Recognized for being outstanding franchise owners, BrightStar Care Franchisees, Lisa Marie Swiatkowski, RN, CDP, and Andrew Ray were named Franchisee of the Year
March 17, 2022 // FranchiseMarketingSolutions.com // Gurnee, IL – The International Franchise Association (IFA) named Lisa Marie Swiatkowski owner of BrightStar Care Venice and Port Charlotte, Florida, and Andrew Ray owner of BrightStar Care Gilbert/Mesa, Arizona as Franchisees of the Year. Swiatkowski and Ray were honored at IFA’s 62nd Annual Convention in San Diego, California, in March for their outstanding work owning and operating their home health care franchises.
The Franchisee of the Year Award, sponsored by IFA’s partner Paychex, recognizes leading franchisees who exemplify at least one of IFA’s “Open for Opportunity” core pillars: Community, Workforce, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Veterans. Lisa Marie was awarded Franchisee of the Year for her excellence in the workforce pillar as she made the tremendous leap from Director of Nursing at BrightStar Care to franchise owner. Andy Ray received his Franchisee of the Year honor for exemplifying excellence in the community pillar for the outstanding work he does to provide a higher standard of care to the veteran community in Arizona.
“We are absolutely thrilled that two of our incredible franchisees were named IFA’s Franchisee of the Year. Lisa Marie and Andy Ray are more than deserving of this honor as they have worked incredibly hard to successfully grow and maintain their BrightStar Care agencies,” said Shelly Sun, CEO and Founder of BrightStar Care. Andy Ray is a true leader in his community and Lisa Marie’s transition from nurse to franchise owner is beyond inspiring.“
“Franchisee of the Year Awards are the highest honors presented to individual franchisees,” said Matthew Haller, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association. “These local business owners, like Lisa Marie and Andy, represent some of the best entrepreneurs in the country, and we are proud to recognize their contributions to their communities, employees, and all those they serve.”
A recent IFA study showed that franchising helped lead U.S. economic recovery in 2021, with exceptional job and business growth across all franchising sectors. The industry on average provides higher wages, better benefits, and more leave than non-franchised businesses, as well as greater opportunities to underserved communities and aspiring entrepreneurs, according to Oxford Economics research.
SOURCE BrightStar Care