Entrepreneurs Aim to Create Concierge Service for Seniors with New Griswold Franchise in Central Contra Costa, California

Ted and Trisha McKinney are preparing to open their Griswold franchise in 2025, bringing a vital new service to families in California’s Contra Costa County. Inspired by their own caregiving journeys with aging parents, the duo are passionate about creating a business that provides peace of mind for families navigating the complexities of senior care. With 90% of seniors wanting to age in place, their mission is to help keep seniors at home as long as possible by providing compassionate, reliable care.

For Ted and Trisha, Griswold is a calling. With decades of proven success in the home care industry, Griswold’s mission of compassionate care aligns perfectly with their personal values and experiences, making it the ideal fit for their new venture.

1851 spoke with the duo to learn more about their backgrounds, the path that led them to Griswold and their plans for the future. 

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Ted McKinney: I’ve been in software sales for 30 years, but I took time off to care for my father, who had dementia. He was in a retirement home, and I visited him often. That’s when I started noticing how lonely he and the other residents were, even in a group setting. It got me thinking about how I could make a difference in this space.

I also realized how stressful it was to coordinate care, even living just 20 miles away from him. I wanted to step back from the pressure of the corporate world and do something more meaningful — something that would help families like ours. Griswold seemed like the perfect way to do that.

Trisha McKinney: Similar to Ted, I’ve been taking care of my father and stepmom, and my mom. My stepdad, who is 93, is dealing with lung and heart issues. When Ted found this franchise, it felt perfect for us because it was exactly what we were already doing. We’re confident there’s a need in this area for these services.

1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Ted: Franchising gives you access to expertise and best practices you might not have otherwise. We didn’t have any health care experience, so that education was crucial. Griswold stood out because it’s one of the first franchises in the home care industry, and that history was a big differentiator for us. The training and resources have been incredibly helpful.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Ted: The people at Griswold were a huge selling point. Before signing the contract, I called various companies pretending to be a client asking about care for my dad. I never got the warm, reassuring feeling I was looking for until I talked to Griswold. They genuinely care, and that really stood out.

Trisha: I was amazed by the Jean Griswold Foundation and how much it contributes to the community. That’s something I’m very excited to be a part of. After Ted attended the first meeting, he couldn’t stop talking about how great the team was. Coming from Hawaii, where the concept of “Ohana” means family takes care of family, Griswold’s mission really resonated with me.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?

Ted: My long-term goal is to create a concierge service for our clients. I want to be that one person families can call to help coordinate all their needs. Having spent the last two years running around to support our parents, I know how overwhelming it can be. If we can provide that peace of mind for others, it’ll be incredibly rewarding. With 90% of seniors wishing to age in place, our mission is to provide compassionate, reliable care that allows them to remain safely in their homes for as long as possible.

1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?

Trisha: Being from this area, I know how close-knit this community is. Everyone knows each other, and I think we can do a lot of good by helping families here.

Ted: My journey with my dad was a learning experience. I didn’t know where to go for help, and I didn’t realize how much of a toll caregiving was taking on me. Griswold can be that guiding resource for families. When someone calls us, we’ll be there to explain how it works and provide the comfort they need in what is often a very stressful time.

Trisha: Griswold has been in business for over 40 years, which is a testament to its strength. There are so many moving pieces in this industry, but Griswold has the resources and step-by-step processes that make it manageable. That’s been a huge help for us.

For more information about franchising with Griswold, please visit: https://1851franchise.com/griswold.

ABOUT GRISWOLD

With 170 locations in 31 states, Griswold is one of the country’s top home care companies, providing professional, compassionate caregivers 24/7. Griswold’s “Live Assured” promise gives both clients and their loved ones peace of mind, so they can live without the weight of worry. Griswold helps adults maintain quality of life despite advanced age, onset of illness or post-surgery recovery through services, including companion care, home services, personal care and respite care. Founded by the late Jean Griswold in 1982, the company has maintained its founder’s profound sense of empathy for older and disabled adults and those living with chronic conditions. For more information, visit griswoldcare.com or call 215-402-0200