Building a Business With Heart: Why Lucky Lee Chose Griswold to Help Seniors — and His Community — Age with Dignity

For Lucky Lee, launching his Griswold franchise in the Stillwater & Woodbury, Minnesota area isn’t just a career pivot — it’s a calling rooted in personal experience and a deep desire to give back.

After working in both hospital settings and the industrial world, Lee craved something more meaningful. “My parents are getting older and have been in the hospital more. In Hmong culture like the one I grew up in, it’s tradition for the family to care for aging parents, but in today’s fast-paced world, that’s not always possible,” he said. “I want to create a care model that supports families like mine.”

Now, Lee is preparing to open his Griswold location this April, bringing non-medical home care services to more than a dozen communities across East Minnesota, including Stillwater, St. Paul Park, and Lake Elmo.

1851 Franchise spoke with Lee to learn more about his background, what drew him to the franchise and his plans for the future. 

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

Lucky Lee: I started as an X-ray tech in a hospital and then transitioned to work in an oil refinery, but I always felt like something was missing. I tried to fill that gap by volunteering when I could, but the long shifts didn’t leave much time. Eventually, I knew I wanted something that would let me connect with people and contribute to the community. I had dabbled in entrepreneurship — rental properties, an e-commerce business — but I was still looking for the right long-term fit.

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

Lee: I’ve always liked being in control of my schedule and work. Once I found a mentor in real estate, everything clicked. I knew I wanted the same structure and support in my next venture, which led me to hire a franchise consultant. They did personality assessments, walked me through the process and helped me identify that franchising could give me both the autonomy and purpose I was looking for.

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?

Lee: Initially, I thought of franchising as just a brand name — but now I see it as a full support system. You get a team behind you, a proven plan and a network of other franchisees who are going through the same process. It’s not just about business, it’s about joining a community and accessing shared experience and resources.

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

Lee: I researched four different franchise concepts, and at first they all sounded the same. But when I started making validation calls, asking other franchisees one simple question — “Are you happy?” — Griswold stood out. They’ve been in this industry for over 40 years. They’ve modernized, stayed relevant and really care about their franchisees and clients.

Plus, I wanted something that aligned with my values. Minnesota has a large immigrant population — my own parents came here from Laos after the Vietnam War. I want to help immigrants acclimate, train future caregivers and support our local nursing schools. Griswold is a platform where I can do that.

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

Lee: My first goal is to build trust and become a known resource in the community. Long-term, I’d love to expand into Wisconsin and secure one or two more territories. But it’s not just about growing the business — it’s about creating something that has a lasting impact for seniors and caregivers alike.

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

Lee: My parents are getting older and have been in the hospital more. In Hmong culture, it’s tradition for the family to care for aging parents, but in today’s fast-paced world, that’s not always possible. I want to create a care model that supports families like mine.

I’m also a triplet — one of my sisters is disabled and has had some serious health issues. At one point, my youngest brother had a potential brain tumor. I was working during all of these family emergencies and couldn’t be there. That was hard. All of these experiences pushed me toward Griswold. I want to be more present for my loved ones and for others going through similar situations.

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

Lee: Treat it like a job search — do your homework. Think about the culture, values and long-term fulfillment. There are so many ways to make money, but you have to ask yourself: Will this make me happy? Will this allow me to contribute to the community? If the answer is yes, then it might be the right fit. Griswold was that fit for me.

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.