Griswold

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mernewilliam?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=merne-asplund-griswold-franchise-prior-lake-2730263" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Merne Asplund</a> built his career in web development, but over time, the screen became a barrier to what he truly craved — human connection. After the pandemic pushed much of his work remote, he found himself longing for more face-to-face interaction and a way to give back in a meaningful way. When he discovered&nbsp;<a href="https://griswoldhomecarefranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=merne-asplund-griswold-franchise-prior-lake-2730263" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Griswold</a>, the non-medical home care franchise, it felt like fate. Now, with a new location opening in Prior Lake, Minnesota, and the support of his husband and young daughter, Asplund is on a mission to help people stay safe and supported in their homes — and to create sustainable jobs in the community he loves.1851 spoke with Asplund to learn more about his background, what drew him to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold/info">Griswold</a> and his plans for the future.&nbsp;1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?Merne Asplund: I started my career in web development and have been doing that for the past 15 years. But things have changed a lot, especially since COVID. The work became so remote, and I was really looking for more one-on-one time with people. I wanted to give back to the community and have more face time — that personal connection that was missing.1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know now that you're in it?Asplund: I live in the city, and honestly, I just couldn’t support my family with what web development pays anymore. It was time to start something new. I’ve always been looking for a business, but none of the opportunities that came up really fit — I wanted something I would actually want to do and something that could be successful for me and my employees.I’d never thought about home care before, but I come from a big family, and those kinds of conversations — about nursing homes and assisted living — are a hot-button issue. Being able to help people stay at home and maintain their independence — that really struck a chord with me. It helps people stay connected with their families, even at the end of life. It was touching. It’s a growing opportunity, and it just felt like the right time to jump in.1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about the company?Asplund: I had been laid off in January and was looking for another development position when Griswold reached out to me. I was immediately drawn to the Jean Griswold story. I loved the industry and could tell how much they care about their caregivers and employees.The Jean Griswold Foundation and the scholarship program really stood out to me. I loved the whole origin story of the brand — how it was founded by Jean Griswold and her mission. Griswold just really spoke to me.1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?Asplund: For me, this is really my retirement plan — hopefully something I can bring my whole family into. There are so many people in hospitals who can’t go home because there’s no one there to help them. I want to help people and support my family at the same time.1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?Asplund: This is probably going to be a business my husband and I run together. We also have a six-year-old daughter. They’re my moral support while I get this off the ground.It feels really good to have found something that can pay sustainable wages in our community — something that really helps people. We're so spread out in this country; a lot of people don’t live where they grew up anymore. This work really spoke to me. If I could go back, I would’ve told myself to do it sooner.ABOUT GRISWOLDWith 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&nbsp;<a href="http://www.griswoldcare.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=merne-asplund-griswold-franchise-prior-lake-2730263" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.griswoldcare.com</a> or call 215.402.0200.

1851 Franchisee Spotlight graphic with photo of Merne Asplund and Griswold logo

Web Developer Merne Asplund Opens Griswold Home Care Franchise in Prior Lake, Minnesota

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After 15 years in tech, Merne Asplund felt a calling for deeper connection and community impact. His new Griswold franchise is a family-run mission to bring compassionate care home.

Why This Web Developer Left the Industry To Find a New Passion With Griswold Franchise in Prior Lake, Minnesota

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

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1851 Franchisee Spotlight graphic with photos of Kamal and Krushna Panda, Shantadeepa Pani, Griswold

Culture Over Capital: Why the Panda and Pani Families Chose Griswold for Their Transition Into Franchising

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image of dennis hodapp from Pflugerville and Round Rock, Texas griswold franchise owner

 Former Minister and Software Engineer Opens New Griswold Franchise to Serve Austin-Area Seniors

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Caregiver Rachel Chai, a lifelong Hawaii resident and mother of two, is pursuing a master’s degree in social work while continuing to serve clients through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.griswoldcare.com/">Griswold</a>, the leading non-medical in-home care franchise. After nearly a decade working as a Caregiver, Chai was recently named a recipient of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jeangriswoldfoundation.org/">Jean Griswold Foundation</a> Scholarship Program, becoming the only awardee from Hawaii during the most recent cycle.Chai began caregiving in 2014 and developed an early passion for geriatrics while working in a nursing home. “I loved building relationships with our patients and we became really close,” she told&nbsp;<a href="https://alohastatedaily.com/2026/02/19/honolulus-rachel-chai-talks-caregiving/">Aloha State Daily</a>.She credits Griswold’s scholarship support with helping ease the financial burden of continuing her education and allowing her to focus more fully on her long-term goal of serving families through social work.“Being a divorced mom of two young children, I didn’t know how I was going to pay for school and living expenses, so finding out I got the scholarship really took a weight off my shoulders,” Chai said.Her dedication shows up in everyday moments, from staying with a client during a tsunami warning to creating meaningful experiences like a “girls’ night in” for those in her care.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jeangriswoldfoundation.org/">Jean Griswold Foundation</a> Scholarship Program awarded 32 scholarships totaling more than $73,000 to Caregivers nationwide this year.Read the full article&nbsp;<a href="https://alohastatedaily.com/2026/02/19/honolulus-rachel-chai-talks-caregiving/">here</a>.&nbsp;To find out more information on Griswold or The Jean Griswold Foundation, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.griswoldcare.com/">https://www.GriswoldCare.com/</a> or <a href="https://www.JeanGriswoldFoundation.org/.">https://www.JeanGriswoldFoundation.org/.</a>&nbsp;

Griswold Caregiver in Hawaii Awarded National Scholarship While Pursuing Social Work Degree

Local Caregiver Rachel Chai is balancing motherhood, school and work with support from Griswold’s National Caregiver Scholarship Program.

Aloha State Daily: Griswold Caregiver in Hawaii Awarded National Scholarship While Pursuing Social Work Degree

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BLUE BELL, Pa.&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://www.griswoldcare.com/">Griswold</a> is kicking off 2026 with recognition from two well-known names in franchising: Entrepreneur and Franchise Business Review. The non-medical in-home care brand with more than 40 years of experience supporting families across the United States was named to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500">Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500</a> and also earned several honors from&nbsp;<a href="https://franchisebusinessreview.com/">Franchise Business Review</a>.<a href="https://griswoldhomecarefranchise.com/">Griswold’s</a> placement on the 2026 Franchise 500 reflects the brand’s continued momentum over the past several years. Published annually by Entrepreneur, the ranking evaluates franchise systems across areas such as growth, financial strength, and overall performance.“We’d like to thank everyone who has contributed, from the Home Office team to our entire nationwide franchise network and everyone in between,” the company said in a statement announcing the recognition.In addition to the Entrepreneur ranking,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold/info">Griswold</a> has also been named a 2026 Top Franchise by Franchise Business Review, an honor based entirely on feedback from franchise owners. The award recognizes franchisors that deliver strong support, effective leadership, and meaningful financial opportunities for their franchisees.Franchise Business Review also recognized Griswold with five additional awards based on feedback from more than 30,000 franchise owners nationwide, further reinforcing the strength of its system and franchisee experience. These honors include:<ul><li>Most Profitable Franchise</li><li>Top Recession-Resistant Franchise</li><li>Top Franchise</li><li>Top Franchise for Veterans</li><li>Top Franchise Culture</li></ul>“As we reflect on our growth, we are proud to celebrate Griswold being recognized with five awards from Franchise Business Review,” COO Steven Turner said. “Each award reflects the hard work, passion and commitment of our owners and staff that make Griswold stand out. We are grateful for our network and excited for what’s ahead in 2026.”The awards underscore what has helped Griswold keep growing: a support structure for franchisees, a culture rooted in care, and owners who are deeply connected to the communities they serve.ABOUT GRISWOLD:With over 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 Franchise - Entrepreneur 500 - FBR Award - 1851 Franchise

With more than four decades in home care, the brand continues to strengthen its network through consistent support, steady growth, and a focus on owner success.

Griswold Wraps up Q1 with National Recognition from Entrepreneur and Franchise Business Review

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BLUE BELL, PA. —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.griswoldcare.com/">Griswold</a>, one of the nation’s leading in-home care franchises with a 43-year legacy, is closing out 2025 on a high note after achieving record growth across franchise development, systemwide performance and brand recognition. The milestone year positions the brand for even greater momentum in 2026 as&nbsp;<a href="https://griswoldhomecarefranchise.com/">Griswold</a> continues to expand thoughtfully while investing in innovation that helps older adults safely age in place.“This year was spectacular for Griswold — we hit every goal across the board,” said CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-slupecki-08b2288">Michael Slupecki</a>. “Our franchisee royalty growth was right there at double digits. We signed 21 franchise agreements and opened 16 locations, and our five company-owned locations all delivered spectacular year-over-year growth. It’s been a great year.”Throughout 2025, Griswold expanded into 13 states. North Carolina led the way with four new franchise awards, while additional openings across secondary and tertiary markets reinforced Griswold’s belief that the right owners can thrive anywhere.“The aging population is really happening everywhere,” Slupecki said. “Because this is a people business, it’s about finding the right partners with the right mission and values. When you do that, they can be successful wherever they are, and we’re seeing tremendous performance across the system.”In addition to expansion, Griswold earned more external recognition in 2025 than any year in its history, including three top honors from&nbsp;<a href="https://franchisebusinessreview.com/top-franchises/griswold-home-care/#brand_awards_module">Franchise Business Review: Top Franchise, Top Recession-Resistant Franchise and Top Franchise Culture</a>. The home office team was also recognized for the fourth consecutive year by&nbsp;<a href="https://sponsored.inquirer.com/top-workplaces-2025-ranked/">the Philadelphia Inquirer as a Top Workplace</a>.“We’re not just hitting our internal goals; we’re being recognized externally,” Slupecki said. “Prospective franchisees come into Discovery Day already having done their validation. They’ve spoken to existing owners about our culture, our mission and our support. It’s a great blend of culture and being able to make money, and that gives people confidence to step away from a 9-to-5 and invest in a Griswold franchise.”A key driver of Griswold’s long-term growth strategy in 2025 was continued investment in tech. While not a health care provider, the brand increasingly operates with a health care mindset — using technology tools that help monitor client well-being, identify early signs of decline and reduce unnecessary hospitalizations.“We think like a health care company,” Slupecki said. “By leveraging technology and data, we’re raising our game and differentiating ourselves. Our goal is to become the provider of choice for families by keeping clients safe, healthy and in their homes longer.”Looking ahead to 2026, Griswold aims to sign approximately 23 new franchise locations, with target markets including Utah, Wisconsin and Alabama.“We don’t want to sell a lot of locations and do it poorly,” Slupecki said. “We want 100% of the people who trust their investment with us to succeed. Holding ourselves to higher standards allows us to provide the support franchisees need to win. We’re in a great position to take the success of 2025 and do it even better. If we can grow faster, open more successful locations and roll out technology that truly differentiates our franchisees, that’s a win across the board.”ABOUT GRISWOLDWith 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<a href="http://www.griswoldcare.com">&nbsp;www.GriswoldCare.com</a> or call 215.402.0200.

With 21 franchise agreements signed, 16 new locations opened and expansion across 13 states, Griswold strengthens its national footprint while doubling down on tech, culture and franchisee success.

Griswold Closes Out 2025 With Record Franchise Growth and Positions Brand for Continued Momentum in 2026

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BLUE BELL, Pa. —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.griswoldcare.com/">Griswold</a>, the leading non-medical in-home care franchise, announced the winter 2026 recipients of its National Caregiver Scholarship Program in honor of National Caregivers Day on Feb. 20, 2026. The program, administered in partnership with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jeangriswoldfoundation.org/">Jean Griswold Foundation</a>, awarded its largest scholarship class to date, with 32 scholarships awarded totaling more than $73,000.“We are really excited for the Winter Scholarships winners — this was our biggest year ever,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-latini-61835b2">Sarah Latini</a>, director of the Jean Griswold Foundation. “It really shows how far the message of the opportunity and its impacts are reaching across the country.”The scholarship recipients represent Caregivers at many stages of their education and professional journeys — from those pursuing CNA training to others advancing into nursing, gerontology, behavioral health, and graduate-level health care programs.“We have a wonderful representation of both men and women at different stages of their careers,” Latini said. “Many of them were touched by a personal experience of caring for a loved one or somebody in the community that inspired them to advance their careers.”This year’s winter scholarship recipients include Caregivers from across the country who plan to use their awards to pursue education and training in high-need care fields. Below are those associated with Griswold offices nationwide:<ul><li>Aries J. (San Antonio, Texas) — pursuing board-certified behavior analyst coursework.</li><li>Ayris W. (Gwynn Oak, Maryland) — pursuing certified nursing assistant/high school diploma pathway.</li><li>Elias A. (Washington, D.C.) — pursuing certified nursing assistant training.</li><li>Ester C. (Plano, Texas) — pursuing advanced geriatric care education.</li><li>Eturnity S. (San Antonio, Texas) — pursuing physical therapist assistant program.</li><li>Garine "Gigi" G. (Atlanta, Georgia) — pursuing registered nurse degree.</li><li>Grace M. (Greensburg, Pennsylvania) — pursuing bachelor's degree in gerontology and aging services.</li><li>Joycy B. (Baltimore, Maryland) — pursuing registered nurse degree.</li><li>Kawana S. (Camden County, New Jersey) — pursuing Master of Science in Nursing.</li><li>Nadine C. (Camden County, New Jersey) — pursuing licensed practical nurse degree.</li><li>Paulina P. (Plano, Texas) — pursuing certified nursing assistant certification.</li><li>Rachel C. (Honolulu, Hawaii) — pursuing Master of Social Work.</li><li>Shachana M. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) — pursuing continuing education in nursing/care.</li><li>Symone B. (Cleveland, Ohio) — pursuing registered nurse degree.</li><li>Vilma F. (Montgomery County, Maryland) — pursuing certified medical assistant and Child Development Associate credential.</li></ul>Latini emphasized that the scholarship program is rooted in the values of Griswold’s founder — and in the belief that Caregiver education strengthens families and communities.“Dr. Jean Griswold believed in continuing one’s education throughout one’s life,” Latini said. “She herself got a PhD later in life and was always encouraging staff to advance in their careers. We feel strongly that we are continuing her legacy by providing scholarships for Caregivers. We really feel we are living out her legacy with this scholarship program.”The program also reflects the urgent workforce needs facing health care today, especially in nursing and direct care roles.“In the health care field, there is a strain and a need for people to enter the nursing field in particular,” Latini said. “We see the pipeline as a direct line to the nursing fields. There is a lot going on right now, and we know that these frontline workers are essential to our communities.”The Jean Griswold Foundation surpassed a major milestone in annual scholarship support last year, a benchmark it aims to reach again in 2026.“In 2025, we gave away over $100,000 in scholarships total,” Latini said. “It is our goal to give away the same amount in the next year. Since we started in 2022, we’ve given 135 scholarships, and that totals over $300,000 awarded overall.”Applications for the Summer 2026 scholarship cycle opened Feb. 1 and close on March 31, 2026. For more information about the National Caregiver Scholarship Program and eligibility, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jeangriswoldfoundation.org/scholarship">https://www.jeangriswoldfoundation.org/scholarship</a>.&nbsp;Your support makes our Caregiver Scholarship possible:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jeangriswoldfoundation.org/donate#waystodonate">https://www.jeangriswoldfoundation.org/donate#waystodonate</a>.ABOUT THE JEAN GRISWOLD FOUNDATIONHonoring the founder of Griswold Home Care, Dr. Jean Griswold, The Jean Griswold Foundation is a public non-profit whose primary goal is to support Caregivers. Funds raised through private donors, corporations, franchisees, and employees will focus on Caregiver education through scholarships. The Jean Griswold Foundation believes that everyone deserves to age with dignity and the availability of quality Caregivers is the key to achieving this goal. By supporting the profession of caregiving in all its forms, communities across the nation will be happier and healthier places to live. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.jeangriswoldfoundation.org">www.JeanGriswoldFoundation.org</a>.ABOUT GRISWOLDWith 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<a href="http://www.griswoldcare.com">&nbsp;www.GriswoldCare.com</a> or call 215.402.0200.

Griswold National Caregivers Day Scholarship Winners

Caregivers all over the country were awarded more than $73,000 to advance education and strengthen the future of frontline care.

Why This Web Developer Left the Industry To Find a New Passion With Griswold Franchise in Prior Lake, Minnesota

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