New Griswold Franchise Set to Open in Ventura County; Continues the Legacy of Franchisees’ Late Father

VENTURA, CA – Griswold, the leading non-medical home care franchise, proudly announces the launch of its newest location in Ventura, California. Known for its compassionate and professional caregivers available 24/7, Griswold brings its “Live Assured” promise to the residents of Ventura County, allowing clients and their loved ones to live worry-free thanks to the brand’s customized and wide-ranging care plans.

The new franchise, spearheaded by the passionate duo Grant and Stephanie Meikle, is set to open in early 2024. This expansion signifies not only business growth but also a deeply personal journey for the Meikles, rooted in a legacy of care and compassion. From the age of five, Stephanie spent a significant part of her life dedicated to caring for her father. This experience not only instilled in her a tenacity and resilience inspired by her father’s strength, but also shaped her understanding of the crucial need for compassionate caregiving. 

“Throughout my life, my dad was ill with a rare vascular disease called Buerger's disease, which resulted in the loss of several limbs,” said Stephanie. “Over the course of his life I aided in his care and he has always been an inspiration for me. Seeing someone with non-human strength has created a tenacity inside of me to never give up.” 

Last year, following her fathers’ unexpected passing, Stephanie says Griswold appeared serendipitously on her radar. “This made me feel as it was meant to be,” she said. “My goal was always to keep my dad in his home with his integrity and independence intact. I saw first hand how important this was and so it was obvious. Griswold aligned with our values.” 

With their two children growing older, Stephanie, who had spent 20 years as a stay-at-home-mom, found herself ready to embark on a new career path. Grant, with a strong background in mortgage finance and real estate investing, complemented Stephanie's caregiving passion with his expertise in operations and back-office management. 

"This endeavor is something Stephanie and I are doing together,” Grant said. “We have two kids — 20 and 12 — she’s spent those years taking care of them and is now able to jump back into her career. We wanted to open a business for the right reasons, so we loved how we would be doing something with a purpose, while also building a very successful business.”

Elderly adults and adults with disabilities or illnesses have specific needs, which is why Griswold offers a wide variety of services to accommodate their clients. The brand’s care plans are customized to fit each client and can be adjusted as their needs change over time. Their home care services include homemaking, personal care, companion care, hospice care support, respite care, live-in, 24/7 and overnight care.

Additionally, the senior population is growing rapidly in the United States, and the need for in-home care has never been greater, especially in the context of the recent pandemic. Griswold responded to this need with an exciting brand update in early 2023, introducing innovations and technological advancements while emphasizing its core values of trusted relationships, personalized care and expert foundations.

“It is all about helping people,” said Stephanie. “I understand what it is like to be on the other side of taking care of a loved one. We knew we would be able to follow the Griswold model and bring this thorough and compassionate service to our community. This business feels like a way to help others preserve their dignity and independence. We can offer them a safe environment that makes them feel comfortable, so they can spend their days doing what they love.”

Looking ahead, the Meikles say they hope to create a culture of purpose and empathy, fostering a team of caregivers who share their commitment to enhancing the lives of those they serve. 

“We want to help as many people as possible and also foster a supportive culture for our caregivers,” said Grant. “They are just as passionate as we are — they want to show up and bring purpose to their days. Those are really our goals — make an impact, build a good team and become known as a quality group of people in our community. The growth of the business will come from that.”

Griswold CEO Mike Slupecki expressed equal enthusiasm for the new Ventura franchise. “We are thrilled to welcome Grant and Stephanie to the Griswold family,” he said. “Their unique blend of professional skills and personal experience will undoubtedly enrich the lives of those in Ventura.”

ABOUT GRISWOLD

With 170 locations in 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. For more information, visit griswoldhomecare.com or call 215-402-0200