Griswold

When&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-stutz-67a56513/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=entrepreneur-partners-with-hospice-caregiver-to-open-griswold-in-south-bend-and-elkhart-indiana-2727626" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mike Stutz’s</a> in-laws faced health challenges and a series of unsuccessful transitions between assisted living facilities, he realized there had to be a better way to support seniors. This personal experience, coupled with his entrepreneurial spirit, led him to partner with Lisa Phelps — an experienced hospice volunteer — to bring&nbsp;<a href="https://griswoldhomecarefranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=entrepreneur-partners-with-hospice-caregiver-to-open-griswold-in-south-bend-and-elkhart-indiana-2727626" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Griswold</a>, a non-medical home care franchise, to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.griswoldcare.com/south-bend-elkhart/about-griswold-home-care/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=entrepreneur-partners-with-hospice-caregiver-to-open-griswold-in-south-bend-and-elkhart-indiana-2727626" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">South Bend and Elkhart, Indiana</a>. They aim to make a meaningful difference in the senior care landscape, providing families with compassionate and reliable in-home care options that allow loved ones to live with dignity.1851 spoke with Stutz to learn more about his story, his journey to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold">Griswold</a> with Phelps, and their plans for the future.&nbsp;1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Mike Stutz: Three years ago, my in-laws called from Florida. My father-in-law had a stroke and my mother-in-law was showing signs of dementia. They couldn’t manage on their own and we didn’t know businesses like Griswold existed. They went through three different assisted living facilities and gave up on life. Three years later, they’re both gone and I knew there had to be a better way. I’ve always been an entrepreneur, and this experience pushed me to find something that could help others avoid what we went through.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?Stutz: I was interested in franchising because I wanted to scale the business quickly, but I didn’t have much of a perception of it going in. People say franchises are expensive, but there are affordable options with great support. The fees I pay are much less than what it would cost to hire an entire team on my own.1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Stutz: I looked at several franchises in the senior care space, but Griswold stood out. The company was started by a woman 40 years ago who became a pioneer in this industry, and they’ve carried that tradition forward. The management team is second to none, and that makes a huge difference. Your success is only as good as the support you have behind you.1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?Stutz: Our goal is to grow and scale the office as quickly as possible. With the resources Griswold provides, we plan to spread the word and grow fast, reaching as many people as we can in our community.1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?Stutz: My partner, Lisa Phelps, was a volunteer in hospice care for my father-in-law. He absolutely loved her and we hadn’t seen her in 40 years since high school. It turned out she had over 40 years of experience in this field, and she was such a caring, wonderful person. It just made sense to bring her on board for this venture.1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?Stutz: Don’t rule out any brand, and do your research. I could have started this on my own, but it would have taken much longer and cost more. With the right franchise partner, you get a head start, and I’ve found that to be true with Griswold.For more information on franchising with Griswold, please visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold">https://1851franchise.com/griswold</a>.ABOUT GRISWOLDWith 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 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. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.griswoldcare.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=entrepreneur-partners-with-hospice-caregiver-to-open-griswold-in-south-bend-and-elkhart-indiana-2727626" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">griswoldcare.com</a> or call 215-402-0200.

Griswold Franchisee Feature: Mike Stutz and Lisa Phelps Bring Compassionate Senior Care to South Bend and Elkhart, IN

1851 Franchise

After experiencing the challenges of senior care with his own family, Mike Stutz and his father-in-law’s hospice care volunteer, Lisa Phelps, want to offer their community a better alternative.

This brand page has been paid for by GRISWOLD. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

Entrepreneur Partners with Hospice Caregiver to Open Griswold in South Bend and Elkhart, Indiana

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November marks National Home Care &amp; Hospice Month, a time to recognize the Caregivers, families, and professionals who bring dignity, comfort, and independence to those aging or recovering at home. For more than 40 years,&nbsp;<a href="https://griswoldhomecarefranchise.com/">Griswold</a> has been a leader in compassionate home care — empowering franchisees and Caregivers alike to serve their communities with empathy and excellence.Few embody that mission more than&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirza-donegan-csa-b874286">Mirza Donegan,</a> director of Griswold Home Care for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.griswoldcare.com/silver-spring-montgomery-north/">Silver Spring &amp; Montgomery County North</a>. Her journey into home care began, as it does for so many, with a personal experience that changed everything.“Before, I used to do marketing for a nonprofit in alternative transportation,” Donegan said. “What started my road to Griswold was when my mother-in-law got very old and developed dementia. I was in a job transition, so I was able to care for her. That experience opened my eyes — helping her find the right companies, coordinating her care — I realized, ‘I think I can do this.’”When she began exploring home care companies,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold/info">Griswold&nbsp;</a>stood out immediately. “It had not only a business sense that I appreciated, but also&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold/how-griswold-has-grown-and-evolved-over-40-years-2723561">that Jean Griswold side</a> that is really important to me,” Donegan said. “That started my path, and it hasn’t changed. I’m still very involved in running my office because I really care and want to stay connected with my clients. I appreciate their trust in us — not just to take care of them, but to give them the best care possible.”For Donegan, that means overseeing every detail — from finding the right Caregiver to ensuring each care plan fits seamlessly into a client’s daily life. “All the pieces that fall into place matter,” she said. “I’ve found another niche in the company and am so emotionally invested in what we do.”<h2>A Life of Service</h2>Donegan’s commitment to compassionate care runs deep. “I was adopted and grew up in a military family,” she said. “My father served three terms in Vietnam, and that really impacted our lives. I learned to care for those who needed care very young. Now, as one of the providers for the VA, it’s such an honor to serve other veterans. I deeply understand what those families went through.”After 13 years with Griswold, Donegan now owns two territories and oversees a diverse team of nearly 100 Caregivers.&nbsp;“It’s been so rewarding to hire amazing people who have this passion for seniors,” she said. “They come from different parts of life, but they all have that central desire to care because they’ve cared within their own families. Helping them follow their dreams — seeing them grow and succeed — has impacted my life in incredible ways.”<h2>Becoming Part of the Family</h2>At its core, Griswold’s mission is about connection —&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold/planning-for-the-future-how-griswold-supports-families-during-national-long-term-care-planning-month-2730415">bridging the gap between families and the Caregivers who support them</a>. Donegan says her team often becomes an extension of the families they serve.“These people are taking care of their own children and their parents,” she said. “They need someone who is really going to care and become part of their family. That’s what we do — we become that extra part of the family, caring for their loved ones like our own.”That perspective has played out in Donegan’s own life.“My mom had a stroke recently, and my Caregivers have been so incredible,” she said. “Now they are our family. The ones helping me at home have gotten to know our grandkids and our family. They&nbsp;know our family. It’s come full circle — I’ve experienced firsthand the impact of what we do.”<h2>A Legacy of Compassion and Excellence</h2>Donegan’s story reflects the lasting impact of its founder, Dr. Jean Griswold, who began the company in 1982 after recognizing the need for compassionate in-home care.&nbsp;This National Home Care &amp; Hospice Month, Griswold celebrates the people who make its mission possible — the Caregivers, franchisees and families who bring compassion to life every day.“I didn’t think this is where I would find my purpose,” Donegan said. “But now I know this is what I was meant to do. To care for others, to build a team that shares that passion, and to help families feel safe — that’s what makes Griswold so special.”For more information about Griswold and its compassionate home care services, visit<a href="https://www.griswoldcare.com">&nbsp;https://www.griswoldcare.com</a>.

How Griswold Empowers Families and Franchisees During National Home Care & Hospice Month

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Beaumont Enterprise: Local Woman Brings Griswold Home Care Franchise to Greater Beaumont, Texas

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Why This Former Biotech Entrepreneur Is Bringing Griswold to Matthews, North Carolina

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Local Entrepreneur Launches Griswold Franchise To Bring Compassionate Care to Colorado Families

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BLUE BELL, PA. —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.griswoldcare.com/">Griswold</a>, one of the nation’s leading in-home care franchises with a 43-year legacy, is closing out 2025 on a high note after achieving record growth across franchise development, systemwide performance and brand recognition. The milestone year positions the brand for even greater momentum in 2026 as&nbsp;<a href="https://griswoldhomecarefranchise.com/">Griswold</a> continues to expand thoughtfully while investing in innovation that helps older adults safely age in place.“This year was spectacular for Griswold — we hit every goal across the board,” said CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-slupecki-08b2288">Michael Slupecki</a>. “Our franchisee royalty growth was right there at double digits. We signed 21 franchise agreements and opened 16 locations, and our five company-owned locations all delivered spectacular year-over-year growth. It’s been a great year.”Throughout 2025, Griswold expanded into 13 states. North Carolina led the way with four new franchise awards, while additional openings across secondary and tertiary markets reinforced Griswold’s belief that the right owners can thrive anywhere.“The aging population is really happening everywhere,” Slupecki said. “Because this is a people business, it’s about finding the right partners with the right mission and values. When you do that, they can be successful wherever they are, and we’re seeing tremendous performance across the system.”In addition to expansion, Griswold earned more external recognition in 2025 than any year in its history, including three top honors from&nbsp;<a href="https://franchisebusinessreview.com/top-franchises/griswold-home-care/#brand_awards_module">Franchise Business Review: Top Franchise, Top Recession-Resistant Franchise and Top Franchise Culture</a>. The home office team was also recognized for the fourth consecutive year by&nbsp;<a href="https://sponsored.inquirer.com/top-workplaces-2025-ranked/">the Philadelphia Inquirer as a Top Workplace</a>.“We’re not just hitting our internal goals; we’re being recognized externally,” Slupecki said. “Prospective franchisees come into Discovery Day already having done their validation. They’ve spoken to existing owners about our culture, our mission and our support. It’s a great blend of culture and being able to make money, and that gives people confidence to step away from a 9-to-5 and invest in a Griswold franchise.”A key driver of Griswold’s long-term growth strategy in 2025 was continued investment in tech. While not a health care provider, the brand increasingly operates with a health care mindset — using technology tools that help monitor client well-being, identify early signs of decline and reduce unnecessary hospitalizations.“We think like a health care company,” Slupecki said. “By leveraging technology and data, we’re raising our game and differentiating ourselves. Our goal is to become the provider of choice for families by keeping clients safe, healthy and in their homes longer.”Looking ahead to 2026, Griswold aims to sign approximately 23 new franchise locations, with target markets including Utah, Wisconsin and Alabama.“We don’t want to sell a lot of locations and do it poorly,” Slupecki said. “We want 100% of the people who trust their investment with us to succeed. Holding ourselves to higher standards allows us to provide the support franchisees need to win. We’re in a great position to take the success of 2025 and do it even better. If we can grow faster, open more successful locations and roll out technology that truly differentiates our franchisees, that’s a win across the board.”ABOUT GRISWOLDWith over 200 locations across 30 states, Griswold is one of the country’s top home care companies, providing and referring professional, compassionate Caregivers around the clock. 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. Griswold has been recognized as one of the top 500 franchises in Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500® and named a 2023, 2024 and 2025 Best of Home Care® Endorsed National Provider. For more information, visit<a href="http://www.griswoldcare.com">&nbsp;www.GriswoldCare.com</a> or call 215.402.0200.

Griswold Closes Out 2025 With Record Franchise Growth and Positions Brand for Continued Momentum in 2026

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Sisters&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/why-two-sisters-chose-now-to-build-a-purpose-driven-home-care-business-with-griswold-2730847">Manar Landis and Maha Zirn-Kashoor</a> have brought decades of medical, caregiving and humanitarian experience to Oklahoma City by opening a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.griswoldcare.com/oklahoma-city-north/">Griswold franchise</a>. Launched in October, their business matches seniors with caregivers who provide nonmedical support ranging from occasional weekly visits to 24-hour care. Both sisters say their long careers with organizations like the United Nations, UNICEF and major Oklahoma health systems, along with their personal experience caring for their own aging family members, made home care a natural next step.A major part of their work is helping seniors overcome the reluctance to accept assistance. Zirn-Kashoor notes that many elderly people insist they can manage alone, but once they experience the support, it becomes “life-changing.” The sisters emphasize that the goal is to help older adults remain independent and safe at home, tailoring care plans to each individual’s needs — whether that’s personal care, companionship, transportation, help after surgery or even small touches like doing hair and makeup. With about 90% of clients living at home and many having no nearby family, they see their services as an essential part of the continuum of care.Their franchise is only the second&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold/info">Griswold</a> location in Oklahoma, joining the first office in Tulsa, with a third opening soon in Edmond. The sisters say there is still a lack of awareness — even among physicians — about senior home care options, which often leads to preventable hospital readmissions. They aim to close that gap, positioning home care as a vital complement to the health care system.As demand for senior support grows, driven by a rapidly aging U.S. population, the sisters see strong potential for impact and business growth. Their new venture already employs 16 people and is expanding.&nbsp;Read the original article from The Journal Record&nbsp;<a href="https://journalrecord.com/2025/12/05/griswold-home-care-oklahoma-city-senior-services/">here</a>. To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold/info">https://1851franchise.com/griswold/info</a>.

Sisters Bring Global Humanitarian Experience Home to Oklahoma City With New Griswold Franchise

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WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES, November 13, 2025 /<a href="https://www.einpresswire.com/">EINPresswire.com</a>/ -- Today, PocketRN, a leader in virtual nursing, and Griswold, a leading home care company, announced they will form a National Strategic Partnership to test the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) alternative payment model designed to support people living with dementia and their caregivers. Under CMS’&nbsp;<a href="https://innovation.cms.gov/innovation-models/guide">Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model</a>, PocketRN will be one of almost 400 participants building Dementia Care Programs (DCPs) across the country, working to increase care coordination and improve access to services and supports, including respite care, for people living with dementia and their caregivers.Griswold’s partnership with PocketRN is rooted in the fact that a significant portion of their client base has a dementia diagnosis. Their franchised locations nationwide provide daily care and respite care for caregivers in the homes of people living with dementia, making this alliance a strategic and logical decision.Launched on July 1, 2024, the GUIDE Model will test a new payment approach for key supportive services furnished to people living with dementia, including: comprehensive, person-centered assessments and care plans; care coordination; 24/7 access to an interdisciplinary care team member or help line; and certain respite services to support caregivers. People with dementia and their caregivers will have the assistance and support of a Care Navigator to help them access clinical and non-clinical services such as meals and transportation through community-based organizations.“We couldn't be more thrilled to bring our revolutionary Nurse for Life model to the millions of dementia patients and families who need it most,” said PocketRN CEO, Jenna Morgenstern-Gaines. “With PocketRN, patients and families get unwavering support from a dedicated, trusted nurse as they navigate the complexities of managing dementia at NO cost to them. Nurses are hands-down the best clinicians to be the ‘glue’ for patients and their families throughout their dementia journey–they've been doing so forever, and it's high-time their work is valued by our system.”“We’re excited to partner with PocketRN in anchoring Griswold’s GUIDE approach of improving client access to Medicare-supported dementia navigation, education, and respite hours, integrated seamlessly with our experienced care professionals,” said Matt Ericksen, Vice President of Sales and Operations at Griswold.PocketRN’s partnership with Griswold to deliver the GUIDE Model will help people living with dementia and their caregivers have access to education and support, such as training programs on best practices for caring for a loved one living with dementia. The GUIDE Model also provides respite services for certain people, enabling caregivers to take temporary breaks from their caregiving responsibilities. Respite is being tested under the GUIDE Model to assess its effect on helping caregivers continue to care for their loved ones at home, preventing or delaying the need for facility care.For more information on CMS’ GUIDE Model, please visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-models/guide">https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-models/guide</a>.About GriswoldWith over 200 locations across 30 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&nbsp;<a href="http://www.griswoldcare.com/">www.griswoldcare.com</a> or call 215.402.0200.About PocketRNPocketRN gives patients, families, and caregivers a Nurse for Life. Its mission is to close the gap between home and healthcare by: enabling nurses to care proactively and continuously at the top of their license, enabling caregivers with peace of mind and the confidence to support others, and enabling patients to access whole-person, trusted, empathetic care when and where they want it. PocketRN is the glue that holds together fragmented experiences in care so that partners, clinicians, patients, and families get back more of what they need: quality time. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pocketrn.com/">www.pocketrn.com</a> or engage with PocketRN on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

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Entrepreneur Partners with Hospice Caregiver to Open Griswold in South Bend and Elkhart, Indiana

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