Complete Woman - Self-Made Millionaires

October 1, 2006

By Tracey Porpora

Many people dream of becoming millionaires. But it’s just that for the majority: a dream. However, a select few make this fantasy a reality—often through hard work, determination and a good business plan or concept. CW found four self-made millionaires who struck it rich in their 30’s after taking financial risks that paid off in a big way. We asked these successful businesswomen to share some of their best “get rich quick secrets with you!

SHELLY SUN
35, founder and president of BrightStar Healthcare in Chicago, Gurnee and McHenry, IL
Founded in October 2002, BrightStar Healthcare provides medical and non-medical homecare to private clients as well as supplemental healthcare staff to corporate clients such as hospitals and nursing homes. Today, BrightStar, which now has over 100 employees, generates over $2 million a year. Shelly says she hopes to have 400 BrightStar Healthcare franchises open across the country by 2010.

GETTING STARTED: While working as a certified public accountant, Shelly found herself seeking homecare for her husband’s grandmother, who was suffering from cancer in Florida. Shelly’s difficult time finding quality homecare led to her desire to launch a health-care business. Shelly and husband JD started “[My husband] JD and I left secure jobs, which was very scary” recalls Shelly.  “We developed a business premise that would allow us to provide a Nordstrom/Neiman Marcus level of service.  We wanted to be a healthcare concierge for our families.” Shelly and JD spent months conducting Internet research for their business plan, researching the competition and interviewing nurses. They also delved into their personal funds for start-up costs and obtained a line of credit to help fund their field staff salaries.

GET RICH QUICK TIPS: “Create a panel of advisors who can help you grow your business,” says Shelly. “Ask professionals, like attorneys and CPAs, if they would be willing to meet for two hours once a quarter. It’s flattering to people who have been in business, and I’ve yet to have someone turn me down. If I had formed a panel of advisors in the beginning, I could have avoided some of the ups and downs that occurred during the first couple of years.”