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Big Blue Swim School founder, <a href="https://1851franchise.com/bigblueswimschool/how-chris-dejong-turned-barely-losing-to-michael-phelps-into-a-multi-mill-ion-dollar-business-with-big-blue-swim-school-2710889">Chris DeJong</a>, is a five-time U.S. National Champion swimmer and a former American record holder. He was captain of the University of Michigan Men’s Swimming and Diving Team and alongside Michael Phelps for the four years leading up to the Beijing Olympics. He has an impressive swimming background, so it’s hard to believe his first swim lesson was anything less than amazing. In fact, for the 5-year-old DeJong, it was far from fun. He remembers clinging to the side of the pool, frightened for his life while his teeth chattered uncontrollably.&nbsp;When DeJong launched his <a href="https://www.bigblueswimschool.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=big-blue-swim-school-dives-in-to-lead-the-fragmented-learn-to-swim-category-2711856" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">own swim school</a> in 2009, he was inspired by his experience as a child, and was determined to completely rewrite the script for learning to swim.&nbsp;He’s done that with <a href="https://1851franchise.com/bigblueswimschool">Big Blue Swim School</a> and the concept he created is quickly becoming one of the nation’s fastest growing <a href="https://www.bigblueswimschool.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=big-blue-swim-school-dives-in-to-lead-the-fragmented-learn-to-swim-category-2711856" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">swim school franchises</a>. In January of 2017, Big Blue’s innovative concept caught the eye of the multi-unit CorePower Yoga franchisee and private equity group <a href="https://1851franchise.com/bigblueswimschool/big-blue-swim-school-on-pace-to-hit-150-units-by-2021-thanks-to-backing-from-level-5-capital-partners-2710793">Level 5 Capital Partners</a>, who acquired a stake in the company to <a href="https://1851franchise.com/bigblueswimschool/level-5-capital-partners-approves-17-mill-ion-to-support-franchise-growth-of-big-blue-swim-school-2708715">support the brand’s growth through franchising</a> to 150 schools by 2021.&nbsp;Big Blue has already signed multi-unit deals in key growth markets including New Jersey, <a href="https://1851franchise.com/bigblueswimschool/wayne-and-linda-van-der-poll-are-bringing-big-blue-swim-school-to-wake-county-nc-2711389">Raleigh</a>, <a href="https://1851franchise.com/bigblueswimschool/business-observer-big-blue-swim-school-plans-major-florida-expansion-2709760">Florida</a>,<a href="https://1851franchise.com/bigblueswimschool/big-blue-swim-school-dives-into-atlanta-market-with-inaugural-location-in-johns-creek-first-of-11-planned-locations-2710298"> </a>Georgia,<a href="https://1851franchise.com/bigblueswimschool/big-blue-swim-school-targets-dallas-based-on-prime-real-estate-opportunities-hosting-qualified-candidates-ready-to-jump-into-a-solid-franchise-offering-2710015"> </a>Texas, <a href="https://1851franchise.com/bigblueswimschool/big-blue-swim-school-celebrates-successful-start-to-2019-with-chicago-opening-and-agreements-for-24-locations-in-denver-salt-lake-city-chicago-and-minneapolis--2709990">Colorado, Utah, Minnesota, and</a> Illinois. With best-in-class consumer offerings, a proprietary technology, a strong real estate team, leadership support and a recession-resistant business model, the <a href="https://www.bigblueswimschool.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=big-blue-swim-school-dives-in-to-lead-the-fragmented-learn-to-swim-category-2711856" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">swim school franchise</a> is uniquely positioned to become a strong segment leader.<h3>Best-in-Class Consumer Proposition</h3>Since day one, Big Blue has worked hard to be the very best at what they do. “One of the first things we did was commit to employing full-time, highly trained swim associates, which truly sets us apart from most kids concepts,” said DeJong.&nbsp;At Big Blue, children are taught by caring, highly-trained professionals who are more easily retained than a part time employee. The school’s turnover is very low which helps maintain consistency as a child builds trust with their instructor. “Our swim associates are passionate about what they do because it’s their career,” said DeJong.Other features differentiating the school include the facility design, which maximizes comfort for both children and parents. “With 90 degree, ultra-clean water we provide a very different experience from the neighborhood YMCA or community pool,” said DeJong. “Plus our comfortable viewing area manages for cleanliness and sound, our anti-bacterial, no-slip flooring makes our space safe for kids during transitions, and we create a comfortable and relaxing environment for parents.”&nbsp;But the feature parents like best is the technology they can use to conveniently schedule and reschedule lessons. “Big Blue’s proprietary technology, LessonBuddy,™ makes it easy for parents to fit swim lessons into their lives, not the other way around,” said DeJong. “Parents can schedule and reschedule classes at anytime, and multi-kid families can all swim during the same 30-45 minute window.”&nbsp;<h3>LessonBuddy™ Technology Optimizes Lesson Planning</h3>A great tool for parents, LessonBuddy is also a valuable enterprise system that is technologically superior to the competition. The cloud-based platform is designed so <a href="https://www.bigblueswimschool.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=big-blue-swim-school-dives-in-to-lead-the-fragmented-learn-to-swim-category-2711856" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">fitness franchise</a> partners can operate successful pools without needing a daily presence. “Lesson Buddy <a href="https://1851franchise.com/bigblueswimschool/how-big-blue-swim-school-provides-a-simplistic-turn-key-franchise-opportunity-2709488#franchisor">presents franchisees with a turnkey approach to operations and revenue potential</a> by tapping into Big Blue’s data and analytics,” said Scott Tompson, Big Blue’s Chief Development Officer.&nbsp;Lesson Buddy allows <a href="https://www.bigblueswimschool.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=big-blue-swim-school-dives-in-to-lead-the-fragmented-learn-to-swim-category-2711856" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">education franchise</a> partners to manage their business through dashboards and KPIs all the way down to the shift level. They can track costs and efficiencies so they have total transparency in terms of ROI and health of the business. “This technology is light years ahead of the competition and it’s been a major draw for our franchise partners,” said Thompson.&nbsp;<h3>Leveraging Data-Driven Real Estate Assessment for Growth</h3>While competitors in the <a href="https://www.bigblueswimschool.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=big-blue-swim-school-dives-in-to-lead-the-fragmented-learn-to-swim-category-2711856" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">swim school</a> space typically connect new franchise owners to local real estate brokers, <a href="https://1851franchise.com/bigblueswimschool/why-real-estate-developers-are-looking-into-owning-big-blue-swim-schools-2710791#mostRecent">Big Blue has a full team</a> of real estate pros to assist in securing prime locations,&nbsp;negotiating lease agreements, and overseeing construction and facility management.&nbsp;“Big Blue has a tested, proactive, data-driven <a href="https://www.bigblueswimschool.com/franchising/real-estate-submission/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=big-blue-swim-school-dives-in-to-lead-the-fragmented-learn-to-swim-category-2711856" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">real estate</a> strategy designed to place a location in the path of least resistance,” said DeJong. “This means we select locations that fall within our customer’s existing daily and weekly habits, rather than placing schools in locations that require parents to alter their current driving patterns.”Once a school location is secured and negotiated, Big Blue’s in-house construction management team oversees the build-out and has a perfect record of completing pools on time and within budget.&nbsp;<h3>Exceptional Leadership Expertise and Franchisee Support</h3>DeJong’s leadership team <a href="https://1851franchise.com/bigblueswimschool/how-big-blue-swim-schools-depth-of-leadership-positions-the-brand-for-success-2709666#franchisor">includes an impressive roster of industry experts, all committed to excellence</a>. The team includes Chris Kenny, CEO, Brooke Mallick, VP of Marketing, Justin Waltz, VP of Franchise Operations, Michael Chin, President of L-5 Real Estate Services and many more.“When a <a href="https://www.bigblueswimschool.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=big-blue-swim-school-dives-in-to-lead-the-fragmented-learn-to-swim-category-2711856" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">children's franchise</a> partner signs with Big Blue, we don’t just give them a guide book and send them on their way,” said Thompson. “We tap into our collective experience to provide all the critical services a franchisee requires to open and operate a successful school. Doing this allows our <a href="https://www.bigblueswimschool.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=big-blue-swim-school-dives-in-to-lead-the-fragmented-learn-to-swim-category-2711856" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">best fitness franchise</a> partners to focus entirely on creating a positive and memorable customer experience.”&nbsp;The <a href="https://1851franchise.com/bigblueswimschool/big-blue-swim-school-strengthens-leadership-team-with-new-vice-presidents-of-marketing-and-operations-2709641#stories">Big Blue team also leads an aggressive new pool opening program</a>, executed for the franchisee, that allows for a fast ramp-up. “We have an established and proven weekly process in place that ensures each location will operate on Day 1 like it is Year 5,” said DeJong.&nbsp;The program includes <a href="https://1851franchise.com/bigblueswimschool/how-big-blue-swim-school-s-pre-opening-marketing-strategy-led-to-the-most-successful-opening-in-brand-history-2709508#mainTrending">a robust pre-opening marketing strategy to generate brand buzz and pre-opening membership sales</a>. A corporate launch team continues to support franchisees for their first 12 months of business by implementing a strategic marketing plan that charts metrics so partners know where their customers are located, how they are learning about Big Blue, and what’s most likely to keep them engaged with the company.<h3>Strong, Semi-Absentee Investment Opportunity with Recession-Resistant Model</h3>The Big Blue investment opportunity and proven business model is ideal for <a href="https://1851franchise.com/bigblueswimschool/how-big-blue-swim-school-s-semi-absentee-investor-model-allows-franchise-partners-to-maximize-their-time-and-their-capital-2710471">multi-unit and semi-absentee franchise partners looking to maximize their time and their capital</a>. The company’s cloud-based platform is designed so <a href="https://www.bigblueswimschool.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=big-blue-swim-school-dives-in-to-lead-the-fragmented-learn-to-swim-category-2711856" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">child education franchise</a> partners can operate successful pools without needing a daily presence. “This has been a lead selling point for all of our current multi-unit partners,” said Thompson. “They need to know a strong program is in place so they can operate multiple locations simultaneously, regardless of where they are located.”“Coupling our semi-absentee business model with the fact that the learn to swim space is recession-resistant, makes Big Blue a no-brainer for anyone looking to invest in a passion project,” said Thomposn. “Since swim schools provide a critical life skill, there will always be a need for quality swim lessons. Parents are willing to invest in their child’s safety and as a result, swim schools are now a $3B industry.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Most importantly, the swim school industry isn’t a fad and the Big Blue team is confident the concept is here to stay. “Swim lessons fill a vital need for safety and cannot be outsourced or automated,” said DeJong. “Our experiential services can’t be replaced by an online offering, therefore <a href="https://www.bigblueswimschool.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=big-blue-swim-school-dives-in-to-lead-the-fragmented-learn-to-swim-category-2711856" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">swim lessons</a> are impervious to Amazon. In fact, the Amazon Effect actually means we have more prime real estate to choose from. Landlords love Big Blue’s experiential retail because we bring moms and families to the shopping centers and we typically operate during off-peak hours.”The gross revenue for a Big Blue location in operation for five years as of the end of the 2018 fiscal year, report EBITDA between 23% to 36%*, with an average EBITDA per location of nearly 30%, according to the brand’s 2019 FDD.Investors looking for their next big moment may want to dive in to learn more about this underserved market segment.&nbsp;Multi-unit <a href="https://www.bigblueswimschool.com/franchising/opportunity/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=big-blue-swim-school-dives-in-to-lead-the-fragmented-learn-to-swim-category-2711856" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">franchise opportunities</a> are available for qualified candidates looking for their next big <a href="https://www.bigblueswimschool.com/franchising/opportunity/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=big-blue-swim-school-dives-in-to-lead-the-fragmented-learn-to-swim-category-2711856" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">franchise opportunity</a>, and veterans can receive a 10 percent discount on the $75,000 franchise fee. The total investment for one Big Blue Swim School ranges from $1,825,500 to $3,687,000 (see item 7 in the FDD). To learn more or inquire about Big Blue Swim School <a href="https://www.bigblueswimschool.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=big-blue-swim-school-dives-in-to-lead-the-fragmented-learn-to-swim-category-2711856" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">most profitable franchises</a>, visit <a href="https://www.bigblueswimschool.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=big-blue-swim-school-dives-in-to-lead-the-fragmented-learn-to-swim-category-2711856" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.bigblueswimschool.com/franchising/</a>*Figures reflect the actual annual gross revenue and annual EBITDA range for one affiliate-owned and operated BIG BLUE Swim School (operational for at least 5 full years as of December 31, 2017) during its 4th and 5th full 12 months of operation. These figures are published in Item 19 of our September 7, 2018, Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Item 19 of our FDD includes actual average and median annual gross revenue, annual expense, annual EBITDA, and other annual financial performance information for 3 affiliate-owned and operated BIG BLUE Swim Schools (operational for at least 1 full year as of December 31, 2017) during their 1st full 12 months of operation, for 2 of those 3 Swim Schools during their 2nd and 3rd full 12 months of operation, and for 1 of those 3 Swim Schools during its 4th and 5th full 12 months of operation. A new franchisee’s results may differ from the represented performance. There is no assurance that you will do as well, and you must accept that risk.

Big Blue Swim School Dives In to Lead the Fragmented Learn-to-Swim Category  

1851 Franchise

With best-in-class consumer offerings, strong leadership support, a recession-resistant business model and an aggressive growth plan, Big Blue Swim School is uniquely positioned to become the industry’s leader. 

This brand page has been paid for by 1851. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

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Right at Home

Right at Home Margaret Haynes?Named 2026 McKnight’s Women of Distinction Hall of Honor Honoree

Right at Home Leader Margaret Haynes Named 2026 McKnight’s Women of Distinction Hall of Honor Honoree

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Wild Bill's Craft Beverage Company

How This Franchisee Built a Sustainable Business With Wild Bill’s Craft BeverageCo.

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Layne's Chicken Fingers

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Why Layne’s Chicken Fingers Shines as the Real Chicken Finger Contender: What Franchisees Should Know

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Right at Home Targets Clermont County and Nearby Rural Communities for In-Home Care Growth

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Minuteman Press International

Minuteman Press franchise team, Galveston, Texas.

Minuteman Press Franchise Owner Dennis Murray Talks Career Change to Printing in Galveston, TX

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McDonald’s and Burger King Take the QSR Burger Wars to Social Media

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Yum! Brands Pizza Hut Sale - 1851 Franchise

Possible Pizza Hut Sale Signals Shift in Yum! Brands’ Franchise Strategy

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Restaurants Stand Out in 2025 Hiring as Consumers Look for Simple Treats

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KBP Brands Acquires 78 SONIC Locations Across Five States

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IFA Releases 2026 Franchising Economic Outlook Report, Predicting Over 12,000 New Franchised Businesses This Year

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Ellianos Coffee Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: A drive-thru specialty coffee franchise focused on speed, quality and Southern hospitality.

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Sparkle Dog Care Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Sparkle Dog Care is a membership-based pet grooming franchise that blends wellness-focused hygiene services with small-box retail and community engagement.

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No-H2O Franchise Deep Dive - Costs, Fees, Profit and Data - 1851 Franchise

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: No-H2O is a waterless, app-driven car-care model with mobile, pop-up or static formats, low infrastructure, quick ramp-up, matched marketing and systemwide accounts.

No-H2O Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

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Nashville Hot Chicken franchise deep dive

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Nashville Hot Chicken is a fast-casual restaurant franchise specializing in spicy, cayenne-pepper-infused fried chicken.

Nashville Hot Chicken Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

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How much can franchisees make? It’s a question many prospective owners ask before investing in a franchise. While earnings tend to be driven by variables such as industry, location and general management skills, a proper understanding of the key factors driving profitability can help franchise owners develop expectations that are realistic.&nbsp;Multi-unit franchisee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mangesh-patel-9368569/">Mangesh Patel</a>, who’s readying the launch of six&nbsp;<a href="https://www.beefobradysfranchise.com/">Beef ‘O’ Brady’s</a> restaurant locations in the Macon, Georgia area, shares insights from his franchising experience.<h2>Understanding Franchise Income</h2>Keeping operational costs in check can have a major impact on overall earnings. Taking a proactive approach to expenses such as food and labor, as well as payroll and scheduling, can help align actual franchise income with general expectations for the business.“I just had a meeting with a couple of people, and they said, ‘You talked about a 25% profit margin, but I’m only doing 12%.’ So, I looked at the figures they sent me,” Patel said. “Their&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/calculate-restaurant-franchise-profit-2730476">restaurant</a> food cost was running at 37%, which should be around 30%. The national average is about 32%. If I do things correctly, my average food cost needs to be at or below 30%. And payroll should run around 18%. But many people run 25 to 28%.”So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/unraveling-franchise-earnings-how-much-can-you-really-make-2723935">how much can franchisees make</a>? Here are five areas to consider.<h2>Practical Tips for Prospective Franchisees</h2><ol><li>Control Costs From Day One:&nbsp;It’s important to monitor payroll, food and supply costs closely. Overstaffing and inefficiencies can quickly reduce profits.</li><li>Plan For The Opening Surge:&nbsp;Traffic within the first few months of opening is likely to be higher. It’s important to adjust staffing and inventory accordingly, and pay close attention to how those levels change as time goes on.</li><li>Invest In Training:&nbsp;Properly trained workers can help reduce waste and improve overall service, which has a direct effect on net income.</li><li>Understand Your Market:&nbsp;Each market is unique and revenue potential will vary depending upon location, demographics and competition.</li><li>Track Metrics Regularly:&nbsp;Food cost percentages, labor ratios and weekly sales data act as key indicators operations may need to be adjusted.</li></ol><h2>What Profitability Really Comes Down To</h2>Patel notes that if franchise owners manage labor and costs properly, it’s not impossible to achieve strong cash flow even in the first year, bucking some franchising trends.So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-can-you-make-as-a-franchise-owner-2724761">how much can franchisees make</a>? While results tend to vary, careful planning, disciplined operations and a proactive approach to assessing initial costs are essential. But by grasping and guiding the elements that drive franchise profitability, franchise owners can maximize overall business earnings, scaling a business that’s sustainable financially over the long term.Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/power-rankings">Power Rankings</a> to read more on brands making moves.

How much can franchisees make? This guide explains what drives franchise earnings and how to manage costs, with expert tips from multi-unit owner Mangesh Patel on maximizing your franchise income.

How Much Can Franchisees Make? A Guide for Prospective Franchise Owners

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<a href="https://hardeesfranchising.com/">Hardee’s</a>, a 65-year-old burger chain best known for its Thickburgers and breakfast biscuits, is facing a fast-moving round of closures driven by a franchise dispute rather than a bankruptcy filing.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.inc.com/ava-levinson/hardees-shutting-dozens-restaurants/91282586">Inc. recently reported that</a> 77&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-hardees-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721286">Hardee’s</a> restaurants are expected to close within two weeks as one of the brand’s largest franchisees exits the system.&nbsp;According to the report, Hardee’s is suing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.arcburger.com/">ARC Burger</a> — a franchise operator owned by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.highbluffcap.com/">High Bluff Capital Partners</a> — alleging the company fell behind on required payments and other contract obligations. Twenty-eight locations had already gone dark as of late December, with remaining sites scheduled to shutter across eight states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, Montana, South Carolina and Wyoming.&nbsp;At the center of the complaint is the franchising “stack” of ongoing fees and pass-through costs that keep a system running. ARC Burger allegedly owes more than $6.5 million, including royalties, advertising fund contributions, technology and training fees, rent and taxes, and that payments stopped in December 2024. Hardee’s also argued in the lawsuit that the franchisee’s cash flow was not being used to bring accounts current.&nbsp;Hardee’s, for its part, is framing the shutdowns as a contractual enforcement issue, not a brand-wide retrenchment. “These closures are a result of ARC Burger’s failure to cure its defaults under its franchise agreements, despite solid sales,” a Hardee’s spokesperson said.&nbsp;The situation highlights a familiar franchising pressure point: unit economics. Inc. reported that Hardee’s operates more than 1,800 U.S. restaurants and that average annual sales per location are less than $1.2 million, well below averages cited for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-wendys-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722520">Wendy’s</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-buy-a-mcdonalds-franchise-2724654#stories">McDonald’s</a>. Lower volumes can leave franchisees with less room to absorb higher labor, food and occupancy costs while staying current on fees.&nbsp;Hardee’s said it is working to limit fallout for workers and communities and is looking for ways to reopen closed restaurants. For franchising, the next chapter will likely involve finding replacement operators, transferring sites and rebuilding compliance — a reminder that franchise growth depends as much on franchisee solvency and execution as it does on consumer demand.Read the original article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.inc.com/ava-levinson/hardees-shutting-dozens-restaurants/91282586">here</a>.Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.1851growthclub.com">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

Hardee's Franchise - ARC Burger Lawsuit - 1851 Franchise

The closures stem from alleged unpaid royalties and missed franchise obligations by a major operator, not a broader chainwide collapse for the Hardee’s system.

Hardee’s Lawsuit Targets Franchisee as 77 Restaurants Prepare to Shut Down

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For&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/why-these-tenured-franchisees-continue-to-grow-with-trublue-2726985">Tim and Kay Diemont</a>, owning a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trubluefranchise.com/">TruBlue Home Service Ally</a> franchise in Yorktown, Virginia, is a shared purpose. Over the past decade, the couple has built one of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/info">TruBlue’s</a> most successful and enduring operations, all while strengthening their marriage, deepening their community connections and setting an example for what family-owned franchising can achieve.By the time TruBlue came into their lives, both Tim and Kay were ready for a new chapter.“Tim was working as a regional director of stores and in charge of the East Coast. I had been with the same architectural firm for 20 years,” Kay said. “Tim was tired of the corporate demands, traveling and wanted to be home more. He also wanted to be doing something that would be rewarding and help in our community — the community where we raised our two sons. My employer was getting ready to retire and, since [Tim and I] had always wanted to work together, the timing seemed perfect for both of us.”The couple’s shared vision aligned perfectly with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/why-trublue-is-a-strong-franchise-choice-in-the-growing-senior-industry-2728519">TruBlue’s mission of helping seniors and busy families maintain their homes with ease and peace of mind</a>.<h2>From Marriage Partners to Business Partners</h2>Transitioning from life partners to business partners came naturally to the Diemonts.“Since we were already partners, this new partnership was an easy transition,” Kay said. “Tim knew how to manage people and had been in a leadership position for many years. I was already trained administratively and had worked in marketing for both the architectural firm and for a local mayor. So, my community connections were very strong in this area.”Their complementary skill sets have proven invaluable. A U.S. Air Force veteran originally from Michigan, Tim brought strong operational and leadership experience from his years managing retail teams. Kay, who has lived in the Yorktown area her entire life, leveraged her local relationships and administrative background to handle marketing and office management.The couple’s oldest son, Derrick, is a systems engineer who has contributed to the business over the years. “His expertise with setting up our computer needs and just his overall help with the business was and continues to be a huge plus,” Kay said.The Diemonts say that working together has improved their&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/strategicfranchising/work-life-balance-as-a-franchise-owner-is-it-possible-2728825">work-life balance</a> rather than complicating it. “Since we work together, our schedules are the same,” Kay said. “We can take as much time off as we want or need, and we enjoy traveling extensively every year.”<h2>Choosing TruBlue for Their Family’s Next Chapter</h2>When the Diemonts first began exploring franchise ownership, they were drawn to opportunities that allowed them to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-top-25-franchise-brands-committed-to-serving-their-communities-2724335">serve their community</a>.“Tim was looking into a senior care franchise and at the time the one he was interested in pursuing was already taken in our area,” Kay said. “The person he was speaking with at&nbsp;<a href="https://strategicfranchising.com/">Strategic Franchising</a> mentioned a new franchise they were developing. It sounded like a perfect fit for someone who already knew managerial and handyman skills. We were one of the first to open a TruBlue, and we have been the proud owners since 2013.”The TruBlue model — focused on home maintenance, handyman services and senior safety — felt like the right blend of purpose and practicality. “Tim always had faith and knew we would be a success,” Kay said. “The model for TruBlue was perfect! Our co-workers, family and friends loved the concept, and we had customers lined up before we ever purchased our territory.”<h2>Family Ownership in Action</h2>As business partners, the Diemonts run their franchise with the same&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-a-franchisor-can-cultivate-a-strong-franchise-community-2722789">teamwork and communication</a> that have defined their marriage for nearly five decades.“We have great partners, who are like-minded to bounce ideas through,” Kay said. “All our employees know they can come to either one of us with a question or a problem and 98% of the time, they will get the exact response from us. The other small percentage is only due to Tim’s knowledge of certain handyman jobs and mine would be administrative questions regarding invoicing or payroll.”That united front has helped them build a loyal team and a strong reputation throughout Yorktown and the surrounding Peninsula communities. “Our client base is strong because we provide our customers with a good service at a great value, and it is continually growing,” Kay said. “Our employees are happy to be a part of our team and we are sure all of them would stay with or continue with any new owner, whether it be family or someone new.”<h2>Building a Family Legacy</h2>After more than 10 years in business, the Diemonts have watched TruBlue grow from a small emerging concept into a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/trublue-accelerates-growth-in-2025-with-record-breaking-midyear-momentum-2730055">nationally recognized brand</a>. But for them, the most important growth has been personal — and local.“Hopefully, we have built a business that either one of our sons would be proud to carry on in the future,” Kay said. “Our client base is strong because we provide our customers with a good service, at a great value and it is continually growing.”The couple takes special pride in supporting local seniors, veterans and busy families. “Making our customers and employees happy and doing something good within our community for our seniors and veterans has been the most rewarding,” Kay said. “As a veteran and family-owned business, we take great pride in providing a service to those who have served our country and to their families. For our seniors and busy adults, providing them with peace of mind and someone they can trust in their homes is a very big deal to us as a company and as a family. Everyone’s home is their castle, and we always hope TruBlue of Yorktown makes them feel that way.”<h2>The Rewards of Working Together</h2>When asked about the hardest or most surprising part of running a family business, Kay didn’t hesitate: “Probably how easy it has been to work together. Nothing has been hard about it for us personally. Our skill sets matched pretty good.”For Tim and Kay, the past decade has been defined by collaboration, connection and community — and the next one promises more of the same.“Overall, everything we dreamed about running our own business has come true,” Tim said. “This is a great way of life.”

Discover how Tim and Kay Diemont leveraged their personal partnership to create a thriving, lasting legacy in the home maintenance franchise space.

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