Brett and Nicole Myhre, the entrepreneurial couple who brought Griswold to the Twin Cities, have spent the past few years making a significant impact in senior care. With a unique blend of personal experience, community engagement and innovative ideas, they are now expanding their reach to help more seniors in Minnesota. 

Rapid Growth and Community Engagement

Prior to Griswold, Brett spent over 15 years in the graphic design industry managing his own freelance business, while Nicole worked as a professional hairstylist for 13 years. The loss of three grandparents during the COVID pandemic was a pivotal moment for the couple, steering them toward senior care. 

“After losing our grandparents and having our daughter during this time, we decided it was time for a change in our careers,” said Nicole. “One of my friends owns a Griswold, and Brett and I went on vacation to visit her. She thought we’d be really great franchisees with the brand, and the more she told us, the more we were sold. Being a part of Griswold allows me to do a lot of things that I’m really passionate about, like helping people, making them feel better about themselves and keeping them where they’re most comfortable: at home.”

Since opening their first Griswold location in 2021, the Myhres have seen rapid growth, necessitating the move to a larger office in a prime downtown location. When it comes to the reasons behind this success, the couple say their approach extends far beyond business.

"For Nicole and I, it was important to differentiate our approach from other agencies,” said Brett. “We aim to be integral members of our community, actively contributing to its well-being. This commitment is evident in our monthly 'Griswold Give Back' initiatives, for example, which include participating in programs like Meals on Wheels and supporting local food shelters. Giving back to the community is not just a part of our business — it's a crucial aspect of our values."

Bringing a New Perspective to Senior Care 

When the Myhres entered the Twin Cities' senior care market, they brought a fresh perspective to an industry recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"When we launched our Griswold franchise, it was the sole location in the Twin Cities area, introducing one of the nation's oldest home care franchises to this city,” said Nicole. “This lack of awareness presented us with a unique opportunity, as the senior care sector had few new or emerging companies. Our fresh approach and the novelty of our services attracted considerable attention. Long-standing professionals in the industry were particularly receptive to a new company like ours. Given the challenging times, especially post-COVID, where burnout in senior care is a significant issue, our eagerness and fresh perspective to help the community really made a difference."

For example, the Myhres have become known for their therapy dogs Scout and Ruby, who often come along on visits to hospitals or assisted living facilities. 

"I am always looking for ways to integrate my love for dogs into my daily life,” said Nicole. “While it felt a bit selfish at first, I realized that spending more time with my dogs could actually be beneficial for everyone. Scout, Ruby and I make biweekly hospital visits and participate in therapy classes for children. They accompany me almost everywhere, bringing immense joy to our office and our clients. Particularly during assessments, the dogs provide comfort to clients who might feel depressed or isolated."

Expanding Their Reach

Since opening their Griswold franchise, the Myhres have been growing so fast they recently expanded into Hennepin County after receiving numerous calls from potential clients who were hoping they serviced the area. Looking ahead, they plan on continuing to grow in 2024 with more territories throughout the Minneapolis area. They are also eager to continue providing meaningful work opportunities for caregivers — the couple was recognized as a Home Care Pulse Employer of Choice last year.

"We chose this franchise specifically because it provides the systems and tools necessary for success,” said Brett. “These resources have set us up for expanding into new territories. Our plan is to replicate these effective tools and systems in our new locations, enabling further growth. As we expand, our primary focus will be on maintaining the high quality and standards that define our service."

For those considering franchising, the Myhres advise thorough research and understanding the commitment involved. 

"We never thought this would be something we were capable of achieving, but Griswold has shown us how to transform our passions for people into a scalable business,” said Nicole. “Their incredible support has been instrumental in our growth, allowing us to expand as much as we desire."
To learn more about Griswold's franchising opportunities, please visit: https://1851franchise.com/griswold