Second-Generation Franchise Owner Launches TruBlue To Help DuPage County Seniors Age in Place

Adam Esposito is no stranger to franchising. For 65 years, his family has been a staple of the service industry in Chicago's western suburbs through their business West-Hill CARSTAR. Esposito, who co-owns the auto body franchise with his cousin, has spent his career restoring damaged vehicles and leading the industry as the president of his franchise’s Chicagoland Business Group.

After years in the automotive world, Esposito started feeling pulled toward work that had a deeper impact. As his parents got older and he watched their friends struggle to keep up with home maintenance, the need for reliable help around the house became hard to ignore. That is what ultimately led him to TruBlue Home Service Ally, a franchise focused on helping seniors stay in their homes safely as they age. With TruBlue, Esposito can apply his extensive franchising expertise to proactively maintain and improve homes so local seniors can live safely and comfortably, instead of simply fixing things after they break.

1851 spoke with Esposito to learn more about his family’s history in franchising, his plans for the future, and why he felt drawn to TruBlue. Here’s what he had to say:

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?

Adam Esposito: I’m currently an owner of an auto body shop that has been in our family for 65 years. I own that business with my cousin who acts as a silent partner in this new TruBlue venture while he continues to run the body shop. We reached a point where we wanted to grow, but we felt the auto body space wasn't the best investment for that expansion. We began looking for different franchise opportunities and eventually found TruBlue. We really liked the people involved in the franchise and, more importantly, the mission behind the brand.

1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Esposito: My family has deep roots in franchising, with our auto body shop being a franchise as well. For that business, I’m the president of our Chicagoland Business Group. Because of that experience, I knew that franchises are an easier way to enter a new industry compared to starting from scratch. I knew we couldn't go into a completely new sector alone. I needed support and help. We specifically looked for another franchise because they offer a proven system that works. 

1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Esposito: Before becoming a franchisee, I believed there was both good and bad in franchising. From my experience, the good is that successful franchises have systems in place and crucial partnerships that you can leverage. There is a support system there so that when things go awry, you have someone to call to help navigate those tough times. It is vital to have a team of owners you can talk to and rely on so you are not just out on an island by yourself.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Esposito: My parents are starting to get older. I see a lot of their friends, especially my mom’s friends who are widowed, who need help maintaining their homes. This seemed like a great opportunity to be out in the community helping people.

I love getting to build things for people and creating nicer spaces for them, whether that’s aesthetically or functionally. Right now, we’re working on a kitchen remodel for a lady who’s kitchen wasn’t functional for her. We’re going to make it more functional for her so she can actually get use out of her space. She’s really excited about it and I love getting to see that. Coming from the autobody space, we’re really just taking damaged cars and trying to put them back together. It’s nice to get to add value and create a space that a family can really enjoy.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth? 

Esposito: I hope to achieve a good, solid business and build a strong team of people. My plan is to expand the business throughout DuPage and the western suburbs. The goal is to grow beyond just having a couple of technicians to establish a whole team of technicians that can service the area. My family has been servicing this community for 65 years, so it is exciting that we will now be able to service these areas in a new way.

1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?

Esposito: I think the most compelling thing about my story is my deep connection to the area. I have lived here my whole life, so I think there’s something really special about that. I love that after 65 years of my family servicing the community in the automotive sector, we can now expand to service people across different areas and needs.

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?

Esposito: My advice is to pick the opportunity that is the best fit for you and your skill set. While money is obviously important, your skill set is what brings value to other people. Make sure you’re with a company that truly wants to see you succeed.

About TruBlue Home Service Ally:

TruBlue Home Service Ally® provides a unique and affordable approach to helping busy adults and seniors live a worry-free life by offering trustworthy handyman, home maintenance and senior modification services. Helping you maintain your home both inside and out, TruBlue’s services include handyman projects and to-do list chores, preventative home maintenance programs, kitchen and bath remodels, seasonal work, and senior modification services, all handled by professional, bonded and insured Tru-Pro® Technicians. TruBlue franchise owners are required to complete senior home safety certification programs through the NAHB and Age Safe America. As certified specialists, TruBlue franchisees are able to perform aging in place home safety assessments and can make recommended safety modifications as needed.

All locations are independently owned and operated. Service offerings, certifications and licenses vary by location.