After more than 15 years in nursing — including working in emergency departments throughout the COVID-19 pandemic — Jason Edwards knew there had to be a better way to help seniors live safely at home. This summer, he’s launching a Griswold franchise to do just that for Gaston and Lincoln Counties in North Carolina. With a background in both paramedicine and nursing, and a lifelong familiarity with caregiving through his mother’s work, Edwards brings a clinical eye and a compassionate heart to the home care industry. He’s ready to make a difference — not just as a nurse, but now as a franchise owner.

1851 spoke with Edwards to learn more about his story and his decision to franchise with Griswold.

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?

Jason Edwards: I’ve always been in health care — even before I graduated from high school. I started out as a paramedic, and I’ve been a nurse for the past 15 years.

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’re in it?

Edwards: I actually know one of the other Griswold owners, Bruce McReynolds, and he introduced me to the business. Working in the emergency department all the way through COVID, I started looking for other options. Griswold had so many resources already laid out. They’d be able to provide me with all the support to get up and running and make a profit sooner by having people show me the way, rather than having to figure it all out on my own. That other owner I spoke to really recommended going the franchise route instead of starting something on your own.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Edwards: It’s the longest-running and fourth-largest home care franchise in the country, and I really enjoyed hearing the story of Jean Griswold and how the company started. I could relate to it. I’ve had patients come into the emergency department for things that could have been handled at home if someone had just been there — someone to make sure they didn’t fall, to help them take their meds. Simple things can prevent so many hospital visits.

Also, my mom has been a non-medical caregiver my entire life, so I’ve been exposed to this kind of work for as long as I can remember. I liked the idea of making personal connections — pairing people up, getting to know them, being invested in their well-being.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?

Edwards: My plan is to really get out in the community — I’ve been here a long time. I’m excited to network with senior centers, senior advisory councils and other agencies. Right now, the goal is just to grow the business.

1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?

Edwards: I’m very familiar with caring for patients in their homes. I’ve seen firsthand the things we can do better. I’ve taken care of them before they got to the hospital and after. I have a real passion for injury and illness prevention, and I want to help people stay in their homes for as long as possible.

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?

Edwards: I did pretty good research before getting into this. Knowing another franchise owner gave me a good idea of what to expect.

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.