Amber Parsons has worn many hats — from producing national news in New York City to placing physicians across the country — but none have felt as personal or purpose-driven as her newest venture: launching a Griswold franchise in Colorado. Inspired by the emotional toll of her father-in-law’s dementia diagnosis and her mother-in-law’s exhausting role as his primary caregiver, Parsons is on a mission to provide families with the support she wishes they’d had. 

“It really changed us to our core,” Parsons said. “I realized I wanted to do something local, where I could truly make an impact — not just be a voice on the phone. Griswold had the experience, and I just fell in love with the people.”

1851 spoke with Parsons to learn more about her business, which is opening in October in Golden and Lakewood, her background and her plans for the future. 

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

Amber Parsons: I grew up in California, went to school in Florida and started my career in New York City. My first job out of college was working as a booker and associate producer for Shepard Smith. I was in journalism for seven years, but we didn’t want to raise our family in NYC, so we moved to Colorado. That’s when I transitioned into physician and mid-level staffing, which I’ve done for the last 13 years.

Then, my father-in-law was diagnosed with dementia, and it was awful — but equally awful was watching my mother-in-law try to be his primary caregiver. It aged her so quickly. She didn’t want to put him in a nursing home; she wanted to be the one to care for him. I remember thinking how much she could have benefited from a service like Griswold. It really changed us to our core. I realized I wanted to do something local, where I could truly make an impact — not just be a voice on the phone. Griswold had the experience, and I just fell in love with the people.

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’re in it?

Parsons: It’s always been a dream of mine to own something of my own. In the staffing world, I started seeing that things weren’t operating the way I would do it. But I didn’t know much about home health care, and that’s where franchising came in. I knew I’d need that support and a blueprint to follow. I couldn’t have even gotten my license without Griswold — they hold themselves to such a high standard. For me, it’s a perfect fit: I bring my skill set, and they bring their knowledge and structure. Even though I haven’t launched yet, the value has been tremendous. I love being able to lean on people who’ve already made some of the same mistakes — it gives me confidence.

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

Parsons: Their marketing is really strong — that was a big deciding factor. I make decisions based on my gut, and Griswold just felt like the right fit after talking to a few other concepts. Everything about it felt seamless. I also knew I could secure a territory that was important and timely. It’s a ripe market — we have the infrastructure and supporting franchisees nearby, but it’s still largely untapped. That really excited me.

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

Parsons: I definitely want to grow, but I want to do it the right way with the right caregivers. It’s important to build a strong foundation first. Ultimately, I’d love to expand into more territories where there’s a need. The goal is to help keep seniors in their homes as long as possible. I’m part of that sandwich generation, caring for both little kids and aging parents. This service is vital to making sure everyone stays healthy and supported.

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

Parsons: I live in Golden with my husband and our two kids — they’re eight and ten. We’re really involved in animal rescue, especially greyhounds and Spanish greyhounds. We actually fly to Spain to rescue dogs that are in some really horrific conditions. We’ve been working with an organization for over 10 years. Oh, and we have chickens and ducks too — it’s a full house!

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

Parsons: Do your research. Be cautious about trendier franchises — some are great, but they may not be the right fit. I’d really recommend working with a franchise coach. They can help guide you toward a brand that fits your skill set — maybe even in a way you hadn’t thought about.

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.