Manar Landis and Maha Zirn-Kashoor have recently opened Griswold in Oklahoma City North. Landis has lived in Oklahoma for many years, while Zirn-Kashoor is moving from Switzerland to join her. Their decision to go into business together comes from a shared history in medicine and caregiving. Griswold, one of the nation’s top home care providers, is known for matching families with professional, compassionate caregivers who offer 24-hour, non-medical support that allows clients to live with dignity and independence.
Before entering franchising, both sisters built careers with the United Nations. Zirn-Kashoor spent 25 years with the High Commissioner for Refugees, and Landis worked with UNICEF on projects centered on women’s education and early childhood development. They also spent years caring for their own parents and grandparents, experiences that shaped how they view elder care. “Our grandparents never went to assisted living. We were always the ones providing care for them at home, not for money but from the heart.”
That perspective drew them to Griswold, where they saw a company that aligned with their values. “Griswold is very people oriented, even in the language they use daily,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “They talk about need, solutions, dignity and independence. It makes you feel like you’re in the right place. It’s not just about profit — it’s a lot more than that.”
For the sisters, the goal is simple: build a trusted resource for families in Oklahoma City while creating a business rooted in the same humanitarian spirit that has guided them for decades. They hope Griswold of Oklahoma City North will not only provide reliable care but also a sense of safety and peace of mind to the people they serve.
1851 Franchise spoke with Landis and Zirn-Kashoor to learn more about their passion for humanitarian work and how this led them to Griswold. Here’s what they had to say:
1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?
Maha Zirn-Kashoor: Our Griswold will be Oklahoma City North. This is where Manar has been living for decades. I’m moving from Switzerland to join her so we can do the business together. The story to tell is really the humanitarian aspect. Both of us worked with the United Nations as a background. I went to medical school, and Manar is also a registered nurse. She has been working as a caregiver with several companies over the last three years. That’s where the whole idea came from, along with our personal experience taking care of our parents and grandparents, especially my dad, who passed away three months ago.
Manar Landis: Our grandparents never went to assisted living. We were always the ones providing care for them at home, not for money but from the heart. We know the needs of the elderly — the importance of connection and communication—while everything else is secondary. I also worked with several companies who are now our competitors. I admire what they do, but I believe Maha and I can do even better. Maha has decades of experience working with refugees, helping people live with dignity. Together, we complete each other.
1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?
Landis: The business part was the missing piece in our puzzle. We know caregiving, but finance and business operations were areas we needed help with. That’s why we started looking into franchising. We explored other ways of helping, but the franchise idea — ongoing support and community — appealed to us.
Zirn-Kashoor: I worked for 25 years with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. I managed asylum seeker and refugee cases, and in the later years I did more management, including budgeting and finances. My motivation has always been working with vulnerable people. Manar also did similar work in the past with UNICEF.
Landis: I worked on two main projects with UNICEF: early childhood care and development, and women’s education in rural areas. We helped children and women get back into education instead of being forced to work at an early age.
Zirn-Kashoor: We’ve never chosen the easy way. We’ve always gone into more difficult but meaningful work. That’s where we find our path.
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?
Landis: Like many people, when we thought about franchising, we thought of fast food. We had no business background—our family is all academics, engineers and medical professionals. There are many businesses here where you can make money quickly But that’s not attractive to us. We want to help vulnerable people.
Zirn-Kashoor: Some businesses may seem like easier money because of the brand name. That didn’t motivate us. We’re motivated by the humanitarian part, by the need to help people. That’s why Griswold was the right choice.
1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?
Landis: I talked to several Griswold owners. They spoke highly about the support they received, especially at times when their businesses struggled. That support really made a difference. Then we met the rest of Griswold in person, and it affirmed our decision. There’s a positive environment within the Griswold family, and you can feel it. People like their jobs, and they’re genuine about offering help.
Zirn-Kashoor: Griswold is very people oriented, even in the language they use daily. They talk about need, solutions, dignity and independence. It makes you feel like you’re in the right place. It’s not just about profit — it’s a lot more than that.
1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?
Landis: We want to be number one in Oklahoma. Eventually, we hope to expand our territory in Oklahoma, but for now we want to build a solid base. We already have caregivers who I’ve built friendships with over the last three years and they are excellent and professional. They were ready to join us when we opened.
Zirn-Kashoor: Our vision is to become an important part of the Oklahoma City community, where people can seek assistance and solutions for their families and loved ones for years to come. We hope to grow, provide jobs and support our community in Oklahoma City.
1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?
Landis: I always remember my last client, who told me, “I feel safe when you’re with me.” That sums up what we want. We want people to feel safe and trust that they’re our number one priority.
Zirn-Kashoor: I relate to that with my dad. He was sick for the last couple of years, and while we couldn’t always be there, we made sure he had good caregivers. It was a great comfort to see him happy and well cared for. That’s the kind of service we want to provide in our business—something invaluable for families, and hopefully something our children can one day be part of too.
1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?
Zirn-Kashoor: Do it. For some people, running a small independent business may be enough, and that’s perfectly fine. But franchising offers community, reputation and trust. When you say you are part of Griswold, people immediately recognize the name or can check and see. It gives you credibility and makes you feel part of a big family.
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/griswold/info.
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.
Griswold
SPONSORED
Manar Landis and Maha Zirn-Kashoor, sisters with careers spanning medicine and United Nations service, aim to provide compassionate care through their new Griswold franchise.
Manar Landis and Maha Zirn-Kashoor have recently opened Griswold in Oklahoma City North. Landis has lived in Oklahoma for many years, while Zirn-Kashoor is moving from Switzerland to join her. Their decision to go into business together comes from a shared history in medicine and caregiving. Griswold, one of the nation’s top home care providers, is known for matching families with professional, compassionate caregivers who offer 24-hour, non-medical support that allows clients to live with dignity and independence.
Before entering franchising, both sisters built careers with the United Nations. Zirn-Kashoor spent 25 years with the High Commissioner for Refugees, and Landis worked with UNICEF on projects centered on women’s education and early childhood development. They also spent years caring for their own parents and grandparents, experiences that shaped how they view elder care. “Our grandparents never went to assisted living. We were always the ones providing care for them at home, not for money but from the heart.”
That perspective drew them to Griswold, where they saw a company that aligned with their values. “Griswold is very people oriented, even in the language they use daily,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “They talk about need, solutions, dignity and independence. It makes you feel like you’re in the right place. It’s not just about profit — it’s a lot more than that.”
For the sisters, the goal is simple: build a trusted resource for families in Oklahoma City while creating a business rooted in the same humanitarian spirit that has guided them for decades. They hope Griswold of Oklahoma City North will not only provide reliable care but also a sense of safety and peace of mind to the people they serve.
1851 Franchise spoke with Landis and Zirn-Kashoor to learn more about their passion for humanitarian work and how this led them to Griswold. Here’s what they had to say:
1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?
Maha Zirn-Kashoor: Our Griswold will be Oklahoma City North. This is where Manar has been living for decades. I’m moving from Switzerland to join her so we can do the business together. The story to tell is really the humanitarian aspect. Both of us worked with the United Nations as a background. I went to medical school, and Manar is also a registered nurse. She has been working as a caregiver with several companies over the last three years. That’s where the whole idea came from, along with our personal experience taking care of our parents and grandparents, especially my dad, who passed away three months ago.
Manar Landis: Our grandparents never went to assisted living. We were always the ones providing care for them at home, not for money but from the heart. We know the needs of the elderly — the importance of connection and communication—while everything else is secondary. I also worked with several companies who are now our competitors. I admire what they do, but I believe Maha and I can do even better. Maha has decades of experience working with refugees, helping people live with dignity. Together, we complete each other.
1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?
Landis: The business part was the missing piece in our puzzle. We know caregiving, but finance and business operations were areas we needed help with. That’s why we started looking into franchising. We explored other ways of helping, but the franchise idea — ongoing support and community — appealed to us.
Zirn-Kashoor: I worked for 25 years with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. I managed asylum seeker and refugee cases, and in the later years I did more management, including budgeting and finances. My motivation has always been working with vulnerable people. Manar also did similar work in the past with UNICEF.
Landis: I worked on two main projects with UNICEF: early childhood care and development, and women’s education in rural areas. We helped children and women get back into education instead of being forced to work at an early age.
Zirn-Kashoor: We’ve never chosen the easy way. We’ve always gone into more difficult but meaningful work. That’s where we find our path.
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?
Landis: Like many people, when we thought about franchising, we thought of fast food. We had no business background—our family is all academics, engineers and medical professionals. There are many businesses here where you can make money quickly But that’s not attractive to us. We want to help vulnerable people.
Zirn-Kashoor: Some businesses may seem like easier money because of the brand name. That didn’t motivate us. We’re motivated by the humanitarian part, by the need to help people. That’s why Griswold was the right choice.
1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?
Landis: I talked to several Griswold owners. They spoke highly about the support they received, especially at times when their businesses struggled. That support really made a difference. Then we met the rest of Griswold in person, and it affirmed our decision. There’s a positive environment within the Griswold family, and you can feel it. People like their jobs, and they’re genuine about offering help.
Zirn-Kashoor: Griswold is very people oriented, even in the language they use daily. They talk about need, solutions, dignity and independence. It makes you feel like you’re in the right place. It’s not just about profit — it’s a lot more than that.
1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?
Landis: We want to be number one in Oklahoma. Eventually, we hope to expand our territory in Oklahoma, but for now we want to build a solid base. We already have caregivers who I’ve built friendships with over the last three years and they are excellent and professional. They were ready to join us when we opened.
Zirn-Kashoor: Our vision is to become an important part of the Oklahoma City community, where people can seek assistance and solutions for their families and loved ones for years to come. We hope to grow, provide jobs and support our community in Oklahoma City.
1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?
Landis: I always remember my last client, who told me, “I feel safe when you’re with me.” That sums up what we want. We want people to feel safe and trust that they’re our number one priority.
Zirn-Kashoor: I relate to that with my dad. He was sick for the last couple of years, and while we couldn’t always be there, we made sure he had good caregivers. It was a great comfort to see him happy and well cared for. That’s the kind of service we want to provide in our business—something invaluable for families, and hopefully something our children can one day be part of too.
1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?
Zirn-Kashoor: Do it. For some people, running a small independent business may be enough, and that’s perfectly fine. But franchising offers community, reputation and trust. When you say you are part of Griswold, people immediately recognize the name or can check and see. It gives you credibility and makes you feel part of a big family.
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/griswold/info.
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.
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