One of the nation’s largest franchise home care businesses is expanding into its first international market. BrightStar Care, a Chicago-based private duty home care services provider with more than 300 locations across the country, is stepping into Canada.
The company’s expansion will be led my BrightStar’s Michael Shneer, who will own and operate the first Canadian location, to be opened in North York, Toronto, in September. Within the next five years, BrightStar plans to open 65 locations across all 10 provinces in Canada.
The announcement is the most recent expansion for BrigthStar Care, which is still expanding within the United States. The company announced it aims to add another 26 locations in Pennsylvania alone. BrightStar was also recently named as one of the nation’s fastest-growing companies by Inc. Magazine.
“The demographics of Canada are extremely similar to that of the United States, especially with the 65 and older population, so it was [a] natural decision for us to begin our global expansion with Canada,” Anthony Padulo, executive vice president for BrightStar Care Global Franchise Development, said in a press release. “We have ambitious development plans for Canada, and we are excited to have Michael and his team lead the way.”
Shneer will lead BrightStar’s charge in Canada and begin to develop territories through sub-franchising in 2017.
“We are already starting to see franchise interest in the brand here in Canada and are excited to bring this higher standard of care to Canadians from coast to coast,” Shneer said.
BrightStar’s agreement with Shneer is his fourth as a master franchisee; he has introduced three other American franchises to Canada, including Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, Party City and Nutri/System Weight Loss.
“The in-home care industry is booming globally as the demand for quality care is increasing, and I see great opportunity for growth of this franchise concept in Canada,” Shneer said.
Written by Amy Baxter
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