Healthy returns

In 2002, Shelly Sun, a 13-year veteran of
corporate America, used her business background to form the foundation for
BrightStar Healthcare.

The Chicago-based company helps people
keep parents and grandparents out of nursing facilities by providing the full continuum
of care within the home through both medical and nonmedical care. The company
also provides supplemental health care staff
to corporate clients, such as hospitals and
nursing homes.

By 2005, the company launched its franchising efforts, becoming the first and only
franchising company in the country that specializes in the full continuum of care and is
the only woman-owned franchise in the
health care industry. The company currently
has 45 locations nationwide with 400 more
slated to open by the end of 2010.

Sun created a business premise that
enables all owners and employees to provide top-notch service to families and communities across the country. Prior to beginning the concept, she spent months conducting research for a business plan, evaluating the competition and interviewing nurses to advise and join the staff. To ensure the
business model was clear and sustainable,
she asked other top CEOs to serve on her
board of directors.

She also established a strong franchise
business network providing consistency of
service and development. Qualified franchise owners sign area development agreements that methodically pave the way for
solid, incremental growth. Franchise owners have a schedule for opening additional
offices in their market and are given milestones to ensure they meet their goals.

HOW TO REACH: BrightStar Healthcare,
www.brightstarhealthcare.com