1851

Gerard Mixon was skeptical of franchises before he connected with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold">Griswold</a> 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&nbsp;<a href="https://griswoldhomecarefranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-skeptic-switches-gears-after-warm-and-friendly-griswold-experience-2725740" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Griswold</a> — 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:&nbsp;Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?&nbsp;Mixon:&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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?&nbsp;Mixon:&nbsp;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?&nbsp;Mixon:&nbsp;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.&nbsp;1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business?&nbsp;What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Mixon:&nbsp;I hope to continue the success of my franchise and plan to do a lot of digital marketing to increase clientele.&nbsp;&nbsp;1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?&nbsp;Mixon:&nbsp;I overcame a lot of obstacles to be put into the position I am in today.&nbsp;1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?&nbsp;Mixon:&nbsp;I highly recommend buying a franchise. You have support and systems already in place.&nbsp;ABOUT GRISWOLDWith 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.

Griswold Franchisee Brings Care to Belleville, New Jersey

1851 Franchise

Gerard Mixon decided to open his own franchise in Belleville, NJ, after doing his due diligence.

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

franchise-skeptic-switches-gears-after-warm-and-friendly-griswold-experience

Griswold

PocketRN and Griswold Announce a National Strategic Partnership to Test Medicare Dementia Care Model

pocketrn-griswold-guide-dementia-care-partnership

Voodoo Brewing Co.

Voodoo Brewing Co. Teams Up With Tailgating Challenge To Make Game Day Better

voodoo-brewing-tailgating-challenge-lil-vibes

Keke's Breakfast Cafe

Daily Meal: Keke's Breakfast Cafe Recognized as a Rising Restaurant Chain To Watch in 2026

kekes-breakfast-cafe-rising-restaurant-chain-2026

Fresh Coat

Design with image of military veteran, Fresh Coat Painters vehicles

Veterans Build Their Next Chapter With Fresh Coat Painters

veteran-franchise-success

Pet Wants

How Pet Wants Can Be the Ideal Family Business Opportunity

how-pet-wants-can-be-the-ideal-family-business-opportunity

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Jobseekers Are Flocking to “Unglamorous” Jobs — And Home Service Franchises Could Benefit

Jobseekers Are Flocking to “Unglamorous” Jobs — And Home Service Franchises Could Be Poised To Benefit

jobseekers-shift-boosts-home-service-franchises

The future of recovery studios, health and wellness franchise

The Future of Recovery Studios: Why Wellness Franchises Are the Next Fitness Boom

the-wellness-boom-recovery-franchises-future-fitness

Design with government building & "Open for Business" sign against American flag backdrop

Government Reopens After 43-Day Shutdown, Bringing Relief to Small Businesses and Franchises

government-shutdown-ends-franchise-impact

As Starbucks and Dunkin’ Navigate a Changing Market, New Coffee Players Keep Gaining Ground

starbucks-dunkin-franchise-coffee-market-trends

Paris Baguette Welcomes Zac Sulma as New Chief Operating Officer

new-coo-zac-sulma

image of jerome hanway from right at home Las Cruces, New Mexico 1851 franchise franchisee spotlight

Jerome Hanway Is Building His Right at Home Franchise Around His Mission To Serve

right-at-home-franchise-las-cruces-jerome-hanway

image of michael panos and michel panos, owners of mellow mushroom in Atlanta

The Panos Family’s Role in Preserving Mellow Mushroom’s Character — and Expanding in Atlanta

mellow-mushroom-franchise-panos-restaurant-group-metro-atlanta

image of stephen westerman and matthew westerman, owners Fort Walton Beach Two men and a junk truck

Twin Brothers Move From Managers to Owners with New TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK Franchise on the Gulf Coast

twin-brothers-two-men-and-a-junk-truck-fort-walton-beach

1851 Franchisee Spotlight graphic with photo of Eli Cohen, Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

C5 Restaurants Grows its Texas Footprint with 40 Layne’s Chicken Fingers Locations Planned Statewide

eli-cohen-laynes-chicken-fingers-texas

A Practical Playbook: Who To Call First When Franchising Your Business

franchising-your-business-who-to-call-first

The Top 15 Pet Supplies and Retail Franchises for 2025

the-top-15-pet-supplies-and-retail-franchises

Scenthound Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

scenthound-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Senior Entrepreneurship - Franchising - 1851 Franchise

Senior Entrepreneurship Is Rising — And Franchising Is a Key Outlet

senior-entrepreneurship-franchising-silver-startups

Veterans In Franchising Thriving As Entrepreneurs, Three Times More Likely To Own A Franchise

veterans-entrepreneurship-franchise-owners

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

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS