The Great Franchisees: Brett and Nicole Myhre, Griswold Home Care, Minneapolis

Like many families, husband and wife Brett and Nicole Myhre were stricken with the loss of loved ones during the COVID-19 crisis. The couple lost three of their grandparents last year. Now, the former graphic designer and hairstylist, respectively, are changing careers, starting their own senior-care business with Griswold Home Care, the 168-unit in-home care franchise that has been helping seniors achieve better health, comfort and happiness for more than 30 years.

The Myhres are set to open their first location in Anoka County this year, and they plan to open at least one more location in the future.

1851 Franchise: Tell us your story – what did you do before franchising?

Brett Myhre: I am a creative person and problem solver. I have an art background, and for the past 15 years, I’ve been in the graphic design industry. I also ran my own freelance graphic design business for the past 12 years. 

Nicole Myhre: Very early in life, I knew that I wanted to have a career that was based around people and doing hair was something I always enjoyed. After high school, I went to Aveda Cosmetology School and I have been a hairstylist for the past 13 years. 

1851: How did you initially find out about franchising and what was your perception of franchising before becoming a franchise owner?

Brett: I was somewhat familiar with franchising, but the first thing that came to mind was McDonald’s. I didn’t know much about how franchises operated and how royalties worked. We decided to go the franchise route because we didn’t have a background in the healthcare industry and felt that we really needed the support from a corporate team with systems in place that were tried and true. 

Nicole: I knew about various franchises in the hair care industry, like Sport Clips*. A friend of mine is a current Griswold franchisee, and she helped me learn more about how franchising works. I was really sold on the support and knowledge that the franchisor brings to the table.

1851: How did you decide you wanted to be a franchisee?

Brett: This year was a year of reflection for a lot of people, and Nicole and I decided we wanted to try something new. We had a daughter during the pandemic, and my grandmother could only meet her through the window of her nursing home. We also lost three of our grandparents during the pandemic as well. We became really passionate about giving the community other options, like in-home care. Becoming a franchisee with Griswold is allowing me to have that face-to-face interaction with clients that I have been longing for while giving back to the community. 

Nicole: Things have definitely changed for me in the hair care industry after the pandemic. Our salon had to close down for three months, which I used to reflect on my career. It’s a difficult job that’s hard on your body, and with my reflection, I realized I had a lot more space to help people in other ways as well. After losing our grandparents and having our daughter during this time, we decided it was time for a change. 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. 

1851: How did you perform your research?

Brett: We did some preliminary research on other home health care franchises in the area to see what else is out there, but nothing compared to Griswold. 

1851: Why did you pick Griswold Home Care? What excited you most about the potential?

Brett: We love the history of Griswold and their mission. We’re excited to bring this service to an area that is quite underserved in terms of quality in-home care. Griswold is extremely innovative and has programs in place to help the customer and their family members.

Nicole: There’s only one other Griswold in Minnesota, so we’re really looking forward to bringing a new brand to Anoka County. 

1851: What are your dreams with the business? What does the future look like?

Nicole: Our plan is to purchase at least one more territory in the future. 

1851: What advice would you have for others looking at buying a franchise?

Brett: Do your due diligence. This is a big decision, and there’s a lot of research to be done. Also, you have to make sure the brand you pick is the right pick. It’s like a marriage with the franchisor. You have to make sure the people in the home office are people you want to work with long term.

Nicole: Talk to other franchise owners. Ask to have a meeting with them to hear about their experience with the company to learn more about challenges they’ve faced and how they came back from them.

1851: What do you do in your personal time?

Brett: We have two daughters and love spending our free time with them. I also love tapping into my creative side, whether it’s working on motorcycles or sewing my daughters’ Halloween costumes.

Nicole: We love spending time outdoors. I particularly love gardening and riding horses on my mom’s farm. I’ve been riding horses since I was 10 years old. I also love riding motorcycles, and Brett actually built mine for me. 

About Griswold Home Care

With 200 locations in 30 states, Griswold Home Care is one of the country’s top home care companies, delivering compassionate care 24/7 to its clients. Its purpose is to give people the help they need to live in the place they love. Through this purpose, Griswold Home Care helps adults maintain quality of life despite advanced age or onset of illness 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 www.griswoldhomecare.com or call 215.402.0200.