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Friends and Colleagues Serve Las Vegas Community as Franchisees with Griswold

Baaklini and Chan have a passion for serving others and want to build something for their children to take over one day; they’ve achieved this by franchising with Griswold.

By Erica InmanStaff Writer
8:08AM 03/13/24

Entrepreneurs and longtime colleagues, Sam Baaklini and Eddy Chan, are making a significant shift in their professional journey as they venture into the world of home care franchising with Griswold. With a rich background as Allstate insurance agency owners and financial advisors, Baaklini and Chan bring not only a wealth of business expertise but also a genuine passion for serving others.

Having met during a prior franchise ownership experience, Baaklini and Chan share a vision of building a legacy for their families and a commitment to community service. Their decision to join forces with Griswold, a home care company with a presence of 170-plus locations in 32 states, aligns seamlessly with their desire to make a meaningful impact.

Baaklini brings a distinguished professional background to the team, having previously engaged in a successful partnership with a junk removal franchise and excelling as a Financial Services Professional with Allstate since 2012. His remarkable achievements as the top performer in Financial Services in California on numerous occasions underscore his commitment to excellence.

Having recently relocated to Las Vegas to be closer to his family, Baaklini found inspiration to redirect his career focus toward community service. His aspiration to assist seniors and contribute to the well-being of the community led him to the opportunity with Griswold.

On the other hand, Chan, a seasoned Allstate agent of 10 years serving over 6,000 households, was inspired by personal experiences. Caring for his father after a stroke opened his eyes to the importance of home care, sparking a desire to make a positive difference in the lives of seniors.

The decision to explore home care ownership gained momentum when a mutual Allstate colleague pursued a similar path. Baaklini and Chan were inspired by the prospect of not only making a living but also creating a business centered around helping the community, particularly the seniors in need.

"I wanted to create a business centered around helping the community, and seniors definitely need help at the moment. If I can make a living by doing some good and helping others, I think that’s a great way to support myself," expressed Baaklini.

Anticipating their debut in the spring of 2024, Baaklini and Chan are eager to extend their services to the South Henderson and Summerlin areas in Nevada. Their shared commitment to community well-being, coupled with their background in financial services and insurance, positions them as compassionate entrepreneurs ready to make a positive impact in the home care industry.

FEATURE QUESTIONS

1851 Franchise: Frame the Journey of Baaklini and Chan in Home Care Franchising.

Baaklini: Prior to venturing into the realm of home care franchising, my background was deeply rooted in franchising, coupled with ownership in Allstate financial services since 2012. The decision to transition into the home care industry was fueled by a profound desire to create a business dedicated to community service, particularly addressing the crucial needs of seniors. The prospect of making a positive impact while sustaining oneself financially was a compelling motivation.

Chan: As an Allstate agent with a decade-long tenure, I had the privilege of partnering with Sam through our professional collaborations. Six years ago, my personal experience as a caregiver for my father after his stroke ignited an awareness of the importance of home care. Inspired by a fellow Allstate colleague's venture into home care ownership, Sam and I saw an opportunity to contribute to our community while building a legacy for our families.

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?

Chan: Our entry into the home care franchising space marked a significant shift in our professional journey. Recognizing the need for support and a robust business model, we chose franchising for the stability it provides. The decision to align with Griswold was motivated by the brand's longevity in the industry and the strength of its Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs).

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

Baaklini: Our primary excitement stems from the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our community through Griswold. The brand's longevity and the robustness of its FDDs set it apart during our evaluation process, solidifying our choice.

Chan: Griswold's extensive industry presence and its proven business model were main factors in our decision. We believe in the brand's commitment to excellence and view it as a strong foundation for our entry into the home care sector.

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

Baaklini: Our aspirations include significant growth and service expansion. We aim to serve the communities in and around Las Vegas initially, with a broader vision of extending our reach to help as many people as possible.

Chan: Looking ahead, we envision our children taking over and leading the business, allowing us to retire while ensuring continuity and success.

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

Baaklini: Client and patient-centricity are at the core of our values. Our commitment to a win-win situation extends to both our caregivers and customers. We strive to be exemplary employers, fostering a fair and generous environment that considers everyone's needs.

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

Baaklini: Drawing on our previous franchise experience, we advocate for the franchise model, emphasizing its proven playbook and potential for success. Taking a chance on a venture aligned with one's abilities, coupled with the freedom and fulfillment of building something for one's family, is a rewarding journey.

Chan: Our confidence in partnering with Griswold is grounded in their effective business model and exceptional support. For those new to business ownership, franchising offers a reliable entry point with a demonstrated track record of success.

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.

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