Hybrid home care franchise with non-medical, optional skilled nursing, and B2B staffing revenue streams
Franchises · Non Medical Franchises · FDD 2026
Hybrid model combining non-medical + optional skilled care + B2B institutional staffing. Broader service offering than most competitors with tech-enabled care options.
Non-Medical Home Care, Companion Care, Dementia Care, Skilled Nursing (optional), Institutional Staffing
FirstLight Home Care is a strong franchise opportunity with 284 US outlets and $1.2M median revenue across 38% of franchisees meeting the average. Revenue data is transparent, though no P&L is disclosed.
Median franchise earns $1.2M/year in gross revenue
System grew 40% recently (203 to 284 outlets) — strong momentum, but fast growth can strain franchisor support
Zero franchisee exits recently — nobody is walking away, which is a strong positive signal
FirstLight Home Care is a fast-growing non-medical home care franchise backed by Cornerstone Brands. The system grew 46% in 2025 alone (238 to 284 territories). Item 19 is strong: mature territories average $1.72M with operational metrics showing median $37.78 bill rate and $18.06 pay rate (~52% implied gross margin on labor). The ramp is real though — first-year territories average only $577K. Escalating Minimum Performance Standards ($5.2K to $80.5K/month) create genuine performance pressure. Unique features include skilled nursing services (with approval), Cornerstone Finance for transfer financing, and a robust "Flight School" training program. Clean litigation and bankruptcy record. $19.1M franchisor revenue signals strong corporate support.
Our assessments reflect independent analysis of publicly-filed Franchise Disclosure Documents, state registration disclosures, and court filings. This is not legal, financial, or investment advice. Franchisors may submit corrections through our vendor portal.
This is the single most important question. The data below comes directly from the franchise's legally required disclosure document (FDD Item 19).
Franchisees earn a median of $1.2M/year, close to the $1.5M average — a healthy, even distribution suggesting consistent results.
This median revenue is in the top tier among non-medical home care franchises in our database.
Average Revenue
$1.5M
Median Revenue
$1.2M
More reliable benchmark
Top Performer
$11.3M
Bottom Performer
$152K
Why this matters for you:
8 of 194 franchisees (4%) are in the highest revenue band (Over $5M), while 25 (13%) are in the lowest (Under $500K).
A healthy system has most franchisees in the middle bands. Heavy clustering at the bottom is a warning sign.
Estimated using industry benchmark margins (no P&L disclosed by this franchise)
At median franchise revenue ($1.2M), the estimated owner take-home is roughly $241K/year — including a $50K owner salary.
This is a strong return relative to the investment — above typical franchise earnings.
Revenue is not profit. This table translates gross revenue into estimated owner take-home using industry benchmark margins. The highlighted row is closest to the median revenue ($1.2M).
| Revenue | Gross Profit | Est. Net | Owner Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $500K | $210K | $80K | $130K |
| $750K | $315K | $120K | $170K |
| $1.0M | $420K | $160K | $210K |
| $1.2MMEDIAN | $502K | $191K | $241K |
| $1.5M | $630K | $240K | $290K |
| $2.0M | $840K | $320K | $370K |
| $3.0M | $1.3M | $480K | $530K |
Gross margin: 42% | Est. overhead: 20% | Franchise fees: 6% | Owner salary: $50K added
Margins estimated from industry benchmarks. Your results will depend on market, management, and tenure.
Outlet count, growth trajectory, and churn — signals of system health
Strong growth trajectory — the system is expanding and franchisees are staying, which signals a healthy business model.
Growing systems tend to have better brand recognition, more negotiating power with vendors, and more peer support. But rapid growth can also strain franchisor resources.
What this means for you:
Upfront investment, ongoing fees, and minimum performance requirements
What you need to write checks for before earning your first dollar.
Months 1-3: 5% of actual Gross Revenues. After month 4: 5% of Gross Revenues or 5% of Minimum Performance Standard, whichever greater.
Key metrics that signal whether franchisees in this system tend to succeed or struggle.
Small system — less track record
Net outlet growth over 3 years
What fraction of franchisees actually hit the system average
Combined royalty + ad fund is 6% of gross revenue — below average, leaving you with more of each dollar earned.
These recurring fees come off the top of your revenue every month, regardless of profitability.
These fees are deducted before you see any profit. At $500K revenue with 6% combined fees, that's $30K/year going to the franchisor — before you pay rent, staff, or yourself.
Complexity, risk scoring, and key signals to watch
Moderate complexity — manageable for most operators with proper training. The biggest challenge area is hiring (8/10).
Each dimension scored 1-10. Higher = more complex or risky. The shape shows where this franchise's challenges concentrate.
More strengths than watch items — the positives outweigh the negatives on paper. (10 strengths, 7 watch items)
Your franchise is only as strong as the company behind it. A weak franchisor can't deliver on training, marketing, or technology promises — regardless of how good the business model is.
A financially weak franchisor may struggle to provide training, marketing, technology, and ongoing support. If they can't sustain themselves, your investment is at risk regardless of your own performance.
A solid mid-market franchise with median revenue of $1,195,409/year. Performance varies meaningfully by operator — execution matters here.
Median Revenue
$1,195,409
Average Revenue
$1,545,697
Locations
194
Median Revenue
$1,195,409
Average Revenue
$1,545,697
% Meeting Average
38%
Mature locations (12-24 months) average $576,920 — roughly 0.3x what newer locations (37+ months) earn at $1,721,841. This is a slow-ramp business that rewards patience.
| Time Open | Outlets | Average | Median | Range | % > Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12-24 months | 25 | $576,920 | $500,438 | $152,398 – $1,578,522 | 36% |
| 25-36 months | 15 | $1,351,912 | $1,401,927 | $250,673 – $2,775,032 | 53% |
| 37+ months | 154 | $1,721,841 | $1,392,915 | $320,169 – $11,254,775 | 36% |
Mature territories (37+ months) average $1.72M with top performer at $11.25M. Newer territories (12-24 months) average $577K. Operational metrics show median 33 billed clients, $37.78 bill rate, 31 paid caregivers, $18.06 pay rate — implying ~52% gross margin on labor.
The system grew from 195 to 284 total locations (2023-2025), a net increase of 89 units.
| Year | Franchised | Company | Total | Net Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 203 | 0 | 203 | +8 |
| 2024 | 238 | 0 | 238 | +35 |
| 2025 | 284 | 0 | 284 | +46 |
Key considerations before investing — your outcome depends more on you than the brand.
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $52,000 | $52,000 |
| Training Fee | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Travel and Training Expenses | $2,725 | $5,000 |
| Business Premises | $900 | $4,000 |
| Start-Up Supplies and Inventory | $300 | $900 |
| Employment Screening | $300 | $1,380 |
| Equipment, Signage, Graphics | $250 | $2,450 |
| Marketing, Advertising and Promotions | $4,500 | $9,000 |
| Grand Opening Marketing | $2,500 | $7,500 |
| Other Paid Expenses | $6,050 | $8,350 |
| Business Permits, Licenses and Fees | $200 | $8,800 |
| Insurance (excl. workers comp) | $7,500 | $18,000 |
| Computer Equipment | $3,200 | $5,200 |
| Additional Funds (3-6 months) | $66,000 | $128,800 |
| Total | $151,425 | $256,380 |
Standard franchise. Conversion franchise: $67,275-$106,850. Does not include owner compensation or workers comp.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Renewal Fee | $7,500 |
| Transfer Fee | $10,000 |
| Resale Referral Fee | Up to $10,000 |
| Additional Area Fee | $275 per 1,000 residents added |
| National/Regional Meeting | Up to $1,000/attendee ($1,000-$1,500 no-show fee) |
| Additional Training | $500-$1,000/attendee |
| Client Satisfaction Survey | $32-$195/month depending on client count |
| Sales Reports Fee | $500/month (if no system access) |
| Late Payment Fee | Lesser of 18% annual or max legal rate + up to $500 |
Total Hours
127
Instructor-Led
40h
Self-Paced/OJT
87h
Pre-Flight School (virtual)
Web conference + self-paced — 30h
Business formation, licensure, insurance, financial systems, market analysis, billing/pay rates, business plan
Flight School On-Site
Classroom (Cincinnati, OH) — 40h
Mission/vision, culture, admin, HR/staffing, technology, sales/networking, marketing, financial/business planning, client care, scenario training
Post-Flight School
Web conference + virtual — 12h
Sales/networking plan, recruiting plan, operations plan with KPIs
Launch Training
At your location + virtual — 20h
Client acquisition, hiring, caregiver orientation, in-field networking/sales
LMS Coursework
Self-guided online — 25h
Additional required Learning Management System modules
Overview, fees, territory, training, and raw data tables
Legal Entity
FirstLight HomeCare Franchising, LLC
State of Organization
Delaware
Headquarters
7870 East Kemper Road, Suite 400, Cincinnati, Ohio 45249
Business Model
Office-based (600-800 sq ft recommended). Physical location required, not a post office box. Must open within 120 days of FA execution.
Franchising Since
March 2010
FDD Issue Date
2026-03-24
Parent Company
Cornerstone Franchise Brands, LLC (wholly owned subsidiary of Cornerstone Franchise Group, LLC). Cornerstone Brands guarantees the Franchise Agreement.
Contact
Glee McAnanly (CEO/President)
Affiliated Entities
FirstLight IP Company, LLC (owns Marks, licenses to franchisor). Cornerstone Franchise Finance, LLC (offers limited transfer financing up to $25K). Surv Franchisor, LLC (to-do list membership franchise, 5 outlets as of Dec 2025).
Services Offered
Key Differentiators
Franchise Fee
$52,000
Total Investment
$151,425 – $256,380
Royalty
5%
Gross Revenues (months 1-3: 5% of Gross Revenues. Months 4+: 5% of Gross Revenues OR 5% of Minimum Performance Standard, whichever is greater)
Marketing
Greater of 1% of Gross Revenues or 1% of Minimum Performance Standard (may increase to 2%)
Franchise Fee: $52,000 for ~200,000 resident Franchised Area. $5,000 Training Fee also required. 2nd franchise: 15% discount ($42,500). 3rd+: 20% discount ($40,000). VetFran: $7,500 discount. Conversion: fee may be reduced. Referral program: up to $5,000 to referring franchisees.
Investment Notes: Standard franchise. Conversion franchise: $67,275-$106,850. Does not include owner compensation or workers comp.
Veteran Discount: $7,500 off initial franchise fee
Marketing Fund: NAF FY2025 spend: 31.6% media placement, 16.3% strategic agency, 12.9% co-op, 12.8% production, 8.5% PR/reputation, 7.1% SEO, 6.6% CRM, 2.1% lead tracking, 1.7% admin, 0.4% strategic partnerships.
Local Advertising: Greater of $1,500/month or 2% of Gross Revenues
Technology Fee: $195/month (Basic Operating Platform)
Required Systems: CMS (Client Management Software): $7-$8.50/active client/month ($200/month minimum, $750 implementation fee). CRM: 1st seat via NAF, additional $30/month/seat.
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $52,000 | $52,000 |
| Training Fee | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Travel and Training Expenses | $2,725 | $5,000 |
| Business Premises | $900 | $4,000 |
| Start-Up Supplies and Inventory | $300 | $900 |
| Employment Screening | $300 | $1,380 |
| Equipment, Signage, Graphics | $250 | $2,450 |
| Marketing, Advertising and Promotions | $4,500 | $9,000 |
| Grand Opening Marketing | $2,500 | $7,500 |
| Other Paid Expenses | $6,050 | $8,350 |
| Business Permits, Licenses and Fees | $200 | $8,800 |
| Insurance (excl. workers comp) | $7,500 | $18,000 |
| Computer Equipment | $3,200 | $5,200 |
| Additional Funds (3-6 months) | $66,000 | $128,800 |
| Total | $151,425 | $256,380 |
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Exclusive Territory
Yes
Territory Definition
~200,000 residents with ~25,000 age 65+. Defined by zip codes. May request additional zips ($275 per 1,000 residents).
Renewal Fee
$7,500
Dispute Resolution
Mediation then AAA arbitration in Cincinnati, OH (or nearest AAA office). Litigation in Hamilton County, OH or Southern District of Ohio. Ohio law applies.
Post-Term Non-Compete
2 years within Franchised Area, 25 miles from boundary of Franchised Area, or 10 miles from boundary of any other FirstLight franchisee's area.
Personal Guarantee
Personal Guaranty required. Spouse may also be required to sign.
Territory Note: Protected Franchised Area by zip codes. Franchisor will not grant another FirstLight franchise or open company-owned location within your area as long as you are not in default. However, NOT fully exclusive — franchisor may use Marks via internet/telemarketing/direct marketing in your area. Other franchisees using different principal trademarks may solicit/service customers in your area. You cannot solicit/service outside your area without written approval.
| Period | Avg Monthly Revenue |
|---|---|
| Months 0-3 | $0 |
| Months 4-15 | $5,200 |
| Months 16-34 | $20,540 |
| Months 35-57 | $48,308 |
| Months 58-81 | $72,462 |
| Month 82+ (incl. renewals) | $80,496 |
Gross Revenue per month. May increase annually by CPI. Failure to meet = default, permits termination. Royalty becomes 5% of Minimum Performance Standard if actual revenue is lower.
Total Hours
127
Instructor-Led
40h
Self-Paced/OJT
87h
Pre-Flight School (virtual)
Web conference + self-paced — 30 hours
Business formation, licensure, insurance, financial systems, market analysis, billing/pay rates, business plan
Flight School On-Site
Classroom (Cincinnati, OH) — 40 hours
Mission/vision, culture, admin, HR/staffing, technology, sales/networking, marketing, financial/business planning, client care, scenario training
Post-Flight School
Web conference + virtual — 12 hours
Sales/networking plan, recruiting plan, operations plan with KPIs
Launch Training
At your location + virtual — 20 hours
Client acquisition, hiring, caregiver orientation, in-field networking/sales
LMS Coursework
Self-guided online — 25 hours
Additional required Learning Management System modules
2025 data — 194 of 284 franchised territories included (68%). Excluded: 52 opened in 2025, 33 not following 2-person model, 5 inaccurate reporting, 6 closed during 2025. Gross Revenue = all revenue on which royalties are paid. Not audited.
Cost to launch
Months 1-3: 5% of actual Gross Revenues. After month 4: 5% of Gross Revenues or 5% of Minimum Performance Standard, whichever greater.
What franchisees earn
Term
10 years
Renewal
$7,500
Disputes
Mediation then AAA arbitration in Cincinnati, OH. Ohio law.
Financing
Available
Territory
~200,000 residents with ~25,000 age 65+. Zip code-based.
Exclusivity
Protected Franchised Area by zip codes (~200,000 residents, ~25,000 age 65+). Not fully exclusive — franchisor may market via internet/telemarketing in your area.
Performance Variance Warning
Wide range: $152K to $11.25M across 194 territories. Mature territories (37+ months) average $1.72M but bottom performers in that cohort are at $320K. Newer territories (12-24 months) average just $577K — significant ramp time required.
A deeper look at the specific advantages and risks of this franchise, based on FDD analysis.
Hands-on personal care, companion care, dementia care, supplemental staffing for nursing homes/hospitals/assisted living, skilled nursing care, skilled services, and related products/equipment.
Founded
2009
Employees
100-500
Headquarters
Cincinnati, OH
Training
Included
Technology
Proprietary
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A Place at Home
Claim this listing to update your profile, add details, and connect with potential customers.
Claim This ListingFDD 2026
Glee McAnanly
CEO/President (since Feb 2021, formerly ServiceMaster Brands)
Mark Vanase
COO (since Mar 2023, formerly ServiceMaster Restore)
Ryan Zoellner
CFO (since Feb 2023)
Anne Mejia
CMO (since Jul 2025)
Bernard B. Markey
Founder/Board (Navigator Partners)
William H. Stewart, Jr.
Founder/Board (Navigator Partners)
FDD 2026
Glee McAnanly
CEO/President (since Feb 2021, formerly ServiceMaster Brands)
Mark Vanase
COO (since Mar 2023, formerly ServiceMaster Restore)
Ryan Zoellner
CFO (since Feb 2023)
Anne Mejia
CMO (since Jul 2025)
Bernard B. Markey
Founder/Board (Navigator Partners)
William H. Stewart, Jr.
Founder/Board (Navigator Partners)
