Show Notes

In this week’s Franchise Today, I welcome Shelly Sun Berkowitz, founder of BrightStar Care, for her first appearance on the show in more than a decade. Shelly shares her extraordinary journey from starting BrightStar in 2002 to selling it nearly two decades later — and how life, family, and values guided every decision.

After years of nonstop work, including 20-hour days during COVID, Shelly made the courageous choice to step back when her son Luke, who has autism, needed her full-time attention. That decision ultimately led her to a new calling: helping other founders navigate the emotional and financial complexities of scaling and exiting their businesses.

Through her newly formed, dual ventures — Founder to Founder and Next Phase Capital — Shelly offers mentorship and patient capital to entrepreneurs, especially women, who often face steep barriers to funding. Her insights on leadership, family, and integrity provide a powerful reminder that success is measured in more than money.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why Shelly walked away from a misaligned acquisition deal
• How values-driven leadership impacts long-term success
• The hidden emotional toll of scaling and selling a franchise concept
• Why only 1.9% of women-owned businesses reach $1M — and how to change that
• How “patient capital” and authentic mentorship drive sustainable growth