1851

Darrel&nbsp;and&nbsp;Traci Ferguson, longtime DIY enthusiasts with backgrounds in construction, homebuilding and entrepreneurship, have embarked on a new venture as franchisees with&nbsp;TruBlue Home Service Ally, the handyman and home maintenance franchise. The couple signed on with&nbsp;TruBlue&nbsp;earlier this year with the goal of supporting seniors and busy families in their community of Spring Branch, Texas.Darrel's upbringing in a family-owned construction business and Traci's role as a general contractor and DIY blogger of&nbsp;“My Simpatico Life”&nbsp;laid the foundation for their entrepreneurial journey.“A personal experience really brought us to TruBlue,” said Darrel. “My father-in-law was healthy and doing great, and a couple of days later, I was online trying to find someone to install grab bars, a shower seat, etc. Frankly, we couldn’t find anybody in the area who really did that. I did all the installation myself and those updates really made a big difference in his life. TruBlue takes care of busy families but also has a primary focus on the senior community, so we thought it’d be a good way to bring it all full circle.”Looking ahead, the Fergusons are excited about the growth potential and impact of their TruBlue franchise. Their long-term vision includes expanding their staff and making a significant impact on the senior community, ultimately creating a family legacy for their four daughters.Darrel and Traci took the time to chat with 1851 Franchise to discuss all of this and more. Here’s what they had to say:&nbsp;1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Darrel Ferguson:&nbsp;My family owned their own construction business, so I really saw what it meant to be an entrepreneur from a young age working on that job. I grew up doing that. Traci and I met after college. We’ve been married over 30 years. I was in the retail automotive industry for most of that time. I started the first part of my career in the dealership and we eventually owned part of the business. I was also selling software to car dealers. We also managed a home building business.&nbsp;Traci Ferguson:&nbsp;I acted as a general contractor for several years as we built homes. I turned into more of a DIY builder and started a blog called “My Simpatico Life,” helping other people with the things I’ve learned over the years. I was really focused on the blog until my step-dad fell last September.&nbsp;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?&nbsp;Darrel:&nbsp;We’ve started a number of businesses on our own, but the reality in today’s world is that having a franchise brand behind you makes it much easier for people to find you online. Google runs the world. There is a brand name you can attach yourself to immediately. Secondly, I do believe that anybody can start a business from scratch with enough capital, but at the end of the day, you are relying on yourself at all times. A franchise puts you at least a year and a half ahead in the game. There are close to 100 other franchise owners I can ask about their experience at all times.Traci:&nbsp;It's really fast-tracking. We don't have to test out different technology, different marketing, etc. There is a proven system that works and we can jump right into it.1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company&nbsp;Darrel:&nbsp;After 33 years of being around the automotive business, I wanted to do something new and exciting. We wanted to build a business in this area. So what would be the next step? We knew it’d be in the home service space.&nbsp;A personal experience really brought us to TruBlue. My father-in-law was healthy and doing great, and a couple of falls later, I was online trying to find someone to install grab bars, a shower seat, etc. Frankly, we couldn’t find anybody in the area who really did that. I did all the installation myself and those updates really made a big difference in his life. TruBlue takes care of busy families but also has a primary focus on the senior community, so we thought it’d be a good way to bring it all full circle.In the automotive industry, I also had experience selling subscription-based software, so I was drawn to&nbsp;TruBlue’s unique subscription model. That was extremely interesting to me — I had never seen that before. Handyman work is generally around all the time, but there are certain times of the year when it's not as busy. So having that recurring revenue is really important to keep the technicians busy.1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?Traci:&nbsp;We are going to start out with three vehicles and hope to expand to six by next year. By then, we aim to establish strong relationships with local caregivers and in-home health providers, allowing us to perform safety assessments in homes throughout the area. Within a year, we want to double the size of our staff and make a significant impact on the senior community. Long term, there is no limit to how big we can grow this company, and eventually, we hope to hand the business down to the next generation — we have four daughters.1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?Darrel:&nbsp;The story of us dealing with our aging parents is very common right now. Ninety percent of seniors want to stay in their homes. I didn’t realize personally how much impact that has, not only on their lives but also on the lives of their family members and loved ones. We are in our 50s, and people don’t think about it until it happens. That is really part of the story.&nbsp;Traci:&nbsp;That is one of the biggest concerns, now that my mom is single and she has a nice house with a big piece of property. It's scary to me to have her there by herself and have people there that she doesn’t know. We want to be trustworthy and prove that we’ll take care of the senior caregivers. It’s important to have employees that are background checked so that people feel safe with them in their homes.&nbsp;1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?&nbsp;Darrel:&nbsp;I didn’t start with TruBlue; I ended with them. I vetted several franchises. Shop around and find the one that feels the most comfortable. There are plenty of handyman franchises out there, so reach out and learn more. Most franchises don't have a clear reason for existing, but TruBlue has a true mission. Also, once you start shopping, make sure you get in contact with some of the franchise owners. Talk to them, find out how they feel, how much support they get, etc. And not just the ones they want you to talk to. Make sure it fits you.&nbsp;The total investment necessary to begin operation of a TruBlue franchise ranges from $65,050 to $91,400. This includes $44,900 that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate. For more information, please visit&nbsp;https://1851franchise.com/trubluehousecare/info.&nbsp;About TruBlue Home Service Ally:&nbsp;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.

Darrel & Traci Ferguson's Journey with TruBlue | Franchise Success Story

1851 Franchise

After experiencing the difficulties of supporting their own aging parents, Darrel and Traci Ferguson are eager to assist other seniors and busy families in Spring Branch, Texas.

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

Family-Run Homebuilders and DIY Bloggers Sign on With TruBlue Franchise

family-run-homebuilders-and-diy-bloggers-sign-on-with-trublue-franchise

Children's Lighthouse

Children's Lighthouse - How Children's Lighthouse Stands Out - Early Education Franchise - 1851

How Children's Lighthouse Is Pioneering Top Notch Curriculum in the Early Education Segment

how-childrens-lighthouse-is-pioneering-top-notch-curriculum-in-the-early-education-segment

How This Children’s Lighthouse Leadership Team Member Applies Her Background in Franchising To Help Franchisees Succeed

how-this-childrens-lighthouse-leadership-team-member-applies-her-background-in-franchising-to-help-franchisees-succeed

Biscuit Belly Franchising

How Biscuit Belly's "Damn Good" Biscuits Are Proving Breakfast Is Big Business 

how-biscuit-bellys-damn-good-biscuits-are-proving-breakfast-is-big-business

Paris Baguette

Paris Baguette's Culinary Creativity Drives Guest Affinity and Franchisee Success

paris-baguettes-culinary-creativity-drives-guest-affinity-and-franchisee-success

Seniors Helping Seniors®

Seniors Helping Seniors® In-Home Care Services Expands in Napa Valley, California

seniors-helping-seniors-in-home-care-services-expands-in-napa-valley-california

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

Login

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Fast Company: KFC Introduces Spin Off Restaurant, Saucy

fast-company-kfc-introduces-spin-off-restaurant-saucy

Subway Seals the Deal: PepsiCo Beverages Coming to U.S. Locations in 2025

subway-seals-the-deal-pepsico-beverages-coming-to-us-locations-in-2025

Malaysian Franchise Association (MFA) - AFC and FIM 2025 - 1851 Franchise News

Malaysia Focuses on Franchise Growth Through AFC and FIM 2025

malaysia-focuses-on-franchise-growth-through-afc-and-fim-2025

Hilton and Grubhub Expand Mobile Delivery Services to Over 2,600 Hotels

hilton-and-grubhub-expand-mobile-delivery-services-to-over-2600-hotels

Taco Bell Joins the Beverage Boom With New Live Más Café Concept

taco-bell-joins-the-beverage-boom-with-new-live-mas-cafe-concept

Local Family to Bring Compassionate Care with Seniors Helping Seniors® Franchise in Irvine and Newport Beach, California

local-family-to-bring-compassionate-care-with-seniors-helping-seniors-franchise-in-irvine-and-newport-beach-california

Air Force Veteran and Family Find Perfect Fit with TruBlue Franchise in Fort Collins, Colorado

air-force-veteran-and-family-find-perfect-fit-with-trublue-franchise-in-fort-collins-colorado

Air Force Federal Agent-Turned-Franchisee Brings Heartfelt Care with New Seniors Helping Seniors® Franchise

air-force-federal-agent-turned-franchisee-brings-heartfelt-care-with-new-seniors-helping-seniors-franchise

Why This Franchisee Moved from Mexico City to San Antonio to Open Right at Home 

why-this-franchisee-moved-from-mexico-city-to-san-antonio-to-open-right-at-home

How To Set up Digital Marketing for Your Franchise Brand

how-to-set-up-digital-marketing-for-your-franchise-brand

Tiam Behdarvandan’s Let’s Get Moving Offers a Franchise Opportunity Rooted in Growth and Support

tiam-behdarvandans-lets-get-moving-offers-a-franchise-opportunity-rooted-in-growth-and-support

What Are the Best Burger Franchises To Invest In?

What Are the Best Burger Franchises For Entrepreneurs Invest In?

what-are-the-best-burger-franchises-to-invest-in

Family-Run Homebuilders and DIY Bloggers Sign on With TruBlue Franchise

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS