Why This Franchisee Is Bringing Griswold to Sonoma County After a Career in the High Tech Industry

After three decades in the high-tech industry and a lifetime of career success, Jasmeet “Jaz” Baweja and his wife Sonia found their next mission close to home — in caring for aging loved ones. As their parents began to need more support, the couple discovered the true value of in-home care. This personal journey sparked a desire to build something more meaningful, rooted in service and community. With their Griswold franchise launching soon in the Greater Santa Rosa Area, Jaz and Sonia are combining their entrepreneurial spirit, personal experience, and passion for people to make a lasting impact across Northern California.

1851 spoke with Baweja to learn more about his story, his journey to the Griswold brand and his plans for the future. 

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

Jaz Baweja: My wife Sonia and I grew up in a big city with a fast pace of life and limited opportunity to really connect with people. Moving to Northern California was a complete change — and a pleasant surprise. There were ample opportunities to connect with nature, with others and even with ourselves. We felt a strong sense of belonging and were welcomed into a tight-knit community.

Sonia started her career as a computer science teacher but later pivoted to become a business owner. She’s been successfully running a retail business here for over 15 years. I also started in education as a lecturer teaching undergrad students in electronics before transitioning to the high-tech industry, where I’ve worked for over 30 years. Our sons were born and raised here in Sonoma County, attended local schools and are now flourishing in top California universities. One is working in health care at a hospital in customer care and quality, and the other is pursuing a degree in computer science.

As our parents aged, we saw the shift — their health declined, and our role as caregivers increased. Their strong desire to age in place made us explore available options. That’s how we discovered in-home care and realized how valuable it was for families. With that experience and a growing desire to do more meaningful work, I started exploring new business options that were customer-centric, community-serving and allowed me to build something lasting. That’s when Griswold reached out.

After multiple detailed discussions and validation calls, Sonia and I both felt the Griswold model aligned well with our values and long-term goals. Watching our parents navigate their daily challenges really brought the importance of in-home care into sharp focus for us.

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

Baweja: I’ve had a long and rewarding career in high-tech — working across telecom, solar energy and education. But there was always a desire to do something more fulfilling, with real impact.

Early in my career, I was a college lecturer, and I loved creating an environment of learning and helping students grow. That feeling stayed with me. More recently, I began looking for franchise opportunities that would allow me to give back while also growing something of my own. The franchise model appealed to me because it allows you to leverage years of proven systems and support. After exploring several options, Griswold stood out as the perfect fit.

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?

Baweja: Most of the franchise options I looked at initially were in the food or retail industries. While many were worth exploring, they felt a lot like my previous corporate roles. I was looking for something more rewarding — something where I could have a meaningful impact.

When Griswold reached out, I hadn’t previously considered the home care industry. But the more I learned, the more it resonated. It wasn’t just about being my own boss or growing a business — it was about serving the community. That was the game-changer.

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

Baweja: Griswold has decades of experience and a strong track record of serving communities across the country. From day one, the process of learning about the brand was very open and supportive. We felt welcomed and appreciated the company’s willingness to share and guide us through the journey.

What truly sealed the deal was their desire to support both new and existing franchisees. That passion aligned with ours. We want to match that energy and bring Griswold’s mission to life here in Northern California.

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

Baweja: We want to build something that’s rewarding, sustainable and long-lasting — not just for us, but for our children as well. Our goal is to start in Sonoma County and gradually expand into nearby areas like Napa, Marin and Mendocino. We want to serve the entire Northern California region in time, building a business that brings pride to our family and real value to the community.

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

Baweja: It’s been an incredible journey so far, and we’re excited to continue with Griswold Home Care. Coming from a fast-paced city where we often felt disconnected, we’ve always wanted to build something more meaningful. This business gives us that opportunity to create something with purpose. We’re excited to see where this journey takes us.

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

Baweja: Understand where you are in your life journey and define your long-term goals. If franchising is part of your path, do your due diligence. Research thoroughly, ask a lot of questions and align your values with the brand. Take your time upfront — once you understand all aspects of it, then take the leap.

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.