Griswold Home Care and GHCFA Jointly Announce Groundbreaking Franchise Agreements
Griswold Home Care (GHC), a company that provides non-medical at-home care services, and its independent franchisee association, the GHCFA, a chapter of the American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD), have announced the successful negotiation of new franchise agreements that affirm a commitment to a common mission and shared guiding principles. These groundbreaking agreements, negotiated over 18 months, are now among the highest rated in franchising history, scoring above 97% conformity with the criteria set forth in the AAFD’s Fair Franchising Standards.
The franchise agreements acknowledge that the success of Griswold Home Care’s common mission “is dependent on GHC and our franchisees working together in a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation.” The agreement also sets out guiding principles which include franchisees affirming respect for GHC’s ownership of the system and GHC committing to “respect Franchisee’s ownership interest in the going concern value of the Franchise, the investment in the Franchise made by Franchisee, and the Franchisee’s interest in a long-term durable relationship.”
Among the many distinguishing and admirable characteristics of the agreements are:
- Recognition of GHC’s ownership of the brand and its trademarks and the right to evolve the marks in its discretion, but with consultation with elected franchisee representatives and with respect for a franchisee’s equity in the franchised business.
- Recognition of the right of franchisees to be represented, and agreement to consult with respect to matters of importance to all stakeholders.
- Admirable recognition and protection of both franchisor and franchisee equity by protecting the company’s right to grow the brand, but also providing meaningful protection of a franchisee’s licensed markets.
- Evergreen renewal rights for franchisees in good standing.
- Admirable statement of mutual obligations of support between the parties.
- A groundbreaking commitment to protect and enhance mutual interests with respect to developing, using, and protecting the confidentiality of data for the benefit of the entire franchise system.
- A commitment to improvement of unit profitability through cost containment (including royalty reductions in some cases), franchisee performance incentives, and removal of renewal fees.
Griswold CEO, Matthew Murphy, and Meg Mairn, past president of GHCFA and chairman of the franchisee negotiating team, issued a joint statement regarding the new agreements, “In reaching a mutual agreement that respects the rights and interests of GHC, our franchisees, our caregivers and our clients, we have established a commitment of mutual respect and collaboration that we believe will serve our brand and our stakeholders. It is particularly meaningful because it reflects our overall commitment to quality in every aspect of our business. We are working to be recognized as the premier home care provider in the world.”
“Griswold, its CEO Matthew Murphy, and the GHCFA epitomize the quest for collaborative win-win franchising,” said AAFD Chairman, Robert Purvin, in announcing the new agreements. “The collaborative effort of management and franchisees working together to accommodate their respective goals and concerns literally defines the AAFD’s vision of Total Quality Franchising.”
Since its launch in 1982, Griswold has grown to become one of the largest and most successful non-medical homecare providers in the world. The company connects families with screened caregivers that provide a variety of services, including homemaking services, hospice care, live-in care, and respite care to clients, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and individuals managing and/or recovering from illnesses and injuries.
About Griswold:
In the 1980s, professional overnight care wasn’t commonplace yet. Older or disabled people were often on their own through the night until a family member or hired help visited in the morning. Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1969, Jean Griswold understood that assistance must not compromise independence. Her own experience gave her a sense of empathy for individuals needing home health support, and opened her eyes to an opportunity to make a difference. Jean created a system to organize volunteers to stay with members of her community. That system became the seed of her life’s work.
Soon to be celebrating its 35th anniversary, Griswold Home Care is recognized as one of the oldest in-home care registries and one of the first home care companies to find caregivers who could provide 24-hour care. Today, more than 130 Griswold Home Care locations spread Jean’s sense of empathy for seniors & the elderly throughout the United States. Jean Griswold has received regional and national awards for her outstanding service and achievements in the field of home care for elders. For more information visit www.GriswoldHomeCare.com, or call 1-215-402-0200.
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