Transitioning out of the military often leads veterans down unexpected paths, and for Marine Corps veteran Nolan Chandler, that path is now dedicated to helping others live with dignity and independence. In a recent conversation with Homefront Group’s Nick Kellermeyer, Chandler shared his journey from military service to entrepreneurship, founding a non-medical home care business that supports elderly and disabled clients in their own homes.
Answering the Call to Serve
Unlike the traditional path to military service, Chandler’s journey began later in life. He’d always felt a desire to serve, but different life events delayed his entry into the armed forces. It wasn’t until law school, where he met his wife, that Chandler realized a career in the military was still possible. When recruiters visited his campus, he discovered he could apply for an age waiver, a common requirement for law professionals entering the military.
With a newfound opportunity, Chandler joined the Marine Corps as a Judge Advocate and completed a tour at Camp Lejeune. “I’ve always wanted to serve, and the chance to use my law degree in the military felt like a perfect fit,” he explained. Today, though he’s transitioned from active duty to the reserves, Chandler continues to serve in a way he never imagined—by providing non-medical home care services to families in his community.
A New Mission: Home Care for Families in Need
Following his military service, Chandler’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to consider several franchise opportunities, including home restoration and residential cleaning. But it was home care that resonated deeply, reminding him of his grandmother’s experience in a nursing home and the lack of options his family had known about at the time.
“There’s a huge need for non-medical home care,” Chandler noted. “It allows clients to remain at home, close to their loved ones, in a setting that feels familiar and comfortable. The difference it makes for families is profound, and that’s what drew me in.”
Chandler’s Griswold Home Care franchise provides services like dressing, bathing, meal preparation, and light housekeeping—essential support that isn’t covered by traditional medical home health services. These services make it possible for families to keep their loved ones at home longer, creating an environment where clients feel more at ease. “It’s more than just care,” Chandler said. “It’s giving families the peace of mind that their loved ones are in good hands.”
Navigating Challenges and Growing a Business
As a veteran business owner, Chandler faces the typical hurdles of entrepreneurship, especially in the home care industry. Marketing and staffing are two major areas that require constant attention. To bring in new clients, Chandler is investing in a blend of Google Ads, SEO, and lead generation platforms like Caring.com, while also building relationships with local referral partners. He’s considering Facebook ads to connect with veterans in his area, especially once he completes his approval with the VA’s Community Care program, which will allow him to offer services funded through VA benefits.
Staffing is another challenge, as Chandler relies on part-time caregivers, who often balance multiple jobs. Callouts and scheduling adjustments can be disruptive, but Chandler’s focus on creating a supportive work environment for his employees helps him maintain a dedicated team committed to providing compassionate care.
Leveraging VA Benefits for Clients
One of Chandler’s main goals is to ensure veterans can access the care they need, often through VA benefits. While he is currently awaiting final approval to provide VA-funded Community Care services, he’s already spreading awareness about options available to veterans, such as Aid and Attendance. This benefit provides financial assistance to qualified veterans for home care, and Chandler wants more families to know about it.
“Many veterans don’t know about these benefits,” Chandler shared. “We need to help them navigate the system so they can take advantage of the support available to them.”
Advice for Veterans on the Path to Entrepreneurship
For veterans considering entrepreneurship, Chandler offers practical advice. He encourages veterans to connect with resources like the SBA’s Veterans Business Outreach Center, where advisors can help veterans navigate business opportunities and funding options. He also recommends caution when pursuing grants, as many fraudulent schemes target veterans. Instead, Chandler advises veterans to consult local veteran service offices, which often have legitimate grants and other forms of support available.
Finally, Chandler emphasizes the importance of knowing one’s strengths and passions. Despite his legal background, he knew that practicing law wasn’t his calling. Instead, he’s found fulfillment in a mission that aligns with his desire to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Looking Ahead
As Chandler builds his home care business, he’s motivated by the impact he sees in his clients’ lives and the gratitude from families he’s able to support. And while he’s exploring the possibility of one day expanding his reach, his focus remains on serving his community in Temecula.
For Chandler, service didn’t end when he took off the uniform—it evolved. His journey shows that the desire to serve others can take many forms, and by finding new ways to make a difference, veterans can continue to build a legacy of impact long after their military careers have concluded.
