Name: Debbie Gross.

Age: 46.

Business name: Home Instead Surprise, 15003 W. Bell Road, Suite 150; call 623-223-9215 or email debbie.gross@homeinstead.com.

Town/neighborhood: We cover Maricopa County starting from Sun City West all the way to Wickenburg, all of Surprise, a small portion of Buckeye and Waddell, Morristown, Whitman, Vistancia and everything in between.

Personal background highlights: I was born in England and came to America in 1979 with my parents so my dad could work for Motorola, which was a major employer in the Valley during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. I became a U.S. citizen in 1990. I took after my scientist father and got a degree in chemical engineering focused specifically on environmentally benign semiconductor manufacturing.

Professional background highlights: I enjoyed a 20-plus-year career in the semiconductor industry working for Motorola, Onsemi and Intel. I traveled around the world for my job to many countries in Asia and Europe. I enjoyed mentoring employees, especially young women leaders who were struggling to find that place. Even though I was that mentor for many I also knew I hadn’t found my place.

What I do: I am the co-owner with my long-term business partner Steve Conroy. I do everything I can to meet with our clients, I work in the community, facilitate support groups for dementia and for general caregivers. I am a member of a local board for Northwest Valley Connect. 

What I like most about doing business here: I love how much everyone loves to live here. I love how most people are from somewhere else so you get a lot of variety in people’s life experiences that I love to hear about.

Previous occupation and why I left: Over the years our small group of British transplants grew older and I watched our families struggle with dementia, cancer and generally aging, my father being the most recent one to succumb to the cruelty of dementia. During the pandemic I moved my parents into my home with my husband, children and I. But I still needed help. I researched different home care companies and found an agency to come to our home to help us with dad. I realized this is what I was meant to do with my life. After many months I qualified to purchase of a Home Instead franchise.

Changes I’d like to see in this area: Less traffic on Bell Road! I would also love to see there be more of a local downtown or area where people gather together, walk, eat, talk, shop. 

What I am promoting: There are a lot of people who can help you in your journey in this life. If I don’t have what you need I want to help you find and connect to the help and support you need. People don’t have to be alone or overwhelmed. I am promoting living your best life all the way through it. I am promoting being happy and healthy to enjoy every day.  

What I’m excited about and why: I am excited that I finally found what I am supposed to be doing with my life — it only took me 45 years to figure it out.

Favorite community cause and why: Now that is a tough one. I love that there are so many different support groups out there. I love that people can find help and love and wisdom within themselves and within each other. Support groups give you a tribe, a huge amount of resources, a friend and someone who understands. 

My family: Husband, Leon, who is still in semiconductors; sons, Sam, 15, and Ian, 14; mother, Jenny, who lives safely and happily with us.

My interest and hobbies: Gardening and doing puzzles. 

People who inspire me and how: My clients inspire me every day with their resilience with their kindness. I love every moment of every day serving the people of this community. 

My guiding philosophy: Joy. 

My advice to today’s youth: I am a mother of teenagers, they will tell you that I have no relevant advice. Ha ha.

Editor’s Note: For those who have questions about ABCs membership, call Lori Tone at 623-214-2600 or email abcofscw@gmail.com.