Franchise Skeptic Switches Gears After ‘Warm and Friendly’ Griswold Experience

Gerard Mixon was skeptical of franchises before he connected with Griswold Home Care, the franchisor with more than 170 locations in 32 states. Now he’s a true believer.

“To be honest, my perceptions of franchises prior to becoming a franchisee were negative. I thought they were just there to take a percentage of your business, and I didn't see the point of joining a franchise when I can just run the business by myself,” Mixon said.

But after having a “warm and friendly” experience in his due diligence with Griswold — which he chose over four other franchise opportunities he explored — he made the leap to open his own New Jersey franchise in January.

“I decided franchising made sense because it allows me to replace my 9-to-5 job and have the backing and support of a franchise if I ever need it,” Mixon said. “I talked to other franchises, and I knew with them that I would just be another number.”

Now he’s running a successful business of his own, and developing a digital-media strategy to boost it even more.

“Knowing what I know now I see the value of joining a franchise: You not only get support, but you already have procedures and systems in place so you don't have to reinvent the wheel,” Mixon said.

Mixon spent some time giving insights into his big move with 1851 Franchise:

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

Mixon: Before franchising, I was in project management working on billion-dollar government-funded projects for the Port Authority. I decided franchising made sense because it allows me to replace my 9-to-5 job and have the backing and support of a franchise if I ever need it. 

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? 

Mixon: To be honest, my perceptions of franchises prior to becoming a franchisee were negative. I thought they were just there to take a percentage of your business, and I didn't see the point of joining a franchise when I can just run the business by myself. Knowing what I know now I see the value of joining a franchise: You not only get support, but you already have procedures and systems in place so you don't have to reinvent the wheel.

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

Mixon: I chose Griswold because when I spoke to them, they felt very warm and friendly. I talked to other franchises, and I knew with them that I would just be another number. 

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

Mixon: I hope to continue the success of my franchise and plan to do a lot of digital marketing to increase clientele.  

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

Mixon: I overcame a lot of obstacles to be put into the position I am in today. 

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

Mixon: I highly recommend buying a franchise. You have support and systems already in place. 

ABOUT GRISWOLD

With over 170 locations in 32 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 www.griswoldhomecare.com or call 215.402.0200.