Evive Brands Champions Local Heroes in National Volunteer Month Campaign

SCOTTSDALE, AZ – April 16, 2026 – In a move that highlights a growing trend in corporate America, Evive Brands is leveraging its national network for local good. The company today launched its "Hands in Action" campaign, a nationwide initiative designed to spotlight the extensive community service efforts of its franchise owners during National Volunteer Month.

The campaign showcases a diverse portfolio of service-based businesses—including Assisted Living Locators, Executive Home Care, Grasons, Maid Brigade, and others—and shifts the focus from corporate-led philanthropy to the grassroots impact of local entrepreneurs. It's a strategy that recognizes a fundamental truth of the franchise model: local owners are not just business operators; they are deeply embedded members of the communities they serve.

"Across our brands, we see franchise owners stepping up every day to support their communities," said Ryan Parsons, CEO of Evive Brands, in the campaign announcement. "Hands in Action is about recognizing those efforts reflecting who we are as an organization—people driven by purpose, service and a commitment to making a difference."

This initiative arrives during a month dedicated to volunteerism since 1991, a period when corporations and individuals alike are encouraged to lend a hand. Evive's campaign, however, suggests this spirit of service is a year-round commitment for its partners.

A New Blueprint for Corporate Social Responsibility

The "Hands in Action" campaign exemplifies a modern approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR) within the franchising industry. Traditionally, corporate giving might involve a large, centralized donation to a national charity. While valuable, this model can feel distant. Evive's strategy, by contrast, empowers its network of independent business owners to identify and address specific needs within their own neighborhoods, creating a more authentic and scalable impact.

Industry analysis shows this is a powerful model. With over 80% of franchisees already contributing to local charities, franchisors who embrace and support these efforts can build a formidable force for good. This approach fosters a stronger corporate culture, attracts franchisees who are value-aligned, and resonates with consumers who increasingly prefer to support socially conscious businesses. By amplifying these local stories, Evive Brands is not just celebrating its franchisees; it's showcasing a more effective and relational way for a national corporation to engage with society.

This decentralized framework allows for a wide range of philanthropic activities tailored to the unique character of each community. Instead of a one-size-fits-all directive, the campaign highlights a mosaic of service, from skilled trade scholarships in New Hampshire to veteran support groups in California.

A Tapestry of Local Impact

The heart of the "Hands in Action" campaign lies in the individual stories of franchisees making a tangible difference. These are not abstract corporate goals but real-world actions with profound local consequences.

In Santa Clarita, California, Kevin Hayden of Assisted Living Locators is creating vital spaces for connection. He leads veterans groups at local senior living communities, providing a forum for shared experiences and helping former service members access crucial resources—a targeted intervention addressing the specific needs of his community's aging population.

Meanwhile, in Virginia, Tim Hayes, owner of Executive Home Care Richmond, is tackling a major public health issue by hosting a community fundraising event for the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Richmond. His efforts bring residents together not only to raise funds for research but also to build awareness around a disease that affects millions.

In Clarksville, Tennessee, Jonathan Curri of Grasons demonstrates a circular model of community support. His estate sale business partners with local organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Manna's Cafe Ministries, and AMVETS, donating unsold items to help families and individuals who are rebuilding their lives. This turns the byproducts of his business into foundational support for others.

This spirit of service is further exemplified by Sally Crosen, the operations manager for Maid Brigade of Loudoun and Fairfax Counties. Crosen has personally contributed over 3,000 volunteer hours to Habitat for Humanity, a commitment that includes providing free, top-to-bottom cleanings for new houses before their dedication ceremonies, ensuring families transition into a truly fresh start.

Across the country, other franchisees are making their mark. Mike Manni of The Brothers That Just Do Gutters in New Hampshire is investing in the future of his industry by awarding scholarships to students pursuing careers in the skilled trades. In a different form of global community support, the founders of Shine continue to fund the Arrows & Hope initiative, which supports orphaned children in Uganda, through their franchise's growth. And Steve Pellicane, owner of Pacific Lawn Sprinklers, brought a moment of joy to a local family facing cancer by volunteering with his team to decorate their home, a simple act of kindness with immeasurable emotional impact.

More Than Goodwill: The Business of Giving Back

While the altruistic motivations of these franchisees are clear, their community involvement also aligns with sound business principles. Engaging in local volunteerism provides a host of benefits that strengthen the franchise and the brand as a whole. Actively contributing to the community builds a deep well of trust and credibility, differentiating a local franchise from faceless corporate competitors.

This positive reputation often translates directly into customer loyalty. Consumers increasingly vote with their wallets, and a business known for its community investment is one they feel good about supporting. This can lead to increased sales, positive word-of-mouth marketing, and a more resilient business in the long run.

Furthermore, these activities are a powerful tool for employee engagement. Staff who participate in company-sponsored volunteer programs report higher morale, a stronger connection to their employer, and greater job satisfaction. For a service-based business, a happy and motivated team is the most valuable asset. It helps humanize the franchise, turning it from a simple service provider into a valued community partner, creating a virtuous cycle where doing good for the community is also good for business.