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After building successful careers in finance and operations leadership, Christina Depalma and Eric Schuster decided to take a different path, one focused on service and community impact.Depalma spent more than two decades in financial services, most recently working as a supervisory principal responsible for regulatory oversight and compliance. Schuster built his career leading logistics and operations teams at Amazon. While both had established careers in corporate environments, they began looking for a way to apply their experience to something more personal and meaningful.For Depalma, the seed for this path was planted while helping care for her father during the final months of his life. Working alongside Caregivers during that time left a lasting impression. Although she continued her career in financial services for several more years, that experience stayed with her and eventually influenced the decision to move into the home care field nearly seven years later.Schuster had similar experiences watching family members navigate the challenges of aging and memory care. Together, the couple began exploring business opportunities that would allow them to serve people directly while building something meaningful together.That search ultimately led them to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.griswoldcare.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=griswold-franchisees-christina-depalma-eric-schuster-ocala-2731733" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Griswold</a>. Today they are launching their franchise serving Ocala, Summerfield, Lady Lake, The Villages and surrounding areas, with the goal of helping seniors remain safe, comfortable and supported in their own homes.Depalma and Schuster sat down with 1851 Franchise to discuss what led them to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold/info">Griswold</a> and what they hope to build in their community. Here’s what they had to say:1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?Eric Schuster: My background is in logistics and operations leadership. I spent several years working at Amazon managing large teams and complex systems. Over time I started thinking about what it would look like to build something of my own where the impact was closer to home.Christina Depalma: I spent over twenty years in financial services, most recently serving as a supervisory principal responsible for compliance and regulatory oversight. That experience taught me how important integrity, accountability and strong systems are when you’re responsible for protecting others. I bring that same mindset into our home care business, because families place tremendous trust in the people caring for their loved ones.1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Depalma: Seven years ago, my sister and I helped care for our father during the last few months of his life. We worked with some wonderful Caregivers, and seeing the care and support they provided really stayed with me. When the company I most recently worked for was acquired, it prompted me to step back and think about the future.Schuster: I also had family members who needed care, particularly memory care, and those experiences showed me how important good support is for both seniors and their families. When Christina and I started talking about starting a business together, home care felt like something where we could make a real difference. Franchising made sense because it allowed us to build our own business while benefiting from an established system and support network.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?Schuster: My perception of franchises was the belief that’s deeply embedded in a lot of people, that it’s very capital-focused to start up. For anybody considering a franchise, just know that it's not out of your reach as long as you do a little bit of research.Depalma: Working in finance, I had some familiarity with franchising. For us, the most important factor was choosing the right industry and the right company. We wanted something that aligned with our values and allowed us to serve people in a meaningful way.1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Depalma: Specifically, we loved our franchise rep, Carol, and resonated with her in so many ways. We also spoke with about 10 different home care franchisees. Griswold was very transparent about who they are, what they do, and the passion that drives their mission. We’re honored to be a part of that.Schuster: Griswold was actually one of the first brands we looked at, and the more research we did, the more it stood out. The support structure, the reputation in home care and the overall philosophy of the company made it feel like the right fit for us.1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?Schuster: We don't have plans set in stone, but we do have certain goals set. Right now our focus is meeting the goals we’ve set, and if things go well, we would absolutely look at expanding.Depalma: Our purpose is to help people live with dignity in their own homes while supporting the families who love them. We also value the Caregivers who make that possible and want them to feel respected for the work they do. As we grow, we hope to stay close to the work itself by being present in the field and showing compassion and love through the care we provide.1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?Depalma: Our faith and our desire to serve others played a big role in choosing this path and we’re grateful for the opportunity to support families caring for loved ones who are elderly, injured, ill or in need of help at home.1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Depalma: Choose something you genuinely care about. Starting a business takes a lot of time and energy, and it helps when the work itself matters to you. If you believe in what you're building, the long days feel worthwhile.ABOUT GRISWOLD:With 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&nbsp;<a href="http://www.griswoldcare.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=griswold-franchisees-christina-depalma-eric-schuster-ocala-2731733" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.GriswoldCare.com</a> or call 215.402.0200.

image of christina depalma and eric schuster from griswold international franchise owners  Ocala, FL

Griswold Franchisees Christina Depalma and Eric Schuster to Open in Ocala

1851 Franchise

Driven by a desire to align their careers with their faith and drawing on personal experiences, the couple is bringing the in-home care franchise to Ocala and The Villages.

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

Christina Depalma and Eric Schuster Launch Griswold Home Care in Ocala and The Villages, Florida

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How These Griswold Franchisees Scaled to Six Territories in Six Years

Griswold Celebrates Record-Breaking Best of Home Care Recognition, Including No. 1 Ranked Provider Nationwide

Home for the Holidays: How Griswold Helps Families Stay Connected and Cared For During the Most Important Time of Year

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When&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-myhre-certified-senior-advisor-csa-%C2%AE-cdp-9a25889/">Brett</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-myhre-50a926a0/">Nicole Myhre</a> first launched their&nbsp;<a href="https://griswoldcare.com/">Griswold</a> business in the Greater Twin Cities, they weren’t thinking about six territories. They were focused on doing everything themselves and doing it well.“We were doing everything and wearing multiple hats,” Brett said. “As we continued to steadily grow, we started to add more people to the team to be able to keep up with the demand.”That demand came quickly. Within just two years,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold/how-this-graphic-designer-and-hairstylist-found-a-new-passion-with-griswold-franchise-in-minnesota-2725561">the couple had already outgrown their initial setup</a>, moving into a larger office and expanding their team with key roles like case managers and recruitment coordinators.&nbsp;<h2>Scaling With Purpose, Not Just Speed</h2>Today, the Myhres own six territories across the Twin Cities, which is a milestone that didn’t happen by accident. “Part of that is the fact that there weren’t really any Griswold locations in the Twin Cities area, so when we brought it here, it was kind of a double-edged sword because no one had ever heard of the brand, but we also had room to grow,” Brett said.That lack of brand recognition meant the Myhres had to build trust from the ground up by educating families, establishing credibility, and proving their commitment to high-quality care.As their reputation grew, so did demand, often beyond the boundaries of their initial territories. Expanding into adjacent areas became both a natural next step and a way to better serve Clients already seeking their care.“We were getting Clients in different areas, and now that we have purchased those, we are locked in,” Brett said. “We had to work really hard to build that brand recognition in the area. That has really paid off.”<h2>Leveraging the Griswold System to Grow</h2>While much of their growth has been driven by local execution, Brett credits&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold/info">the Griswold system</a> with helping them scale effectively.&nbsp;“When we first bought our first territory, their branding was already great,” he said. “We had only been in business for maybe a year, and they decided to do&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold/griswold-embraces-innovation-with-new-brand-evolution-2722028">a big rebrand update</a>. We were really on board for it. When they did the rebrand, it really helped support our growth by making it more recognizable. The timing really worked out well for us because it set us up on a new path with all new branding and recognition.”Combined with Griswold’s established systems and tools, the refreshed brand gave the Myhres a stronger platform to expand into new territories with consistency.“We are at well over 100 Caregivers at this point,” Brett said. “And that is a big responsibility — that is a lot of people relying on us to provide opportunities for them.”That responsibility shapes how they lead. “I think it’s very important that you treat everybody fairly,” he said. “Our whole branding is about Living Assured. For Clients, we are going to show up and do a good job. For Caregivers, we can give you the consistent hours you need to take care of your families. We want to ensure they know that we can’t do this without them.”<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold/griswold-celebrates-national-caregivers-day-by-announcing-winter-scholarship-winners-through-the-jean-griswold-foundation-2731484">By prioritizing Caregiver support and stability</a>, the Myhres have built a culture that supports both employee retention and consistent Client care.“It’s been so rewarding — this career and this business is not easy by any means,” Brett said. “You are dealing with people. Sometimes it can be tough because there is a lot of unknown.”Providing reassurance during those moments is what makes the work meaningful. “For us, being part of people’s care plan and giving that reassurance is great,” he said. “When you have those days when the family reaches back out to you, it really feels great. That’s the reason we do it.”<h2>Growing Without Losing What Matters</h2>Even with six territories and two office locations now in operation, the Myhres are intentional about how they approach the future.“About a year ago, we opened another office location,” Brett said. “We now have two offices open that manage the six territories. Our focus right now, for this year especially, is to focus on providing high-quality care.”As they look ahead, the Myhres are spending as much time improving the business they already have as they are thinking about the next territory. Growth is still on the table, but only if they can&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold/griswold-celebrates-record-breaking-best-of-home-care-recognition-including-no-1-ranked-provider-nationwide-2731912">maintain the standard of care that got them this far</a>.“As far as long-term growth, we plan to continue expanding, but at a pace that aligns with the quality too,” Brett said. “We aren’t going to keep growing just to grow. We are going to do it the right way.”From a single territory to six in just six years, the Myhres have built a scalable business by combining operational discipline, community trust, and a clear sense of purpose.To find out more information steps to owning a Griswold franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold/info">https://1851franchise.com/griswold/info</a>.

Nicole and Brett Myhre are building one of the largest Griswold footprints in the Twin Cities without sacrificing the quality that fueled their growth.

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During&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkinson.org/parkinsons-awareness-month">National Parkinson’s Awareness Month</a>, representatives from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.griswoldcare.com/fargo/">Griswold Home Care for Fargo</a>, North Dakota, appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.inforum.com/health/april-marks-parkinsons-awareness-month">ABC affiliate WDAY-TV</a> to discuss the importance of recognizing the early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease and starting conversations with loved ones sooner rather than later.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.griswoldcare.com/">Griswold</a> Home Care for Fargo’s Care Coordinator, Merilyn Wilson, explained that symptoms can include small tremors, slower movement, changes in handwriting, depression, and isolation. She noted that the disease can begin affecting people in their 40s and 50s, long before a formal diagnosis is made later in life.Wilson encouraged families to focus on the practical pieces of care, from keeping routines consistent to making sure loved ones with Parkinson’s do not feel isolated. She also said families with a history of the disease should stay alert to early warning signs.Founded in 1982,&nbsp;<a href="https://griswoldhomecarefranchise.com/">Griswold</a> has grown into one of the nation’s leading senior in-home care companies, with more than 200 locations across 31 states. The company provides compassionate, non-medical care services designed to help older adults and individuals living with chronic conditions maintain independence and quality of life at home.Watch the segment&nbsp;<a href="https://www.inforum.com/health/april-marks-parkinsons-awareness-month">here</a>.&nbsp;For more information on franchising with Griswold, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold">https://1851franchise.com/griswold</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

WDAY-TV: Griswold in Fargo, North Dakota, Shares the Importance of Early Parkinson’s Warning Signs

During National Parkinson’s Awareness Month, Griswold Home Care for Fargo’s Merilyn Wilson appeared on WDAY-TV to discuss common early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and how families can help.

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How This Power Couple Is Redefining Home Care With Kentucky’s First Griswold Franchise

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Driven by a Heart for Service, One South Carolina Entrepreneur Turns to Griswold After 30 Years in HR

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SALT LAKE CITY —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.griswoldcare.com/">Griswold</a>, a leader in non-medical home care franchising, recently wrapped up its 2026 National Franchise Conference, “Rising Together: From Roots to Summit,” held April 28-30 at the Little America Hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah. Franchisees, Home Office staff and strategic partners gathered from across the country for three days of education, collaboration, and celebration.“Our theme this year really reflected who we are as an organization,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-slupecki-08b2288/">Michael Slupecki</a>, CEO of&nbsp;<a href="https://griswoldhomecarefranchise.com/">Griswold</a>. “We always lean on our history, our shared values, and the foundation that Jean Griswold built, while asking ourselves how we’re going to use those strengths to reach new summits as a company. It was an incredible opportunity to bring the entire network together around that vision.”The conference featured a carefully curated lineup of educational sessions, networking opportunities, and strategic discussions. “We received feedback from franchisees that the content was the best we’ve ever had,” Slupecki said. “Our goal is to provide our franchisees with the tools they need to succeed in their communities. We connect them at the conference to vendors who can have meaningful conversations with them and provide practical insights they can take back to their businesses.”The conference's sponsorship program reflected that intentional approach, bringing together industry-leading partners to connect directly with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold/info">Griswold</a> franchisees from across the country. With more than 100 owner groups representing over 200 territories in 30 states, the event served as the largest in-person gathering of the Griswold system in 2026 and provided valuable opportunities for education, collaboration, and relationship building.Senior Regional Director&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-gettier-3a908b51">Shannon Gettier</a>, who has spent 14 years with the Griswold system in both corporate and now franchise leadership roles, the quality of vendor participation stood out immediately.“I’ve attended a lot of Griswold conferences over the years, and this year, specifically, the vendors were great, and they were super intentional,” Gettier said. “They were there to provide opportunities and support for our businesses. A lot of work goes into making sure the event delivers value.”Beyond the educational content, attendees highlighted the opportunity to connect with fellow franchisees from across the country as one of the conference's greatest benefits. “That’s one of the best parts,” Gettier said. “Just having all of us in a room together is incredibly valuable. There’s nothing like spending three days together, sharing meals, talking through challenges and learning from one another. We’re able to share best practices and learn from other franchisees in ways that simply can’t happen virtually.”For newer franchise owners, the conference offered a chance to step back from the day-to-day responsibilities of running a business and gain perspective from experienced operators.“The conference was the first one I attended as a franchise owner,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-dubose-sphr-shrm-scp/">Jason DuBose</a>, a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold-home-care-sumter-jason-dubose-new-owner-2731819">new Griswold franchisee in South Carolina</a>. “You could tell a tremendous amount of preparation and thought went into the event. It was large enough to bring together people from all over the country, but it still had an intimate feel where you could connect directly with franchise leaders, vendors, and fellow owners.”DuBose said the educational sessions and networking opportunities helped him better envision the future of his business. “As a new owner, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily challenges,” he said. “The conference gave me the opportunity to connect with people who have already been where I am and see what their businesses look like one year, five years, or even 10 years down the road. You really can’t measure the value of those conversations.”One of the most anticipated moments of the conference was the annual Griswold Awards Reception. Award recipients included:<ul><li>Client and Caregiver Satisfaction Award:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/marshalloden/">Marshall Oden</a> — Griswold Home Care for North Dallas, Garland &amp; Rockwall, Texas</li><li>Marketing Award:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucemcreynolds/">Bruce McReynolds</a> and the Griswold Home Care for Burlington and Griswold Home Care for Greensboro, North Carolina team</li><li>New Owner Award:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-chandler-047858124/">Nolan Chandler</a> and the Griswold Home Care for Greater Temecula, California team</li><li>Griswoldness Award: recognizing the exceptional contributions of those who go above and beyond&nbsp; their everyday duties to support the company by actively serving&nbsp; fellow franchisees and improving the brand:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-assimon-a8837216/">Michael Assimon</a> — Griswold Care Pairing for Central New York</li><li>Beacon Award:&nbsp;recognizing an office that has achieved notable success, at times following its own path, while remaining engaged in and supportive of Home Office programs and platforms. In doing so, this office demonstrates a commitment to growing and learning, relying on guidance from the corporate team combined with its unique experience and knowledge base, to reach its goals:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-still-984493117/">Michelle Still</a> — Griswold Home Care for Bucks &amp; Montgomery Counties, Pennsylvania</li><li>Innovation Award:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenda-gross-79888aa0/">Brenda Gross</a> — Griswold Home Care for Southeast Houston, Texas</li><li>Diamond Awards:&nbsp;highlighting revenue growth:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-myhre-certified-senior-advisor-csa-%C2%AE-cdp-9a25889/">Brett</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-myhre-50a926a0/">Nicole Myhre</a> — Griswold Home Care for The Greater Twin Cities, Minnesota;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinmpickrell/">Erin Pickrell</a> — Griswold Home Care for Chevy Chase, Maryland;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandakrodriguez/">Amanda Rodriguez</a> — Griswold Home Care for The Poconos, Pennsylvania</li><li>MaryAnne Murray Integrity Award:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rita-cook-bb07a989/">Rita Cook</a> —&nbsp;Griswold Home Care for Anne Arundel &amp; Queen Anne's Counties, Maryland</li><li>Jean Griswold Founder’s Award:&nbsp;acknowledging a franchisee excelling in all aspects of the business:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-gray-30259555/">Patrick</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriegraydba/">Carrie Gray</a> — Griswold Home Care for New Castle County, Delaware</li></ul>Another memorable moment came when the company recognized a longtime leader from Griswold’s company-owned operation in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania.“One of the most touching moments of the conference was recognizing a director who has been with our organization for more than 25 years and was originally hired by Jean Griswold herself,” Slupecki said. “She has trained countless franchisees, supported owners throughout the country, and had a meaningful impact on so many people in that room. When she was recognized, everyone stood and gave her a well-deserved ovation. It was a powerful reminder of the legacy and culture that makes Griswold special.”The conference also demonstrated the strength of the Griswold community through its ongoing support of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jeangriswoldfoundation.org/">Jean Griswold Foundation</a>. During the annual gala, attendees raised a record-setting $128,000 to support Caregiver scholarships and workforce development initiatives.“We set a new fundraising record this year, which speaks volumes about the generosity and passion of our franchisees and partners,” Slupecki said. “Supporting Caregivers has always been central to who we are as a brand, and the success of the Jean Griswold Foundation continues to create opportunities for Caregivers across the country.”As the conference concluded, Slupecki encouraged franchisees to carry the momentum of the event back to their local markets.“The energy throughout the week was incredible,” he said. “Our franchisees continue to raise the bar, support one another and embrace new opportunities to serve their communities. We left Salt Lake City inspired, connected and ready to continue rising together.”To find out more information on costs to buy a Griswold franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold/info">https://1851franchise.com/griswold/info</a>.ABOUT GRISWOLD:With more than 200 locations across 31 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&nbsp;<a href="http://www.griswoldcare.com">www.GriswoldCare.com</a> or call 215.402.0200.

Griswold’s annual conference brought franchisees, Home Office leaders and industry partners to Salt Lake City to celebrate the system’s growth under the theme “Rising Together: From Roots to Summit.”

Griswold's 2026 Franchise Conference Celebrates Growth and Community, Raising a Record $128,000 for Caregiver Scholarships

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A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.griswoldcare.com/">Griswold</a> franchise in Stratford, Connecticut, is celebrating 35 years of serving local families,&nbsp;<a href="https://stratfordcrier.com/four-stratford-women-provide-hope/">according to the Stratford Crier</a>. Cathy Malafronte and her mother, Frances, opened the in-home care business in 1991 after Frances’ father was diagnosed with dementia and the family struggled to find non-medical options in the area. After he passed away, they launched&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold/info">Griswold</a> to help other families access the kind of daily companionship and support they had needed themselves.Since then, the franchise has supported more than 5,000 families in Stratford and the surrounding communities. Its services include companionship and veteran care, allowing seniors to remain in their homes as long as possible.&nbsp;Cathy’s daughters, Kelly and Jessica, now serve as directors in the business and will be the ones to keep the legacy going.“I started the business when Jessica was only a few months old, and Kelly was just 2 years old, never thinking that my two babies, who are now grown women and married, would have any interest in taking over what I thought was going to be just my career,” Cathy said.&nbsp;Through its services and efforts like the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jeangriswoldfoundation.org/">Jean Griswold Foundation</a>, Griswold continues to care for both Clients and Caregivers while helping people feel supported every day.“Our Clients have a vast plethora of needs, from someone who needs companionship to someone who needs round-the-clock care,” Jessica said. “While family engagement varies, sometimes we are talking to family members who are in California, and we update them. For some of our local families, sometimes it’s helping them navigate systems. No matter if they have family local or far, we make sure that families are fully aware and fully involved in their care.”&nbsp;Read the full article&nbsp;<a href="https://stratfordcrier.com/four-stratford-women-provide-hope/">here</a>.&nbsp;To find out more information on costs to buy a Griswold franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold/info.">https://1851franchise.com/griswold/info.</a>&nbsp;

Stratford Crier: Griswold Stratford Celebrates 35 Years of Service

After serving more than 5,000 families, the family-owned Griswold location is looking to the next generation to carry on its work in senior care.

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<a href="https://griswoldhomecarefranchise.com/">Griswold</a>, the non-medical in-home care franchise, was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.abc27.com/news/top-stories/local-home-care-facility-offers-help-for-parkinsons-patients/">featured on ABC affiliate WHTM-TV</a> for the work the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.griswoldcare.com/dauphin-county/">Dauphin County</a> location in Pennsylvania is doing with Parkinson’s patients. The franchise understands that symptoms and disease progression can be different for every patient, so its team individualizes care plans.For Stephanie Carl, who owns the&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold/info">Griswold Home Care for</a> Dauphin County franchise, personalized care often starts with understanding when Clients need the most support. “We might do an overnight to keep someone safe from getting up and having a fall during the night,” she said. “Other times, we might be there in the daytime to help somebody get up, get bathed, dressed, make sure they have their meals.”With more than 40 years of experience, Griswold is one of the country’s top in-home care companies. It provides professional, compassionate help from Caregivers. Griswold’s “Live Assured” promise gives Parkinson’s Clients and their loved ones peace of mind. The franchise understands that Parkinson’s affects more than just movement, often impacting sleep, cognition, and overall daily routines.“Everyone kind of thinks of tremors when they think of Parkinson’s, but it can be stiffness, it can be sleep issues,” said Mallory Kline, a Care Coordinator with Griswold. “They have trouble sleeping [and] cognitive issues.”Watch the segment&nbsp;<a href="https://www.abc27.com/news/top-stories/local-home-care-facility-offers-help-for-parkinsons-patients/">here</a>.&nbsp;To find out more information on costs to buy a Griswold franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold/info.">https://1851franchise.com/griswold/info.</a>&nbsp;

WHTM-TV: Griswold Home Care for Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, Offers Help for Parkinson’s Patients

Griswold’ Home Care for Dauphin County’s team is drawing attention for care that adapts to the day-to-day challenges Parkinson’s patients and their families face.

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<a href="https://www.griswoldcare.com/">Griswold</a>, the non-medical in-home care franchise, is celebrating a milestone year in the&nbsp;<a href="https://activatedinsights.com/articles/activated-insights-announces-2026-best-of-home-care-award-winners/">2026 Best of Home Care Awards</a>, earning top national recognition across both franchisee-specific and industry-wide categories. Most notably,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/garyrhawkins">Gary Hawkins</a>, owner of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.griswoldcare.com/berks-county/">Griswold Home Care for Berks County, Pennsylvania</a>, has been named the No. 1 home care provider in the country out of more than 4,300 participating locations.The honors, presented annually by Activated Insights, are based entirely on third-party Caregiver and Client satisfaction surveys. This year, Griswold achieved:<ul><li>No. 1 Client Net Promoter Score (Franchise Category)</li><li>No. 1 Client Satisfaction (Franchise Category)</li><li>No. 1 Caregiver Employee Net Promoter Score (Industry-Wide)</li><li>No. 1 Caregiver Satisfaction (Industry-Wide)</li></ul>“It’s a big deal, especially this year,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-ericksen-32b75a77">Matt Ericksen</a>, vice president of sales and operations at&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold/info">Griswold</a>. “Gary has been operating for 37 years, and he is a great example of why Griswold has embraced these awards and how franchisees see them drive their business success, both from a growth standpoint and a recognition of what they’ve always done right. It’s been a record year for us — just for the number of awards given overall for the brand, and the top spot being won by Griswold.”<h2>A 37-Year Legacy Comes Full Circle</h2>For Hawkins, the recognition is deeply personal. “We really just wanted feedback from the Clients and Caregivers,” Hawkins said. “So getting this award after 37 years for doing something we’ve always done is very nice.”Hawkins’ journey with Griswold began in 1989, when he served as director of residential services for a company that supported individuals with developmental disabilities. At the time, he was overseeing more than 50 group homes when he learned of an opportunity to open a Griswold office in Berks County.“I went down and got interviewed, and I liked what I heard, but I was still unsure if I wanted to leave my comfortable job,” he said. “After I met founder Jean Griswold, I knew I wanted to do this. There was something about her that was overwhelming. She was talking to me about her vision, her dreams, and her hopes. I really fell in love. Thirty-seven years later, I am still carrying her dream.”Leaving the security of corporate leadership was daunting. “The idea of having to start a business from the ground up, with no Caregivers or Clients, was scary,” Hawkins said. “I remember that first morning, looking at the office and thinking, ‘Oh my God, what do I do now?’”He printed flyers. He educated his community about non-medical home care. He hired his first Caregiver, who stayed with him for 26 years. “We treat our people so well that the average time a Caregiver stays with us is 15 years,” Hawkins said. “I have three people who have been with me since the beginning.”<h2>Built on Love, Compassion, and Community</h2>Today, Griswold's growth in Berks County is largely driven by word-of-mouth referrals. At the heart of his office’s success is a philosophy rooted in&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold/how-griswold-has-grown-and-evolved-over-40-years-2723561">Jean Griswold’s original mission</a>.“We treat our Caregivers and our Clients like family,” Hawkins said. “When Caregivers thank me for giving them a job, I’ll stop them halfway through and tell them, ‘No, thank you for helping us carry on Jean’s philosophy.’ We aren’t any of the other companies — we are based on love, compassion, and caring. That comes down to how we treat people and each other. I’ve been in this for over five decades. It’s all about helping others.”When he learned he had been named the No. 1 provider in the country, Hawkins was overwhelmed.“Last year I was number 11, and I was really thinking about where I would be this year,” he said. “I couldn’t believe it — I cried. I recorded the announcement on my phone. I was totally blown away. We had finally been recognized for something that we’ve done for over 30 years. I attribute that award to our staff, our Caregivers, and Jean Griswold. Jean would be thrilled. If she were alive, she would be so proud.”<h2>Third-Party Validation of a 40-Year Vision</h2>The Best of Home Care Awards, presented annually by&nbsp;<a href="https://activatedinsights.com/">Activated Insights</a>, are determined exclusively through third-party satisfaction surveys completed by both Clients and Caregivers. Participating agencies must meet strict eligibility requirements, including achieving a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 8.75 out of 10. Results are benchmarked against other providers at the regional and national levels using a formula-based scoring methodology, ensuring agencies are measured objectively against their peers. Because the awards are based entirely on direct feedback — not nominations or internal reporting — they are widely regarded as one of the most credible and respected recognitions in the home care industry.“It’s all based on Caregiver and Client surveys,” Ericksen said. “The Best of Home Care Awards are third-party validation of Jean’s original vision for the brand, and our owners continue to pick up that torch and carry it and validate our brand.”Beyond Hawkins’ individual achievement, the brand itself received confirmation that it holds the highest Caregiver and Client satisfaction scores among franchise competitors. “We’ve always coached to outcomes — are your Caregivers and Clients happy? If you follow that, the results speak for themselves,” Ericksen said. “That’s why we set a new record every year for awards and recognition.”<h2>Raising the Standard in Home Care</h2>With record-breaking participation, top national rankings, and industry-leading satisfaction scores, Griswold’s 2026 Best of Home Care recognition underscores what the brand has prioritized for more than four decades:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold/griswold-celebrates-national-caregivers-day-by-announcing-winter-scholarship-winners-through-the-jean-griswold-foundation-2731484#featured">people first</a>.“It was all based on that concept that was created by Jean,” Ericksen said. “We are here to help each other. That is the philosophy that I go by and live by.”<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold/griswold-closes-out-2025-with-record-franchise-growth-and-positions-brand-for-continued-momentum-in-2026-2731320#featured">As Griswold continues to grow nationwide</a>, the message remains clear: when Caregivers and Clients are treated like family, excellence follows.To find out more information on costs to buy a Griswold franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold/info">https://1851franchise.com/griswold/info</a>.

The leading in-home care franchise has earned top national honors for Client and Caregiver satisfaction, with Berks County franchisee Gary Hawkins named the highest-rated provider in the country.

Christina Depalma and Eric Schuster Launch Griswold Home Care in Ocala and The Villages, Florida

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