From Biotech to Home Care: Griswold Franchisee Brings a New Vision of Compassion to La Jolla

For Wadud Bhuiya, becoming a Griswold franchise owner in La Jolla, California, wasn’t a career move — it was a deeply personal mission.

“I’ve spent my career in science,” said Bhuiya. “But when my mother began her battle with dementia, everything shifted. I saw firsthand how hard it is for families to navigate that experience. It changed my priorities. I realized I wanted to do something more human, more direct and more meaningful. Supporting seniors is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. This is a way for me to honor my mother and serve the community at the same time.”

The answer led him to Griswold, a non-medical home care franchise that aligns perfectly with his goal to serve seniors with compassion, respect, and support.

1851 spoke with Bhuiya to learn more about his background, his path to the brand and his plans for the future. 

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?

Wadud Bhuiya: I’ve spent my career in science — working with Pepsi-Cola as a microbiologist and later advancing into leadership roles focused on global health technologies. But when my mother began her battle with dementia, everything shifted. I saw firsthand how hard it is for families to navigate that experience. It changed my priorities. I realized I wanted to do something more human, more direct and more meaningful. Supporting seniors is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. This is a way for me to honor my mother and serve the community at the same time.

1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Bhuiya: I built a team, mentored scientists and developed new solutions to improve quality of life. But when I started researching home care, I realized just how complex it is to launch a business in this industry — licensing, compliance, insurance, recruiting caregivers, building operations from scratch. Time is too precious to spend reinventing the wheel. I wanted to start strong, with a proven partner. That’s what franchising offered. And with Griswold, I knew I’d have expert support so I could focus on delivering quality care.

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?

Bhuiya: Like a lot of people, I thought franchising was just about branding. But now I see it’s a true partnership. It’s not just a transaction; it’s like a marriage. You need to believe in the people and the mission. Before signing on, I spoke with current franchisees, evaluated the culture and made sure the values aligned. That’s my advice for anyone looking into franchising: do your research, talk to the team and make sure it’s a fit for the long haul.

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

Bhuiya: I contacted 10 different franchisors and spoke to dozens of owners across the home care industry. After narrowing it down, I joined several discovery days. Griswold stood out. Their mission is clear, their home office team is experienced and the franchisees were warm and supportive. I saw people who truly care — about the seniors, the caregivers and the families. It felt like the right place to build something meaningful.

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

Bhuiya: My vision goes beyond traditional home care. I want to create a hub that connects families to everything they need — therapists, physicians, social workers, senior tech, financial guidance. A one-stop solution to help aging loved ones stay safe, comfortable and empowered at home. Long-term, I want to build a platform that allows people to support their families even from afar. This is about community, collaboration and dignity.

1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?

Bhuiya: I’ve seen what caregiving looks like — how exhausting and emotionally taxing it is. Many caregivers don’t have support. I want to change that. My mission is to build a circle of care that includes the senior, the caregiver and the family. Technology will help — but heart is at the center of everything. My mother inspired this journey, and now I want to be part of the solution for others.

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

Bhuiya: Ask yourself if you’re truly ready to serve. This is a hands-on business, not passive income. You need patience, dedication and a willingness to wear many hats. Talk to attorneys, CPAs and — most importantly — other franchisees. The process is challenging, but you won’t be alone. Griswold provides incredible training and tools, and the community is strong. At the end of the day, your success will be powered by your passion, your presence and your purpose. If you’re all in, franchising — especially with Griswold — can be an incredibly rewarding path.

ABOUT GRISWOLD

With 196 locations across 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. In 2024, Griswold was ranked #206 on Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 and named a 2023, 2024 and 2025 Best of Home Care® Endorsed National Provider. For more information, visit www.griswoldcare.com or call 215.402.0200.