The Great Franchisee: Brandon Harrison, Griswold Home Care, Katy, TX

After more than a decade in the energy industry, business-management expert Brandon Harrison is leaving the corporate world to start his own business with Griswold Home Care, the 200-location leading senior care franchise. 

Harrison began his career at NextEra Energy, Inc., where he was introduced to a colleague named Viking Dietrich. Harrison and Dietrich worked together for years, all the while planning to one day go into business for themselves. That day arrived late last year, after the partners had researched more than a dozen franchise opportunities. 

Ultimately, after seeing how Griswold would allow the passionate entrepreneurs an opportunity to meet their financial goals while also giving back to their communities, both Dietrich and Harrison decided to open their own franchise units with the fast-growing senior care brand.

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

Brandon Harrison: My professional start began at NextEra Energy, Inc., where I met my business partner. I was just getting my career started, and he really helped me with my own professional development. Throughout my career, I have worked in the oil and natural gas industry. Most recently, I was an asset manager for a large petrochemical company, but I left that behind to focus on Griswold full-time.

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

Harrison: A franchising opportunity was something that I sought initially. I wanted to pursue an opportunity that had the foundation already laid and that I could contribute my professional background to. My business partner had researched a restaurant franchise opportunity years ago, and we started this search based on that experience.

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

Harrison: I’ve always talked about leaving corporate America behind. Franchise opportunities appealed to me since they had proven systems that worked and support from a corporate team.

1851: How did you perform your research?

Harrison: Initially, I began my search based on opportunities that interested me. Once I identified those interests, I reached out to franchisors and current franchisees to get a better understanding of the industry and market.

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

Harrison: I knew I wanted to find something that was lucrative but also provided a service that had a positive impact on my customers’ lives. 

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

Harrison: I’m certainly interested in growing with the brand and purchasing more territories. For now, I’m excited to develop Griswold in Katy and continue growing the brand’s presence throughout Houston. 

1851: What does it mean to you opening up a home care facility in the midst of a global pandemic? How will Griswold help the community during this time?

Harrison: Home care service is more important now than ever before. What I really liked about the home care industry is that there really aren’t many disruptions due to COVID-19. Initially, yes, everyone was afraid to leave their homes. But once safety measures were put in place, Griswold got home care workers back into customers’ homes. The business is COVID-proof. The need for home care has also grown with people spending less time in hospitals for rehabilitation and instead coming home where they need a caregiver.

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

Harrison: I think that working with a franchise broker can be beneficial. My business partner and I found Griswold on our own, but we did engage with a couple of brokers to understand if there were any opportunities that we would not have found ourselves. The brokers that we spoke with offered a lot of good advice and I would recommend others to utilize their services.

1851: What do you do in your personal time?

Harrison: I spend most of my free time with my wife and two kids. I am a huge baseball fan and baseball season is something that we look forward to every year. On a typical weekend, you would find us at our family ranch near Gonzales, Texas, where we raise cattle and make memories.

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.