How These Retirees Are Carrying on Their Parents’ Legacy with Their Griswold Franchise

Like many reaching the end of a career in corporate America, Dave and Wendy Perry were ready to retire, but they weren’t ready to stop working altogether. After looking at everything from gyms to eyelash businesses, nothing pulled at their heart strings quite like Griswold, the non-medical home care franchise with over 170 units. With personal experience caring for Wendy’s aging parents, the duo knew Griswold franchise ownership would not only be the perfect way to take control of their destiny, but also a prime way to offer a meaningful and much-needed service to their Roseville, CA community. 

“Previously, we helped care for Wendy's aging parents for about six years,” said Dave. “They made us promise we wouldn’t move them out of the house, and we were able to do that by bringing in 24/7 care for them. We want to carry on that tradition — we know how important it is to help people stay in their home.”

Prior to franchising, Dave was a general manager for PDM Steel and CEO of a chamber of commerce, while Wendy spent 30 years as an executive in the title and escrow industry. 

“Wendy had a friend in franchise development, and we had been talking with him for about five years before retiring,” said Dave. “Compared to going into business on your own or reinventing a wheel, it is a much easier equation with franchising — especially with a complicated industry. A franchisor has gone through it hundreds of times already and can help you every step of the way, and the costs are very reasonable. You are not just giving them a lump payment that gets you nothing.”

Although the couple had the franchising bug, they weren’t able to determine the right path until after retirement. “Suddenly, it all came together when we realized we could focus on one industry: home care,” said Dave.

Another significant aspect of the Perrys' decision was their existing commitment to serving senior veterans. Both active volunteers in veteran groups, with Dave being a veteran himself, the duo wanted to provide targeted care for senior veterans while offering employment opportunities to veterans and active-duty reservists. 

Despite having this singular focus on the home care industry, the Perrys’ franchise due diligence was far from over. 

“We vetted about 12 different home care companies,” said Dave. “A lot of them were good, but one of the things that stuck out with Griswold was that the Chief Operating Officer was on our initial call. In speaking directly with him, the communication was very clear — what our expectations are and what their expectations are. It made it a lot easier to move forward. We had someone who could answer all of our questions on that initial call. Griswold is also one of the first non-medical home care companies. That was important to us, as well.”

Founded in 1982, Griswold is backed by over 40 years of experience providing quality home care to the elderly, disabled adults and individuals recovering from illness. Dr. Jean Griswold was a senior care professional who had multiple sclerosis (MS) and recognized firsthand that the elderly often lacked the assistance they needed to remain independent at home. Griswold set out to offer a wide variety of in-home support services, with care plans customized to fit each client that could be adjusted as their needs change over time. The brand’s home care services include homemaking, personal care, companion care, hospice care support, respite care, live-in, 24/7 and overnight care.

Now, as the Perrys gear up for their own Griswold opening early next year, their franchise is not just a business opening — it's a promise of compassion and care, ensuring that residents can Live Assured in the comfort of their homes.

“We are thrilled to have Dave and Wendy as part of the Griswold family and we look forward to watching them make a true impact on their Roseville community,” said Michael Slupecki, CEO of Griswold. “Their story is a beacon of inspiration. It demonstrates how personal experiences can shape and drive entrepreneurial endeavors, particularly in fields as impactful as home care and with brands as meaningful as Griswold.”

For more information about franchising with Griswold, please visit https://www.griswoldhomecare.com/franchising/investment-info/.