Ponte Vedra and the West Jacksonville area of Florida, are a perfect example of how personal experiences can inspire rewarding career opportunities in the home healthcare franchise industry.

Personal Experiences Spark a Career in Caregiving

Before opening their BrightStar Care location, Elizabeth and Chris both had meaningful careers rooted in service. Elizabeth served in the military for six years as an Aviation Operator and spent 20 years in the finance industry as a financial planner. Chris, a Naval Reservist for 22 years and still active today, worked in healthcare administration with the VA. Elizabeth also made history as Florida’s first female high school football coach and even led a Jaguars NFL Flag Football team to the national championship. But it was their personal experience caring for Elizabeth’s aunt that truly shaped the next chapter of their careers.

“We quickly realized that not everyone receives care the way they should, and we wanted to change that,” Elizabeth shared. What began as a family responsibility soon evolved into a desire to bring a higher standard of care to others and veterans in their community—and a search for the right opportunity.

Why BrightStar Care was the Right Fit

After briefly attempting to launch a caregiving operation on their own, the Grahams found the healthcare industry’s policies and regulatory demands difficult to manage independently. That’s when they began looking into franchise models. They explored multiple businesses before discovering BrightStar Care, ultimately choosing our brand for the extensive franchisee support, responsiveness, and dedication to quality care.

"When we were researching franchise opportunities, BrightStar Care immediately stood out," Elizabeth said. "They took a genuine interest in our goals and values. The process felt collaborative, and it was clear they truly cared about who was joining their network."

Elizabeth and Chris also note that our comprehensive franchise model, including multiple revenue streams such as skilled care, companion care, personal care, national accounts, and medical staffing, was a key differentiator compared to other options. Our Joint Commission Accreditation, the gold standard in quality care, further reinforced their decision.

Serving Veterans and Their Community

Opening a BrightStar Care location has allowed the Grahams to create meaningful change in their community, especially for fellow veterans. With Chris having lived in the region for nearly 30 years, and with Elizabeth being a Jacksonville native, the couple felt called to give back.

“We genuinely love this region, and serving the veterans here is a huge reason we’re doing this and just feels like a natural step in our careers,” Elizabeth said. “BrightStar Care is an ideal fit for this because they align so closely with our values.”

Elizabeth serves as Administrator, overseeing day-to-day operations and client relationships. Chris supports the business as Financial Officer, focusing on long-term stability and sustainable growth. Their military backgrounds lend discipline, structure, and focus to their operations, qualities that help them lead with confidence.

Leveraging Franchise Support for Sustainable Growth

Our robust franchise support network has been instrumental for the Grahams as they transition into entrepreneurship. Attending Discovery Day, our annual conference, and connecting with fellow franchise owners has been particularly impactful.

“One of the best parts of franchising with BrightStar Care has been the supportive community of franchisees,” Elizabeth said. “Learning directly from experienced franchise owners has given us valuable insights and encouragement. We know we’re never in this alone.”

Making Their Agency a Family Business

For the Grahams, franchise ownership is also a family affair. Their children are actively involved in the business, pursuing educational and career opportunities that complement operations. Their daughter is studying nursing while assisting with office operations, their oldest son is building his career in sales, and their youngest son is training as a nurse.

“It’s important to us that our caregivers and team members feel part of our family,” Elizabeth emphasized. “We’re committed to building this business for the long term and offering meaningful career opportunities for our family and our community.”

Looking Ahead: Growth and Career Fulfillment

Elizabeth and Christopher have officially launched their BrightStar Care franchise in Ponte Vedra and West Jacksonville, and their goal is clear—growing a rewarding business that positively impacts the veteran community.

“BrightStar Care’s mission aligns perfectly with our vision,” Elizabeth shared. “We’re excited to deliver high-quality care while building lasting relationships in our community. This franchise has provided the perfect opportunity to combine career fulfillment, entrepreneurship, and our passion for caregiving to those who need it.”

Are you ready to explore franchise ownership and bring high-quality care to your community? Explore rewarding career opportunities with us and find out how you can open an agency in your area.