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BrightStar CEO Shelly Sun Named IFA Entrepreneur of the Year

BrightStar Founder CEO Shelly Sun is definitely one of franchising’s rising stars.

Since she and her husband JD began franchising in 2005, the healthcare staffing company has grown from one company-owned store to over 160 locations in 31 states and plans to have 400 franchise locations sold by the end of 2011.

Through Sun’s leadership, BrightStar opens 7-12 territories each month and has experienced 811% system-wide revenue growth between 2006 and 2008.  In August 2005, they launched BrightStar’s franchising efforts, becoming the first franchising company in the United States to specialize in both medical and non-medical care and healthcare staffing.

And now, Shelly Sun can add IFA Entrepreneur of the Year to her accomplishments.  Here’s an excerpt from the company news release:

International Franchise Association Names Shelly Sun ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’

CHICAGO – BrightStar Co-Founder and CEO Shelly Sun received one of the franchising industry’s highest honors yesterday by the International Franchise Association as its Entrepreneur of the Year during its 50th Annual Convention in San Antonio, TX….

“It is a tremendous honor to receive this recognition from my peers,” said Sun, addressing the more than 2,000 attendees at the convention. “This award is a result of our franchisees relentless daily efforts in providing our clients quality of life, and providing peace of mind to families across the country.”


Working as a CPA in 2001, Sun, along with her husband and co-founder of BrightStar, JD, found themselves looking for quality care for JD’s grandmother who was suffering from cancer in Florida. The experience inspired Sun, a 13 year veteran of corporate America, to develop a healthcare staffing business that would provide reliable care to those in need and who wanted to remain in the comfort of their own home.

Founded in 2002, BrightStar is a full-service healthcare staffing agency that provides the full continuum of care, from homecare to supplemental staffing for corporate clients such as hospitals, nursing homes, and doctors offices. In August 2005, they launched BrightStar’s franchising efforts, becoming the first franchising company in the United States to specialize in both medical and non-medical care and healthcare staffing.

Today, BrightStar has grown from one company-owned store to over 160 locations in 31 states and will reach 400 franchise locations sold by the end of 2011.  Through Sun’s leadership, BrightStar opens 7-12 territories each month and has experienced 811% system-wide revenue growth between 2006 and 2008.

“I am truly humbled to be receiving it after just a few short years franchising,” Sun added. Sun thanked her mentors, peers and staff and went on to say, “We are blessed to be in the business of providing peace of mind to our clients by providing the highest quality, compassionate care and service; and we look forward to entering new cities and new markets where we’ll be able to bring that service to families giving them dependability and comfort knowing their family is well cared for.”

Sun is a member of the IFA Finance, Audit and Budget, Membership and FranPAC committees. She was selected as the Entrepreneur of the Year by the National Association of Women of Business Owners in 2006, was on the 50 fastest-growing woman-owned companies listed in Entrepreneur magazine in 2007, 2008 and 2009 and was honored as an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist in 2008 and 2009.

Join us in congratulating Shelly Sun and the BrightStar franchise team.

8 replies on “BrightStar CEO Shelly Sun Named IFA Entrepreneur of the Year”

I’ve heard of Shelly, for sure.

Just like our franchise headquarters, Brightstar’s is also in Chicago!

Congrats, Shelly!

Blade Greene
Spring-Green Lawn care

Congratulation to CEO Shelly Sun Named IFA Entrepreneur of the Year”
Following success for the future of our senior population, surpporting Independence and quality of life for all in their homes.

Making more possible for all that need just that little bit more–
Brightstar Healthcare Indiana.

Sally Street H.H.A

Hello Ms.Sun,My name is Renee Speller-White a former employee of BrightStar @ 2010 Old GreenBrier Rd Ste K-Chesapeake VA.I worked there for 3 months,I had one case that was difficult at times, but I worked out the kinks.Ms Sun I have been a Licensed CNA for 20 years with a steller reputation,until I put my letter of resignation in at Brightstar in Chesapeake Va.After contacting staff in writing and via phone to inform them on my last day with Brightstar.Three weeks after ending my affiliation with Brightstar Healthcare I recieved a complaint sent to me by the Va Department of Health Professions,Stating I was a no call or no show on my last day of work which was FALSE.Ms Sun that is why Im writing you because it was determined by the Va Dept. of Health Professions that it was NO VIOLATION OF THE LAWS OR REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO THE PRACTICE OF NURSING.Then the case was closed,I just didnt want any other Employee or former Employee of Brightstar to go through something so traumatic when they did everything they could to be a Great CNA.My co-workers, friends and family convinced me to write to you about this matter,so it could addressed with your staff and or other owners.Ms Sun I always heard how you cared about your employees & how fair you were.I really enjoyed working for Brightstar and want to be able to say great things about the company but right now i can not.I just dont want anyone elses to reputation to come in question.Thanks For your time -Renee Speller-white CNA 580 Nicholson st norfolk va 23510 757 905-1521 or 757 3483917

I am currently facing the same situation that Shelly went through, I was thinking I should start my own business. I would love to know how? I do not have resources, but I am an Integration Aide. I would love Shelly to guide me.

It would be nice if you reimbursed your employees for gasoline expenses. After footing the bill for gas for my personal car, I am making 7-8 dollars per hour instead of eleven dollars per hour. I’m paying out of my own pocket to make money for your company! A weekly gas stipend would be nice.

I am a registered dental hygienist and love to work with people. I would love to start my own business in the care of others but do not know how to get started. I also have a special needs son and would like to do something with individuals with special needs. Could you please give me some advice on how to get started.

HI ,MRS.SUN.MY NAME IS VALERIE PROVORSE I WATCHED YOUR UNDERCOVER BOSS SEGMENT ON SUNDAY 2/24/13 IT WAS FABULOUS I HAVE BEEN A CNA FOR 25YEARS NOW I APPLAUD YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO STEP INTO OUR SHOES TO KNOW WHAT WE DO .SOMETIMES THE CLIENTS ONLY HAVE US TO RELY ON.SOME OF THE CLIENTS HAVE NO FAMILY LEFT.I HAVE BEEN WHERE YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND WERE .MY FATHER HAD CANCER ALSO,HE ONLY WANTED TO BE COMFORTABLE.I WISH I COULD GIVE YOU A BIG HUG RIGHT NOW THANK-YOU.I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO GO TO NURSING SCHOOL SO THAT I COULD START A SMALL FACILITY LIKE YOU.COULD YOU OFFER SOME ADVICE ON HOW TO START?

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