Northern California-Based Franchise Owners Recognized for Embodying the Leadership, Generosity, and Community-Minded Spirit that Best Defines Franchising

CHICAGO, Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Brian and Chris O’Keefe, multi-unit owners of BrightStar Care in Northern California, have been named 2026 Franchisees of the Year by the International Franchise Association (IFA). The award recognizes franchisees who exemplify outstanding leadership, business growth and community impact within their franchise systems.

The O’Keefes’ path to BrightStar Care began with a personal experience that showed them firsthand how hard it can be to find high-quality, reliable care for a loved one. That experience inspired them to build something that eventually raised the standard of care for families throughout their community for years to come.

In 2019, Brian and Chris joined the BrightStar Care system, acquiring the San Francisco and Marin County territory with a clear goal: deliver dependable, nurse-led home care while building a business rooted in trust. Today, the O’Keefes are multi-unit owners operating nine territories across Northern California, expanding their impact while staying true to the care standards that represent the brand.

“Brian and Christine represent the very best of BrightStar Care. Brian’s experiences as a veteran, technology CEO and financial services executive bring a unique perspective to their business, but what stands out most is how generously he shares that experience with others,” said Josh Wall, CEO of BrightStar Care. “We are incredibly grateful to have franchise owners who care so deeply about serving their clients, supporting their fellow franchisees and advancing the BrightStar Care brand. They are exceptionally deserving of this recognition, and we could not be happier for them.”

The O’Keefes were honored at the IFA26 Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., Sept. 14-16, for being outstanding franchise owners with excellence in entrepreneurship, community outreach, workforce development, and service to others. The award recognizes franchise owners across various industries and communities around the country who demonstrate excellence in business, give back, create opportunities and support their fellow franchisees.

“Franchisees of the Year demonstrate what franchising is all about – individuals who have committed their lives and careers to the betterment of those around them, building something bigger than themselves,” said Matt Haller, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association. “We are proud to recognize Brian and Chris O’Keefe with IFA’s highest honor for individual franchisees and celebrate their commitment to making a difference both within their business and beyond.” 

Aside from commitment to their own brand, Brian and Chris continuously invest deeply in the franchise community around them. As members of the technology committee within BrightStar Care’s Franchise Advisory Council, they have worked to pioneer AI initiatives, helping shape tools designed to benefit owners across the franchise network. They also remain devoted to being available to fellow franchisees and prospective owners by offering mentorship, candid guidance, and insight into lessons that can only be learned from experience.

The O’Keefes’ dedication to service extends far beyond their business as well. As residents of Mill Valley, California, for more than 15 years, Brian and Chris are fixtures of their community. They volunteer at their children’s schools, coach youth sports and organize Boy Scout campouts. As parents to four children, they lead at home with the same values that guide their business: reliability, compassion and showing up for others.

Their journey reflects what franchising makes possible at its best: the chance to build a rewarding business, strengthen a community and lift up others along the way. Brian and Chris have grown an impressive business – all while being mentors, collaborators and leaders throughout their journey. For these reasons, they embody the very qualities the IFA Franchisee of the Year award was created to honor.

For more information about BrightStar Care and its franchise opportunities, visit brightstarfranchising.com.

About BrightStar Care:

Founded in 2002, BrightStar Care is a leading franchisor of home care services with more than 420 franchised locations nationwide that provide skilled and unskilled home care to clients and custom medical staffing solutions to corporate entities. BrightStar Care franchise agencies employ more than 15,000 caregivers and 5,700 registered nurses who oversee the care and safety of each individual client. All BrightStar Care agencies are accredited by The Joint Commission, and the brand has been recognized as an Enterprise Champion for Quality for over a decade. In addition to supporting families at home, BrightStar Care partners with healthcare organizations to meet evolving staffing needs with experienced, credentialed professionals. Learn more at www.brightstarfranchising.com.

Media Contact: Anna Grace Gardner, Fishman Public Relations, agardner@fishmanpr.com or 407-840-7170

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SOURCE BrightStar Care