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<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

1851 Franchise

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

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