Griswold Franchise Owner Aims to Create a Legacy of Care for Her Late Father

Grant and Stephanie Meikle, the new franchisees bringing Griswold, the non-medical home care franchise with over 170 units, to Ventura, California, are a perfect example of how personal passion can be transformed into professional ambition. 

From the age of five, Stephanie spent a significant part of her life dedicated to caring for her father, who suffered from a rare vascular disease called Buerger's disease. This experience not only instilled in her a tenacity and resilience inspired by her father’s strength, but also shaped her understanding of the crucial need for compassionate caregiving. Before entering the world of franchising, Grant had built a career in mortgage finance, specializing in investment real estate, while Stephanie's life was deeply intertwined with athletics and caregiving. Now, combining their collective experience with a newfound mission to serve, the duo are excited to open their Griswold non-medical home care business in early 2024. 

The married couple’s journey towards franchising was an organic transition. With their two children growing older, Stephanie found herself ready to embark on a new career path. For the Meikles, Griswold wasn't just a business opportunity — it resonated on a deeply personal level. The brand's focus on providing quality home care mirrored Stephanie's long-held goal of maintaining dignity and independence for people like her father.

Looking to the future, the Meikles aim to impact their community positively by providing high-quality care and fostering a passionate team of caregivers. Their vision extends beyond mere business growth. They aspire to cultivate a culture of care and purpose, ensuring that each member of their team shares their commitment to enhancing the lives of those they serve. With her father’s unexpected passing last year, Stephanie sees this venture as a serendipitous way to extend his legacy, bringing empathy and joy to those in need.

1851 Franchise spoke with Grant and Stephanie to learn more about their journey to Griswold.

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

Grant: I’m currently a mortgage broker working in mortgage finance focused on real estate investing. My entire career has been in that field. This endeavor is something Stephanie and I are doing together. She’s going to be doing the sales, and I’m going to be more focused on the back office and operations. We have two kids — 20 and 12 — she’s spent those years taking care of them and is now able to jump back into her career. 

Stephanie: My career began in athletics. I traveled the United States playing soccer on the Olympic Development Team. Following that, I spent several years studying for my BA in Liberal Arts at CSUN, and in outside sales with DCN Wireless until we decided to start a family. I have been a stay home mom for 20 plus years and it is the hardest job I have ever loved! Throughout my life, my dad was ill with a rare vascular disease called Buerger's disease, which resulted in the loss of several limbs. Over the course of his life I aided in his care and he has always been an inspiration for me. Seeing someone with non-human strength has created a tenacity inside of me to never give up. Last year when my dad passed away unexpectedly, Griswold appeared on my radar. This made me feel as it was meant to be. My goal was always to keep my dad in his home with his integrity and independence intact. I saw first hand how important this was and so it was obvious. Griswold aligned with our values. 

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?

Stephanie: We have always worked independently and had an entrepreneurial bug. We like the idea of having the established brand and the support team of like minded people to help us grow the business. 

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

Grant: When Griswold reached out to us on Linkedin. It felt interesting to us, but we wanted to make sure it was a mutually beneficial fit. Every step of the way, it really seemed like it was meant to be. We were really inspired when we met with other franchisees. We wanted to do it for the right reasons, so we loved how we would be doing something with a purpose, while also building a very successful business. Meeting their leadership team was also a big selling point — Griswold has an impressive group of people who we knew would be alongside us.

Stephanie: It was all about helping people. I understand what it is like to be on the other side of taking care of a loved one.We knew we would be able to follow the Griswold model and bring this thorough and compassionate service to our community.Working with the Griswold team and listening to other franchisees, it was easy to see how much enjoyment they got from helping people in need like my dad. 

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

Grant: We want to help as many people as possible and also foster a supportive culture for our caregivers. They are just as passionate as we are — they want to show up and bring purpose to their days. Those are really our goals — make an impact, build a good team and become known as a quality group of people in our community. The growth of the business will come from that. 

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

Stephanie:For me, this business feels like a way to help others preserve their dignity and independence. We can offer them a safe environment that makes them feel comfortable, so they can spend their days doing what they love. We want to create a warm family with our caregivers, our clients and their family members.

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

Stephanie: As long as you are passionate about the business, success will come naturally. 

Grant: It has to feel right. The business has to resonate with you. There has to be something that drives you beyond the money aspect. 

For more information about franchising with Griswold, please visit griswoldhomecare.com/franchising/investment-info/.

ABOUT GRISWOLD

With over 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. It provides 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 2023, Griswold was ranked #267 on Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 and named a 2023 Best of Home Care® Endorsed National Provider. For more information, visit griswoldhomecare.com or call 215-402-0200.