Former Chipotle Corporate Manager Invests in Griswold Franchise; Follows in the Footsteps of His Mother

Richard Hall, a new franchisee with Griswold in Dayton, Ohio, is marking a significant shift in his career and life. After years in retail management, including a management position with Walmart, and a corporate role with Chipotle, Hall sought a more meaningful and people-focused venture. Inspired by his mother’s successful journey as a Griswold franchisee, as well as the personal loss of two of his grandmothers, Hall decided to pursue his passion for compassionate care and community support by investing in the in-home senior care franchise as well. 

“I realized I wanted something more,” said Hall. “I’m very empathetic and compassionate, qualities that can be seen as weaknesses in corporate America. Griswold is a people-first environment that values those traits. It’s all about helping people live better lives, which is a much better fit for me."

With plans to launch in Dayton and eventually expand throughout Ohio, Hall is committed to growing his business and making a positive impact on his community. The home care industry is particularly exciting to him given the aging Baby Boomer population and their preference for aging in place. 

“I lost one grandmother after a short, two-month battle with pancreatic cancer and another to a much longer seven-year battle with Alzheimer’s,” said Hall. “Starting this business gives me an opportunity to help families like mine by providing forms of care we didn’t necessarily know much about at the time, allowing seniors the ability to stay in their own homes and providing peace of mind to their loved ones.”

1851 Franchise spoke with Hall to learn more about his background, his journey to franchising and his 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?

Richard Hall: I spent several years managing retail operations. For the past six years, I've transitioned into a corporate role at Chipotle, where I lead a team in liability and risk management, addressing customer issues and ensuring a safe and compliant environment.

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?

Hall: When I was in college, I studied entrepreneurship. I started a small marketing firm doing social media advertising for local businesses and ran a few e-commerce side hustles, but franchising felt like a big step. In corporate America, there are many buzzwords, but authenticity is  lacking. You don’t have the ability to make real changes. I realized I was living my life behind a desk and questioned who I was really working for. Choosing a franchise seemed like a great opportunity to build something of my very own all with the guidance of an amazing brand.

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

Hall: My mother, Lisa Hall, was introduced to Griswold a few years ago. She reevaluated her career and decided to pursue something more meaningful. Watching her journey and the connections she made opened my eyes to the business. I realized I wanted something more, too. I’m very empathetic and compassionate, qualities that can be seen as weaknesses in corporate America. Griswold is a people-first environment that values those traits. It’s all about helping people live better lives, which is a much better fit for me.

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

Hall: I want to get things going in Dayton and then expand throughout the state of Ohio. I am young, and this industry is very exciting, especially with the Baby Boomer generation wanting to continue living in their own homes. It’s an exciting time.

1851: Is there anything else you’d like us to know about your story?

Hall: I had two grandmothers who I lost that did lead me to really think more into the home care industry as I was looking to make a career change. I lost one grandmother after a short, two-month battle with pancreatic cancer and another to a much longer seven-year battle with Alzheimer’s. Starting this business gives me an opportunity to help families like mine by providing forms of care we didn’t necessarily know much about at the time, allowing seniors the ability to stay in their own homes and providing peace of mind to their loved ones.

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?

Hall: Just try to learn as much as possible. When I started, I was like a sponge, soaking up as much information as I could. Learn, listen, research and be super curious. You don’t know what you don’t know. Talk to as many people as possible, and eventually, you will find the option that makes sense for you.

For more information on 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 griswoldhomecare.com or call 215-402-0200.